Quiz Time #5. Prize!
Jun 27th, 2009 by John Carlton
Saturday, 8:42pm
Reno, NV
“Look Dave, I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over.“ (HAL to astronaut Dave in “2001″)
Howdy…
Okay, let’s do a quickie quiz, what d’ya say?
It’s Saturday evening, after all… and I just got my ass whupped by Michele at Scrabble (her first win, ever, in 10 years of trying) (and I don’t expect to ever hear the last of it anytime soon).
(What’s the time limit on doing the “Ass Whup” dance, mocking your partner, anyway?)
So, to keep my mind off the misery of such a wrenching loss (she accidentally used all 7 letters in her third turn, and that bonus 50 points is what beat me), I’m hiding in my office.
I’ve got maybe 10 minutes before I have to come out and face more taunting and jublilation.
Thus, a quick blog post. (“Get out of here! I gotta work…”)
I’m giving a prize away, of course.
Let’s se… how about a fresh copy of “Kick-Ass Copywriting Secrets of a Marketing Rebel” to the first right answer.
I’ve got a nice new one burning a hole on the shelf across from my desk. It’s got your name on it, Mr/Ms Winner. I’ll sign it, and have Diane ship it out asap.
Sound good?
Okay. Here’s the quiz:
The most common question I get from entrepreneurs who are stuck on some part of their marketing…
… is “what do I do next?”
Let’s break it down a bit first: In the general flow of things, online, you generate leads either from pay-per-click or some mutual affiliate-back-scratching or cool social media blitzing…
… and then you bring those hot, nubile leads to the gateway of your world (which is usually a name-capture page, if you’re looking to build your list)…
… and you proceed to entice them with your evil skills of grabbing attention, and luring them hither…
… into whatever manner you choose to begin your sales process.
The basic structure of this “Hey, c’mere, I wanna show you something” approach hasn’t changed since Web marketing began in earnest.
It’s the part after the basics that get people all hung up and bothered.
Your options within this basic structure, it turns out, are numerous. Couple of examples: Straight-on sales page, free offer to dig deeper into your pile of wonder, trial membership…
… you have some choices to make to encourage further engagement with what you offer.
Still, it ain’t rocket science, folks.
If you have a product that your average warm-to-hot prospect should or does want…
… then your main job is to make the process of discovering who you are and what you offer…
… as easy and comfortable as possible.
Yes, there are a few proven steps to go through to ensure the highest possible probability of success (see: Simple Writing System)…
… but the main thing is this: There is no mystery to the “menu” of steps you need to take.
There are choices, sure.
And you gotta make some decisions.
For experienced marketers, this decision-making process is easy, however.
For rookies and entrepreneurs struggling with moving into the Big Leagues… not so much.
So here’s the Big Damn Question for today’s quiz:
What is your first – and only logical, reasonable, righteous and suggested — step to take when presented with a choice of what to do next?
When you’re looking at your pay-per-click campaign, wondering which path to take in cutting up bait for your target market… what do you do?
When you’re crafting a hook for your name-squeeze page, trying to corral as many visitors as possible and build your list to ungodly size… what do you do?
When you’re greasing up your “sales slide” on your main site, looking to bring in the maximum amount of moolah possible with a fast, direct sale… what do you do?
Well?
This is “one answer fits all”.
It is, in fact, a single word. (Oh, I’m giving it away, aren’t I…)
This is, essentially, the most common question I run into… whether I’m doing bonus “question and answer” teleseminars with new subscribers, or cashing those huge consulting checks that folks pay me for a private hour.
And I sound like a freakin’ broken record answering it.
What do you do?
There IS a single, fabulous answer.
Do you know what it is?
Be the first to nail it in the comments section, and you win that signed copy of “Kick-Ass Copywriting Secrets”.
Okay… go.
Answer (and winner announced) first thing Monday.
Good luck.
Stay frosty,
John
270 CommentsPosted in Marketing, Quiz, copywriting, entrepreneur, small business marketing
270 Responses to “Quiz Time #5. Prize!”
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Headline.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Nope.
Thanks for playing, though, Big Al.
Anyone else?
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Arman Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Leverage
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Bill Knoche Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Test
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Ron Verduzco Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Offer or Pitch
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JP Goodchild Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
persevere
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I.A. Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 1:10 am
Everything move you make depends on your
overall….
S T R A T E G Y
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I.A. Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 1:11 am
I meant to say … every move you make depends on your overall strategy… : )
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John Melanson Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 5:33 am
FOCUS
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Michael Carroll Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 8:53 am
close
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dennis Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 4:25 am
ACT
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Something.
Anything.
Do something and see how it works. Dig?
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I like your thinking, K…
… but no.
Not the answer.
C’mon, folks. This should be obvious…
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TEST.
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Twitter Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Yes, I am the WINNER.
Check me out on Twitter @JonathanDune
and @TWOCOMMACOPY.
How did I answer so fast you ask?
John posted the message also to his Twitter account @johncarlton007 . I just happened to be working for two clients doing some TESTING on Twitter when I came across John’s message about this Quiz #5. If you’re not on Twitter, keep reading and you can get in too.
I quickly, well, as quick as click the link in John’s Tweet (as it’s called) and was here instantly.
The question John asked for a specific word that summed up ‘What to do next…”. In my experience(now over 35 years writing in direct response), ALL of my clients have this problem. Great thing for me though, my mantra is TEST, TEST, and TEST some more. If all else fails, TEST it again.
But all testing aside, if you fail to make your writing measurable, you CANNOT validate your TEST. So code each TEST so that when it proves to be a winner by your set standards, you can reproduce that effect over and over again until it burns out.
Don’t look for me on the internet, cause most of clients find me through other clients, often direct competitors. Yea, I can hear you saying to yourself, “From direct competitors? This guys blowing smoke up my…” To make a very long copy story shortened for those of you who believe short copy outsells long, it’s true.
Because of the unique nature that’s YOU, YOUR idea, YOUR product, and YOUR service, YOU ARE UNIQUE. You just have to put that into your writing, your sales letter.
So, thank you John for your prize. And for all of you rookies, newbies, and all of you who took the opportunity to throw your hat and comments into the fray, BRAVO! And as I say to those on Twitter: U ROCK!
Cheers!
Jonathan Dune
[San Diego CA USA & Sydney NSW Australia]
P.S. Check me out on Twitter @JonathanDune
and @TWOCOMMACOPY. And make sure you follow John @johncarlton007. Hey John, U SUPER ROCK!!!
P.P.S. Not on Twitter Yet? Go here now and sign-up! http://www.twitter.com/
Reply To This Comment
Well if it’s obvious, I’d go with test.
However you get ‘em to pay attention, test and see what works best. Keep testing to see what works better.
Yeah?
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K Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
bummer. quick draw got it while I’m here considering. Well done sir
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test
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Great post John as this is exactly the battle I’m fighting right now with my boss about trying something new since what they’ve been doing doesn’t work. Only one way to find out what will work.
My best,
-Josh
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I have to go with test, as well.
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Test seems the best answer to me too.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Seems to be a theme running in the answers now…
… but are you sure you’re right?
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offer
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Research.
Find out what your market is and what it wants.
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Tom Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
My money is on this one!
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Follow-up
in my case, with a personal phone call, since I have now made phone number a required field.
Follow-up, personally.
Hey, Its my birthday June 28, i’d like a prize for my birthday. Is that possible?
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Know your market inside out so whatever you tell them resonates with them and they know you understand them and their problems.
Regards
Peter
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Answer to tonight’s quiz:
Relate
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Definitely part of the sales process, but not the answer to the specific question tonight. Nice try, though, Phil.
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Research
I was going to say test. But but its taken. So here it is – research.
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Second guess… Curiosity or intrigue…. Get them curious to learn more… Want more, crave more… Get the naughty tingles …
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Last Guess, since I’m going for the Gold…
Reassurance-
Congratulate them on the wise decision going down this path, acknowledge them for being so smart…
and make them feel good about this, and doing EVEN MORE!!!
I’m putting in a good effort, don’t you agree?
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“Survey”. Use surveymonkey to find out what people want in your selected niche, and give it to them.
That’s the essence of online marketing!
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:sigh: just got the email notice about the quiz, and got beat to the draw!
The phrase “one answer fits all” gives it away–I can only think of one answer that fits all in this game: TEST.
Good job, guys.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
The night owls got the jump on this one, for sure…
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My answer is “Sell”.
Sell them on moving deeper into your rat maze.
Sell them a product.
Sell them on the fact they made a good purchase.
Etc…etc…
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
This is a damn good answer, Ian…
… alas, not the right one, though.
Still, I like your thinking.
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?alculate the percentage of CONVERSION
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“Ask” those who know what works, and use your own mind to determine if it will. Be open-minded, and try out things you’re not sure about.
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Hi John,
Doing surveys if you have your own list .
If you they don’t have a list , do enough testing to find out some good converting offers in winning markets.
hope this makes sense.
-Gaj
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Swipe.
Ethically, of course. I recently listened to a teleseminar with David Garfinkel re his brilliant Copywriting Templates, and you teach the same concepts in different words in your courses, John. Why reinvent the wheel when you can just model proven copy and tactics? Testing is good, but if you can swipe what’s worked before (for you or someone else), you can move into the testing phase faster, and you have a better chance of positive results (with less effort).
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Free
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Tweet,
You tweet because it is the fastest and cheapest way to get people to see what it is you have been doing. So tweet it to your list.
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FREE always gets their attention and helps build a relationship.
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My one word is STRATEGIZE.
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I’ll go with :
Offers
Its the most logical, reasonable, righteous and suggested. Dont waste time on testing at this moment, just give that unresistable offers.
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Dear John,
Damn it, that I did not see this earlier. Re-reading your question, “… step to take when presented with a choice of what to do next?”
“TEST” seams to be the most obvious answer, maybe I can qualify for the prize with some clever variations: “split-test,” “optimize”; The goal is to “convert” as many as possible.
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Empathy.
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decide
you have to make a decision on what action you now make, then make another and another.
Sort of one step at a time, if one way doesn’t work make another decision.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
Good guess, Geraldine.
Wrong, but a good try.
Thanks for joining the fray.
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“REPEAT”
When you need to know what to do next…just keep on repeating the basics…
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Ha! Go Michele you good thing! I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall of the “Ass Whup” dance floor!
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Hey John,
I’d ASK my leads. I’d call several of them up and ask what I can give/say/write that’ll blow their mind.
And then I’ll say it to them in the adwords ad. on the landing page and in the autoresponder sequence.
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up sale. They’ve already shown themselves to be in a buying mood capitalise on it offer them more After this, then you can test to see how well said offer is working
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Give
can be phrased as adding value, share, give the gold. The more value you give the greater the results every time. Sure you can test and experiment but above all the clever scheming the best relationships come when you give so much value that you become priceless
Just look at how much frosty gives us all the time
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promote, promote, promote
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My answer:
ACT!
You gotta do something – heck, do ANYTHING. See how that works (test it) and then do something else to improve.
Taking action to get your offer in front of prospective customers forces you to get unstuck with whatever you’re stuck on and will get you a result. (Might not be the result you hope for, but at least you’ll know if you’re on the right track or not)!
Cheers
Steve
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Ok since lots of folks have said test which was my first choice i’ll go with Give
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Sleep
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So, you got me awake… How about “deliver”.
If they opted in, you want to demonstrate high value, by delivering big.
Deliver the goodies.
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A Good Day from Australia!
Hi John,
the answer is Close. Close the deal.
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Get a red hot branding iron, bend them over, and brand them in the ass. For real.
REAL branding!
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Just SELL the thing!
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Checklist
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this one’s for all the gold, because you have me salivating over that freaking course but then that’s what you do best isn’t it. Oh well, here goes
ask as in ask them for a testimonial then use scial proof to givve credability to your productyou can
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Checklist
- resubmitting as I gave you the wrong email
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fundamentals, basics, checklist
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I was going to say “something” or “anything” as well (being a long-time paralysis-by-analysis kind of guy myself), but I do think the answer is “ask” (your customer/market).
Scott
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“Split-test”, which is better than “test”. ‘Cept, that’s two words (unless it becomes one by virtue of the hyphen).
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I’d say… Serve.
That should be the mentality behind every piece of marketing that you write and the actions that you take in your business.
Verdict please.
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Test
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Hi John,
the answer is research. Understand what your markets buttons are and how to press them …and then…well you just press ‘em.!
cheers,
Mike
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Me again,
there’s also stuff like your USP but you can’t do that until you understand your market so I’m sticking with research…again !!!
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Bribe! … or incentivize. Either that or influence in some way, but hmm, the best way I know to influence is bribe.
BTW, nice meeting you in Vegas.
Ron
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The one “word” to rule them all is – “TEST”.
-DK
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David Kartuzinski Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 1:38 am
I hadn’t read all the comments, there are like a million “test” answers. It still seems to be the one “word” to “rule them all. Shucks. Where was I when the email hit…
-DK
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OK John
If it hasn’t been said yet, and it should have been, the singe word should be – Action!
CT
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I think someone may have already said this but I think the answer is action
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Hmmm…funny…
I’m playing mental tabletennis between what I think – and what I think you think…
…OK.
“copy” is my answer.
I mean – in the examples you gave John, in kinda all starts with getting something written.
I know that a lot of my early money-repulsing activities were killed by following some simple advice:
Just Start Writing.
So:
**COPY**
J.
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Make an Irresistable “OFFER”! I believe the “offer”is the next best thing to do.
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John
My answer is TEST your market
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Action,
You need to take action.
WP.
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Give
as in “give something away”
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Ron "The Juice" Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
This is a basic repeat of my “Bribe” answer.
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PLAN
I wrote a post about this on my new blog
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Dave Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 2:50 am
“A fool with a plan can outsmart a genius with no plan.” T.Boone Pickens
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Find the HOOK.
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USP or Hook.
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NICHE
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Question yourself with: WHO are you writing for?
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Value
I think it’s always about offering enough value to keep them interested – I know it’s not typical ‘affiliate thinking’ but I do think it’s what makes successful affiliate (and of course other sites). They need to win out of the process too – when your prospect is winning, they’ll help you win (if you let them).
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Imagine and create a perfect prospect, give the benefits more than features of your product.
Focus on what will bring you the most beneficts, and forget all the hype than is coming towards you.
Discover the tools you need to implement your core strategy and lrearn to use them.
Action. Do something is better than learning alone.
David
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T-E-S-T
(Just logged on and see I wasn’t first with this, but wanted to add my voice to baying pack).
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:03 am
Ah, the baying pack, God love ‘em. I’m proud to be a member.
Some smart dogs in this pack, Cyndi. Thanks for writing… even though, you know…
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target your market and choose your keywords to match, test competitor sites keywords and use them and more, define the keyword match to your product or offering and use your adcopy to do the rest, ok you can also affiliate with other sites for commission offerings generally google will do the job of bringing customers to your site just by defining your keyword search specifically and maybe some more. this is what i do and it works for me.
sean
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TEST
(written without looking)
though I’m sure it’s somewhere above
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Test.
(you are already acting by crafting your hook and greasing up your sales slide.)
Definitely, confidently… TEST!
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I never wanted to be original anyway – just right. So I’ll join the crowd.
TEST
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Swipe!
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Tom Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 3:39 am
I just noticed someone already said Swipe… So my answer is…
Empathize
You tell them you know how they feel and that you’re just like them.
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“BUILD” credibility, likeability, anticipation and reciprocity. Could be through additional social proof, high value content, steps in the solution process or teasers about a solution soon to roll out.
Slow burn the build and people will begin begging for the sale when the time comes.
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Is the answer “decide” John?
Alex
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Test.
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perusuade
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copy what’s already been proven to work.
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Hi John, my response would be, a very convincing list of …’Testimonials’. (One word
You have done all the hard work of pulling them in, kept them reading, sold them on the result, this really adds that final touch of credibility.
I really enjoyed meeting you in Brisbane…awesome presentation, I hope you will continue teaching long enough, so I can learn half what you know!
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Copy/ salespage
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Write !
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Write!
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Go!
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RELAX
Much easier to make decisions when you are relaxed.
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-Test
-Simultaneous
-Action
Yes I know there are three words, but I didn’t want to loose the scrabble game.
Bill Sadick
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Hello John, guys.
My answer is you “ASK”. You ask your customers what they want. That becomes your great hook and headline. Then you “GIVE” them what they want.
Warmly
Paul Campbell
Scotland
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PROOF.
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I’m gonna say…RESEARCH
You def. have to research the market before doing ANYTHING!
It’s gotta be that….right?
Jeremy Reeves
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I’ll go with “Trust”
Test has been the favorite.
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If it’s only one word, and I haven’t seen this listed I would say:
FOCUS
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USP = Unique Selling Proposition
Write = Compelling Offers, Just start writing
Irressitible Offer = add so much value
FREE = free trial, risk reversal
Action = you need to act on your thoughts
Test = split test everything
Persuasion = Win the trust to overcome barriers
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Segment
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“Information” to meet the needs of your optins
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Geez, I blew it. The word is THINK! As in — think like you are your customer and what it is that THEY need!
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Jeff Smith Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Let me clarify that just a bit, not only think, but think BENEFITS, not features. In other words, determine how your product will effect your target market, not just what it does.
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John, I need to ask a question about my Definite Chief Aim.
It’s a important life question, I’m not trying to waste your time.
I will write as simple as I can and short as I can
I got Think & Grow Rich and Law of Success when I was 16. I was lazy to read the books but now at 19, I read Think & Grow Rich and have written my definite chief aim.
In this blog post you talked about getting a reality check on your life’s routines and the work you accomplish everyday.
Before this summer- I got a reality check on my routines! I reflected and admitted that if I continue going on like this… I will become a failure.
I decided to do a home-made “3-month summer training & education program”. I decided to self-educate because I wasn’t learning in public schooling.
I’ve stopped wasting time and I have been reading books, Gary Halbert’s newsletter, taking home-study courses and working on two internet marketing projects.
Since my 19th birthday, I realized I was letting my life go by and going into old age little by little.
Yesterday I finished the Master Mind introductory chapter in Law of Success and today I finished the Definite Chief Aim lesson.
I’ve been getting up early in the morning to jog outside, eat healthy, meditate, creative visualization & trying to tweak up my routine.
I’m still watching TV a little but I’ve improved my habits a lot from before.
But I have a problem with my definite chief aim & I don’t have anyone else to go too. Everybody around me is just the “average achieve nothing aimless person”.
So I decided to ask you- since you respond sometimes if a person comments something important or worthy of being replied back too.
Problem: I loved singing since I was 13. It was the only thing I ever wanted. It was they only thing in my head before sleeping and the only thing when I woke up in the morning. I looked forward to it at the start of everyday.
But I have failed and quit singing 2 years ago. I am starting again all from scratch after Napoleon Hill encouraged me to keep going.
I’ve written a definite chief aim to become one of the greatest singers born & earn $2,000,000 from it.
*Problem*: I have some desire & enjoyment in online business. I know it’s awkward to be business oriented & a singer. But your in a music band, so I’m sure you understand?
My first business was selling home study courses for people who want to learn how to sing.
*My purpose in life*: 1) I want to become one of the greatest singers. 2) I want to do a “teach people how to sing” business & start a informational business on weight loss.
*Why I choose a business career?*: I have a personal health problem which may prevent me to become a singer. The health problem is personal & can affect many parts of my life. It can cause failure & obstacles if I don’t take care of it in someway. I want to help singers who can’t sing well and help people lose weight since healthy eating and exercise is a part of my lifestyle. To accumulate for my singing career.
I’m trying to solve the health problem w/o money for surgery- but I’m being a accurate thinker & doing business, so in case surgery is needed- I can get it. (this health problem can cost a lot of money which a ordinary income won’t be able to cover.)
I need capital to pursue my singing career. I know money isn’t the only thing you need to achieve a goal but without money people walk all over you! So some money, connections in business and marketing skills can help me as tools.
So these are my reasons for becoming BOTH a singer and online business owner.
Napoleon Hill said that you shouldn’t try to be a “jack of all trades” because a “jack of all trades” is good at neither. He said you should choose ONE thing in life and that is it!
But I also read in Law of Success in chapter 2 that Hill said he had a friend who was BOTH a writer and speaker.
What about Andrew Carnegie? He not only was in the steel business but he also had a purpose in life to create public libraries and give most of his money away before dying.
I tried to narrow my purpose in life by fitting in a singing career and singing education business together. And then having a fitness business to help people lose weight since I exercise, eat healthy and it’s a part of my life. My business will remain secret but my singing career will be public.
This plan for some reason seems like the right thing and the logical thing. My business will cost little since it will be online and it has a high profitability. One of the businesses is very closely related to my singing career and my business career can solve my health problem from ruining my singing career and finance my singing career. Plus the skills of marketing, selling and branding will help a lot in the music industry.
**Main Question**: Do you think I am getting on the right track towards developing a DEFINITE chief aim and purpose?
I can show you my exact definite chief aim statement I read every night even though you are not in my master mind. (I trust you)
PS. If you don’t have time, could you answer later? I don’t know who else to ask. I can’t find forums online to ask this, I tried. I just don’t want to be another “fuck-up” in life.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:20 am
Hi Ansub.
I cannot answer your main question for you — only you can do that.
However, I can offer you some encouragement, and a dose of reality.
First: Changing your life like this, exercising and doing in-depth study, is great. I did the exact same thing when I began my career (speed-reading my way through the library’s biz and sales and marketing and writing sections). Consider it “continuing adult education”, though, not a brief spurt. You’ll want to invest in your new habits of digging deep for the rest of your days.
Second: Often, our first goals we really go after are not the goals we end up with. It’s actually hard to set goals, because at first we don’t know what we really want. The over-arching reason to pursue any goal should be a better life, however you define it.
I think you’re over-reaching, as a rookie goal setter. Singing, weight loss… these are highly competitive fields, and you’ll need to spend some serious time in the trenches to succeed. Success will not be handed to you, no matter how much you “want” it. Only action on your part will get you anywhere.
Nail some easy goals first — ones you can achieve in a few weeks or months. Make your first dollar as a business owner. Get your first review, or gig, or whatever, as a singer. Move on from there, knocking off “doable” goals one by one.
I actually know some folks who are making a living as singers — not as performers (that game is mostly out of your hands, since other people decide whether you’re going to be the Next Big Thing or not), but as teachers. They have been at it for a long time, and are only making a modest living. The happier ones consider singing as a fulfilling hobby. (I do this with playing music. I have formed bands, written songs, had a blast… and not cared a whit about earning money at it, or getting recognized — I do it for fun. Very relaxing. Pro musicians starve in this country.)
Your Big Answer will not come easily to you, just because you ask. It’s like a long journey — you will not get there just by taking the first step… but if you take that first step, and keep taking small steps, you WILL get somewhere. If you never take the first step, you will get NOWHERE.
Good luck. Struggle and self-doubt are part of the process. We ALL go through it. It’s part of life. Be thankful your self-doubt has launched you on this journey, in fact.
You’ll get somewhere. Action always produces results. Maybe not the exact results you throught you’d get… but the universe does reward positive action.
Stay with it.
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Ansub Chaudry Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Note: Kept short as possible to prevent wasting your time.
I made a goal of $100 bucks a day for my singing education biz in 3 months.
The weight loss is in a narrow niche, I didn’t name it b/c I don’t anyone stealing it- but it IS a competitive niche. I will aim $100 a day with that as well.
You said to take the “first small step”, Do you mean my goal as a singer is possible but it’s not to be achieved by one huge gigantic step?
What you mean is don’t try to grab a seat as the “greatest singer” by “one big hit”?
Instead take a “small hit”, puff some smoke out to see small results & then model the “next hit” based on the small results to get BIGGER results?
So the “right thing” to do right now, is build a solid foundation?
Don’t try to grab the skyscraper, build the FOUNDATION OF the skyscraper & just do all the work it will take to grow it?
Same thing with my business career?
Just do the work and I will know where I’m headed based solely on action?
So it really doesn’t matter if I listed a weight loss business, singing education business & singing career as my goals? I don’t have to leave any one of them out? As long as that’s what I want & I don’t shift my focus away from them?
So the whole lesson you just gave me today, is to take action & work my plan?
You are indirectly saying that “John Carlton” doesn’t have the definite answer, only Ansub can find the answer by taking action & staying with it?
If something is wrong the results from the action will say it & there is no reason for me to pick your brain? Instead I should pick my own brain?
Thanks, I think you saved me 2 years worth of time I could have wasted by jumping ahead of myself- without first making sure I am paying the price for what I want.
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Ansub Chaudry Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Also, I read your answer- several times to make sure I got the point across by repetition.
Thanks.
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**From previous blog post:**
John, I need to ask a question about my Definite Chief Aim.
It’s a important life question, I’m not trying to waste your time.
I will write as simple as I can and short as I can
I got Think & Grow Rich and Law of Success when I was 16. I was lazy to read the books but now at 19, I read Think & Grow Rich and have written my definite chief aim.
In your previous blog post you talked about getting a reality check on your life’s routines and the work you accomplish everyday.
Before this summer- I got a reality check on my routines! I reflected and admitted that if I continue going on like this… I will become a failure.
I decided to do a home-made “3-month summer training & education program”. I decided to self-educate because I wasn’t learning in public schooling.
I’ve stopped wasting time and I have been reading books, Gary Halbert’s newsletter, taking home-study courses and working on two internet marketing projects.
Since my 19th birthday, I realized I was letting my life go by and going into old age little by little.
Yesterday I finished the Master Mind introductory chapter in Law of Success and today I finished the Definite Chief Aim lesson.
I’ve been getting up early in the morning to jog outside, eat healthy, meditate, creative visualization & trying to tweak up my routine.
I’m still watching TV a little but I’ve improved my habits a lot from before.
But I have a problem with my definite chief aim & I don’t have anyone else to go too. Everybody around me is just the “average achieve nothing aimless person”.
So I decided to ask you- since you respond sometimes if a person comments something important or worthy of being replied back too.
Problem: I loved singing since I was 13. It was the only thing I ever wanted. It was they only thing in my head before sleeping and the only thing when I woke up in the morning. I looked forward to it at the start of everyday.
But I have failed and quit singing 2 years ago. I am starting again all from scratch after Napoleon Hill encouraged me to keep going.
I’ve written a definite chief aim to become one of the greatest singers born & earn $2,000,000 from it.
*Problem*: I have some desire & enjoyment in online business. I know it’s awkward to be business oriented & a singer. But your in a music band, so I’m sure you understand?
My first business was selling home study courses for people who want to learn how to sing.
*My purpose in life*: 1) I want to become one of the greatest singers. 2) I want to do a “teach people how to sing” business & start a informational business on weight loss.
*Why I choose a business career?*: I have a personal health problem which may prevent me to become a singer. The health problem is personal & can affect many parts of my life. It can cause failure & obstacles if I don’t take care of it in someway. I want to help singers who can’t sing well and help people lose weight since healthy eating and exercise is a part of my lifestyle. To accumulate for my singing career.
I’m trying to solve the health problem w/o money for surgery- but I’m being a accurate thinker & doing business, so in case surgery is needed- I can get it. (this health problem can cost a lot of money which a ordinary income won’t be able to cover.)
I need capital to pursue my singing career. I know money isn’t the only thing you need to achieve a goal but without money people walk all over you! So some money, connections in business and marketing skills can help me as tools.
So these are my reasons for becoming BOTH a singer and online business owner.
Napoleon Hill said that you shouldn’t try to be a “jack of all trades” because a “jack of all trades” is good at neither. He said you should choose ONE thing in life and that is it!
But I also read in Law of Success in chapter 2 that Hill said he had a friend who was BOTH a writer and speaker.
What about Andrew Carnegie? He not only was in the steel business but he also had a purpose in life to create public libraries and give most of his money away before dying.
I tried to narrow my purpose in life by fitting in a singing career and singing education business together. And then having a fitness business to help people lose weight since I exercise, eat healthy and it’s a part of my life. My business will remain secret but my singing career will be public.
This plan for some reason seems like the right thing and the logical thing. My business will cost little since it will be online and it has a high profitability. One of the businesses is very closely related to my singing career and my business career can solve my health problem from ruining my singing career and finance my singing career. Plus the skills of marketing, selling and branding will help a lot in the music industry.
**Main Question**: Do you think I am getting on the right track towards developing a DEFINITE chief aim and purpose?
I can show you my exact definite chief aim statement I read every night even though you are not in my master mind. (I trust you)
PS. If you don’t have time, could you answer later? I don’t know who else to ask. I can’t find forums online to ask this, I tried. I just don’t want to be another “fuck-up” in life.
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Headline
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Start.
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Answer to question:
Test
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Think!
Analyze
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Lead. Become a leader and teacher. Give clear instructions, valuable info, be personable and people will follow.
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TRUST
This underpins action, aim, deciding, love, inspiration, courage and more. It is what people seek to understand when they test. In a state of trust … it feels great…. heals aches and transmits through your eyes and voice and face and feel. Who knows ….there’s prolly a smell of trust like there’s a smell of fear… maybe it’s even the antithesis of fear.
TRUST
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Given the visual clue, I am going to go with
‘JUMP’
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Rich Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:41 am
To qualify that, as in ‘LEAP’ ie: leap into action, any action that start’s the process.
In Stephen Kings book, ‘On Writing’ he talks about how often people say to him that they would love to write a book, but they just do not know where to start.
He say’s, it’s no more complicated that this; Just sit down and start writing.
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ACTION – you must take action.
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ENGAGE.
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PROMISE
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listen
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Hi Lawton.
The “pack” here has laying the correct answer all night long. There is wisdom in crowds.
These other answers — even the one-word ones like you have here — are good, though. Everyone is thinking hard, outside the box when they can, and focusing on fundamental parts of being a Conscious Dude — able to consider a perplexing puzzle, and come up with brainstormed answers that may not be the exact right answer, but are good attempts anyway.
So, nice try.
But the right answer has been given, many, many times now.
I’ll expand on it tomorrow.
Thanks for writing, Lawton.
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Test
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TAKE ACTION!
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You must “FOCUS”.
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My second guess is CONVINCE.
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Since my first answer has already been said, which is “action”, my second answer would be “outsource”.
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Test would be my answer…. but the other word that kept coming to mind was “punt”
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Hi Gail. You’re cracking me up.
Punting is definitely a tool in your Bag of Tricks… but not what you’d use here.
Still, you’ve given an idea for a future post… thanks.
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Greetings John,
As usual I’m chiming in on the tale end. But my answer is:
DELIVER . . .the goods you promised. Simply put do what you say you’re going to do. This sets you apart of most “newbie” marketers these days. Underpromise and over deliver keeps you heads above of everyone else.
Great contest by the way!
Peace,
Emette Massey
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There are THREE things to do next:
Test, test, test!
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Ask the marketplace (visitors), find where the hot button is.
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Test
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copy
Using what proven, thus it’s already had much test and verify.
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emotion – illiciting emotional response to a word, phrase or statement. Can be positive or negative.
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Sell
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test
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I’ve found you have to find a word that triggers a emotional response.
Take that which has a proven track record, test it, and adjust as necessary.
So…
copy, test, adjust
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Create
(this is a one word answer-all that covers everything whether it’s doing your research, writing your hooks, headlines, or copy, getting inside your prospects head & their internal dialogue, and crafting them that offer, compelling them to act.. or seeking out joint-ventures and the like to boost your ‘moolah’ as you put it)
If I was selling myself to a client, this is the only single word I’d use John, because very simply it’s the only thing that separates me from everyone else *uniquely*.. unless you’re going to get creative and rise above the crowd, how else are you going to go after (and get) what it is you seek – by satisfying what others want.. better than any other ‘also ran’?
It also happens to be the only word I don’t see listed above… and is my ‘creative’ answer to your question (seeing that I’ve only just logged in & picked up your email two minutes ago).
;o)
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TESTING is the one and only reasonable thing to do.
Therefore when faced with a decision, pause then ACT.
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Testing is for suckers – Think
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action
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Hey John,
How’s this for a generic answer?
SOMETHING!
I figure I have the right answer even if I’m wrong
Thanks dude,
Brian
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Actually, Brian, you’ve discovered the true value of this kind of quiz: The right answer is almost always hinted at or given early… but the thinking (especially out of the box thinking) you do trying to sneak in around the “obvious” is GREAT MENTAL EXERCISE.
So, yeah, I’m gonna count you as a “secondary” winner here. You weren’t first with the right answer, but you definitely nailed a deeper reason to participate.
Good job.
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Write…write to them with a goal in mind. Close the sale, make the offer, give them a free gift, whatever it is…just write to them.
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You do what needs to be done.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:35 am
Nice try, Kyle.
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Keywords.
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Test
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Three words really…test, test, test. I figure that testing something three times is a great way to make a semi-clear picture very clear. How can you be sure of something you only test once?
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Great posts, great points. Here’s my contribution…
“Action”
or
“Determine” then “Focus” then “Action”
Don’t get paralyzed, just turn on that magnificent brain, determine your next move, get focused on it, and get up off a that thing and take action! It’s about forward motion, even when it’s 2 steps forward and 1 step back, keep pushing forward! Determination always wins a prize!
This wisdom took me from a former street addict and a 9th grade drop out till age 27, to earning 6 figures in the corporate world hiring and managing people who have masters degrees. I figure it will work for Internet Marketing too!
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi Mark. Congrats on accomplishing so much, so soon in your life.
Good thinking here, too. The accumulated wisdom just in this thread is pretty heavy and hard-core. Your mantra is a good one.
Thanks for writing.
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Obviously you need to ACT, but the answer is
TEST
And I did not look at any of the previous comments before coming to this conclusion and scrolling down to submit my answer. Thanks for a Sunday morning brain stimulator.
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My first thought is test but what exactly? (although to be fair the answer might present iself depending on the situation). But if it didn’t, then before testing I would get a bird’s eye view of the problem and analyze it Discover what it is that I should do next. Don’t go off half -cocked.
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What is Track?
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Model
Find someone successful and DO what they did.
Persevere is good.
Focus
Wait.
M
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Simplify,
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Since time is of the essence first my answer, an explanation will follow suit.
Answer: Acknowledge
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TEST!
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Hi John,
Looking at the picture above the word “risk” came to mind, after reading the answer was revealed many times over, it has to be test.
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Accommodate
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“one answer fits all” = Action
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survey
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As promised my explanation:
Put all synonyms of ‘Acknowledge’ in a certain order and it provides you with a logical step-by-step procedure to engage any kind of sale or call to action.
‘Acknowledge’
Step1.‘Admit’ – admit to struggles owned by your target group.
Step 2.‘Recognize’ – recognize their needs and obstacles to solve this problem.
Step3.‘Deny’ – deny the need to struggle.
Step4.‘Accept’ – accept responsibility for the answer.
Step7.‘Concede’ – concede one or more of your trade secrets.
Step5.‘Allow’ – allow them access to a ready-to-go kick start solution.
Step6.‘Grant’- grant access only if their willing to form a relationship.
Step8.‘Reply’ – reply with a sales offer.
Sorry, John for taking so much space with my explanation. But I wanted to give it my all.
You’re giving away a signed book!! So, you kinda brought it on yourself. LOL
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I am getting the feeling the answer to your main question is “test”. but the answer to this question: “What’s the time limit on doing the “Ass Whup” dance, mocking your partner, anyway?” Is NOT test because no further testing is needed and there are two correct answers. If you are the one doing the dancing — maybe once! If you are the one being danced at — eternity. Just try to appreciate the fact someone is dancing for you!
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Hi John,
TEST
Of course the only answer is already in the questions:
When you’re looking at your pay-per-click campaign, wondering which path to take in cutting up bait for your target market… what do you do?
When you’re crafting a hook for your name-squeeze page, trying to corral as many visitors as possible and build your list to ungodly size… what do you do?
When you’re greasing up your “sales slide” on your main site, looking to bring in the maximum amount of moolah possible with a fast, direct sale… what do you do?
Each of these questions has only one possible solution: testing changes for results.
Which path in PPC? Which ideas catch the most fish.
Which “hook” catches the most fish?
What grease gets people sliding the fastest to your close?
The ONLY way to find the answer to these questions is testing the words, copy or language whether it’s a headline, the copy itself, offer or close, you will never know the answer until you test for variations large or small.
Thanks for the “TEST” John. A synonym for quiz is what?
You’re sneaky Dude!
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I forgot to say that the antonym of ‘Acknowledge’ – the word ‘Deny’- is needed to disrupt behavior.
If you want people to move to a new proposition. They first must be willing to leave their old one.
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Action
… everything begins with taking action.
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Sorry people for messing up the numbering in the steps to take.
Shame on me for not checking before posting. Completely overlooked it.
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The one word is “Adapt”
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Act.
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Decide
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Think: Do that till you turn purple; won’t help you grease the funnel. Think about testing.
Focus: Great, but focus on what? On testing.
Headline: A part of the testing process.
Leverage: Test which lever to use.
Offer or Pitch: Test which offer works better.
Strategy: Test your strategy.
Close: Close what?
Something or Anything: That’s too much like wasting time not knowing what your doing.
Followup: Test their response with a followup.
Relate: Test to see which lines they relate better with.
Curiosity or Intrigue: Test to see what makes them curios and intrigued.
Action: What action to take? Testing.
Give: Test to see which one you give is more effective.
Plan: A plan is great, but it should include serious testing.
Copy: Test your copy.
USP: Not really a part of the test. You gotta have a USP to present in your test.
Close The Deal: I won’t buy anything from you, too much like a car sales-man.
Deliver The Goods: Test delivery method returns the highest ROI.
Bribe: Test which bribe works better.
Empathize: Part of the research.
Persuade: Test which methods persuade better.
Research: Really comes before testing.
Well anyway, this could go on an on. TESTING is what you should be doing. Your landing pages, your ads, the images, the copy, the offers, the bribes, etc. Many of the above are part of the testing process, but in and of themselves are not the correct answer.
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I test everyhting before I make up my mind. I let my costumers tell me the answer.
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Hey John,
I’m gonna go with act.
Dave
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The answer has to do with the ” Unstable cliffs, keep clear” sign.
The answer: NEWS!
Put it in your headline!
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Very thought-provoking comments! I found Jordan’s comment above, relating every other possible answer to testing, particularly useful. My own answer (once I saw that “test” was already given), was “swipe”–in the sense that ethically modeling something that’s been proven to work before saves time. However, Jordan’s comment now provokes me to ask, “How do you know what to swipe?” Test!
The fact that testing is so easy (especially on the Web) was eye-opening to me when I first learned that’s how direct marketing works. Concepts like “controls” in copy were new to me, but made perfect sense.
Testing is seemingly the simplest yet most important thing ANY copywriter/marketer can do, and most folks never even consider it, instead thinking they need to build and rely on their own knowledge, skills, or external resources … amassing huge collections of unread books and courses. (I’m a poster child ….)
Thanks to this quiz, I just realized that the true value of embracing testing is that by definition it forces you/frees you to ACT NOW … because doing it wrong quickly and making a course correction is what testing is all about! The fact that you don’t have to get it right the first time (in fact, you probably won’t) is incredibly liberating.
I’d argue that “test” is more than an answer to the question of what to do next in any marketing situation. It’s the crucial MINDSET you need to adopt if you want to succeed as a marketer. This seems simple, but is revolutionary stuff for some of us. I think it’s the most important thing for beginners to learn, and the first thing that should be taught in internet marketing books and courses. Adopting a testing mindset wipes out fear and procrastination while simultaneously helping you find the most profitable path. This is huge. Thanks for the big epiphany, John!
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Bikini
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Ron Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
?
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Make it their decision to buy. “Empower” the buyer to take action.
Daniel Ariely says in his book “Irrationally Predictable” we already own it if we can easily visualize it as ours. The longer or easier the visualization is the more powerful the perceived ownership becomes. Let them own it and then empower them to take action.
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Write
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sleep!
take a little nap to clear your head
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Bonus
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Hypnotize
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I would say “test”
Of course, that assumes that you take “action.”
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Women. Get some pussy in your life
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Hey John,
Of course, making sure your always taking Action and Implementing what you learn is greatly important. As long you apply it… AS YOU LEARN IT!
BUT, most importantly, the one word WINNER for me is always to…
K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Stupid)
Which is one of the most profound things I have ever learned from you John because I have to use it EVERY HOUR OF EVERYDAY…
Kindest Regards,
Kevin DaSilva
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Hey Kevin.
Yeah, KISS is a good motto to guide your movement, but it’s not a specific action.
I, too, use it every day.
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Sweeten!
sweeten the deal if they act now.
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freebase!
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opium worked good for me
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You have to “START” first, right?
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Re-read the question, Peter. It’s what to do next, after you’ve established your fundamentals… so you’ve already “started”, and gotten past that pesky part of taking the first step.
Now what do you do?
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Storytelling
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Test.
~Carlos
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PERSUADE!
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story
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I can’t help myself…
I want to be just like Michele and use 7 letter words in my WINNING answer:
ACQUIRE, then RESPOND with a BONDING WELCOME.
FULFILL your PROMISE to PERFORM, PRODUCE and DELIVER.
PERFECT your opt-in and conversion rates through TESTING.
And above all, help them KICK-ASS and you will most definitely SUCCEED.
Thanks, John. This is fun! Great comments too…
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Clearly a trick question, very clever John. You must FOLD under the pressure and DRINK yourself stupid. But I’m never sure which one to do 1st… Is that what you’re going to expand on in tomorrow’s post?
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Ha! Truly an insight to the minds of many marketers, Nathan. (Not you, I’m sure, though.)
You’d be astonished — even frightened — to know how many of the big, respected dudes at the top of the game are just one binge away from destroying their lives and biz.
I’m gonna post on this subject later on… the very human frailty of wanting to crawl back under the covers and get oblivious when things get tough.
You must resist, however. Like Churchill, you can both drink yourself stupid every day AND be a mover/shaker on the world’s stage.
But it’s not recommended…
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Phone
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SURVEY! (Your inquirers)
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Ask
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John, I assume it was Test then, but you never said who was right
I got in TotalAccessClub.com which is ALL about testing. I gotta tell ya, testing is the key b/c I can think that I’ve got a great offer, but the opt-ins just aren’t there-
So back to testing.
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I would say persevere
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test
everything is all set so just test against a control and then beat it and use it as a new control to test against.
Of course if you do not take “Action” nothing will happen.
Thanks for the fun contest John!
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John Carlton Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
You’re welcome, Clay. We seem to have hit a nerve here…
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Howdy John,
Reassure.
That’s the word you are looking for !
Bingo.
You need to reassure your prospects at that time that you have the answer to their problems.
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Rinse and Repeat
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Hi John, at first I thought it was “sell”. Then I thought it was “intrigue” or “tease”. Then I thought it was “involve” as in: get them involved in your message. But now I think it’s “engage” – which, you do with your headline or opening statement. You must engage your reader. If not engage … then … it’s “qualify”. Show her that this message is for her and her alone – so “qualify” her for the message. As you can see, I don’t know what the one word is. I just wanted to get involved with your quiz. Thanks John, love your work.
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Sell!
Quit dithering and just sell the damn thing.
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On second thoughts, and after rereading your post, I think you’re asking “what do you do AFTER” you’ve grabbed your readers attention and more or less intrigued them in to wanting to know what you”re going to do about the problem or opportunity at hand? In this case, I would say the thing you do next is give them a fair smack of “proof” that you’re their man (or woman). Proof this this really IS for them.
So the word is: “proof” or in action terms “prove” buddy. You’ve go to “prove” you’re authentic and that what you’re saying is for real.
Thanks again John.
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Click here …
Ask for the sale.
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It’s been said, that the only thing anyone can do wrong is to do nothing. When it comes down to it, it’s not so much the hours invested in any project (quality is better than quantity)
I heard this from Eben Pagan: 80% of the profits comes from 20% of the work (the 80-20 rule)
Get crackin’
Get involved in people’s lives, give them value.
I think it’s all been said on this site before. I wanted to toss in my 2 cents worth.
Keep on keeping on
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The “Promise”
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try
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Test…yeah right! Test my ass.
Sell. Well yeah we do that.
But nowadays we copy.
1 word copy. c-o-p-y. Copy what already works and improve upon it!
Catchyalater!
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FILTER
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John Carlton Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I missed this response earlier, James.
What do you mean by “filter”?
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James Schramko Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
I mean when I face new opportunities (too many to act on) I have to run them through a filter (or matrix) to see where the best use of my energy lies.
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Clearly the answer is “surf”.
“All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I’m fine.” ~ Jeff Spicoli
You can’t really argue with that kind of wisdom right there.
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John Carlton Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
And clearly Spicoli was, and continues to be, right.
But, jeez JayMo, I gotta keep up appearances here. There IS a real marketing answer, you know…
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Hmmm… Who knows?
Ima throw’ in my two cents and say:
ROB
after optimizing your PPC campaigns, it’s pretty obvious that you’re trying to ROB your customers.
After making a lead gen page, it’s obvious that you’re trying to ROB your customers.
After all, ROB is the essence of internet marketing! Isn’t it?
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I’m going to go with what I always tell my students they should do before making any important action: research!
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I’m gonna go with the word: Wait
You can wait to see your conversions, what your tests show, wait til you get your copy of Kick Ass Copy Secrets and then do what it says. It works for everything!
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John Carlton Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Funny, RK.
Thanks for the comment.
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Persistance
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“Anything”
Do what ever works for you, 80/20, what got you here, get off your butt and do SOMETHING..
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To coin a phrase from the movie “Blade Runner”
“This is a TEST designed to provoke an emotional response!”
I kinda have to go with “test”. (Hmmmm…. synonymous with ‘quiz’ actually)
Thanks John for a good read and a thought provoking question.
Cheers
Gary
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Have a “conversation”
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TEST!!!!
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Quit!
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Survey
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Whats up John,
Dude I am going nuts here cuz I want that signed copy bad (Great Tactic)…
Alright how about…
“BRAINSTORM”
Write down whatever comes to mind OVER & OVER AGAIN… And then Again!
Avatar! Get into the mind of the prospect and tell a “Story” that will “Relate” to them…
After that I would say…
Everything, Anything, Something…
Organize!
Write! As much as you can!
Strategize!
P.S. This contest is making want to BUY a “signed copy”… GREAT TACTIC!
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Hows about…
Marketing!
No Matter What you have to “Market” whatever it is you have and get the word out about…
Who You Are? What You Have? Why They Should Listen To You? And What They Should Do Next?
“Advertise” You need to run ads to bring them into to your funnel so they can get to your “sales slide”…
“Salesmanship”… Sell what you have with your “storytelling” and “persuading” your prospect to “take the action” you want them to take…
a.k.a Buy Your Stuff!
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Warning: This is a scam!
“John Carlton’s Infamous “Indirection” Technique
he uses to get FREE leads”!
Want to be fooled? Want to get suckered?
If so, put an answer on this blog thinking you’ll get a FREE copy of whatever.
Why? Easy. So Johnny boy can secretly capture your name and e-mail and sell you a product that will stuff his pockets with green.
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Rich Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Yes, but it can also be used by cowards who hide behind their anonymity to take potshots at people who they are envious of.
So you see, you get a free platform to spout your nonsense!
Did I win a prize?
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Nathan Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I didn’t know he liked to be called Johny boy. You learn something new each day. Maybe it’s just the booze talkin’ John (I jsut landed a big job!) , but I learn a lot from you and I’m grateful for this blog and the effort you put into it. Any leads you get from this are not free. They’re paid for by your sweat and your generosity. Thank for your help, Nathan.
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Rich wanna be Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Rich, you’re not the brightest, are ya?
That post was suppose to be a joke. Get a life.
Yeah, like anyone is gonna believe this is John’s ultimate plan. Idiot.
Envious? It should be you envious of me. Fool.
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Marvin Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
If you really were concerned about people not getting “fooled” or “suckered” by similar media as this, you should have signed your real name and offered a better alternative (In which case if you’re in “the same business” you would have gotten the “free leads” instead of “Johnny Boy” [funny how your accusation can turn against you in that perspective]).
Otherwise, you’ll just come across as a Class A “A-hole” who’s trying to muddle up an otherwise healthy brainstorming activity.
Go take your crappidoo some place else where you can flush it.
**I’d still go for “SURVEY”.
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Marvin the moron Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
WoW! Another dumbs$%#!
In Reality, why would I even be concerned about people being “suckered by John? DUH!
People know John better than that.
Hey greaseball, go eat your mama mia’s crappidoo canoli.
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Marvin Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
‘Rich wanna be’, ‘get a life’, idiot, fool, ‘Marvin the moron’, dumbs$%#, greaseball, ‘mama mia’s crappidoo canoli’…
Heck of a vocabulary there!
You sure you even should be following this blog?
Pitiful, pitiful… (Sorry John…)
Marvin the moron Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Talk about making a moron out of yourself, Marvin.
That’s the same VOCAB you use in writing effective copy.
You really are gonna need John’s help!!!!
still smiling Marvin the martian?
John Carlton Reply:
June 29th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Hey!
Play nice, guys.
Don’t make me come over there.
Note: I’ve never, since starting this blog in December of ‘04, deleted a non-spam comment. And some of you guys can get downright insulting.
But as long as you’re not violating basic social rules (in other words, not saying anything that would start a fight in a bar), then you’re fine.
The folks reading this blog — an international crowd covering the globe — are grown-ups, and can figure out who’s the jerk and who’s the good guy.
Real-world dialog is messy.
Thick skin required.
Still, though, don’t hide behind the anonymity of fake names if you’re gonna vent. Okay?
Okay.
I will say provide/ give a solution:)
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Coaching
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on 26 Jun 2009 at 8:16 pm
Is it too late to guess? I say……
TEST
I hope I got it.
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[...] Carlton had an interesting quiz that got a bit of attention over the weekend. Really it was a little ‘test’. Of coure in [...]
Google Quiz
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Just do it!
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Take Action! Do it now!
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I didn’t read the previous 218 entries, so I don’t know if someone has already said it, but I’m guessing the word is “BENEFITS”.
Obviously sell the benefits. the biggest first – that’s your headline…
So you need to understand your product or service and think like a customer to know which benefit is the most important.
Get that in first and you’re half-way there.
Regards
Will Stirrup
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