Behind the Scenes - Market Yourself

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Developers:

Earlier this year, I received an email from someone I had never heard from before. He asked me to review a book he had written. I accepted, and enjoyed it immensely.

Today I had planned to share a book review I wrote about "Self-Massage for Athletes"... but changed my mind tonight... (I'll still give you the link to read my review, but later - its a really good book).

How would you enjoy being a fly on a wall... and watch two people connect and increase their sphere of influence... all because one person asked another?

That's what happened with me and an author of a book.

Both of us have and will benefit because Rich Poley thought to ask for a book review by offering his book to me as a gift. Nice Deal... I love books!

Bonus: The book was about getting rid of aches and pains! My body hurts... got some solutions in his book.

Plus... both of us gain internet exposure... and possibly gain some customers and better yet... clients!

When you review the dialog between Rich Poley and myself... how would you improve the dialog? Think as if you are the book author or the reviewer.

Pay particular attention to the names, web sites, books and tips. Then add your knowledge and your network of associates and resources.

You will find it forms a pattern for success regardless of whether you are publishing your own book or reviewing books. It also increases your internet presence.

Tip: I will not allow this article to exist within public view for a long period of time. At the moment I have not decided how long to keep it on the internet.

But for now... here it is...

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR INTERNET EXPOSURE:

1. WRITE BOOK REVIEWS
2. WRITE BOOKS
3. ASK OTHERS TO REVIEW YOUR BOOK
4. NETWORKING
5. IDEA-PLAN-ACTION

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Date: Monday, January 21, 2008 8:50 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Hi Girard,

From your Amazon profile, I can see that you’re a person with varied interests who enjoys swimming and reading. If you’d like to receive many of the benefits of massage while pursuing those interests I can help. The massage techniques I describe in Self-Massage for Athletes are simple to learn and effective. They'll empower you feel better fast. If you’d like to put them to the test and consider sharing your findings in a book review at Amazon, I’d be happy to send you a complimentary copy. Just let me know your mailing address.

Thanks,

Rich

Read Self-Massage for Athletes
and Feel Better Fast
303-545-6462
www.SelfMassageForAthletes.com

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Date: Monday, January 21, 2008 12:21 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich -

Thank you for your offer to send me a complementary copy of your book.

I will be happy to review your book and write a review on Amazon.com.

My mailing address is: Girard Bolton, PO Box 501023, Mobile, AL, 36605

I look forward to your reply & book.

- gfb3

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Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 9:40 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Thanks gfb3,

I mailed your review copy this morning. Please let me know if you have any questions about the book or anything related to it.

Rich

Read Self-Massage for Athletes
and Feel Better Fast
303-545-6462
www.SelfMassageForAthletes.com

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Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:45 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

Thank you.

I will email you with questions and my review before I post it.

By the way... you can call me... Girard

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Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:42 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Thanks!

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Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:42 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Thanks!

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Date: Saturday, February 2, 2008 2:39 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

I received your book yesterday.

When I got home... I opened the envelope and started reading.

I was impressed when I finished and had no questions.

So... I started writing my book review for you.

Let me know what you think.

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OMITTED
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I will not post this on Amazon.com until you have replied.

Thank you for asking me to review your book... I will put it to good use.

Also... if I may suggest something... as upbeat as your book is... your letter enclosed with the book sounded not so upbeat. It reminded me of a shy and insecure person asking someone for a job by saying "you don't have any work for me do you?" Projecting a negative thought is usually reflected by a negative subconscious response. Reinforce the positive! I positively found your book to be "worthwhile" to read.

Looking forward to your reply! - Girard Frank Bolton, III.

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Date: Sunday, February 3, 2008 5:43 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Girard:

Thank you for your very kind review of my book. I hope you'll post it on Amazon as soon as possible.

I agree with you that the book would be of value to anyone who is active. I think that "Self-Massage for Active People" might have been a better title or subject for that matter. But I came to self-massage from an athletic perspective and it seemed more natural to write it that way. As it is it took me five years to research and write. I hope someday to write a companion book, "Self-Massage for Everybody." What I've found most surprising about self-massage is how much it has improved my overall health. I think everyone who practices self-massage would enjoy a significant health benefit.

As for the cover: The book is designed to be, at least in part, a celebration of the human body. The cover is intended to convey that message. Whether it succeeds or fails is a matter of personal taste.

As for the cover letter, you picked up on the fact that I am more than a little uncomfortable asking you to review my book. You're right, I should convey a more confident and upbeat attitude. I see it as an act of genuine kindness for you or anyone else to agree to review a book written by me, an unpublished author and complete stranger. I wanted the cover letter to be as neutral as possible. I didn't want you to feel that you were obligated to come back with an opinion one way or the other. I just wanted your honest opinion.

I really love the book and I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you found some value in it. I hope your review will help other people who might benefit from it to read it. In some ways, you do a better job of conveying the essence of the book than I have ever done.

Thank you,

Rich

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Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2008 11:42 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

I am checking my email from my in-laws' house.

When I can get back on my regular computer (within a week) I will post my review.

Testimonials and book reviews from other people almost always convey a stronger message for possible purchasers of your book and services.

I had no problem with your cover photo. I agree that the human body should be respected, honored and celebrated.

I am somewhat of a Connector, Maven and Salesman (read "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell). The book discusses in detail the typical sales path that occurs during the rise and fall of a product.

I highly recommend that book and Jay Abraham's book "Getting All You Can Out of All You've Got." Jay Abraham offers sales and marketing advice to IBM, Microsoft, etc... for over $5,000 an hour. His paperback book sells for less than $20.

When you ask for someone to review your book... convey a positive message and let them know it is ok to decline your request. Maybe... "I would really appreciate hearing your unbiased opinion of my book. However, if your schedule is as busy as mine and you are unable to review my book, please let me know."

Replace "if" with "when" to encourage positive messages to your prospect sales market. Your web site is put together very nicely.

However, I am available to coach you in promoting your books and services if the two books do not answer your sales and marketing questions.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon... Frank.

p.s. - You may also want to sign up for a free newsletter about small-business marketing at www.EarlyToRise.com ETR has a fantastic web site and forum discussion group you can join. - gfb3 (aka gfb3serv on ETR)

p.p.s. - Thank you for your kind words about me... you seem to be a nice person also. - gfb3

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Date: Monday, February 11, 2008 12:05 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

I'm back to my regular schedule.

You can view my book review on Amazon.com now.

Let me know when I may help you again.

And... thanks for giving me a free copy of your book.

It has been put to good use for me and my wife.

Keep in touch.

- Frank

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Date: Sunday, February 3, 2008 5:43 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Frank:

Thank you so much for posting your wonderful review of my book. It is nice to hear that you and your wife have put it to good use. I very much appreciate your interest in the book and your support. I will let you know when I can use some more help.

Keep in touch,

Rich

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Date: Monday, February 11, 2008 5:29 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

Would you be interested in writing some feature articles for my web site?

I expect to launch my site within a month.

The focus of my site is "Advocating the Improvement of Personal, Business and Social Development"

If you have any questions... let me know.

- Frank

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Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 1:21 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Frank,

I'm flattered that you would ask.

While I'm not a feature article writer, I'd be happy to contribute to you website if I could. I'm launching a blog in the next month or so and am interested to see where your website and my blog interests intersect. We could hopefully share some material. Let me know when you launch your site and I will keep you posted on my blogging.

Keep in touch,

Rich

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Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008 5:09 PM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

I seem to never meet a stranger.

The articles I am looking for are short and to the point.

I will start with a blog and will add a discussion forum later.

My original idea was to develop a networking site for real estate developers.

That was four years ago (before the current real estate situation).

Currently... the web site includes promoting development of all types.

I am marketing myself as an Advocate for Improving Personal, Business, and Social Development.

Your contribution would be considered as a "cross-sell".

How do you think your contribution would help make "the room for improvement" a smaller room for personal, business and social development?

My subscribers could be described as Developers, Real Estate Agents, Finance Professionals, Designers, Contractors, Marketers, and Government Agencies.

However, with Social Development... they would also include faith-based and other civic groups.

My internet marketing studies have shown me that groups working with each other have higher sales ratings.

Each promoting the other's products and information and thereby converting more people into buyers. Or as I prefer to call them... clients.

Let me know your thoughts.

- Frank

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Date: Saturday, Feb 23, 2008, at 9:35 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "GF Bolton"

To: "Rich Poley"

Rich:

You have been busy!

I see several people have written book reviews for you on Amazon.com.

And am happy to see that at least one person thought my review was helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/review/RRAEYYF9TQ004/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Glad to see your book is getting the attention it deserves.

Keep in touch... Frank

p.s. - Have you read Jay Abraham's book "Getting All You Can Out of All You've Got"?

http://www.amazon.com/review/RUSPPCYE00NO2/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Jay Abraham has some great advice that will help you in your marketing efforts.

Let me know what you think. Your future looks bright! Until next time... gfb3

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Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 9:08 AM

Subject: Request to review Self-Massage for Athletes

From: "Rich Poley"

To: "GF Bolton"

Frank,

Thanks for your email. You're right, I'm swamped. I haven't read Jay Abraham. I sometimes read Seth Godin on marketing.

Keep in touch,

Rich

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end of email transcripts
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So... now I guess I'll get hate mail from authors names I did not mention and from consultants who charge thousands of dollars for the same basic info.

This is a perfect step-by-step case study of networking where everyone benefits!

Let me know your thoughts...


Until next time..,

Girard Frank Bolton, III.
The Developers Advocate
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