This really and truly is the easiest (and most profitable) small business direct marketing tip youll ever get. And when I say easy I really mean EASY.

Its a no-brainer.

Once I tell you what it is youre probably going to say, Oh that? I already knew that.

But if you own a small business and are doing this I can tell you right now youre an exception. If this is such an easy and profitable small business direct marketing tip why isnt everyone using it?

Thats a good question. I dont know. Maybe most small business owners think its too much of a hassle?

Not so.

It doesnt take much time. Costs little. You could even pay a high school geek to do the computer stuff for you if you dont feel like messing with it.

The financial rewards can be huge... if you do it right. But this seems to be a small business direct marketing tip most people are happy to ignore.

So whats the big tip?

Simple.

Every time you do business with a new customer ask them if theyd like to sign up for your free e-mail alert. Tell them you periodically offer specials and discounts for customers and ask them if theyd like to be included on your list so they can know when you have them. Many customers will gladly sign up.

Then use your list.

Offer your customers something

specific

limited

and of value to them as well as yourself.

Lets pretend... just for discussions sake... youre the owner of Little Town Diner in Smallville.

Youd place a little E-mail address sign-up book right next to the cash register. Include spaces on each page for customers to write-in both their name and a Email address. Have the cashier invite customers to sign it.

Build up your list of names. Its valuable.

Suppose every Wednesday is a slow day at the diner. On Wednesday mornings you start sending out an Email like this one to your list.

**********

Hi (Customers Name),

Pat here from the Little Town Diner. Howd you like for me to do the cooking tonight? I just got a HUGE shipment of chicken breasts in today and Ive got to move these babies out!

So Im running a SPECIAL today

Pats 2 for 1 Special (today only- - eat in or take out)

2 juicy, tender barbecued chicken breasts... 2 baked potatoes or French fries on the side... 2 servings of string beans or cole slaw...AND...2 slices from any of our delicious pies-of-the-day (your choice).

Dont want to eat out? No problem.

We can have your dinner packaged and ready for you to pick up at your convenience if you place your order before 3pm. Let us know about what time youll be in for your pick-up.

**********

Or heres another way you could apply this small business direct marketing tip

**********

Hi (Customers Name),

Pat here. I want to say, thank you for making Little Town Diner a part of your dining experience. Serving folks like you is what makes our business so enjoyable.

To formally say, thanks Id like to offer you a special discount this week. If you visit us between now and Sunday tell your waitress you want the Thank You Discount. You and your family can order anything on our menu and get 20% off.

Now remember - - you have to ask for the discount to get it. This offer is just our way of saying, thanks for choosing us to serve you.

Thanks Again,
Pat

**********

Theres no limit to how you can use this.

If youre a tree trimmer you could use this small business marketing tip too.

Lets pretend you drop off some of the wood from your tree cutting business to someone who makes mulch. This person tells you one day, Ive got a LOT of excess mulch here Id like to get rid of for cheap. Do you know anyone who might want some?

So you e-mail your list

**********

Hi (Customers Name),

Fred here from Smallville Tree Trimming Service.

Ive got a friend who has a lot of mulch. They practically want to give it away. You can have as much as you want for $xxx per yard. Every yard of mulch covers xxx square feet.

If youd like some call 800-555-5555 and place your order. Itll probably go quickly at this price so call and reserve yours now.

Ill even drop it off at your home to save you the hassle of having to pick it up.

Sincerely,
Fred

**********

You then split the profits with your friend who is in the wood mulch business. The people on your list know you. They trust you. Youve done work for them before. Theyre more likely to buy from you than from anyone else.

Many on your list arent going to be interested in mulch. Some of them will... and theyll be glad you contacted them with a great deal to help them out.

This small business direct marketing tip applies to ALL types of small businesses.

Get your message out. The people most likely to buy from you are waiting to hear from you. You can contact them for next to nothing. Anytime you want.