Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on June 6, 2009 at 3:30pm

Hi Cindy, It's amazed me in the past when my husband and I have offered something for free also in our various businesses. We believe people always feel there's a catch and that if we are offering it for free, we must not value the service much ourselves. What we have found works better is to offer a special discount. My starter package is 2 hours for $75 with no long-term obligation. That way someone can try my services without further obligation and very little cost to begin and find out if we're a good match or not.

Also you require a letter of endorsement for your complimentary day. However what if they don't feel as excited as you think they should and don't want to write a letter of endorsement. What you're offering isn't really free; it has a string attached. I'd suggest you not make that a condition of what you offer. Of course if they are happy with your services you could then ask for the endorsement. We ask instead for honest feedback so we can have information to improve our services. Then if the feedback is great, you can ask if you can use it as a testimonial.

Whatever you decide, you offer should be obvious when you land at your website. Right now you have to scroll down to find it. I'd move it right to the top.

I hope this is helpful and that I've not sounded too critical. Part of what my husband and I do is mentor and coach virtual assistants. We've had many years experience marketing several businesses; so what I've offered here comes from our experience.

Hope this helps!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Cindy Seip on June 6, 2009 at 4:30pm

Sue:

Thank you SO MUCH! That was a powerful critique, and I will act on your suggestions. I had been wondering about the requested letter of endorsement. I truly appreciate the feedback. I'll give it another try to see what happens.

What part of the world are you in? I hope to keep in touch with you. I'm in a growing phase, and I think I could learn alot from you and your husband.

Thanks again for the feedback. It was GRACIOUSLY RECEIVED!!

Cindy Seip
Sue L Canfield said:

Hi Cindy, It's amazed me in the past when my husband and I have offered something for free also in our various businesses. We believe people always feel there's a catch and that if we are offering it for free, we must not value the service much ourselves. What we have found works better is to offer a special discount. My starter package is 2 hours for $75 with no long-term obligation. That way someone can try my services without further obligation and very little cost to begin and find out if we're a good match or not.

Also you require a letter of endorsement for your complimentary day. However what if they don't feel as excited as you think they should and don't want to write a letter of endorsement. What you're offering isn't really free; it has a string attached. I'd suggest you not make that a condition of what you offer. Of course if they are happy with your services you could then ask for the endorsement. We ask instead for honest feedback so we can have information to improve our services. Then if the feedback is great, you can ask if you can use it as a testimonial.

Whatever you decide, you offer should be obvious when you land at your website. Right now you have to scroll down to find it. I'd move it right to the top.

I hope this is helpful and that I've not sounded too critical. Part of what my husband and I do is mentor and coach virtual assistants. We've had many years experience marketing several businesses; so what I've offered here comes from our experience.

Hope this helps!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sue L Canfield on June 7, 2009 at 1:38pm

Hi Cindy,

I'm so glad you graciously received my comments. Also, you have to try something for a while, see what works and what doesn't, continue to do what works and move on when something doesn't.

We're in Roseville, California, just outside of Sacramento. We love meeting new people and talking to them. So feel free to contact us and learn more at our website.

Till we speak again, Sue

• ▶ Reply