Thanks to guest blogger, Andrea Feinberg.

In updating one of my marketing programs (that I’ll be presenting on Kaua`i in June), I recently reached out to some of my savvy colleagues and asked for their insight on the top 3 most cost-effective strategies in their marketing toolboxes.

Here are the 3 most powerful forms of marketing recommended by business coach Andrea Feinberg:

1. Exquisite customer care: Business from established customers has the lowest cost of acquisition, in terms of energy and money.

Those who are already doing business with me have made that conscious choice and each time they receive my service or use my product successfully, that choice has been reinforced. That person or business is the ideal prospect for expanded purchase choices, referring others, providing feedback, market research, testimonials, product development ideas and more.

2. Good manners: Nothing is more powerful than treating a client, customer or prospect the way you hope your friends will treat you: lovingly, respectfully and with pleasure when you call or write! That means:

• Saying ‘I’m sorry’ if they report a bad experience.
• Saying ‘thank you’ when they bring that poor experience to your attention.
• Following up as promised.
• Providing a consistent experience of quality and offering unexpected gifts (like something with high perceived value yet low real cost) with delivery of service or products.
• Being generous with those who ask for your help (as long as it does not compromise your own values and priorities).

3. Public speaking and tele-classes: I’m in a business that provides tangible results through service delivery. Part of that service implies having a relationship with me; whether someone works with me as their executive coach, they buy my book or an e-program, it’s all delivered through my point of view and expertise.

So, using marketing tools that reveal what that might be like is important. The more I can do that through live or recorded presentations, the more someone is likely to want to know more (and they opt in for a free offer) or it will validate their impression and they’ll make a purchase.

Bonus #4! – Referrals: Sometimes, a choice to buy depends on the positive experience and recommendation of someone else. Typically that ‘someone else’ either is highly respected by your prospect or had a problem similar to your prospect’s and it got solved. And then that would take you back to #1, exquisite customer care, as a strong marketing tool!

Regarding the cost of these tools: time, thought and consistent application; not once have I reached into my wallet to buy & use these because my mom raised me right!!

Do you use any of Andrea’s 4 favorite marketing tools? Have another one you’d like to share? Feel free to post it in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you. Thanks!

About guest blogger, Andrea Feinberg: President of Coaching Insight, LLC, Andrea Feinberg gently nudges former-corporate-women-turned-business-owners from the daily grind toward big picture opportunities—more money, a happier life and the time to enjoy it all.

Ever notice, when you’re on your Fan Page, there’s a box that says “Invite Friends?” (NOTE: To respect privacy, I erased the names of the peeps in my Invite Box image to the left.)

On different days, different names pop up and you might think “cool, I’ll invite those folks to “like” my page.” I know, I thought that way.

However, I noticed that even after hitting the “invite” button, the same peeps would appear in that box repeatedly. I started to worry that I’d be inviting them more than once without realizing it and I didn’t want to come across to them as being a “nudge.”

Today, thanks to Andrea Vahl (aka Grandma Mary – the slightly cranky Social Media Edutainer), I discovered that this “Invite Friends” box is better off ignored. I was glad to hear it as I have definitely found it to be kind of “wonky.” Therefore, I wasn’t all that shocked when Andrea suggested we steer clear and avoid using it as a means of inviting friends to “like” our pages.

I was pleasantly surprised when she showed me a new way to invite friends. It’s so easy that I couldn’t believe I didn’t know it was there. So, I’m happy to share this with you to make bringing your friends to the party easier as well.

Here are 5 simple steps to follow:

1. Log onto Facebook as your Personal Profile.

2. Go to your Fan Page (still logged in as your personal profile).

3. Once on your Fan Page, click on the “Build Audience” button.

4. Highlight “Invite Friends” on the drop down menu.

5. Voila, another box will open up showing you your Facebook friends. Those friends who have already “liked” your Fan Page will be faded (i.e. greyed) out. Go ahead and check the others you want to invite and hit “submit.” Facebook will confirm that, “We’ve let your friends know about your page.”

Did you know about this nifty, easy-to-use Facebook tip? Post your thoughts in the comment section. And, if you have a simple Facebook tip to share, please do so as well. Thanks!

Did you know May 7, 2013 has been designated “Basic Goodness Day” by Sakyong Mipham, spiritual leader of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage?

This day offers you an opportunity to celebrate your own and others’ goodness. According to Sakyong Mipham’s Facebook page:

“All you have to do is know beyond doubt that you are good, that you possess inherent worth and value.”

“When you do, something extraordinary happens. You come into your power. Your confidence rises and your distrust lessens. Your world becomes full of possibility rather than hassles. You see that others also possess this goodness and your heart opens to them,” writes Sakyong Mipham.

Here are 6 ways you can celebrate this day:

1. If you are a parent, say or do something to affirm the goodness of your children and let them know they are worthy of love and kindness, no matter what.

2. If you are a boss, communicate this message to your employees.

3. If you are a coach, acknowledge your clients with gratitude. And, encourage them to pass the message along to their own clients.

4. If you’re a teacher, affirm this truth to your students and suggest that they do the same for their friends.

5. If you’re in a relationship, let your partner know what makes you smile when you see, hear, touch or think about him/her.

6. Blog about it.

“Such affirmations can come in the form of words, actions, or by simply thinking of another person and feeling kindness in your heart toward them, whether you speak it or not. Basic Goodness Day is about bringing out the natural tendency of your heart to open, express, and give. You can offer something to everyone you encounter on this day,” continues Sakyong Mipham.

Today, I will think of those I love who are no longer here with me and I will keep my heart open and express my love to those who are.

What will you do today to share your basic goodness? Please post your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Patty Farmer, “The Networking CEO(TM)”, is a highly sought after public speaker, radio show host, author, and marketing professional. She is a shining example of how passionate leadership coupled with a truly personal touch can create a meaningful and enduring platform bringing lasting and very real-world benefits.

I am honored that Patty has invited me to be a featured guest to speak about copywriting tips on her Networking CEO radio show. During the live broadcast on May 3, 2013 we discussed:

• How you can best communicate your passion to get results.
• A formula you can use to tempt your prospects to respond.
• Two things you need to know before ever putting a pen to paper.

The show aired at 10:00am CT (9:00am MT). If you missed the live broadcast, click here and listen to the replay. Then, share your thoughts in the comment section. I’d love to hear from you. Or, if you have a copywriting question you want answered, please let me know. Thanks!

Thanks to guest blogger Eyenie Schlutz.

I see so many amazing, kick-ass women going through life on cruise-control, staring at one spot, missing all the loveliness that they could be tapping into, and it makes my ticker hurt with sadness because, yo, it doesn’t have to be that way!

Having fun and enjoying life is possible, no matter what the circumstances or context may be. However, having fun and leaning into life enough to savor it genuinely and profoundly are skills you have to actually focus on and practice!

When you are aware of the fact that having fun and feeling your inner passion – BURN baby BURN – is completely within your control, it’s a real game-changer. It’s like you wake up from a looooong sleep with your own “true love’s kiss” (sorry, I may or may not have watched a few episodes of “Once Upon a Time.”).

Here’s What I Want for You

I want you to:

• Be giddy to get out of bed in the morning!
• See sparks and excitement around you every live-long day!
• Be fueled with creativity and excitement and yearning for adventure!
• Feel ecstatic pride and love about being you!

YAY!

That’s why my colleague Sun Bonds and I have created some fun and easy Weekly Passion Igniters. Sign up and start turning up the heat in your inner passion so you begin enjoying life just a little bit more. . .

What do you do to feel vibrant, alive and happy to be you? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you!

About Guest Blogger, Eyenie Schultz: Eyenie (pronounced “eh-zje-knee”) is a Human Highlighter and Certified Razzle-Dazzle Confidence Coach who helps unicorns believe in themselves. After living in different bustling cities around the world, and chasing happiness in each one, she realized it could only be found from within.

Today, Eyenie lives in the south of France and is happier than ever before. She uses her magic tool kit to sprinkle every day with razzle-dazzle, pizzazz, flow and ease. . . and she ecstatically helps her clients do exactly the same! To learn more about her please visit www.lucidmusing.com.