Ben Settle

Yap, yap, yap.

That seems like all most so-called “sales” people do.

Case in point:

A couple months ago I decided to join the 21st century and actually (gasp!) purchase HD cable. I don’t watch a lot of TV (except NetFlix, of course) but now I can see why everyone is so sold on it — it looks awesome!

But what’s not so awesome was the sales guy.

All he did was yap away.

He caked on the lame sales “techniques.”

And, in fact, almost talked himself out of the sale!

To make matters worse… amongst all this yapping and closing and trying to get me into a sales choke hold (more like a sleeper hold), he hardly asked ANY questions.

Which is kind of funny.

Because I was already sold and only had one question.

Had he asked me about it, and answered it, I would have been sold in about 15 seconds, instead of getting thrown into the octagon for a 25 minute sales battle to the death.

Anyway, the point?

Throw away the sales techniques.

Put away the script.

And just ask questions when selling.

The rest will take care of itself.

If you want some guidance, then the October Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue (which goes to print soon) contains a bonus insert with 7 specific questions you can ask someone when selling something to them.

It works for both products and services, too.

And it’s a free bonus with the next issue.

You still have time to subscribe at…

Ben Settle

Some things just don’t make no sense.

Especially in the business world.

In fact, the longer I’m in business, and deal with other business people (and hear from other business people) the more “don’t make no sense” things I see and hear.

Take the following, for example:

1. People who claim they can show me how to make $10k per month, but don’t make $10 per hour

2. Goo-roos selling traffic courses with nothing but JV’s

3. Testing small dinky changes and never big changes

4. People who excessively swipe other ads and then complain when someone swipes them

5. Building a twitter following instead of an email list

6. Social media experts who whine when people don’t follow or friend them back

7. Newbies paying to learn from other newbies

8. Entrepreneurs thinking politicians can save their business

9. Procrastinating on doing a task because the task will take a long time to accomplish

10. Only sending out emails when you have something to promote (talk about leaving money on the table…)

There are probably 100 other things to tack onto this list.

But then, I’d just belabor the point and waste time.

And that wouldn’t make no sense either.

Ben Settle

P.S. The October Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue goes to print soon. It’s about finding clients (for any business) and contains all kinds of proven sales tips you can apply to any kind of selling (offline, online, products, services, etc).

Plus, you also get 12 valuable bonuses, too.

Details over yonder at:

The following may sound a bit “out there.”

But, there’s a powerful marketing technique involved.

Something ANY business can do.

However, instead of me blabbing on about it and trying to act like I know what I’m talking about, I’ll give you an example of a ministry run by Crypto Marketing Newsletter subscriber Guy Malone who caters to a specific kind of person:

People who have had UFO experiences.

Now, most churches totally ignore this phenomenon.

Or, worse, send people packing to a shrink.

But Guy and his partners actually help people who have had these experiences deal with the spiritual aspect of what’s going on and help free them from it.

Anyway, I find what they do fascinating.

And I’m extremely impressed with their work.

But, you may be wondering… what’s any of this got to do with you?

Simply this:

Guy and his partners SPECIALIZE.

Now, I don’t want to speak for them, but from what I can tell they have picked a very specific “niche” to focus on, that they all have experience with (in different ways).

So they don’t convert the natives of hard-to-find countries.

They don’t preach in hostile war zones.

And they don’t feed millions of people in 3rd world countries, etc.

There’s nothing wrong with ANY of those things.

But it’s not their speciality.

Helping UFO experiencers is.

And, as a result, they’re able to help a LOT of people with a very specific problem far better than if they tried to be a “Wal-Mart” ministry catering to every single problem that afflicts every single person.

It’s like a brain surgeon vs a GP.

If you have a brain tumor, who you gonna call?

And it’s the same with any business.

If you help a very specific kind of person, with a very specific kind of problem, chances are you’ll never lack for customers or clients.

Frankly, they’ll come TO you.

And, they won’t be satisfied with anyone else.

Because you’re the “specialist.”

In other words…

“If you want to monetize, start to specialize.”

Ben Settle

P.S. To learn more about Guy Malone’s ministry, check out:

A couple years ago I wrote an ad I think will do well.

I say “think” because it hasn’t run yet.

Yes, even though everyone who’s read it thinks it’s the best thing since sliced watermelon, the original client I wrote it for never used it. And so, a couple marketing buddies and I decided to run our own traffic to it and see what happens.

Now, here’s the thing:

If this project takes off, that means I’ll write upsell emails.

And, unlike my other ads these will be in a woman’s voice.

(The ad is in a woman’s voice, too.)

This is a strange phenomenon as almost all my clients have been in male dominated markets (golf, self defense, etc) and so I’ve always gotten away with basically writing to a market I’m a part of.

Anyway, here’s the point:

All this got me to thinking about the freelance business.

Being a good “writer” is not enough.

You really have to be a student of people.

You have to know the differences between how the sexes think (and yes, men and women ARE different).

How different countries respond to direct response.

And how people make decisions.

It’s not rocket science, by any means.

But is something to think about.

If you want to learn the secrets to getting freelance clients (for any kind of service business), check out the next issue of The Crypto Marketing Newsletter:

It goes to print in 2 weeks.

And it comes with a PILE of valuable bonuses, too.

Ben Settle

Yesterday’s email caused a bit of a ruckus.

Remember that one?

It was about how I think a lot of copywriters’ websites are making a big mistake by trying to create demand for their copywriting services… instead of simply talking to those who are ALREADY looking for a copywriter.

Well, guess what?

That mindset applies to ANY kind of selling.

Yes, even info products.

Example?

OK, once upon a time I was privy to someone giving a young copywriter an ad critique. The ad was selling a product on how to buy large businesses. The guy who gave the critique said it was a great ad, written well, very good “copywriting.”

But, he then said this:

“The problem is, you have a solution looking for a problem.”

And it was true.

This ad spent a lot of time trying to convince people why they should want to make a lot of dough, why they should want time freedom, why they should want to travel and own cars and boats and houses, etc.

In other words, it tried to “create” demand.

A big no-no.

And had it ran it would have FLOPPED.

But because of the advice, it kicked gluteus assimus for years.

And the copywriter?

He learned a very valuable lesson about selling.

(I know ‘cuz I wrote the original flawed ad – doh!)

Anyway, the point?

Far too many ads are in “convincing” mode… when they should be in “persuasion” mode.

This info has been worth a LOT to my business.

I hope you put it to good use…

Ben Settle

P.S. For more PERSUASION (not convincing) tips, secrets and ideas, check out the valuable free bonuses you get (by instant download) when you subscribe to “The Crypto Marketing Newsletter”:

Here’s a lively question:

“Ben, I’m intrigued by the way you get clients on your site, it seems like madness that you have nothing but a short little write up on your blog and not a long form sales letter like all the other pros. Do you have another page or is that what you use???”

Let me ‘splain the madness to my method.

Actually, it’s quite sane.

And, in fact, after this methinks you’ll find the long form sales pitch freelancers are the ones suffering from madness.

You see, it all comes down to sales 101:

Sell to buyers.

If you look at the long form freelance pages, many drone on and on about why the prospect “needs” copywriting, all the green stuff copywriting will bring in, how they learned from all the best copywriting goo-roos, etc.

Does this work?

I suppose it does.

I mean, some of these guys do pretty well.

But the best clients are people ALREADY using copy.

Are ALREADY hiring freelancers.

And are ALREADY willing to pay you what you’re worth.

Example?

OK, let’s say you are selling web design services. You have two prospects, one who just got on the web and doesn’t know the benefits of good design… and one with 100 sites, loves testing different designs and is always hiring new designers.

Which one is the easier sell?

Which one do you think pays more?

And which one do you think will get out of your way and let you do your thing, instead of micro-managing your every move?

’nuff said.

And that’s why my pitch is short.

I’m only talking to the buyers.

People who already know they want to hire me.

(As most of my “selling” is done by emails each day.)

All they need are a few details.

Anyway, I’m teaching 10 (very simple) ways to get clients in the October Crypto Marketing Newsletter in a couple weeks.

As you’ll see, getting clients doesn’t have to be hard.

Doesn’t have to be painful.

And doesn’t have to be something you sweat over.

In fact, it can be quite easy.

To subscribe before it goes to print go to:

Ben Settle

Lately, people have been asking about freelancing.

Not just freelance copywriting.

But ALL kinds of freelancers (designers, coaches, etc.)

Do I have any advice for them?

Any tips?

Why, yes I do.

But it’s probably NOT exactly what they want to hear.

You see, freelancing CAN be a lucrative gig. It CAN free you from corporate servitude. And it CAN give you the kind of freedom (and even security) you’ll never get even at a “good job.”

But, it’s not without its problems.

Frankly, it’s a LOT like being a wandering samurai.

Back in the day (from what I’ve been told, at least) many Samurai were highly skilled fighters who wandered the countryside looking for work, eeking out a living, and hoping to stumble upon someone in need. Yes, they made enough to pay the bills and yes they had lots of “freedom.” But they often did crap jobs for years while being expected to live a code of honor their clients rarely adhered to themselves.

Plus, there were duels, too.

To get a job sometimes a Samurai had to duel another Samurai. And those fights could be to the death — with cutting, hacking and dismemberments galore.

Again, sort of like freelancing in some ways.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some laughs along the way.

But it can be frustrating and rough at times.

However, it can also be tops, too, as it can help dig you out of deep financial holes, pay off nagging debts (big and small), and get you FAR ahead financially.

So it’s definitely got it’s advantages.

But just don’t STAY a freelancer forever.

That’s my take on it, anyway.

Whatever the case, if you’re interested in getting clients (no matter what service you sell), check out the upcoming October Crypto Marketing Newsletter issue.

It’s all about getting freelance clients (for ANY kind of service).

Including “sneaky” ways that can get you jobs fast.

To subscribe, go to:

Ben Settle

P.S. Even if you have no desire to do client-type work, this issue contains a TON of overall sales secrets that can be applied to ANY kind of selling.

Plus, let’s face it:

In this economy the ability to get clients can’t hurt, can it?

A while back I wrote about “Sun” Magazine.

Sun is a sort of spinoff of the (now online only) rag “The Weekly World News”, and is by FAR my favorite read each week. Not just because of all the bizarre stuff I can use as fodder for emails and other online content, but because it’s rife with great headlines.

Yes, I know National Enquirer is supposedly the headline king.

But it’s a joke compared to Sun (IMHO).

Just another celebrity gossip rag.

Whoop-dee-doo.

But Sun?

Oh yeah, baby!

It entertains (and even educates) like nothing else.

And the headlines?

They’re TOPS.

In fact, below are a bunch of headlines from last week’s issue worth stocking in ye olde swipe file shoppe:

What Michelle Hides From Obama

Science Proves God Cures!

Dead Baby Awakes In Coffin

Revenge Of The Superfly
…killer bugs head for America

Deli Meats Are Bladder Cancer Risk

Beer Builds Your Bones

World’s Shortest Man Aims High To Win World Title

ET’s Tweeting Messages To Earth

What Your Favorite Ice Cream Reveals About You

Birthday Candles Burn Down 102-Year-Old’s Family Home

Wife Divorces Hubby For Donating To Sperm Bank

Top scientist has proved…
You Could Go Back To The Future!

Home Remedies That Really Work

Anyway, lots of golden “fodder” in them thar hills.

I hope they inspire your noggin’.

Ben Settle

P.S. I don’t know if it’s something in the water or what — but been getting LOTS of questions about how to get freelance clients (not just copywriting, but also for other services).

Well, guess what?

Maybe there IS something in the water.

Because the October Crypto Marketing Newsletter is ALL about getting clients (regardless of what service you offer).

Now, I can’t make you any promises, of course.

But I will say this:

I’d be very surprised if anyone who reads that issue didn’t walk away with several ideas they can implement right away and get PAYING clients (again, no matter what the service).

A bold claim?

I suppose it is.

But I stand by every word.

To subscribe, go to:

While you’re waiting for your first issue, you can take advantage of 12 digitally delivered (i.e. instantly delivered) bonuses with a “for real” retail value of over $1,500.00

(That’s what it’d cost to access these bonuses, otherwise).

Looks like people are freaking over Google again.

In fact, was just reading about someone who seems genuinely angry, confused and discombobulated about Google banning accounts over “bridge” pages not being Google compliant.

The big question is why is Google doing this?

Why?

WHY?

Well, I’m no Google expert (not even an ex-spurt) and I’m the LAST person you should listen to when it comes to PPC strategy, slaps and spanks.

So I consulted a “for real” expert on this instead:

My friend Jim Yaghi.

Jim is a computer scientist who got the PPC “bug” when he was studying to get his PhD in computer science. He has also spent a lot of time as the “in house” AdWords consultant for the world’s largest home business marketing training site. And believe it or not, while he WAS “banned” once, he’s one of the few ever to get back on Google afterwards without missing a beat (ask the goo-roos how many of them have done that).

What’s the secret of his PPC awesomeness?

He understands artificial intelligence.

Or “AI” as he calls it.

AI is how software and computer programs (like Google AdWords, for example) think, behave and respond to input and human interaction.

Anyway, so I asked Jim about the recent Google fart.

I asked him…

“Jim, I’m no PPC goo-roo, but it seems to me if people would simply build an email list and then email it offers, this new Google spank would be a non-issue. Or am I missing something?”

His answer?

“yeah that’s exactly what i do.”

So simple, isn’t it?

So, so, so simple.

Someone once said goo-roos make so much of the green stuff because they complicate the simple.

And unfortunately, methinks that’s true.

But you know what else I think?

There’s lots MORE money in simplifying the complicated, instead.

Just a thought.

Take your business back from Google (using email) here:

Ben Settle