Lou Serrano Marketing.com

Posts Tagged ‘Prospects’

Let me share with you a short, personal story. Years ago I was in the process of purchasing my first home. I interviewed several real estate agents, and they all seemed competent, professional, and pleasant. One of the agents that I met presented me with a binder that was filled with dozens of hand written and typed testimonial letters from previous clients. They all thanked the agent for the wonderful job he had done in helping them find their dream homes, and they were all incredibly happy with the entire sales process.

I read page after page. Each was a glowing review of the person sitting in front of me. After reading about a dozen or so letters, I realized this was the person I wanted representing me in my first home purchase. I’ve never forgotten the impact those letters had on me.

Testimonials accomplish three things.

1. Promote Credibility. Testimonials provide social proof that your products and services are as effective as you say. Instead of tooting your own horn, other people do it for you. Prospects are more inclined to believe what others say about you as opposed to what you have to say about yourself.

2. Build Trust. When customers with nothing to gain are saying wonderful things about your products and services, it decreases the level of skepticism surrounding your business. Knowing that others have had positive results in dealing with you, others feel a sense of security laying a foundation for trust.

3. Help Close The Deal. In the example I gave with the real estate agent, it was the plethora of testimonial letters that helped close the deal. Given a choice, customers want the best products and services they can afford. If past customers are raving about their experience in doing business with you, others won’t want to be left out.

One of the best ways to get a testimonial is to shoot a video of your customers immediately after they’ve done business with you. If you’ve delivered the goods, your customers will be happy to give you a raving review.

Testimonial videos can be much more compelling than a written or printed testimonial. The viewer will have an easier time identifying with the people in your video, which can enhance the effectiveness of the testimonial.

The video above was edited using iMovie. It’s a very simple editing job, but its quite effective. This video and others will be used in conjunction with text testimonials on my new website that is currently under construction.

To your success,

Los Angeles magician, Lou Serrano

In the past I’ve talked about the importance of having a blog, and in particular about having a video blog to grow your business, about the value you can convey to your prospects and customers, and the benefits to you and your business of having a blog (see Top Three Reasons For Having A Blog / Feb.10, 2011).

In April of last year I posted a vlog where I shared some simple yet effective tips on How To Get Started With Vlogging. At that time I recommended the Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera. Well, I just recently purchased the Kodak Zi10 Play Touch, and I wanted to share my results.

In the above video you can see a comparison of both video and audio quality of the camera I used to use and the Kodak Zi10. I think you will be amazed by the contrast.

There are two features that attracted me to the Kodak Zi10. First, is the price. For less than $100 you can purchase this 1080p HD quality pocket video camera. It’s basically the size of an iPhone, so it fits in your pocket and you can take it anywhere. Second, it’s the only pocket video camera currently on the market that has an external microphone jack. This feature was the most important to me. Now along with crystal clear video, you can also get crystal clear audio.

Check out the video above and you’ll see and hear the difference. If you’re looking for an inexpensive camera that gives quality results for your video blog, the Kodak Zi10 is definitely worth your consideration.

Corporate Magician and Keynote Speaker, Lou Serrano

I want to share with you the top three reasons why every business owner should have a blog. Whether you’re a magician, musician, variety artist, speaker, coach, consultant, a product-based business, or a service-based business, every business can benefit from having a blog.

1. Create More Value
It allows you to create more value to the people around you, your prospects, and your customers. If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, then you know how much I believe in creating more value for others. You can share your expertise on your subject. You can also educate your prospects and customers on your products and services and how they are of benefit to them.

2. Develop Relationships
After a while you will start to develop relationships with your readers and viewers, even if they’ve never met you before. They will view you as a trusted friend, consultant, and as an authority on your subject. If there’s a time when they have a need for your products or services, they will think of you before they think of your competition, which will lead to an increase in business.

3. Your Social Networking Hub
Your blog will serve as the hub of your entire social networking structure. Think about it this way. Let’s say you have a static website. A static website can be compared to an old newspaper. You read it once and you throw it away. The same is true for a static website. You may visit it once, but there’s no reason to go back. A blog is like having a fresh newspaper ever day or every week, depending on how often you update your blog. There is a constant flow of new information you’re sharing, so there’s a reason to come back.

You can use all your social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube, etc.) to direct traffic to your blog. From there you can direct traffic to your other websites depending on the needs of your clients.

Keep in mind that putting up a blog is not like the movie, The Field of Dreams, where if you build it they will come. People won’t find your blog unless you promote it. You can do that through all your social media networks, along with posting messages in online forums, and writing and submitting e-zine articles.

You will find that as you promote your blog you will increase your sphere of influence. More people will find your blog and in turn your business will grow.

As always, I welcome your comments,

Corporate magician, Lou Serrano