The Key (Board) to Success: Effective Emailing – Email-Marketing
The Key (Board) to Success: Effective Emailing
Email is THE medium of communication for business transactions. Unfortunately, people don't treat email with the same care as face to face interactions. It's almost as if we're so complacent with the speed of email that our ability to use it in an effective manner diminishes with every message.But even with technology, you must maintain approachability. In other words, you must be capable of being reached. So, email is not unlike any other form of communication in that requires consideration for the message, the sender and the receiver. Here are four critical keys for email effectiveness.Consistency
Do you check your phone messages every day? Or do you let that blinking red light pulsate out of the corner of your eye for a week before you listen to the recording and call someone back?Of course you get your phone messages every day! Why wouldn't you? Besides, there's bound to be some important calls on there you'd like to return immediately.Okay, so let me ask you this: When you're at work, do you look at new papers in your box consistently? Or do you let that bundle of folders, papers and flyers spew out of edge onto the floor?Of course you check your mail often! You don't want to miss any important dates or notes.And yet, some people don't check their email every day. Why not?! How is email any less important as a form of communication? There's no reason you should check email with less frequency than any other medium. Even if you don't consider yourself "an email person."Handle the Overload
Have you ever received an email that bombarded you with seven or eight questions, one after another? Letters like these can be tough to reply to, unless you organize your response. The best way to handle the overload is through the following reply process:1.Start a blank email, either a reply or a new message.
2.Offer an introductory paragraph that thanks the person for his questions and tells him his answers are listed below.
3.Then go through the body text of the original email and locate each of the questions.
4.Cut, copy and paste each question in the blank space of the new letter as a subheading for your response. (It helps to italicize or bold the original question)
5.Under each question, give your response.
6.Offer a closing paragraph and your signature.Signature
Whatever program you use for email - Outlook, Eudora, Yahoo, Hotmail - find out how to customize your signature. There's nothing more frustrating than receiving an email from someone who wants to talk further, get together or have you send them something that doesn't have any personal information in the email. So at the end of every email you send, always cross reference the following information:
Name
Title
Company/Organization
Mailing address
At least two phone numbers
Fax number
Email address
Website
A sentence or two about yourself, your company or your jobThink of it this way: have you EVER received a handwritten letter from someone that had no return address stamped on the envelope?Email Introductions
A final tool that is beginning to surface more and more in the business world is the email introduction. The purpose of an email introduction is to bring together two people you know who:a) Should meet
b) Have something in common
c) Can help each other
d) All of the aboveBecause email is simply another medium of communication, you need to approach it as such. So when you type out this letter, think about the things you would say in person if you were introducing two new people.Some tips for an effective email introduction are:Give a short, few sentence background on each person
Offer your relationship with each person
Provide phone numbers, websites and email addresses
Keep it short, casual and friendly
Stress the idea of "helping each other out"Here's an example of an effective email introduction:
Dear Wendy and Jamie:Good morning friends! Scott Ginsberg here, hoping all is going well with you both. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce the two of you - I think you can help each other.Jamie...meet my friend Wendy. Wendy owns her own IT consulting company called Computers Are Your Friends, Inc. She mainly works with CIO's of larger firms and speaks to organizations who want to become more efficient with their technology. I had the pleasure of hearing Wendy speak at my Chamber - the audience loved her!And Wendy...meet my friend Jamie. Jamie coordinates all of the quarterly employee luncheons at SDS Technologies. She is responsible for setting up the speakers for next year and is looking for individuals who would be interested in donating their services. Jamie's company is one of the more well known firms in the area and has helped my business a great deal.I hope you two can connect! Here is each other's information:Wendy Brubeck: 314/878-9221
wendyb@sdstech.com
www.sdstech.comJamie Greer: 314/275-6556
greerjt@computersareyourfriends.com
www.computersareyourfriends.comHave a great week!Lovin' life,Scott Ginsberg
that guy with the nametag
Front Porch Productions
P.O. Box 410684
St. Louis, MO 63141
314/374-3397 (C)
314/878-5419 (W)
scott@hellomynameisscott.com
www.hellomynameisscott.comWith these four keys, you will be able to more effectively and efficiently use email as a medium of communication. Remember, email is the way to communicate - so be sure to give it the consideration it deserves.
British Aikido Board National Nepotism Seminar – Martial-Arts
British Aikido Board National Nepotism Seminar
For many years The British Aikido Board (BAB) have shown no interest whatsoever in the true history of British Aikido, to be fair to the BAB, they have shown a great deal of interest and support for the false history of British Aikido for which they have now publicly apologised, the apology by the chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido.Kenshiro Abbe SenseiWhen Kenshiro Abbe Sensei first stepped on British soil in 1955 he brought with him the knowledge of many Budo arts, Aikido being one of them. Abbe Sensei also brought his Aikido based philosophy of Kyu-Shin-Do. This was the inception of British Aikido. Yet no where in the BAB literature will you find any reference to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei or the origins of Aikido within the UK. In the year 2000 the BAB were happy to help promote Mr Pooles proven fraudulent claims to 47 yrs of Aikido, The BAB have now taken this claim by Mr Poole from the BAB Associations information website. I personally received my invitation from the BAB to attend Mr Poole's event, that was the start of the long running British Aikido Board Controversy, yet sadly, the BAB have never ever promoted the true history of British Aikido or its founder Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever
The BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in the year 2000
"We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and
therefore have no interest in the same"Sadly with the arrival of the new BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter nothing changed, he made the statement below despite the factual information available to him and his executive, lets not forget that Mr Sumpter had the only four surviving students of Abbe Sensei for Aikido within the BAB.On the 17th April 2002 The BAB Chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter wrote to Henry Ellis with reference to the history of British Aikido. He then made the following crass statement in his support for the BAB stance on Mr Jack Poole."The period in question predates the creation of the BAB by a significant amount of time and therefore we have no formal records to prove or disprove either claim."The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration Seminar
May 14th Crystal Palace London
720 Participants ?Guests ? SpectatorsAt the Sport England / BAB / Ellis mediation meeting 6th July 2004 where the BAB were reprimanded by Sport England and instructed to give Henry Ellis a full public apology.At the end of the meeting ( The minutes for this meeting can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido ), Henry Ellis appraised Ms Sadie Mason of Sport England of the proposed plans for the Kenshiro Abbe event, Ms Mason suggested that we should involve the BAB in our plans as part of the reconciliation of British Aikido, Henry Ellis agreed.Henry Ellis offered Ms Masons suggestion to the Abbe Event Committee, the suggestion was unanimously accepted 100%. The BAB executive were then approached and invited to send a representative ( any member ) of the BAB to attend our meetings and report back on our progress, this offer was rejected out of hand.Mr Vincent Sumpter
"No matter your Pretence, You are what YOU are and nothing more!"
Kenshiro Abbe SenseiNot deterred, we then invited the BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter to attend The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration as a VIP guest, to pay the respects of the BAB membership of which he represents . There were many BAB members attending, proving that this event was not about personal differences ? styles or what organisation you belong to, I was pleased to see students from Mr Poole's organisation who were also made very welcome. This event was about one thing and one thing only " Kenshiro Abbe Sensie " with demonstrations of the early aikido and its proud standards, with Sensei Eastman showing various techniques to show the influences that the different early teachers brought to the UK in those early days.Students trained with other students of other styles and association with a friendliness not often seen in modern Aikido circles. this event went a long way to promote all that is good in Aikido. I believe that the spirit of Abbe Sensei would be very proud of this special day to his memory.Another crass statement from Mr Vincent Sumpter 27th March 2004, In an unwarranted attack on the genuine aikidoka who supported the British Aikido Controversy debate in its defence of the true history of British Aikido and the Aikido history of Abbe Sensei and his disciples."The Boards conscience is clear. like all the practitioners of Aikido who contribute to this "controversy " Mr Humm appears to have forgotten the meaning of the word "Aikido " ? Harmony of Sprit to find a Way " The "Controversy " website feeds hatred, ill ? feeling, bitterness and discord. For my part, as an aikidoka who is passionate about the art and the etiquette that goes with it, I will therefore not add to the feeding frenzy this website generates. I can't stop what is going on but I can turn the other cheek."With reference to the above statement by Mr Sumpter I should remind the reader to visit www.geocities.com/britishaikido to read both the Sport England minutes and Mr Sumpters apology to Mr Ellis which can only be considered an apology to all that supported the "Controversy " in the name of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei including the named Mr David Humm.In response to our invitation Mr Sumpter replied stating that he graciously accepted our invitation. Just before the event he changed his mind without explanation, suggesting that we allow Mr Ralph Reynolds to represent the BAB.Mr Reynolds had a far more important role to play as one of the main teachers at this event where he was delighted to take part as an original student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.This was such an important event with many good students who were members of the BAB, yet, the British Aikido Board were not represented at this event to pay tribute to such a great master and the founder of our Aikido.If Mr Sumpter had attended he would have seen a Martial Arts Spectacular never before seen in the United Kingdom, where students from many organisations met and renewed old friendships, there were many more that made new friendships.In almost 50 years of Aikido I have never before experienced the special atmosphere that electrified the great hall at Crystal Palace from the moment the Taiko Drummers started to play on this day of celebration in the name of Abbe Sensei. I never ever thought in my life time that I would ever see an event to eclipse the great event at The Royal Albert Hall in 1963 with Abbe Sensei. I knew on Saturday the 14th of May that I was now witnessing the greatest Aikido event in my 48 years of Aikido. I am not an emotional man but I will admit that as I looked over the balcony of the concourse onto the tatami area with the sound of the Taiko Drummers and the hundreds of students and guests gathering below I was unable to stop the trickle of a few emotional tears as I realised I was witnessing something very special.MR SUMPTER, you missed something very special, whilst you sat 40 miles away at home contemptuously ignoring the tribute to the father of British Aikido, others travelled from all parts of the UK ? USA ? France ? Holland ? Germany ? Czechoslovakia. etc.Whilst you sat at home it was a wonderful moment when Sensei Bill Woods who was the personal aide to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and without doubt the most influential force in the history British Martial Arts, made a supreme effort despite his serious illness to pay his respects to the memory of Abbe Sensei.Also whilst you sat at home, Sensei Bill Stopps the personal Aide to Matsutharu Otani Sensei who despite his age and ill health also attended and thanked me wholeheartedly for inviting him as a special guest, and for the wonderful day he had experienced.Whilst you sat at home just 40 miles away, Sensei Robin Otani and his two sons, the descendents of Matsutharu Otani Sensei travelled all the way from Devon to attend.Sensei Joe Curran travelled all the way from Newcastle and Sensei Mike Nery travelled from Bristol. Sensei Dave Rogers travelled 7000 miles from New Mexico USA as did Sensei Al Montemar and Mr Chad Hatcher who flew over from Texas USA to pay their respects. Whilst you sat at home there were many others that travelled long journeys to attend.Unlike you Mr Sumpter these people wanted to attend.You missed some of the finest displays of the Budo arts that any martial artist is ever likely to witness at any one event, a truly lasting experience for all those that made the effort to attend.I was always under the impression that it was the sworn duty of any chairman to always do what was best for his organisation and its members.Try Try Try AgainAfter the disastrous "British Aikido Board Nepotism Seminar 2004" with only 99 students attending out of a membership of approx 15000, the BAB have decided not to hold it's 2005 National Seminar .They are of course fully aware of the fantastic success of the Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations. With 720 participants ? honoured guests ? spectators.The BAB having failed in its four year support for Mr Jack Poole to change the history of British Aikido. They now appear to have a renewed interest in the true history of British Aikido and its founder Kenshiro Abbe.
No matter whatever the British Aikido Board do, that damning statement below will hang over their shameless heads for ever and a day.British Aikido Board Statement Damned ForeverThe BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in the year 2000"We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and
therefore have no interest in the same.""No matter your pretence, you are what you are and nothing more."
Kenshiro AbbeThe British Aikido Board
Disastrous National Nepotism Seminar 2004 ? 99 Students
By Henry EllisHenry Ellis started Aikido in 1957 as a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. His diplomas are signed by the founder of Aikido OSensei himself. Henry Ellis is the Co-author of the new book Positive Aikido.
Internet Marketing and Public Speaking: Seven Steps to a Successful Murder Board – Public-Speaking
Internet Marketing and Public Speaking: Seven Steps to a Successful Murder Board
I recently posted an article providing tips on public speaking for internet marketers, and was bombarded with Emails asking me to expand on one tip in particular-how to conduct a Murder Board, a realistic simulated practice. I did so in a follow-up article providing a more detailed explanation of this practice method, which has its origins in the US military. Now, below, I provide the seven step method to conduct this invaluable practice. This is excerpted from Chapter 14 of my book, The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations.To have a successful and productive Murder Board enabling you to hone your skills and anticipate the difficult questions and comments requiring a response, I have found seven separate steps must be followed.1. Recruiting
2. Sharing audience Intelligence
3. Role-playing by participants
4. Video-taping and/or audio-taping
5. Critique of presenter's Style and Substance
6. Recording on cards of all questions asked
7. Revision of the presentationLet's take a look at each of these steps.1. RecruitingIn recruiting people to be on your Murder Board, the best place to start is with knowledgeable colleagues. Request no more than four of these colleagues to be your simulated audience.Keep in mind, however, that if these colleagues think that the objective of the Murder Board is only to help you look good, they probably will not want to give up their valuable time. You must give them an incentive tied to their self-interest.They will have their own priorities. You should frame your request in such a way that these colleagues see a potential dividend accruing to them by investing their time. Remember from your own experience that "What's in it for me?" is the prime motivator for people to take action. You must find a way to have these colleagues believe they will gain some benefit by being in your simulated audience.Reciprocity is the key. My advice is to recruit only people who themselves will speak in public.. Then you say, "If you will be on my Murder Board now, I will be on yours when you must make a presentation." Presto. They see a potential benefit in the future by spending some time with you now.2. Sharing Audience IntelligenceBecause the purpose of a Murder Board is to create an environment for the presenter similar to the actual situation to be faced, it is important that those playing the members of the audience be armed with as much information about this audience as possible.Participants must be steeped in the details of the issue being presented so they can put themselves in the mental framework of the people who will be in your actual audience. Information on the personal styles, idiosyncrasies, temperament, etc. of these audience members provides insight into how they will react to certain comments or proposals. Your colleagues can better role-play if they have this information. The more you know about personalities of audience members, the less surprised you will be in the presentation.3. Role-playing by participantsThe success or failure of a Murder Board ultimately depends on its realism. The closer it is to the real thing, the better prepared will be the presenter. This realism, to a great degree, depends on the ability of your colleagues to get into the heads of the key players in your actual audience.This does not mean having a great gift for acting or mimicry; but it does mean trying to think like the people in the audience so that statements made by the presenter will provoke questions likely to be asked by the actual audience.After sharing all the intelligence gained on the audience, and eliciting from participants any insights they have on these people, assign specific roles to participants. If you are presenting to senior executives, you most certainly want a person to play the key decision maker.4. Video-taping / audio-tapingThe actual conduct of the Murder Board is likely to not run smoothly, with various interruptions and discussions. Moreover, the presenter cannot be expected to remember all the comments, bits of advice, and questions asked. Consequently, much of the spontaneous, valuable information could be lost, even if someone is taking careful notes.It is beneficial to have both a video camera and a tape recorder running, during the practice presentation. This will provide a "game film" enabling you to see and hear yourself as your audience will see and hear you.Perhaps the fundamental benefit of recording the practice session is that you will have a record of the questions asked in the give-and-take of the presentation, as well as your answers. Without an electronic record, the questions stimulated by your presentation, and your answers, could be lost, thereby negating many of the benefits of the Murder Board.5. Critique of presenter's Style and SubstanceYou have now completed your Murder Board, and, in the process, have used the valuable time of your colleagues. Now is the time to ask them for a robust critique of the substance of your presentation and your delivery style.Keep the video camera and tape recorder rolling. These colleagues may be more expert in certain aspects of your presentation than you are, and you certainly want to tap into this expertise.Additionally, they have just seen you presenting in a stressful environment - presenting before your colleagues may be more difficult than before potential customers - and their comments on how you looked, how you sounded, and your overall presence can be invaluable. Thank them for giving up their time, and remind them that you are ready to pay back when their time comes to make an important presentation.6. Recording all questions asked on cardsNow it is just you, a VCR, a tape recorder and a stack of 3x5 cards. Why the cards? Because you are now going to go through the painful process of listening to how you answered the questions posed by your colleagues. Place each question asked on the front side of a 3x5 card. On the back - in pencil - place the answer you gave, or a better one if it occurs to you now, and it probably will. Why pencil? Because you are going to come up with better answers the more you think and research.When you are at home watching television, have that stack of cards nearby. When a commercial comes on the screen, select a card at random, look at the question, give an answer, and turn the card over. If your new answer is better than the one on the back of the card, make the correction.Go through this procedure a few times, seeking each time to improve your answer so that you not only address the specifics of the question, but also find ways to reinforce your main points.Following this procedure will do much to remove the fear of the unanticipated question, which has such a direct influence on fear of public speaking.7. Revise the presentationHaving completed your Murder Board, you are now faced with a dilemma. What do you do with all the new data generated by this most intense practice session? What if the audience doesn't ask the questions for which you have developed such great answers? Do you just leave this information in your files?The answer is a resounding NO. Remember, your responsibility as a presenter is to provide maximum relevant information in minimum time in the clearest manner possible.You must make a judgment as to which information best fits your objective and the informational needs of your audience. Some of the material you had originally had in your presentation may well have to be dropped, replaced by information that surfaced as a result of questions and discussions in the Murder Board.The bottom line on the Murder BoardYou need to conduct a Murder Board for the same reason that professional football teams, despite having injured players who could benefit from a rest, go through physically demanding practice sessions before the next game.It is foolish to deliver an important presentation without going through an intense Murder Board. The wise presenter realizes that he or she should put as much effort into the presentation as has been put into the product or service being sold.Copyright 2005 Larry TracyThis article is excerpted from Larry Tracy's book, The Shortcut to Persuasive Presentations. Larry, a retired Army colonel, was called "an extraordinarily effective speaker" by President Ronald Reagan. He has been cited in numerous publications as one of the top presentation skills trainers in the US. His website is at top of Google for "persuasive presentations. Visit it for FREE tips and articles:
http://www.tracy-presentation.com