Know-How News by MarketingProfs.com

Issue 63 | August 11, 2006

Dear Askers & Answerers,

You've probably heard about Malcolm Gladwell's book, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. But have you had a chance to read it? It can be tough to keep up with all the latest must-read business material. If you'd like a short-cut, check out the summary we're featuring as this week's Premium Article.

Next you'll find two articles about evergreen topics in small business marketing: permission-based email marketing and value propositions.

Curious what's new in the forum this week? See the highlights below. Read expert advice about giving products away free. Learn more about KHEr, Mansing. Listen to a seminar about paid search. And find out how one member won 43.7 bazillion krupcheks.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter. Have a great weekend!

Happy exchanging,

:: Valerie Frazee
:: Know-How News Editor
:: MarketingProfs.com
:: Where 190,000 marketers connect, learn, succeed.

P.S. Need to know more about online surveys, voicemail or email marketing? Please ask our advertisers for more information. Their support makes this newsletter possible.

Book Summary: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

The Fundamentals of Permission-Based Email Marketing

Is There Value in Your Value Proposition?

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Book Summary: Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell

By Michael L. Perla

You are probably "thin-slicing" this bit of copy right now. You are quickly judging, in seconds, whether it's worth reading on.

Right now, your customers are thin-slicing your offerings, your Web site, and your marketing communications. They are rapidly deciding, often unconsciously, whether your message is credible, whether you can be trusted, and whether they should take your call, read your collateral or browse your Web site.

If you don't know what thin-slicing is, what it means, and how it works—then read on.

Get the full story.

Note: This article is available to our Premium Members only.

The Fundamentals of Permission-Based Email Marketing

By Neil Anuskiewicz

Despite the death knell sounded for email marketing, it has persevered as the most direct and effective way to reach your customers. It's critical, however, to reach them on their terms. Here are the basics for how to send permission-based email that speaks to your clients and prospects.

Get the full story.

Is There Value in Your Value Proposition?

By Denise Shiffman

With all the emphasis these days on getting your message out using online media, we sometimes forget to focus on how to develop the right message. Many companies go to market without having fully defined their customer value propositions. Don't make that mistake.

Get the full story.

Boost email, direct mail and event results by 25-40% -- Guaranteed!

Get Boxpilot's free 5-page report to learn how easy it is to enhance your current campaigns with guided voicemail!

Here are this week's hottest topics. These have been the most active discussions in KHE over the last seven days.

These are this week’s superstars! The Most Stimulating started the hottest discussions. The Most Active contributed the most posts (questions + answers). And the Most Expert earned the most points.

Most Stimulating	Most Active	Most Expert
sdtincup chromielouise bomic i.abdellah marybethbentwood aweitzel lisa ThinkWell patdean	rbauman Frank Hurtte MANSING ag_gervais Jon Aston vic joekelepolo W.M.M.A. deni418 alyson	rbauman Deremiah, *CPE Frank Hurtte MANSING vittosquinta Jon Aston alyson Puru ag_gervais Tatyiana

Long-time member Josh is seeking help with his retail art business. He wonders whether offering coupons for free prints will generate a fan base ready to pay full price. Give-aways are a tricky business. Read what the experts have to say.

Discussion: Free Promotion ... Expect Future Sales?

Have something to add? Please do! You could win points.

Mansing Bhor MANSING first joined the Forum at the end of April this year. In the intervening 3 months he has responded to over 250 questions, making him one of our “Most Active Members”. That’s pretty amazing for someone with a full-time job who is also a PhD student. Carrie likes the way he personalizes responses to questions by clicking on the person’s alias to get their name. Read on to learn more about this active participant.

Profile: Meet Mansing Bhor

Or browse 1262 profiles in our Member Directory.

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Each week you will find something handy in this spot. It will be temporarily available as a thank-you for opening our newsletter. This week's prize is our popular seminar: ESSENTIALS of Paid Search Marketing. Click here to read the description. (Notice it sells for US$99.) Then use the link below to replay the recording any time before KHN mails again next Friday. Enjoy!

Resource: ESSENTIALS of Paid Search Marketing

Or browse 375 resources posted by members in our Resource Library.

OK, so this is a bit of a departure from marketing, but it should make you smile. Veteran member Frank Hurtte posted a question about the British Random Lottery, to which phil.wesel replied with an amusing story about good fortune and aliens.

Discussion: Am I the Luckiest Guy in the World, or What?

Have something to add? Please do! You could earn points.

Want to share the news? Invite your colleagues to participate in our online discussion forum, Know-How Exchange.

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