Gary Halbert newsletters, a powerful direct mail example, and a nifty little book…
Earlier this week, I posted a valuable episode of my 3 in 3 show at
http://www.mikecapuzzi.tv/2011/07/
In case you missed it, it’s well worth three minutes of your time to check it out.
On this particular episode I shared three tips for helping your improve your business and marketing.
Resource #1
The first was a little, classic book by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones called “Life is Tremendous.”
This book is less than 100 pages and over 2 million copies of this book have been sold since it was first published. It’s full of positive and actionable leadership strategies relevant to everybody reading this article.
While you may not have heard of Charlie Jones, who passed away in 2008, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. You can grab a copy for under $10.00 on amazon.com.
Resource #2
Would you like free access to a number of must-read newsletters from the late, great copywriting and direct marketing expert, Gary Halbert? Then check out
If you don’t know who Gary Halbert was, you should. He was one of the most successful copywriters who ever lived before passing away in 2007.
Starting in the late 80’s, Gary wrote The Gary Halbert Letter, a monthly print newsletter full of marketing wisdom and Gary’s unique style of writing and wit.
Fortunately, you can access many past editions of Gary’s newsletter at the web site above. And while it’s not the easiest site to navigate and it will take you a few clicks to get to them, but its well worth the search.
Resource #3
My last resource is a proven direct mail strategy and one I’ve used many times in my own business. It’s a format that practically guarantees the piece will be opened.
Think you know what it is? It’s making your direct mail look like a personalized greeting card.
Who can resist not opening up something that looks like a birthday or greeting card?
The key for a successful mailing is to make it look exactly like a card envelope you would buy at a greeting card store.
You want to handwrite the recipient’s name and address or use a handwritten font at a minimum.
Personally, I put my name and return address on the envelope and depending on the context of the mailing, I may use a CopyDoodle on the outside as a teaser.
You should also use a live stamp. The point is to make it look like you’re sending one card to one friend.
8 times out of 10, I will put in a greeting-card style mailer inside the envelope. It could be a thank you card, an obscure holiday card or you can even make up your own holiday reason for mailing like my friend Charlie McDermott did with his recent National Web TV Day mailing.
So if you want to create a direct mail piece that begs to be opened, create your own greeting card-style mailer.
You can check out past episodes of my 3 in 3 web TV show (the only web TV show guaranteed to give you three valuable business resources in only 3 minutes) at
Hey Mike, These are Great. Remember to off set the stamp for even greater open rate.