Testimonials from 'experts' certainly helps to add credibility to your offer. However, try to get customer testimonials as well - it helps to show that you have happy customers, not just happy colleagues. :-)

3) Make a Special Offer to Your Target Audience.

For example, you could offer first 20 people to contact you a free or discounted copy/sample of your product in exchange for feedback and a testimonial (if they feel it's warranted, of course).

__A FEW PARTING TIPS...

* Use real testimonials. They have that genuine 'ring' to them.

* Don't 'polish' or edit to an extreme. Let testimonial speak for itself.

* If possible, add credibility by including a name, email address or URL, your customer's state or province of residence, or even customer's company name, job title, etc.

* Longer testimonials often have more 'impact' than short ones. Many testimonials can easily be edited to read:

'...truly amazing...' '...gorgeous...stunning...'

On other hand, a longer testimonial can be far more persuasive:

'I was initially reluctant to order any type of jewelry online ... but I was thrilled when I got my bracelet! It's gorgeous, one of most stunning pieces I own. Thank you so much for your wonderful catalog, and for your excellent service. I'll be back!'

* Use specific testimonials, whenever possible. Details make a much 'stronger' or more persuasive testimonial. For example, 'I love your book!' is not as effective as:

'It's been six months since I purchased your highly motivating book. I started a new exercise program that I've stuck to now for 5 months and at 46 years of age, I have never been more fit in my life. I feel great, and as an added bonus I've even lost 10 pounds. Thank you so much. I love your book!'

You can find additional tips in article, 'How to Harness Power of Testimonials', available at http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/articles estimonialtips.html

Don't be shy to seek and display testimonials -- they're a valuable asset for marketing your business, and they help to convert prospects into paying customers.

__________

How do you promote this valuable community goodwill gesture? Considering that you are offering your own personal time for benefit of community, your local paper is place to start. This will help get word out that you’ll be on patrol on Halloween night. It will also identify your business as one that is concerned about child safety and portray you as a community leader. That represents excellent publicity for your company.

You could also go door to door with an inexpensive pre-printed flyer and your picture, so children will know who to look for in case of emergency. (This also helps parents to feel more comfortable with you, and certainly positions you as a community leader).

Being a local businessperson often means being a community leader and volunteering your time to worthy causes. Child safety on Halloween is a major topic each year as end of October draws near. This year, you can generate some free, highly valuable publicity for your company, and do a good deed for your neighbors, all in one evening. And that’s no trick.