"EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME" "EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME" . . . "EMAIL","FIRST NAME","LAST NAME"

That's it! If someone asks you what you need this information for, tell them it's for your "preferred customer list" to tell them about specials being offered at your establishment before general public hears about them.

Don't say "mailing list." No one wants to be on some old, impersonal, stuffy "mailing list." But a "preferred customer list" sounds more valuable. Which would you rather be on? I think it's pretty obvious.

Do this for EVERY customer that comes through and leaves your doors. What you'll notice is that after doing this for a month, you should have a few hundred or a few thousand email addresses of customers. Now that you have their email address and name, you can contact these people as often as you like by email for FREE. Instead of sending postcards, letters or paying someone to call past customers about new products/services or specials that you offer.

You can simply send them a small email notice FREE!

This is NOT spamming. These people have given you permission to email them. After all, they voluntarily gave you their email address. They have used products or services of your shop. They love what you sell. Yes, they will be happy to hear from you by email. They will consider this EXCELLENT customer service interaction.

So what you do next is whenever you have a new product, service or special you want to announce - first hit your "preferred customer" list with and email announcement. This should help you generate some quick cash for your business.

An often-underestimated but crucial part of your message. It must have a hook that makes reader curious enough to double-click on it. Virus - mongers have been intimately aware of, and adept at this technique for years. Nothing gets read until it's opened. If someone referred you to person receiving your e mail, include that name as "mutual friend" in title bar. If there is a benefit to be conveyed by your message, try to sum it up in a title that grabs reader's interest immediately.

By way of example-- 1) Bad Title: "Hello Potential Customer John X !"; 2) Good Title: "Website Traffic Booster Recommended by Mutual Friend Joe Y !"

2. [ I ] Introduction

In a paragraph consisting of no more than 3 sentences, start your message by clearly and succintly telling your reader who you are , and why you're writing. If you must "toot your own horn" here, do it very lightly. There is plenty of time later (in future communications) for reader to find out all about your background, qualifications, and inherently fine personal traits! Right off bat, like a major league relief pitcher "setting plate" for his best pitch, in intro you are quickly working reader into a malleable state of mind to receive next step, wherein you:

3. [ T ] Tell Tale

To extent that, in steps 1 and 2, you've made a promise to deliver a pitch, or set up a scenario of sorts, here is litmus test for how well you deliver on that promise. Say what you need to say in strong, specific terms, and be as brief as possible without damaging thrust of your intent. Create a sense of urgency by conveying an easily-understood benefit to reader, and follow up with reasons why you are person best suited, in here and now, to bestow such a benefit upon reader. Have you ever heard someone tell a joke really well? The trick is in getting quickly and smoothly to punchline, then delivering it with an even tone and straight face, right before:

4. [ E ] Ending

Believe it or not, this is where most "communicators" get hung up. You can nail first three steps like a seasoned pro, but not capping off your e - message in a timely fashion can be a surefire way to see it "fragged."

The reader must be left with a taste of curiosity lingering on roof of his or her mouth, that can only be quenched by-- you guessed it!-- responding to your message. No matter how eloquent you may indeed be, old adage "less is more" could not be more appropos than at this juncture. If you cannot "tell tale" in 75 words (100 max.) delete copy and start again.

You will be rewarded with a swelling address book, successful link exchanges by score, and a rare skill indispensable for navigating rough cyber-seas of communication-- tight writing.