Auto responders work for us when we're not online, they provide instant information for readers, and can follow up with prospects automatically for us over time.

However, I still believe auto responders are often under utilized, and occasionally even used in an improper manner.

HOW TO USE AN AUTO RESPONDER

The most common uses for auto responders are information courses and follow up messages relating to business opportunities.

However, should that be limit of their use?

Auto responders can be used in a variety of ways, and each gives you opportunity to have further contact with potential customers or clients. Why not capture as many of those opportunities as possible?

Use them to provide further information on topic your site, ezine, or sales letter is discussing. Provide links to related articles, testimonials, recommendations, lists of resources or reference materials, detailed product information, or anything else that may be of value.

I used to get many subscribers to an auto responder on my site that simply asked if visitor was in a hurry and if he or she would rather get information about my program by email to view later on.

Auto responder links can even be used in advertising instead of links leading directly to your site.

Of course, you'll need to consider whether or not what you are promoting warrants use of an auto responder or would be better with a direct site link. For more thoughts on this subject, send for my article "When and When Not To Use an Auto Responder" at: mailto:whenauto@netplaynewsletters.com

One other thing to consider is that an auto responder link with information on demand can be valuable for others to use as well.

For instance, say you have an article in an auto responder. Besides direct person to person recommendation by people who've read article, ezine publishers or webmasters may use your auto responder link along with a short description of content in their ezines or on their sites -- even if there is not room to run your complete article.

In general, links are easier to pass around than complete content, and so it can be an advantage for you.

OFFER VALUABLE CONTENT

As with anything else, content of your auto responder needs to have value for reader or you will be wasting your time as it won't be read. This should be obvious.

However, there are a couple of other things many overlook in regards to content. I don't know how many times I've clicked on a link to an auto responder, expecting more information related to what I was viewing at time, only to get something either totally unrelated or that's just a repeat of what I'd already read.

This is not only disappointing to reader, but a waste of time. As you write content for your auto responder, make sure you remind your reader not only where email came from, but why it was he or she requested it in first place. In other words, rekindle their interest. This will give your auto responder emails a much better chance of being read in case it spends a few days in your reader's inbox before being opened.

From there, provide additional information on topic of interest, not just a regurgitation of what was already said. Reminding people of what they read previously is fine, of course, but put at least some variety into it.

WRITE WITH PERSONALITY

As learned from my Twin 2 year olds

Small business success is very similar to learning to walk, talk and spell. The basics have to be understood before moving on to next step. I am blessed to have twin 2 year old girls in my life and am amazed constantly how much I learn from them on a daily basis. As I watch them run around and explore, I find myself realizing just how much my observations apply to being successful and happy in life and in business.

So take heart in following tips – they may come from little people but they have power of giants. To your happiness and your success !

1.No matter how small you are you can change lots of lives - your goal for starting your business should be to change lives in one way or another. Remember this in everything you do - how can I change my customers lives ?

2.Climb that wall - no matter how big wall is - persistence pays off in end. Never give up on your dreams and keep on trying.

3.Times when you appear small and frail are when you can surprise everyone with your hidden strengths. Everyone in business pays attention to what big boys are doing and how they became successful. What they miss though is small businesses that quietly make substantial profits every year. These companies go about their business quietly and draw attention from customers - not competition.

4.Act like a silly goof whenever and wherever you want – people will never forget you - and that is what every business owner should dream of - sticking in everyone’s mind.