Issue# 2705

• WEALTHY: 2 huge investment opportunities in carbon fiber (Christian Hill)
• HEALTHY: A two-pronged approach to getting rid of cellulite (Jon Benson)
• WISE: Brian Tracy on the ability to persuade

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

• Translating negotiation tactics into sales copy (John Forde)
• Does your website have these four fatal flaws? (Rich Schefren)
• It’s Good to Know… about Google Analytics for YouTube
• Add “hermitage” to your vocabulary

The Code of Silence Has Been Broken…

In today’s financial climate you can’t just keep doing the same old thing or you could see your entire nest egg vanish.

Millions of Americans have had their portfolios deflate so badly that their life savings are nothing more than a memory.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be part of this group. Because there is another option.

An elite group of investors uses secret methods to make enormous profits no matter what the markets do.

Previously, nobody outside of this group was privy to these wealth building tools.

But now the code of silence has been broken…

Wall Street Insider Frederick James has broken ranks and is letting the genie out of the bottle. Learn how you can also start making a fortune no matter what the markets are doing.

The Growing Demand for Composite Materials

By Christian Hill Carbon fiber, a petroleum product, will soon become the material of choice for many things. But I want to focus on two huge growth opportunities that I believe will push it to the forefront.

The first opportunity is in the automotive industry. Carbon fiber is currently used to produce lightweight hoods, fenders, trunks, spoilers, and various other parts for the aftermarket. A few small-run production cars also use carbon fiber extensively in their construction. Now, with the new fuel economy mandates, all manufacturers will need to make their cars lighter. While aluminum is an option, carbon fiber will likely become the preferred alternative. That means the carbon fiber industry should get a huge boost over the next five to 10 years.

The second opportunity is related to alternative energy, specifically wind turbines. In 2007, production of wind-turbine blades increased 38 percent over the previous year. And as turbine operators look to squeeze more juice out of every gust, they are turning to larger and lighter blades. This is a job for carbon fiber, not steel.

So how do you take advantage of these two growth sectors? You find a company that has proprietary technology that allows it to produce some of the lowest-cost carbon fiber on the market.

That company is Zoltek (ZOLT). While the stock has taken its lumps with the rest of the market over the last year or so, the company has been going after new customers attracted to its lower manufacturing costs. It is perfectly positioned to rebound once the economy turns and demand for carbon fiber skyrockets.

[Ed. Note: Christian Hill examines market trends and offers timely analysis regularly in ETR's sister publication, Investor's Daily Edge. Get a free subscription to this investment resource right here.] Comment on this article

5 Ways to Get Anybody to Say “Yes” to Anything

By John Forde It was on the reply form I dashed off a day ago. At the top, I wrote what I’ve written on reply devices for nearly two decades: “YES!”

It was in the title of the audio book I downloaded this morning: Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Persuasive.

Now I’m on a plane, heading stateside for a meeting. And what movie was one of my choices? Yes Man, with Jim Carrey.

I didn’t particularly want to watch it. And, no question, it was full of some dumb dialogue and slow moments. But there was something about the premise… a guy who had to say “yes” to everything… that was appealing.

“YES.” What is it about that word?

We like people who say “yes.” Yes gets you to opportunities. Without a “yes,” no sale ever happens.

One study even shows that if you can get people to say “yes” to ANYTHING, even a question about the time or the weather, you’ll have an easier time getting them to say yes to bigger requests afterward.

But how do you get a “yes” out of someone who really doesn’t want to give you one?

A while back, I read a book by William Ury called Getting Past No: Negotiating With Difficult People. The parallels between some of Ury’s techniques and what works in sales copy were striking.

Here’s a rundown…

* Negotiator Tactic #1: Don’t react. Ever sent an e-mail to a client, colleague or… well, to anyone you wish you could reel back in? Well, Ury says don’t. It’s one of the first and biggest mistakes we make hoping to work toward a relationship-building response.

Instead, says Ury, “go to the balcony.” That is, step out and get some air. Take a breath. Count to 10. Maybe even 100. And only then, react. This gives you time to figure out not only what you want out of the negotiation, but what your prospect wants as well. It also chills your passions so you can form a strategically smart (rather than unfocused and wild-eyed) response. Sales Copy Connection: It’s great to feel passionate about what you’re selling. But before launching into a feverish sales “rationale”… actively map out what it is your prospect really wants. Some prospects want security, others excitement. Some want vindication, others want proof that helps boost confidence in their own opinions.

What is it you’re really selling? Is it what you should be selling? Know before you get started. Often it’s something more or deeper than the thing you’re excited about. And sometimes, it’s less. * Negotiator Tactic #2: Disarm your opponent. In selling, we’re not really talking about “opponents.” The prospect is not your enemy. And in a negotiation, Ury says, you’re better off thinking the same way. That is, instead of looking at negotiations as two sides facing off over two sides of an issue, you’ll get much better results if you “step to the other side.” In other words, do the opposite of what your target expects.

And the easiest way to do this? Simply agree with your “opponent” on as many points as you can. Build consensus first, before you try to defend a single counterpoint of your own. Ury tells us the best negotiators even steer clear of using the word “but.” They instinctively replace it with “and” wherever possible. Sales Copy Connection: This is a lot like what we’re doing in sales copy when we try to ask questions designed only for a “yes” response. For instance, stating our prospect’s own rationale right back to him and tacking on a line at the end – something along the lines of “Wouldn’t you agree?”

These are just tricks, of course. The bigger idea is that when you can show agreement with your prospect’s own opinions – in person or in print – do so. It will pay off in the end. * Negotiator Tactic #3: Change the game by changing the frame. This is a more advanced tactic, because it requires listening better than most people and thinking more creatively than anyone else in the negotiation. But it’s key, says Ury, to negotiating effectively.

What you’re doing is looking for solid ways to “reframe” the objections to your counterpoint in the discussion. You’re actively exposing the objections and stonewall tactics… then finding a way for both of you to get around them.

This is where a pro shows his or her mettle. Sales Copy Connection: As tough as this is to do, the parallel here is easy. Too often, I’ve seen junior copywriters try to avoid the prospect’s potential objections to a sale rather than raising them in their copy. But just because you don’t confront the reader’s doubts doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Or that they won’t stop your sale cold in its tracks.

When you get the urge to sneak around an objection, don’t. Take a sheet of paper and actually list every objection you can. (Even better, make this list before you start writing the sales letter.) You’re playing your own devil’s advocate, coming up with every reason why a prospect might NOT want to buy what you’re offering – or, at least, not buy it from you.

Once you’ve got this list, you can use it to tweak your sales outline. You can even hit each objection head on, writing responses almost in a Q & A style. Or try making every subhead a persuasive resolution to every doubt you suspect your prospect might have.

But be careful. You don’t want to come across as if you’re working to trounce an argument or crush your adversary. Rather, you’re easing doubts and building consensus. * Negotiator Tactic #4: Build a golden bridge. Ury urges negotiators NOT to push against resistance. Rather, he says, involve your prospect by incorporating his ideas into your solution.

You want to avoid, at all costs, “winning” a negotiation by making the other side feel like they’re making a concession. In fact, you want to avoid “winning” the negotiation.

Instead, let the other side feel like they own the victory, to share only if they’re willing. In short, let them “save face” and retain control over the decision to go along with whatever it is you’ve suggested. Sales Copy Connection: This is a no-brainer. You can never force-feed a sale. The moment your prospect feels he’s losing control over the decision, you’ve lost him.

Remember, you’re asking your reader to take a risk when they check the “yes” box or click the order button. Give them reason to feel good – and safe – by taking that chance. Generous guarantees, instant rewards and hefty premiums, immediate discounts or results can all help make this happen.

And finally… * Negotiator Tactic #5: Make it hard to say no. “Bring your opponent to his senses, not to his knees,” says Ury. You’re not looking to punish him for saying no. You’re looking to show him the cost of not saying yes. Sales Copy Connection: Try this tactic elsewhere in your copy, but especially in your close. Think of it as an inversion of the classic problem-solution lead.

That is, you open by stating a big problem… you offer a big solution… and then, when it comes time to seal the deal, you back off in the middle of the close and restate the problem again. But this time, as a contrasting backdrop for the solutions you’ve presented.

Not as a threat. Rather, as a way to make the positives of your offer stand out, sharpened by the comparison.

Good advice, overall? I think so. And I recommend that you check out Ury’s book. You can find it easily on Amazon.com or, in audio, in the iTunes bookstore.

[Ed. Note: To get more of copywriting expert John Forde's wisdom and insights into marketing (and much more), sign up for his free e-letter, Copywriter's Roundtable, at www.copywritersroundtable.com. Or send an e-mail to signup@jackforde.com. Get a free report about 15 deadly copy mistakes and how to avoid them when you sign up today. For more expert advice on how to become a "highly effective person"... the kind of person who succeeds where others fail... who instinctively knows how to burst through roadblocks and obstacles that leave others stumped and stalled... pick up a copy of Michael Masterson's Power and Persuasion.] Comment on this article

Imagine Having a Really Rich Relative… and it was YOU!

Congress can throw money into our economy until the end of time…

The Fed can lower interest rates to practically nothing…

But here’s the cold hard facts: At the end of the day, Uncle Sam ain’t gonna help you… the only one who can get you out of this economic mess and guarantee you a stress free retirement is you!

And one sure-fire way to do that is to acquire the wealth attraction skills of a billionaire.

Why? Because billionaires think differently (even differently from millionaires), they behave differently… and most of all-see money making opportunities where others see only despair!

Imagine having billionaire “money magnet” skills so ingrained into your consciousness that magically deals fall into your lap.

Imagine for the first time in your life NOT having to chase wealth! When in fact, MONEY opportunities just knock on your door- and you simply open it.

Think this can’t happen to you? Well, think again…

It can- especially when the mega-wealthy co-founder of TV’s first home shopping network personally mentors you to financial success in just 30 days!

Vince Lombardi once said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will…”

I think you know what you have to do! Click here to get all the inside details…

Is Your Website Underperforming?

By Rich Schefren I was recently asked by a reporter from CNNMoney.com to comment on the website of a furniture store in Virginia that they were profiling. So I took a look. And what I found inspired me to share with you some of the ways you can immediately add more selling power to your own website.

1. Many online businesses fail because when people go to their websites, they can’t find what they want. The key here is to make it as easy as possible for them. Have all of your “hottest buttons” front and center. Don’t make your prospects work for it, because they won’t. They’ll just go to your competitor’s website because it’s easier to navigate.

2. If you’re not adding any and all misspellings of your keywords to your site’s meta tags you could be missing out on a 20 percent+ increase in traffic. Do some keyword research to see how many searches for your product name or a word in your URL are entered incorrectly. There could be hundreds – even thousands – of people looking for you. But if they get just one letter wrong, they’ll never get to your site.

3. Testimonials are very important for an online business. And don’t just throw anything up there. Make sure they’re good. Your testimonials from satisfied customers should talk about how you’ve changed their lives, made them more money, given them a better future, etc. And here’s a tip: Write the testimonials FOR them. Then simply ask for their approval. It’s fast, easy, and most of the time you’ll get exactly what you want.

4. If you have a great offer or a benefit that separates your product or service from the rest, make sure your site visitors know about it. Don’t just mention it in passing. Put it in plain sight on your main page.

Give your website the once-over. Take a closer look at your offers… your copy… your design… your meta tags. Anything that could be improved.

You might be surprised to find out how much money you’re leaving on the table… money that can easily be yours by making a few easy tweaks.

[Ed. Note: Rich Schefren - one of the world's best small-business strategists - knows a thing or two about what it takes to be successful. The businesses he coaches have done over $500 million every year - piling up more than $1 billion in sales every two years. Visit his blog to learn how to streamline your business while skyrocketing profits.

These are just four tips you could use to strengthen your website, bring in more visitors, and compel those prospects to buy. For more great tactics to boost your online business, check out ETR's soup-to-nuts guide to starting and growing a business on the Internet - the Internet Money Club: Independent Learner Edition.] Comment on this article

Got Cellulite?

By Jon Benson I get this question all the time: What do I do about cellulite?

As a man, I feel guilty. Cellulite almost exclusively affects women.

But here’s something that I’ve seen help. Aside from sticking to a healthy low-insulin diet and a solid weight-training program, do this: Train with interval cardio for 30 minutes, 5 days a week. Do 3 minutes at 85 percent intensity, 5 minutes at 65 percent intensity, then repeat three times. Warm-up and cool-down takes the rest of the 30 minutes.

The trick is this: Part of your lower intervals must involve tensing the muscles where you have cellulite. This means you have to step off the treadmill or stop your walk/jog, tense for 10 seconds per muscle 3 times, and continue. Then, after your workout, tense and stretch for 10-15 minutes.

Focus your mind on the areas where you have cellulite. Picture the cellulite receding into your skin. I know this sounds a bit “odd,” but this combo of exercise and “imaging” has worked for quite a few women. They have either eliminated their cellulite or radically reduced it.

Bear in mind: Until you get your diet plan under control and get rid of your obvious body fat, the cellulite may not budge. But keep going – and keep building muscle in the area of the cellulite. You’ll be happy with the results.

[Ed. Note: Fitness expert Jon Benson just released his in-home fitness plan, The 7 Minute Muscle Body System. It requires only bands, a rubber ball, and your bodyweight to tone your body and help you burn fat. Try it for yourself right here.

For effective strategies for burning fat, getting fit, and feeling better than ever, sign up for ETR's FREE natural health newsletter right here.] Comment on this article

It’s Good to Know: Google Analytics for YouTube

At ETR, we use Google Analytics to help us understand the way people like to use our websites – and we’ve encouraged our readers who are setting up their own online businesses to use this powerful (free) tool too. Now, it’s available for advertisers on YouTube’s “brand channels.” They are able to track their visitors’ length of stay, repeat visits, page views, geographic location, and more. This is data that can be used to craft future marketing efforts.

(Source: ClickZ) Comment on this article

Don’t Get Mad at Wall Streeters… Get Rich Off Them

Are you a disillusioned stock market investor?

Or maybe even just a “regular” Joe or Jane alarmed by the economic woes reported daily on every TV channel, radio station, the Internet, newspapers, and magazines?

If so I’d like to invite you to join my “anti-Wall Street” club.

We don’t sit around bad-mouthing fat cats or lamenting our lost dollars.

In the Liberty Street League, we’re getting even by making money hand over fist “off Wall Street.” Find out if you qualify to join the League today.

Word to the Wise: Hermitage

A “hermitage” (HUR-muh-tij) – from the Greek for “solitary; desolate” – is a secluded residence, retreat, or hideaway.

Example (as used by Shakespeare in Love’s Labour’s Lost): “Your oath I will not trust, but go with speed / To some forlorn and naked hermitage, / Remote from all the pleasures of the world.”

[Ed. Note: Become a more persuasive writer and speaker... build your self-confidence and intellect... increase your attractiveness to others... just by spending 10 VERY enjoyable minutes a day with ETR's Words to the Wise CD Library.]

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 26th, 2009 at 5:10 am and is filed under Daily Issues .