I got into a fascinating email thread with a “graduate” from the most recent Breakthrough Advertising Bootcamp regarding a follow up “9-word Dean Jackson style email” I sent him with the subject line:
Are you still fascinated with Gene Schwartz and game changing marketing
OK…I know it’s 11 words. 🙂
I was trying to interest him in a membership to my Titans Xcelerator Mastermind (TXL), with an exclusive offer just for attendees from the BA Bootcamp.
He wrote back when he received the email:
Did someone hack your list? I got a suspicious looking message from you.
Of course, this is the first place I went with my response…once a “Director of Sales Prevention,” always one:
Suspicious because I was trying to sell you something?
But that was not the case.
The “Bootcamper” came back with this:
That’s not the reason…Google had a banner that the message might be phishing. I was a little suspicious of the URL and the fact it was from a Gmail address unlike the other emails I get from you. I thought someone might’ve been impersonating you. Anyway, I didn’t mean it like you were trying to pull a fast one(ha-ha). It’s all good.
That was a relief…although I was still surprised that Google marked it as possible phishing…so much for trying to be a human rather than a Bot.
My bad. 🙁
However, what about the part of my message about joining Titans Xcelerator?
I may not have been diabolically phishing…but I was “fishing” for a membership from someone who I met inside the BABootcamp who I thought was an ideal candidate.
And don’t laugh at me for going the extra mile (i.e. multiple emails) for an “order” that’s less than $2,000.
Somehow this price point has become “non-followupable” (not a word) with personal emails among some online marketers…I guess they have bigger fish (and higher tickets) to go after.
However, a low ticket to one person is a high ticket to another.
Every ticket is relevant…if you want it to be.
Anyone who is qualified to learn from me…and the Titans…and share their own wisdom with an amazing group of marketers, copywriters and entrepreneurs…are all “followupable” (still not a word) in my book.
Every qualified member for Titans Xcelerator is worth the effort of at least one, one-on-one email…(maybe multiple personal emails)…dare I say a rare Zoom call, whether it is defined as phishing, fishing… or a genuine opportunity for both of us.
The fact that there are folks who don’t spend the time on personalized prospecting for “low ticket” mastermind or coaching group members…letting automated emails do the heavy lifting…doesn’t make sense to me.
And what if that extra effort results in a 3-year member? Then it’s $6,000. Would that get your attention?
Back to the Bootcamper who I wanted to turn into an Xcelerator:
His response to joining TXL:
As far as the mastermind, I just don’t think it’s for me, as much as I’d love to learn from you… unless you have copywriting clients lining up to hire me, in which case I’m all ears.
Now I am not making any judgment about this Bootcamper…he had already proved to me that he was smart, willing to learn, and a very capable copywriter.
But I couldn’t resist taking him to task—just a little:
Regarding Titans Xcelerator, I think you are looking at it all wrong (respectfully).
Clients don’t line up to hire you (or anyone else) anywhere on the planet, including inside this mastermind.
Rather, they naturally flock to you when you lead with value, education, and contribution.
That’s the way it’s been for many of the Titans who have gotten lots of business (and clients!) inside the group (for copywriting, launch management, media buying, funnel building, courses) …whatever skills are needed by others in the group.
Including me…I eat my own dog food. 🙂
That is, they share in the group within their zone of genius–inside the private FB Group giving advice, giving expert counsel on other people’s hot seats during the live calls, doing a hot seat of their own…and the best way, doing a “Titan Spotlight” (where they present to the group with no expectation of getting a “client”…just giving value, value and more value).
The irony is that those who use this methodology get the most clients “lining up to hire them.”
If Titans Xcelerator is perceived as a vehicle to only “get clients” it’s not for you; but if you want to play a longer game, by attracting clients you want to work with (and not have to work with) …. lifetime clients…by leading with your heart and your wisdom… Titans Xcelerator IS for you.
I said my piece…not expecting him to join…which is fine.
He was worth the time and effort.
I let him know that I would use our exchange for this blog post (without mentioning his name) …but I repeat, the guy is a potential A-List copywriter.
The reason for this post?
Because this is a core philosophy of mine and the reason I started Titans Xcelerator in the first place.
I understand profoundly that the ultimate reason to join any mastermind or coaching group is to make more money (which includes “getting clients”)…but there are infinite ways of doing that…and dare to prepare for the good news and bad news based on how you choose to do it.
And making money inside groups is only one of the many benefits.
“Getting clients” (or members, sales, engagement, or whatever you are looking for) can happen in a variety of ways, through hard work or luck, through a process or serendipity, or through online means or offline means.
But wherever they come from, they will mirror how you sold them (or didn’t sell them).
You can read, “How you sell is how they respond” for another take on this concept with a backdrop of sending millions of pieces of direct mail rather than a personal email.
The bottom line: If you don’t like your clients, or they don’t “fit” the mold you have created (or want to create), it’s no one’s fault but your own.
And one more thing…
…an engaged email thread is a terrible thing to waste. 🙂
Warmly,
Brian
P.S. I encourage you to get into an engaged email thread with me…but be advised that if I think you are a right fit for Titans Xcelerator, you can expect I will be fishing for you to become a member.
And if you are not a right fit, I promise not to phish. 🙂
Go here to read about everything you can expect with your membership.
Installment payment plans are available.
It is the best value in masterminds anywhere.
And yes, you might pick up lifetime clients in the process.