WAY 71

Free Still Works

Of all the powerful words you can use in selling your marketing message, the word “free” is still at the top of the list. In fact, one marketing magazine noted in a article that free food and drink still brings out more people than a great guest speaker or a high-impact seminar topic. We all love to get something for nothing.

ACTION ITEM

Give prospects a free meal. Always inspect the place where you plan to take them in advance and arrange for a quiet corner or a table where you won't be interrupted. It's worth the planning.

If you have potential high-value customers that you've not been able to win over, consider offering them a free gourmet meal. Include these key things in your invitation to help them accept:

1. Make sure they understand that they are under no obligation to join you.
2. Assure them that they will be your guests and that you are going to pay.
3. Promise there will be no high pressure sales pitch while dining. Making them feel safe will encourage them to say “yes.”

TAKEAWAY

Although many claim that there's no such thing as
a free lunch, you can prove them wrong. Offer a
low-pressure event with lots of free gifts or food, and
watch the customers come out of the woodwork!