Something's a-footer
I was at a networking event a while back and it struck me, how many of the 25 or so networkers around the table had really great memory hooks. When it came to my turn to speak, I asked for a show of hands as to how many of these enthusiastic networkers used their memory hooks or other similar strap-line in their email footers. Just 2 hands went up – and it made me think…
Your email footer or 'signature' is a great place to promote your business. Apart from your name and company name, your email footer should of course contain your contact details (telephone numbers, web site address, even your full postal address). For maximum impact, it should also contain a line or two to help people to recall you and your business. Your strap-line or memory hook might be perfect for this.
In addition, consider using your email footer to mention any of the following:
- A link to any business networking profiles (eg BNI, BRE, Athena, 4Networking)
- Links to your LinkedIn profile, Facebook business page, Twitter feed
- Notification of trade shows where your business will be exhibiting
- Any special offers, sales or other promotions
- Any awards you have recently won or any other industry recognitions
- Customer testimonial quotes (with permission of course)
- A link to any recent press coverage which is accessible on the internet
You clearly don't have to type all this into every email – just set up a signature. You can set up 2 or 3 versions for different situations, or you can update or change your signature every few weeks, to keep it interesting.
Whilst there are plenty of marketing activities which will lay claim to your budget, don't make the mistake of ignoring no-cost promotional opportunities like this. It’s 'free money'!
11th Sept 2010
