Book Marketing Secret: Call People – Pick Up the Phone!

by John Kremer on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 | No Comments

Note: The following post is written by Brian Feinblum, Chief Marketing Officer, Planned Television Arts.

Here’s a marketing secret that may surprise the 30 and under crowd: Pick up the phone and call people.

Ironically, the explosion of social media has left many less sociable. Too many interactions take place online. The consequence is the participants are deprived of expanding their relationship with others. When it comes to marketing or promoting, this is a big drawback.

Sure, there’s a place for email. It can save time, money, and effort, no doubt. But to use it exclusively is where some go astray. If you call people, you will allow them to hear your sincerity, your passion, and your ideas in a much more personal way than can be conveyed by email.

Even when you’re approaching bloggers or online media, don’t be afraid to call unless the person publicly posted a protocol to the contrary. By calling, you stick out. Most people don’t call, so a call now gets noticed. Further, it can be used to support an email that was sent but went unanswered. Lastly, you can use the call to set up the biggest prize of all: A face-to-face meeting.

I have had some authors sign up as clients without even having a phone call prior to signing a contract, but for the most part phone calls and in-person meetings really further a relationship. People tend to open up in a conversation and even discuss unrelated matters. By discussing sports, kids, health or other issues you bond with that person in a way that long outlives the conversation.

Most don’t use the phone because they think emailing is the direct way and it’s free. Or they may feel uncomfortable talking on the phone, fearful of rejection or being asked something they can’t answer so quickly. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, call someone. Say hi. Offer to give them what they need.

Then you can email me about your success.

Brian Feinblum

– Brian Feinblum, the chief marketing officer for Planned Television Arts, has been promoting and marketing authors since 1989. Pick up the phone and call: 212-583-2718. Email: feinblumb@plannedtvarts.com. Web: http://www.plannedtvarts.com. Brian’s new blog can be found at http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com.

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