I love reading books about business – especially marketing — but finding the time to read them all can be a real challenge. A reader told me about Brevity, and I liked it so much that I’ve become a member. And now I wanted to share it with you, too.
Brevity, a members-only website, is an extension of the executive book-summary concept. The problem with conventional book summaries is that they tend to be boring ‑‑ they lack personality and voice. Also, there’s no one to compare notes with and brainstorm about how the lessons can be applied to small business.
Brevity takes a very different approach. It combines three ingredients: analysis, action and traction. Each week you’ll receive a book analysis (not a summary). It includes action points so you can apply the principles to your business, and you can compare notes with others. That interactive participation is invaluable.
MailChimp
Every business owner should be constantly building an email database of his or her customers and keeping in touch with them with regular e-mail correspondence. Now if you’re just starting out or money’s tight, a full-service email marketing offering from someone like Infusion or Constant Contact might not be the right fit. But one option that has a great reputation is MailChimp.com – isn’t that a great name?
Although its basic service is completely free, there are some paid options you can move up to as you grow your business. And I was impressed at the number of well-known companies that use it, like Canon, Staples, Intel and American Airlines to name just a few. The reporting features are just the icing on the cake; they allow you to see all kinds of useful stats and reports every time you send out an email.
It’s unusual to see a company that caters to everyone — from the complete beginner right up to powerful corporations — and I also like the way it walks you through the process. If you’re in need of a reliable email marketing service, why not check out MailChimp.com?
You’ll find lots more small business marketing tips and resources from Andrew Lock in our Small Business In-Depth series, Lock in Your Marketing Resources.
Andrew Lock is a self-described maverick marketer and the creator and host of Help! My Business Sucks, a free, weekly Web TV show full of practical small business marketing tips, advice and resources to help small businesses “get more done and have more fun.”
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