Going 3-D with self-promotion

Get surefire attention with a self-promotion that goes 3-D. Instead of a flat, blah envelope that can get lost in the shuffle, put a box on a prospective client’s desk. Nobody can resist the need to see what’s inside. With a clever headline on the outside and a payoff inside, you can hit a home run. Once you’ve got them “in the box” a few of your samples will make the sale. Make it easy. Visit your local box store or, better yet, put a call into a vendor such as Uline and get a couple of free sample boxes. They will ship them right to your door. You can find them at http://www.uline.com I have a stash of 8.5-inch by 11-inch sticker paper. Come up with a clever headline, print it out, and stick it on the box. Do the same thing on the inside. Sometimes I include an item that relates to the headline, such as, “Does my work measure up?” and I include a tape measure. Whatever you do to get them in the box, make sure you always include your best samples. If you have plenty, you can use actual printed samples. You can also use color printouts, or make up mini portfolio sheets. You could slip in one brochure with five or six small images of brochures and include a separate sheet showing logos, websites and so on. Don’t forget to follow up the package with a phone call. Don’t expect them to call you, although that would be nice, so don’t sit by the phone. They will remember the package you sent and more than likely they will grant your request to meet with them. Always keep track of which samples you sent them, and show them different samples when you meet with them face-to-face. Tell us how you get your foot in the door.