Norman Lieberman of Aliso Viejo, California, asks:
“You know how uncomfortable it is for most people to ask for a pay raise and how they end up being underpaid? I coach people in what to specifically do and say that will easily and quickly get them the biggest raise possible. However, even though most people want more money, they won’t pay for assistance on how to get it.
“I have been published in a highly regarded general circulation newspaper, interviewed on radio shows, paid for Google adwords, give out free articles on my website at but still the response is very slow. Over the years, I have helped hundreds of people receive raises of up to 30 percent for the same job title, or gotten them a promotion. My publicity efforts to drum up clients is dismal.
“Have I picked the wrong niche? I try to funnel people into my coaching by offering a $20 special report on my subject. It’s a very detailed and helpful report, yet the report and coaching aren’t turning heads. I need the great help of your Publicity Hounds, please.”
Take Joan Stewart’s idea about creating tip sheets one step further by creating tips booklets. Then sell those tips booklets in quantity to associations whose members are those peope you want to reach with your products and services. Have the associations use your booklets as a member benefit for new or renewed memberships, or suggest the association gets the booklet purchase sponsored by one of their vendors, with the vendor’s name and logo printed on the cover. The booklets can be handed out free at a conference in the attendee welcome packet, or at the place setting for each person at lunch. Remember, the vendor paid for the booklets. The sponsorship from the vendor goes further than the sign outside the lunch room door (this lunch sponsored by …), the association makes some money by adding some profit onto the price you charge when selling it to their vendor sponsor, your booklet reaches the person you wanted to reach, and everyone benefits all along the way.
From my own experience, i can tell you the best way to attract/help people achieve their goals is to film them doing ‘interviews,’ play the film back, and then go over the film with each individual tp discover what needs to be improved on. Works every time! The business owner needs to develop ad-lines that pull people in –“Power of performance proves profitable!” or –“Interview Intensity! learn the power of interview perfection!”
Roz Davidson,
The Granny Rapper
First impression of your website: Sorry Norm, that photo does not do you justice, nor speak to me of an esteemed coach. If I’m going to believe you can help me get a raise, then I expect you to look masterful. Unsmiling is one thing, but this has a “deer in the headlights” look. Try a professionally done headshot, probably placed lower in the page to increase the suspense. I would recommend “hatchet lighting” (one side of your face in shadow) reminiscent of a great musical conductor. This is just one thing. Best to you!
M Catlett
I personally do not want to read a special report on how to get a raise. I want someone I can trust like my mother or a wise compassionate brother to explain it to me and coach me. I have no intentions of being vunerable with a rigid, withholding type of person. If I ask you for advice, I don’t want you to hand me a reprt.
My hot buttons are CONFIDENTIALITY –how come other people are getting the raises and promotions that you deserve? Because they get help from Norman Lieberman. Norm knows thousands of well-paid people who were struggling before a friend or family member gave them the tip. Norm knows. And Norm keeps all of your business strictly confidential.
That’s just me.
May East
Romantic Valentine’s Day Album coming in 2006
The Publicity Hound® says:
No, Norm, you haven’t picked the wrong niche. It’s an excellent niche. Here are some things to consider:
–The testimonials at your website are terrific, but all but two are anonymous. And we all know anonymous testimonials are worthless. Move the ones with names and titles up higher in the sales letter. And ask those giving the testimonials if you can use their photos. Or add audio testimonials to your website. This would lend so much more credibility to your message.
–You said you’ve gotten significant media coverage. Yet your website doesn’t reflect this. I know you were covered by one of the Orange County newspapers because you told me that. Let visitors know this. It’s as though the Orange County newspaper is giving you its stamp of approval. If you can’t get permission to reprint the article, then link to it. At the very least, mention it.
–Consider more than just a one-page website that’s actually a sales letter. Offer tips and articles that other people can reprint in their blogs, ezines and print newsletters. And add a media room to your website.
–Do you do any kind of email tip of the week or ezine? Building a list of opt-in subscribers will help you sell products and services.
–Pitch career columnists with trends you’re seeing in the workplace, and explain how you are the solution to a problem.
–Start blogging on the topic of how to get a raise. And comment on big or small raises that are in the news–everything from sports stars and celebrities to the local mayor. The search engines love blogs, and this will drive traffic to your website.
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound®
I operate in a very similar competitive niche Norm as an experienced headhunter now working client side but looking to help people take advantage of our knowledge.
The niche seems right – the information that we have is powerful and can create a low of value for people. I think it’s a case that people when they seek information online regarding a pay increase or salary raise are looking for just that – information. They don’t immediately think of a product which is the challenge.
We’ll get there!
Sean The Pay Raise Guy