If you were browsing in a bookstore and the person next to you – - let’s call him Leo – -  picked up a book you had written, you’d probably tell him you were the author, and before long a full-blown conversation would be in the works.

Leo would ask you about writing the book, you’d ask Leo about his interests . . . and a connection between the two of you would be established.  This doesn’t guarantee Leo will buy your book, but it does guarantee he’ll remember you.

Answering potential client e-mails works the same way. While autoresponders are effective tools, I don’t believe they can replace a personalized e-mail when a “Leo” is inquiring about your services. I would rather cut and paste the “canned” info into a personalized e-mail rather than having everyone who asks about my services get an autoresponder response.

Getting personal is part of relationship marketing.

Relationship Marketing in Action

I got an e-mail a couple of days ago asking about my book-to-Kindle conversion and marketing services. Although my response contained the basic “canned” information about my services and fees, I looked for a way (as I always do) to make a more personal connection.

In this case, I noticed from his area code that he lived in a city I had recently visited. In the e-mail I told him that I had just been there, a few of the things I had seen, and how much I’d enjoyed the trip. Can you guess what his response was?

Yes, he signed up for my service . . . . but just as importantly he told me how much he appreciated my “friendly” e-mail. When he needs more Kindle or book marketing services, do you think he’ll come back to me?  I’d bet on it.

One Last Thought: Being Genuine

My “friendly”  response to potential clients is genuine; yes, I believe it’s good marketing, but I also think if you try to cram B.S. “warm and fuzzies” into these types of e-mails, the client will know it’s bogus. I’m pretty good at spotting an insincere salesman, aren’t you?

How do you handle those incoming letters of inquiry? Autoresponder or personal response.  Do you believe you can build rapport with an autoresponder?  Love to hear your thoughts.

Want to hear something just a *bit* crazy from my friend (and incredible copywriter) Derek Franklin?

Here goes…

Today may be the day to:

* Put your entire collection of copywriting books up for sale
  on eBay
* Cancel your plans to attend that annual copywriting seminar
* Turn your stack of copywiting DVDs into drink coasters
* Clean your browser of every last copywriting blog, article,
  and site you’ve bookmarked over the years

Have I lost my mind, you ask?

Not at all.

It’s not what I’ve lost that makes me say these things, it’s what I’ve found.

It’s something I can only describe as the closest thing to a treasure map for copywriters I’ve ever seen.

Here’s the brief story behind what I’m talking about…

Derek  recently set out on a mission to learn everything about copywriting he possibly could.

He bought gobs of books, expensive training courses, DVDs, and even tore through the Web looking for anything he could find related to the art of copywriting.

In the process of his journey, he:

* Collected all the best copywriting tips, techniques and
  concepts
* Eliminated all the fluff
* Eliminated all the redundant stuff (there was a lot)

And, here’s the BIGGIE…

* Organized all he had learned and collected into one of
  the most unique and useful documents for learning
  the art of copywriting that you’ll likely see for a
  long time

I can say without a doubt that it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

Derek calls it (appropriately), The Copywriter’s Brain.

It would be virtually impossible for me to try and describe here what it is and how it’s used.

Fortunately, Derek’s put together a short video tour inside The Copywriter’s Brain.

If copywriting is part of your business or livelihood, then you’ve GOT to check it out by clicking this link to view the video now.

I purchased The Copywriter’s Brain today – - and will write a full review in the next couple of days. I believe I own every piece of software Derek has ever written, and have never been disappointed.  More later.