The advantages of using direct mail to promote your home-based or small business are:

Selectivity-the ability to send your advertising only to people and organizations who can use and pay for your product or service.

Flexibility-the freedom to use either the simplest or the most elaborate presentation, ranging from a single-sheet mailer to an entire package, and the flexibility to test all sorts of minor changes in your mailing pieces.

Control-unlike the random placement of a newspaper ad, your mailer stands alone, and you have room to tell the entire story with illustrations, testimonials and guarantees.

Knowledge of results-by coding every mailing, you can identify the source of each order as it arrives. To get the most out of your direct mail, be sure to pay attention to the following: 

1. The outside envelope. Most direct-mail experts will tell you to place "teaser" copy on your envelope to encourage prospects to open it. Envelope copy such as "Look inside to learn how to save money at the grocery store" can be effective. But consider that if you put such copy on the outside of the envelope, you save the recipient the trouble of opening the letter.

2. The letter. There are four main ingredients in every successful direct-mail letter. The letter must attract attention, clearly explain the benefits to your potential customer, address any possible objections and call the reader to action. Long letters usually work better than short letters, especially on high-ticket items.

3. The brochure. Your brochure should be an extension of your letter. It's a place to tell your product's story with pictures and details. Some people will look at the pictures first, then decide if they should read the rest of your package.

4. A response form. Your package should have a separate response form and a reply envelope. The form should be easy to use and easy to fill out. Be sure to include your telephone number in case the prospect wants to ask a question or place an order by phone.

5. A reply envelope. Many businesses enclose postpaid envelopes for future orders. Even if you don't supply postage, the addressed reply envelope is an essential component of your direct-mail package. If a potential customer has to look for an envelope, they may put it down and have second thoughts.

Have a need to increase your profits. Make direct mail campaigns part of your marketing plan.

Copyright 2004 DeFiore Enterprises

Sue And Chuck DeFiore

Chuck and Sue DeFiore are the founders and principals of DeFiore Enterprises. DeFiore Enterprises is comprised of the following divisions: Home Business Consulting, Real Estate Investments, Publishing and Coaching.

Chuck and Sue DeFiore are investors, consultants, and coach/mentors. They specialize in two areas. The first, a niche of Creative Real Estate known as Lease Purchasing; the other, in the establishment of home-based businesses. Through their consultations and investments in Lease Purchasing, they help sellers move their property in 30 days or less; and help buyers get into their dream home today, that they can buy tomorrow. Chuck and Sue are active both locally and nationally.

They are the authors of "Who Makes It Happen, We Do: Back On The Road To Success With Creative Real Estate", and "The Anatomy Of The Deal Series: The Co-Operative Strategy: How You Can Generate Quick Cash Flow In The Creative Real Estate Niche Of Lease Purchasing" and "The Anatomy Of The Deal: Consulting Your Way To A Six Figure Income In Creative Real Estate".

They have published numerous articles on lease purchasing and have five extraordinary manuals, considered to be the most complete in the industry. In addition, they have produced tapes sets on Lease Purchasing, Home-Based Businesses and their extraordinary Expert Tape Series.

They have developed a revolutionary coaching program. The Partnering For Your Success coaching program is geared towards those folks who want or need to change their financial situation. This is a unique program where you work with Chuck and Sue for one full year. It has a low initial cost and together they share in your success.

They are renowned innovators for the home-based business market, through their newsletter, Home Business Solutions, and their support group. They have coached individuals in business start up and all facets of home office development.

They have written numerous articles on operating a home-based business, and have been written about in New Business Opportunities Magazine, Small Business Opportunities Magazine and Income Opportunities Magazine to mention a few.

Chuck and Sue?s motto is "Who Makes It Happen, We Do"

The DeFiore?s currently reside in Fresno, CA where they operate a successful Lease Purchasing and consulting business.