Great Demo!: How To Create And Execute Stunning Software Demonstrations
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Should be on the recommended reading for ALL Sales Consultants, SEs, TAMs
  • The Best Book on the Subject
  • I absolutely love it.
  • "Great Demo" is not just a book
  • Give Great Demo !
Great Demo!: How To Create And Execute Stunning Software Demonstrations
Peter E Cohan
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 059534559X

Book Description

Great Demo! provides sales and presales staff with a method to dramatically increase their success in closing business through substantially improved software demonstrations. It draws upon the experiences of thousands of demonstrations, both delivered and received from vendors and customers. The distinctive “Do the Last Thing First” concept generates a “Wow!” response from customers.

The Great Demo! method is presented simply and clearly, and is elaborated more fully in each successive chapter, providing a rich toolkit for software sales teams. Real-life anecdotes, examples, and axioms offer humorous and effective punctuation.

Updated with new best practices, tips and techniques, this second edition now includes a complete chapter on remote demonstrations—an area of increased activity and unique challenges. An additional chapter on managing evaluations (for fun and profit) extends the utility of the book to those in sales and management.

Great Demo! is a terrific read on an airplane or between customer visits. It offers a straightforward process for creating and delivering highly compelling software demonstrations, excellent advice, tips, and the occasional epiphany.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Should be on the recommended reading for ALL Sales Consultants, SEs, TAMs.......2007-07-05

Some of us give good demonstrations based on gut feel; others need more guidance. No matter where you are in this spectrum, you will find value in the approach recommended in this book.

The methodology forces you to focus on understanding the critical business issues - not only what they are but how to use them in your session. Do the last thing first (a mantra reinforced throughout) captures the attention of the decision makers and influencers in such a way that it shows them how they can apply the solution to their requirements.

By doing this, the number of demos are reduced, the time to commit can be better managed when you have internal supporters wanting to work more effectively.

Read, apply and benefit from the results. I have seen proof of this in my own organization.

5 out of 5 stars The Best Book on the Subject.......2007-01-03

Before I started my current role, this book was given to me by a neighbor. In my last six months, I have tried to follow Peter Cohan's principles since I consider this to be the best on the subject. it is easy to forget what the purpose of a demo is, unless you have a clear understanding of what you doing, what you are showing, and what impacts the viewer the most.

Cohan provides a clear strategy for how to approach a demo. From starting with the last thing first, there are many techniques to help you and/or a sales force grab the attention of the viewer. The other technique that we often forget, is to address your customer's needs. By showing them the functionality that can address any pain points or solutions to address any of their pressing needs, the demo becomes more targeted, and ultimately more worthwhile.

If you are charged with giving demo's, this is certainly a great place to make what you do, better.

5 out of 5 stars I absolutely love it........2006-02-17

This is one of the most amazing books I ever read. It really puts it all in perspective. It shows me all the mistakes I ever made that now they make sense. I highly recommend it, but not to my competitors.

5 out of 5 stars "Great Demo" is not just a book.......2006-01-16

"Great Demo" is not just a book. It is an essential strategy.

Last year we implemented this strategy at our January sales meeting, both by requiring everyone read the book and by hosting the author for a 2 day seminar...revenues were up significantly in 2005. Coincidence? I think not. It helped us transform our lackluster presentations and demonstrations into dynamic, meaningful sales events and has helped our sales and applications groups act as a cohesive team. Almost forgot...our customers thank us as well for not putting them to sleep anymore! It is a must read.

5 out of 5 stars Give Great Demo !.......2005-07-27

If you're looking for a way to shake up your salesforce , shake loose their love of doing things the traditional way and eventually shake down your competition - look no further.

Demonstrating software is an art-form , at its best a careful balance and ballet between a salesperson and a sales consultant/engineer. All too often it turns into a long 2 hour monologue after a boring 30 slide powerpoint presentation introducing your company ('the corporate pitch'). Peter Cohan presents an alternative technique to the mind and butt-numbing methodology we've all had drilled into us in sales training. Its not so much finding the unique solution to your prospects business problem - but in how you present it and grab their attention.

As the leader of an 40+ size organization tasked with giving software demos I found this book to be exciting , invigorating and a catalyst for change. After the presentation of the big idea (Do the last thing first) the book slows down for a few chapters covering the basics, but then picks up again around a third of the way through and hits high gear around managing time, questions and expectations. There is also a great section on remote (web) demos and then some advanced chapters on style and appearance.

The content-free buzzword-compliant list of phrases should be pasted on the cover of every laptop.
Technical Communication: Strategies for College and the Workplace
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • A Good Textbook for the Subject
Technical Communication: Strategies for College and the Workplace
Dan Jones , and Karen Lane
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0205325211

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A Good Textbook for the Subject.......2004-12-22

While the title implies this is a good book for college writing, I found it lacking in that area. But the workplace side is well represented and thoroughly documented with examples and sidenotes "From the Workplace."

It is a practical, if somewhat dry, text that is very good at teaching business writing and presentations.
Trillion-Dollars Moms: Marketing to a New Generation of Mothers
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Mostly good but badly edited
  • Packed with Knowledge!
  • TRILLION-DOLLAR READING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
  • Takes Mom Marketing Beyond the Basics
  • Must-Read for Mom Marketers
Trillion-Dollars Moms: Marketing to a New Generation of Mothers
Maria Bailey , and Bonnie Ulman
Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1419504576
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Book Description

Mothers are the most powerful consumers in the United States today. But to obtain a portion of the $17 trillion+ spent by moms, authors Maria Bailey and Bonnie Ulman say marketers must recognize the power of mothers, appreciate the time they put into selecting a product, and understand what it means to be a mom today.

It’s a far cry from years past. Recent Census results indicate that the mom market has dramatically changed. In Trillion-Dollar Moms, Bailey and Ulman provide background information and analysis of today’s multigenerational moms, revealing original research findings on how the differences between them affect purchasing behavior.

Drawing on proprietary research, their experiential insights, and case studies of successful marketing initiatives, the pair will empower you to secure the spending of moms with strategies and tactics that include: •Initiating publicity campaigns that resonate with mothers •Developing powerful sampling programs with doctors and pediatricians •Creating advertising campaigns with relevant messaging •Hosting special events that appeal to the mom market •Launching flex-time programs for working mothers •Incorporating women business owners into your vendor list •Designing Web sites with time-saving features for busy moms There’s no doubt that mothers spend money. And with Trillion-Dollar Moms, you’ll have everything you need to act on and capture your share of this lucrative market.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Mostly good but badly edited.......2006-10-15

A very good read with rich statistical factoids on an increasingly popular topic. Only problem is bad editing or sloppy fact-checking. Example: page 3, "Three major factors impact...", followed by only two factors. Pages 55 and 75, hailing both Gen X and Gen Y mothers as "...the most ethnically diverse population in the history of the United States".

5 out of 5 stars Packed with Knowledge!.......2005-09-27

If men are from Mars, mothers are from Venus and advertisers are from another galaxy altogether. Fortunately, authors Maria T. Bailey and Bonnie W. Ulman have a hot ticket for corporations that hope to rocket to the new frontiers of mother-focused sales. Backed by credible marketing data, real-life case studies and their own experiences as mothers in the world of marketing, Bailey and Ulman decipher the consumer motivations of modern moms and New Age grandmothers. They include excellent examples of successful corporate strategies and of some misdirected advertising campaigns as well, plus easy-to-understand charts, sidebars and graphics. This makes the book repetitious in parts, but still strong. We warmly recommend it to marketing, public relations, advertising and business development professionals.

5 out of 5 stars TRILLION-DOLLAR READING FOR BUSINESS OWNERS.......2005-08-29

This book is brilliant. If you're in any type of business, you've got to understand what your customers want. And since women make 80% of the major purchasing decisions, you need to think about what your company can do to meet women's needs. Especially savvy mom shoppers. Their pocketbooks represent a $1.7 trillion market.

How can you think like a mom if you're not a mom? You can't, unless you're willing to research.

That's where Bailey and Ulman's book comes in. They've done all the work for you. From cover to cover, you'll read hundreds of case studies and research examples that prove the authors' expertise in the field of marketing to mothers.

If you're a 50-year-old male executive sitting in a high-rise boardroom designing a marketing plan, you have no idea what the buzz is among moms on the playground. Word-of-mouth can spread news about a product like wildfire.

I can't say enough great things about this book! I was completely fascinated with their studies of generational differences. There are four generations of mothers out shopping today: Silver Birds (born between 1935-1945); Baby Boomers (1946-1964); Gen X (1964-1976); and Gen Y (1977-1994). The older generations are grandmothers out shopping for their children and grandchildren, while the newest wave of moms are just entering their child-bearing years.

The authors write, "Although it is true that all moms are women, not all women are moms, and expecting to connect with a mom as you speak to her only as a woman is a well-documented misnomer...By ignoring her role as a mother and just speaking to her as a woman, you are essentially subtracting from the equation the role that she values most." In a nutshell.

The book explores each generation's way of thinking and shares the interesting discovery that it's not the mother's age that links her thinking to her peers; it's her child's age. So, you could have a Boomer mom and an X generation mom with kids the same age, and they'll have more in common than peers without children or with kids in a different age group. I've found this to be true in my own life, and it made sense seeing this fact in print.

What's the one thing that moms really want? Read the book. If your product can meet that need, you'll more likely win her over. How has technology changed the shopping experience for moms? The authors won't just tell you -- they'll SHOW you through detailed case studies.

Bailey and Ulman will also share their views on why certain products do well in the mom market and why others fail. They describe several successful marketing campaigns, as well as some doozies. For example, Ziplock bags realized what a struggle it is for moms to pack up snacks for their kids when they're on the go, and they designed a marketing strategy to show mothers they understood. It's like the authors say, "If you want to think like a mom, you have to walk in her shoes."

The biggest take-away I got from the book is that mothers today value information more than any other time period. The average mom reads 4.1 magazines a month, so this is where we're getting a lot of information. Products that meet women's needs for information will have the best advantage in the marketplace. And this increases the value of good public relations over traditional advertising.

I'd recommend this book to anyone. It's fun to read through, but it's definitely a great reference tool to keep nearby. Bailey is CEO of her full-service marketing firm, BSM Media, and Ulman is principal of the Haystack Group, a communications and consumer research consultancy. Most importantly, they know how to think like moms because they ARE moms!

--Reviewed by Heather Lynn Ivester, "Mom 2 Mom Connection" columnist

5 out of 5 stars Takes Mom Marketing Beyond the Basics.......2005-04-21

This book does a great job of shattering old sterotypes such as the Soccer Mom and reconizes the complexity of marketing to moms. Bailey and Ulman offer fresh research that provides interesting, useful insights. For example, moms of different generations may be the best of friends because the ages of their children are the same, so recognizing the common experiences of moms regardless of their own age is important. This callenges traditional demographic profiles and demonstrates that the moms market needs to be considered from many angles. The book is an easy read as it often uses interviews with real moms to convey key points. I found it very beneficial and a worthy addition to my bookshelf.

5 out of 5 stars Must-Read for Mom Marketers .......2005-04-01

I've had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Maria Bailey's new book, Trillion Dollar Moms. If Mom is a customer of your business, it's a must-read.

As the world changes rapidly, Moms are changing with it and leading the way. The differences in how Boomer, Gen X, and Gen Y Moms respond to marketing in today's multi-channel, multimedia environment are significant. Maria provides a landscape for you to design marketing strategies to best connect with Moms.
Expositions and Trade Shows
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Great textbook
  • Only has 175 pages, not 300. Imformative..not worth $49.95.
Expositions and Trade Shows
Deborah Robbe
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471153907

Book Description

The first comprehensive guide to the workings of the exposition industry As more companies worldwide incorporate expositions and trade shows into their overall marketing and advertising strategy, demand is increasing for marketing professionals and trade show managers who understand the complex process of designing and running effective, well-managed expositions. Expositions and Trade Shows is the first book to explain every key aspect of the trade show industry and how it works — from the role that expositions play in an exhibitor's marketing strategy to the responsibilities of the many different people involved in planning and mounting a successful exhibition. Using case histories drawn from the author's extensive real-world experience, this book: Ideal for meeting planners and convention and exhibit managers, as well as students in marketing or hospitality management programs, Expositions and Trade Shows is an important career resource for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the field, enhance their effectiveness on the job, and build a sound future in the trade show industry.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great textbook.......2004-05-27

Ms. Robbe did a great job of explaining the basics of planning for expositions and tradeshows. The text gives great insight for those who are looking to break in to the meeting and tradeshow planning industry.

3 out of 5 stars Only has 175 pages, not 300. Imformative..not worth $49.95........2000-09-07

This book has a lot of basic information, but it is not worth $49.95. It only has 175 pages, even though the website says it has 300. I notified Amazon of this error in June and it still has not been updated.

Overall, this book is informative for beginners, but not for the professional manager.
Copywriting That Sells High Tech
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Covers Everything for the High-Tech Copywriter
  • Comprehensive introduction, but dry
  • Taking on too much
  • The book for ALL technical writing
  • The Bible of Writing Hi-Tech Copy
Copywriting That Sells High Tech
Janice M. King
Manufacturer: WriteSpark Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976639602

Product Description

Copywriting That Sells High Tech is the definitive guide to writing powerful promotional materials for technology products, services, and companies.

Ideal for both novices and experienced communicators, Copywriting That Sells High Tech provides valuable insights and practical advice on writing clear and compelling promotional materials for technology products and services. The book is full of hundreds of ideas, examples, and techniques for improving the content of print and online materials.

Use this book every day to get valuable ideas for specific materials, to expand your knowledge into new areas, and to find resources for detailed exploration.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Covers Everything for the High-Tech Copywriter.......2007-09-01

Writing copy for high-tech companies is totally different than other types of copywriting. In light of that fact, this book targets an audience that needs just this type of information.

I like the way Janice explains what a "callout" is, for example. While most experienced copywriters know what it is, a novice would not. And some copywriters who don't write high-tech, might not as well.

As one reviewer says, the author does cover a lot of material. But for someone just getting into high-tech copywriting, this is almost necessary. A second book that goes into detail on a few topics is called for as a follow-up read.

I recommend this book to anyone just getting into high-tech copywriting or someone who has done a little in the area but needs more information.

4 out of 5 stars Comprehensive introduction, but dry.......2007-08-30

I've reviewed a few books in the "how to write..." genre, so Janice King offered me an opportunity to look at her book. I accepted because -- unbeknownst to Janice, I suspect -- my essay on "Care & Feeding of the Press" has quietly become a top resource for press relations professionals, which is one of the audiences for this book.

There's 12 chapters here, each of which covers a different facet of marcom. The first four chapters describe project planning, from defining the audience to the writing process (which covers both working with web designers and setting the proper tone for the marketing material). Five more chapters cover process: document elements, content types, text techniques, legal and ethical issues, and international concerns. The last section gives particular attention to specific types of marcom: sales materials, alliance (partner) materials, and press materials.

Although I've written a bit of marcom materials myself (such as technical white papers), my interest was focused on the last section since, as a computer industry journalist for more than 15 years, I have seen more press materials than one can imagine.

The best and worst I can say about Copywriting That Sells High Tech is that it reads like a college textbook. The information you need is all here, well organized and accessible. But it's a data dump -- not a mentor who shares experiences as well as information.

The information she imparts is accurate. Dull, maybe -- I felt as though I'd better be taking notes for the final exam -- but accurate. For example, she lists the types of press articles that a marcom professional might be called upon to produce, such as case studies, research findings, and technology primers, and describes the elements, requirements and expectations for each. If you didn't know any of this (and I can assure you that plenty of so-called PR professionals do not), you'll have a ready made checklist for your PR kit.

However, there's no sparkle in any of it; you don't have the least sense that a treasured friend is confiding her vast experience in this subject. But maybe you don't need that. (I like sparkle, personality, a voice.)

If you're new to marcom, or you're trying to figure out if this (lucrative) sort of writing is right for you, this is an excellent book to help you get started. It may also be useful (though less so) for a businessperson who suddenly has these duties plopped on her desk. You won't learn to write an effective press release (or to write an effective anything, really) from this text, but you'll be able to check off the elements that are expected by the target audience.

Copywriting That Sells High Tech is more "what" than it is "how." There are other references for the "how to write effectively" tasks, though; turn to this book for the broad picture.

3 out of 5 stars Taking on too much.......2007-06-20

I purchased this book as a textbook for a marketing communications class. The class as a whole had a few negative comments, including that the text was difficult to follow. I had no trouble following it, but King does try to cover too much material in one book. Buy this book for an overview of copywriting and read first the chapters that pertain to your particular project (something King suggests herself). Move on to other books for a more in-depth view.

5 out of 5 stars The book for ALL technical writing.......2006-05-13

This book is ideal for the marketing communications writer working for a technology company. In it you will find more than 300 pages of valuable content when writing for the Web or crafting written words for any type of marketing materials. The book is loaded with tips on how to craft compelling content.

5 out of 5 stars The Bible of Writing Hi-Tech Copy.......2006-05-03

I've been writing business-to-business, industrial, and high-tech marcom materials for over a quarter of a century, and I wish I had this book when I started. It's comprehensive and filled with great tips on how to write more compelling, engaging promotions for technical products.
Grapevine : The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Consumer evangelism how-to
  • Word of Mouth 101
  • Defining word of mouth marketing
  • In a word, ego
  • pretty good
Grapevine : The New Art of Word-of-Mouth Marketing
David Balter , and John Butman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000FZDKQG

Book Description

For the last few years, marketers have been obsessed with creating word of mouth and buzz to compensate for the declining effectiveness of traditional advertising. There have been several books on this important subject (including The Tipping Point), but none with the real-world insights that Dave Balter offers as today's leading practitioner of word-of-mouth marketing.

Balter's company, BzzAgent, has grown exponentially in just a few years; it now coordinates an army of 75,000 volunteers who talk up products they genuinely love, ranging from books, beer, and jeans to perfumes, restaurants, and sausages. These agents are not asked to follow a script when talking with friends and acquaintances in everyday conversations, nor do they conceal that they're agents. The honesty of their opinions is what make these agents believable.

The big lesson of BzzAgent's success is that companies don't need to win over experts, “influentials,” “cool hunters,” or “magic people” to drive word of mouth. They just need to reach ordinary consumers—from all age groups and income levels—who might be excited to try out new products before they hit the market. The person who sits next to you at work might have a bigger influence on what book you'll read next than any critic, or even Oprah.

Grapevine features many real Bzz Agent campaigns (and transparently highlights both successes and failures) to show readers what strategies work best in driving word of mouth. It's both a practical book for business people and an enlightening read for anyone curious about why products take off or flop.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Consumer evangelism how-to.......2007-01-27

Grapevine is centered around the idea that people are naturally inclined to talk about products. David Balter stresses importance of word-of-mouth, and even more importantly, the role of every consumer in this process. He tip-toes around the idea of empowering consumers and offers some great advice from experience.

However, I don't think it's the inclination to talk about a product as much as it is about 'social currency'. Mark Hughes, in his book 'Buzzmarketing' nailed this concept. It's not the about the product, it's not even about your company, it's about the consumer and what you give him/her through your marketing. People like being listened to, to be on the 'inside', to have the scoop, this gives them 'social currency' - it makes them more interesting. In many ways, this is what Grapevine communication is all about, even if David Balter never put it that way.

The book touches on a number of interesting aspects: value of transparency, consumer evangelism, word-of-mouth as storytelling, and even the power of blogs. It's an easy ready with some interesting insights; overall, a worthwhile investment.

5 out of 5 stars Word of Mouth 101.......2007-01-10

Trying to find a new dentist in town? Need to know a great hole-in-the wall eatery? You're probably banking on someone's recommendation more than anything else. It's word of mouth that's really starting to gain attention, even though it has been around for ages. Balter and Butman provide an excellent understanding of word of mouth in today's world and how it has become so prevalent and powerful.

A must read for anyone interested in the evolution of society and marketing.

5 out of 5 stars Defining word of mouth marketing.......2006-09-19

Dave Balter is a genius. This book captures his passion for an industry that he is seeking to shape and define with integrity. This is essential reading for marketing professionals seeking to understand how word of mouth marketing works for major brands as well as for all of us in our daily lives. I highly recommend this book to those interested in understanding the most influential form of marketing today and always.

1 out of 5 stars In a word, ego.......2006-08-27

This book is simply an ego boost for the author. I found absolutely nothing I could use in my own business, but was
vaguely impressed with the writers "word of mouth" business. I kept reading, expecting to find the secrets to starting my own word of mouth campaign any minute, only to feel that final book readers frustration in the end. No good ending, no secrets revealed, this book is a waste of time.

4 out of 5 stars pretty good.......2006-05-04

I bought this book with great anticipation as it promised to reveal real new techniques in word of mouth advertising. I was even more excited as I read the first couple of chapters but after that it proved to be nothing more than case studies and advertisement for his BzzAgent business. However, I will say I did walk away with new insight on word of mouth with some ideas, one of which sparked an idea for my website that drove more traffic to my novel on Amazon.com. I was hoping for more detailed how to techniques than case studies but maybe if I combine this book with other buzz marketing and word of mouth marketing and guerilla marketing books I'll come up with a comprehensive plan that works well.


Jeff Rivera
Author of FOREVER MY LADY on Amazon.com
How to Write Sales Letters That Sell
Average customer rating: Not rated
    How to Write Sales Letters That Sell
    Drayton Bird
    Manufacturer: Kogan Page
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0749438762

    Book Description

    "The ultimate how-to book of direct mail letter writing." -- Victor Ross, former Chairman, Reader's Digest
    Strategic Writing: Multimedia Writing for Public Relations, Advertising, Sales and Marketing, and Business Communication
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    • Okay for beginners, but too simplistic for pros
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    Charles Marsh , David W. Guth , and Bonnie Poovey Short
    Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon
    ProductGroup: Book
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    3 out of 5 stars Okay for beginners, but too simplistic for pros.......2007-07-20

    Students and business people who write their own communications may find the book's recipe style useful for learning how to write a particular document for the first time. However, communications professionals will likely find the material too simplistic for use as a daily reference.
    Power Sales Writing
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    • Power is an UNDERSTATEMENT!
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    • Sue does it again!
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    Sue A. Hershkowitz-Coore
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    Book Description

    Power Sales Writing is a brisk, no-nonsense guide to writing sales messages guaranteed to grab and hold a prospect's attention.

    With this book in hand, everyone from salespeople to marketing managers to business executives will quickly and painlessly master the essence of effective sales writing to win the sale or client. This book includes:

    Download Description

    Power Sales Writing is a brisk, no-nonsense guide to writing sales messages guaranteed to grab and hold a prospect's attention. With this book in hand, everyone from salespeople to marketing managers to business executives will quickly and painlessly master the essence of effective sales writing to win the sale or client. This book includes: Lists of power words and phrases Editing and revision techniques Tips on how to break bad news and achieve desired outcomes Advice on translating sales skills into copy Techniques for getting prospects to act by articulating their needs

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A "must have" for professionals........2007-03-08

    With all of the advances the age of technology has brought us, there have also been a few setbacks. One of those setbacks comes in the form of a lack of professionalism in writing. The email era has all but eliminated professionalism in business communications. POWER SALES WRITING by Sue Hershkowitz-Coore seeks to restore some of that lost professionalism. What we have here, however, is not just about improving the level of professionalism in email, but is applicable to all realms of business writing.

    The author begins by introducing four questions that are basic components of all business writing. The professional writer should always begin their prewriting with these four basic questions. Doing so will insure the writer always achieves the desired result. There is an incredible amount of information on such a wide variety of writing tips, such as proofing, when and how to use buffers, and legal culpability in business communications.

    The book seems to be aimed at a general audience (anyone who conducts business communication) as well as a specific audience, (copywriters). The content here is beneficial for both audiences and, I believe, meets reader expectations of either group. The last half of the book does slant more towards the professional copywriter, but can still be applied to general business communications.

    In the last half of the book we find direction on sales letters. Here, the focus is on such things as sales letter characteristics, the power of testimony and using stimuli words (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) to appeal to various learning styles.

    The final section really helps the reader to challenge him or herself from writing habits found less than admirable. This is somewhat of a melding together and condensed version of Richard Bayan's "Words That Sell" and Strunk's "Elements of Style". Of particular note, I found on the final page of text, a technique I have used for years. That is making a list of the ten most important things learned from the book, picking a couple to focus on for a month, then moving to the next two. The problem here is, for me, it was difficult holding my list down to ten items.

    This is a critical edition for professional copywriters. It is beneficial for all professionals who must use written communication. I found the book exceptionally well written. Hershkowitz-Coore's obvious skill as a writer makes the book very easy to comprehend.

    5 out of 5 stars Power is an UNDERSTATEMENT!.......2006-04-20

    Competition is fierce and having the best marketing department or newest product is not good enough. All successful Sales professionals possess skills that set them apart from their competitors and effective writing should be at the top of their skill set. In her new book, Power Sales Writing, Sue provides the tools that will inspire the reader to develop or enhance their writing effectiveness and ultimately set them apart from the competition. Power Sales Writing has a prominent position on my bookshelf - a must read!

    3 out of 5 stars OK Book; Not Great.......2004-05-21

    I must say I am little disappointed. I would not tell someone not to buy this book but I would not tell someone to buy it. The book does deliver what it says on the cover. I am not so sure how powerful it is. It is about writing style and how to make it better, easier and faster. I am still trying to decide if I learned anything from this book that is of great value. I am sure I will reference this book in the future and for $10.00; hay what the hell. I have bought computer books for ten times that amount that I hated. If you have difficulty writing and getting your ideas on to paper maybe this book is for you. It is short and it is very readable. I would classify this as an average book. And sorry Sue since my name is not on this I just pounded it out on the keyboard and let the letters fall where they may.

    5 out of 5 stars Power Sales Writting is as essential a tool as a dictionary!.......2003-12-10

    Share this book with everyone in your organization that has any sales contact and increase their their effectiveness. Sue cuts to the heart of good writting skills. Her book is easy to read and offers countless tips on letter writting, e-mails and better communication.

    5 out of 5 stars Sue does it again!.......2003-10-25

    Sue is a nationally recognized speaker who captivates her audience with pithy observations, high energy and charm. She has successfully translated that into a terrific guide that will be helpful to new salespeople as well as pros. My favorite part is how she points out the pompous phrases that are often used instead of everyday common sense language.
    An approach to competitive assessment.: An article from: Technical Communication
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      An approach to competitive assessment.: An article from: Technical Communication
      Petrina M. Green
      Manufacturer: Society for Technical Communication
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Digital

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      ASIN: B0009210S0
      Release Date: 2005-07-28

      Book Description

      This digital document is an article from Technical Communication, published by Society for Technical Communication on February 1, 1994. The length of the article is 3602 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

      From the supplier: Competitive assessment techniques offer an efficient and cost-effective alternative to evaluate competitors' products. Competitive assessment helps firms to meet consumer demands in terms of quality and price.

      Citation Details
      Title: An approach to competitive assessment.
      Author: Petrina M. Green
      Publication: Technical Communication (Refereed)
      Date: February 1, 1994
      Publisher: Society for Technical Communication
      Volume: v41 Issue: n1 Page: p51(8)

      Distributed by Thomson Gale

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