I still look forward to getting mail, cards, and goodies through the good ole fashion US Mail. There is a child-like excitement about holding, opening, and reading mail. AND in the day and age of email onslaught and Viagra spamming (it really is amazing how many of these still exist), direct mail can make you pay attention.

About a year ago I had just moved. I kept thinking we need to get some things organized … but I kept putting it off.

Boom — the mail arrives on a Wednesday and in it is this postcard. Why did it get my attention?

I was in pain. I needed help and there it was in front of me. I went on to call this organizer and spent thousands of dollars with her. She was wonderful and efficient. She, in turn, joined my 10k program to build a new business of her own and we developed a wonderful relationship.

THAT direct mail postcard generated almost $20,000.

Marketing Sherpa recently released a chart that shows that direct mail is still considered an important part of any B2B marketing campaign. It may not have the “flash” of the latest social media trend, but it works.

So … think about shaking thing up a bit and send some direct mail. As much as I love Jaime, her postcard wasn’t that great, but it still worked. Here are some tips to make yours super effective.

Get Suzanne’s Successful Direct Mail Tips

Stop multi-tasking for one moment and grab a paper and a pen. Don’t over process. Think from the gut.

Now, answer this question: What is it that you would like to see changed in the world?

Write down your answer. Only give yourself 10-15 seconds.

If you had a difficult time answering the question, that is the reason your business is struggling. You have to be the change you wish to see in the world. How can you grow a business around that change if you don’t even know what your mission is?

When someone asks, “What do you do?” do you respond with, “Oh, I’m a life coach, Reiki healer, energy worker, underwater basket weaver…”?

If this sounds familiar, no one knows what it is you really do. They don’t care what your title is.

Learn How to Talk About What You Do

People ask me this all this time: “Suzanne HOW did you grow your business SO FAST?” AND I’ve answered this question thousands of times, and I will continue to do so until the end of time. The answer is simple — I made eye contact ;-) Really that is it.

When you meet people in PERSON and not just online you are instantly able to determine:

1. If they are the right fit for you as a client; and
2. They have a bond with you and your belief in them that will transform your business QUICKLY

We live in an age of smoke and mirrors. Lots of “behind the scenes” tricks going on which leave people skeptical and leery about choosing someone they don’t know or making an investment in YOU. I know we talk about them investing in THEMSELVES, but in the beginning all they are doing is assessing if you are a gamble or the real deal. In truth the internet does not help you win this battle, so why not eliminate the biggest gap in their decision making process and put your “outside” clothes on, brush your hair, put on little make up, and meet them where they are?  Right?

You laugh, but how many of you are reading this and haven’t showered all day, much less left your house to go shake up some business? I mean it people. You are sitting there pressing send again and again in your pajamas thinking that business will come and beat your door down. It won’t. I promise you.

This is the ONE thing that made all the difference in my business growth.

Read How Suzanne Used Sponsorship Opportunities to Grow Her List and earn More Than 30K

I watch people want clients, but not take action. They are seemingly ready, but they complain more than ACT.

I know that’s a bit harsh, but it is the reality of being an authentic entrepreneur. If you are really ready to help more people, you have to market and move. So, I have put together 5 steps that are specific and aggressive. If you really want more clients, then jump in.

1. DECIDE.

GET serious about marketing. Get serious about spending 3-5 hours a day on getting new clients and filling your pipeline. This is not a time for excuses or to “kinda” do it. Are you marketing 3-5 hours a day? If the answer is not YES, then the answer is Hell No. Oops, excuse me. How do you do this? Make a plan. Map out the time. I built my business to six figures working a 60-hour a week day job. You can find the time if you agree to put all EXCUSES in the 2011 pile and burn them today!

Read Four More Steps to Get More Clients

If you are struggling in business chances are, you are missing this one crucial secret. The good news is … anyone can do this. Really! The bad news is it forces you – the REAL YOU – to come out of hiding. Front and center. In a big way.

But in the big picture, its the best business plan you can ever have.