Sample Free Stuff

If you have been involved in a network marketing company for the past year or so, you’ve probably heard of a popular technique to get new customers called “samples.” It doesn’t sound like anything new, right? You see fast food restaurant employees at malls and grocery store cooks handing these out all the time and it seems like a legitimate way to get people to try your product. Then if they like it, they will want to buy more of it. Simple.

The main problem with following this trend in network marketing is that it costs the distributor money and time that should be spent on proven techniques that will really help them grow a business. A grocery store is given free products for the sole purpose of handing out samples to customers, and they’ve already got someone on the clock to distribute them. There’s virtually no loss for them and that’s why it works.

What works for a large company doesn’t work the same for a home-based business owner. If sampling is such a great way to find new customers, why is it that we’ve only seen it come into popularity recently? Because it’s just another trend sparked by one person who probably had moderate success with it. If you are serious about growing a profitable home-based business, think twice before comitting yourself to a sampling program. Here are the three reasons why.

1. Sampling Attracts The Wrong Prospects

What happens when you focus on giving someone a free gift through advertising? You wind up getting the type of people who are only looking for something they don’t have to pay for. These people are not serious about what you have to offer. They will try your product, then find an excuse not to buy it becuase they are already on to the next advertisement offering something for free. It’s possible you might get a few customers out of a hundred or so samples, but how is that going to seriously build your business?

Your focus shouldn’t be on who you can dangle a free sample in front of in order to get business. You want people who have a want, need and desire for what you have to offer, regardless of how much it costs. If your company provides every customer with a money back guarantee, isn’t that really the same thing as a free sample? The difference is that you don’t need to put your money out first. If a prospect is serious enough, which is what you are looking for, they shouldn’t even want a free sample anyway.

2. Sampling Doesn’t Provide Enough Of A Supply

If you are in network marketing, I seriously doubt you are selling cheese and crackers like the sample pushers at the grocery store. Your product is of good quality, if not great, and you have a personal attachment to it. How did you first decided to use the product? What made you so excited about it that made you want to market it? I am guessing that you needed more than a sample supply to get your results, right?

Free samples simply do not offer a prospect enough of a supply to get a serious result. You are in business to fill the supply of your target audience. How can you do that if you are only giving a portion of it away? The best way for a prospect to get a good indication of the product benefits is to experience them for at least a month. If a person is only interested in instant gratification, chances are slim that they are willing to incorporate your products into their daily lives anyway.

3. Sampling Is Not Worth The Time, Money And Energy

My experience using a free sample program will provide you with a good example on why it doesn’t work. I bought sample packages of several products from my company, and set out to advertise this as a good way of just getting people to use them. I was told that all I needed to do was get the prospect to try it and the rest will work for itself. This proved to be very far from the truth.

After I added up all of my expenses over a six-month time period and guaged my activity, I was amazed to find a debt of about $500. My upline’s check increased because I was ordering a large volume of inventory for sampling purposes, so it worked out great for him and the company. I, on the other hand, only found hopeful prospects either ignoring my calls or simply telling me they weren’t interested in becoming a customer. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that I didn’t get any customers at all, but after six months of hard work, only one customer still remains actively purchasing products from me today.

As a result of keeping guages and continuing to track my data, my expenses finally broke even after one complete year of quitting the sample program. My story is tame in comparison to the debt that is accrued by those who follow online business systems designed to “help” people grow a home-based business. Even so, it led me to start looking elsewhere for proper marketing education with a money-back guarantee. How could I seek anything less after spending a whole year spinning my wheels?

What I found was not a departure from the attachment I have for my products, but an overall understanding of how these systems do not work for the home-business owner. Companies play a numbers game for the benefit of the whole. It takes too much time and money to educate every distributor on how to properly market a product in order to grow a successful business. That’s why your company may be seeing an increase in sales year after year while you are still trying to get your ship afloat.

It is possible to succeed in network marketing, but you won’t find the answers by giving away free samples. Only offer samples of new or different products for your customers who have already purchased something from you. That is what will increase your business because they will appreciate it.

And most importantly, stop listening to people who say that the latest trend will get your business going. All you need is proper marketing education, and a willingness to think outside of the box.



By: William Winch

About the Author:

All Natural Herbal Colon Cleanser- 100% FREE Trial

Thank-you letters are one of the most important letters that your non-profit mails to donors. They remind donors that they made the right decision in supporting your organization. They show that you are grateful for the donors gift.

As a bonus, thank-you letters increase donor loyalty, strengthen relationships with your donors and increase your chances of receiving more gifts in the future. So here are some pointers for writing effective thank-you letters.

Be personal.

Address your thank-you letter to your donor by name. Don’t say “Dear Friend.”

Say thank you, thank you, thank you.

Show your gratitude by repeating, in a few different ways, that you are thankful for your donor’s gift.

Be specific if possible.

Mention the size of the gift, or the date that you received the gift, or at least say “Thank you for your recent gift.” Donors are busy people who need to be reminded that they responded to your appeal.

Show how the donor’s gift is being successful.

Reinforce in your donor’s mind that sending a gift was a wise investment in the work of your organization. Describe a recent success that was made possible by the donor’s generosity. Or show in other specific, tangible ways, how or where the donors gift is making a difference in the lives of the people that your non-profit serves.

Thank the supporter, not the donor.

Somewhere in your letter, acknowledge that you value your reader as someone who supports your organization and believes in your mission. No one likes being treated like an automated banking machine.

Encourage dialogue.

Show a genuine interest in your donor by inviting them to write you, or phone you, or visit your website, or drop by your mission, or in some other way strengthen your relationship.

Be soft in asking for more funds.

Your thank-you letter should say thanks. If you follow your thanks with an immediate and aggressive appeal for more funds, you may cheapen your thanks and offend your supporter. So be gentle, and soft-sell the request for another gift.

Strive for originality.

Be fresh. Make your letter unique. Avoid language that sounds like it was churned out by a bureaucracy.

An example of a successful thank-you letter.

Below is a thank-you letter that Doctors Without Borders (MSF) mailed to donors who responded to their appeal letter for their work in Afghanistan.

–sample thank-you letter starts–

Dear Alan:

In response to your recent gift to MSF, I join with the people of Afghanistan in saying shúker, thank you, for your generosity.

As I write, the security situation in Afghanistan is changing by the day, improving in some areas of the country while deteriorating in others. At MSF, we are particularly alarmed at the number of civilians who are being killed or injured in the bombing campaigns.

On one day alone, we transported 72 dead and 15 wounded to the hospital. Many of them were women and children. Among the casualties was a family whose father was killed, mother critically injured, and four children wounded. A six-year-old boy lost one eye and had to undergo partial amputation of one arm and a full amputation of his other arm and one of his legs.

We are seeing increasing evidence of an unacceptably high toll on civilians due to the military operations in Afghanistan. We are calling upon the parties involved to minimize the consequences of the ongoing conflict on the civilian population.

The good news is that, thanks to your generosity, our 60 international staff and over 400 Afghan staff are back to work in the country again, offering medical help without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

I join with all of them and the staff here at MSF Canada in wishing you a prosperous and safe Náwey Kaal, or New Year.

Yours sincerely,

[signature]

Leslie Shanks, MD, CCFP President - Médecins Sans Frontières Canada / Doctors Without Borders-Canada

–sample thank-you letter ends–

© 2005 Sharpe Copy Inc. You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the “About the author” message).

By: Alan Sharpe

About the Author:

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FACTS ABOUT ARTHROLEVE UHI™

Visit: http://www.arthroleve.com for a free sample box today!

What is Arthroleve™?

Arthroleve UHI™ brings you the best in natural joint pain relief and cartilage repair without dangerous side effects.† Independent clinical trials report that the ingredients in Arthroleve™

· relieve bone and joint pain†

· support cartilage building and repair†

· improve joint function and stiffness†

Our physicians and pharmacologists formulated Arthroleve™ after months of reviewing university research studies worldwide. The result is a powerful nutraceutical that’s as effective as other joint pain products without risking damage to the digestive system, heart, liver, or other internal organs.†

Potent yet safe, each easy-to-swallow Arthroleve UHI™ caplet is made in America and meets stringent GMP pharmaceutical quality standards. It is available without a prescription.

Who should take Arthroleve™?

Arthroleve™ is recommended for adults suffering from

· joint or bone pain caused by trauma or excessive use

· joint or bone pain caused by strenuous or repetitive activity

· non-specific lower back pain (NSLBP)

· weakened bones and joints due to age or injury

Arthroleve™ is also beneficial for individuals who want to maintain and strengthen healthy joints.

What are the ingredients in Arthroleve™?

Each Arthroleve™ caplet contains 100 mg of S-adenosyl-l-methionine, 166.5 mg of Harpagophytum procumbens, and 200 mg of glucosamine sulfate.

S-adenosyl-l-methionine is a substance that occurs naturally in all living cells. It is formed from methionine (an essential amino acid) and adenosine triphosphate. Multiple clinical trials have shown that S-adenosyl-l-methionine reduces joint pain and inflammation as effectively as leading prescription products, and offers additional benefits for mood support and liver function.†

Evidence suggests that S-adenosyl-l-methionine may play a role in reducing inflammation, increasing proteoglycan synthesis, and/or reducing pain (Najm et al, 2004). It is sold as a drug in Europe.

Harpagophytum procumbens (Hp) is from the devil’s claw plant, a medicinal herb used for generations in Africa and Europe for treating rheumatic complaints. It is believed to work in the same way as Cox-2 anti-inflammatory drugs. In clinical research, Harpagophytum procumbens has proven highly effective in reducing non-specific lower back pain. One recent study found that 20 percent of patients treated for low back pain with Harpagophytum procumbens were completely pain free after six weeks of treatment.

Glucosamine, derived from the exoskeletons of shrimp, crab, lobster, and other shellfish, is an essential material for repairing and maintaining cartilage. It lubricates joints by helping cartilage absorb and hold water. Research shows that glucosamine alleviates pain and protects joints as effectively as leading joint pain treatments, but without the dangerous side effects.

How does Arthroleve™ work?

Arthroleve™ helps repair and protect chondrocytes, the cells that produce joint cartilage. Its natural compounds suppress chemicals (matrix degrading enzymes) that interfere with cartilage production and contribute to pain and inflammation.

At the same time, Arthroleve™ nourishes the live chondrocytes with essential building blocks for new cartilage, thus supporting the repair and regeneration of connective tissue in the joint.

How can joint trauma cause chronic pain?

The cells that produce joint cartilage (chondrocytes) normally die off at a rate of less than one percent. However, within 48 hours of trauma to a joint, the cell death rate shoots up dramatically—sometimes rising as high as 37 percent. This increase in cell death stimulates enzymes that attack the cartilage in the joint. The damage to the cartilage “cushion” weakens the joint and can lead to chronic pain.

Who should not take Arthroleve™?

Arthroleve™ should not be used by people with ulcers, gallstones, diabetes, or allergies to shellfish. It has not been tested in children.

Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing; have a history of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric illness; or are taking cardiac medication, blood thinners, or MAOI antidepressants.

How much should I take?

The baseline dosage is one caplet twice daily. For additional benefit, you may increase the dose to two caplets twice daily.

Arthroleve™ is best taken on an empty stomach, but may be taken with food. Antacids may reduce the product’s effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects?

No serious side effects have been reported for the ingredients in Arthroleve™. Higher dosages may cause mild or occasional gastrointestinal upset, mainly diarrhea, in some individuals.

If you experience an allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a physician.

What is your guarantee?

University Health Industries’ products are backed by our 100% money-back guarantee for first-time orders. If you are not completely satisfied, simply return the unused product within 30 days and we’ll refund your purchase price, less shipping and handling.

How was Arthroleve™ developed?

Physicians and pharmacologists developed Arthroleve™ using the principles of evidence based medicine (EBM) and the results of clinical research from university laboratories worldwide.

Evidence based medicine involves examining a broad spectrum of evidence—such as meta-analyses, systematic reviews of existing research, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and other methods of inquiry—to make decisions about effective treatment and patient care.

What is a meta-analysis?

A meta-analysis collects data from many similar research studies, then analyzes the pooled data for statistical significance.

What scientific evidence was used to create Arthroleve™?

Below is a representative sample of the scientific evidence used in formulating patent-pending Arthroleve™. The reference sources are provided at the end of this booklet.

S-adenosyl methionine

In a double-blind crossover trial, the authors concluded that S-adenosyl methionine is as effective as celecoxib (Celebrex®) in the management of symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (Najm WI et al, 2004).

A meta-analysis concluded that S-adenosyl methionine appears to be as effective as NSAIDS in reducing pain and improving functional limitation in patients with osteoarthritis without the adverse effects often associated with NSAID therapies (Soeken et al, 2003).

S-adenosyl methionine plays an important role in the liver, acting as a protective agent for oxidative stress. Patients with liver disease often become deficient and may benefit from the administration of this supernutrient (Liber, 2002).

Harpagophytum procumbens

A recent double-blind pilot study comparing Harpagophytum procumbens to rofecoxib (Vioxx®) found both treatment groups responded equally well in the treatment of lower back pain. The authors also found that 20 percent of the patients treated for low back pain with Harpagophytum procumbens were completely pain free after six weeks of treatment (Chrubasik et al, 2003).

In a recent review of the literature on Harpagophytum procumbens, the study authors concluded that there is strong evidence for its effectiveness in treating non-specific lower back pain (NSLBP) and moderate evidence for its effectiveness in treating osteoarthritis pain (Gagnier et al, 2004).

Glucosamine sulfate

In Drug Discovery Today, a 2004 review article concluded that glucosamine sulfate was effective in narrowing joint space, as a structure-modifying agent to protect joints, and in symptomatic relief of arthritic pain (Curtis et al, 2004).

A recent review of the scientific literature published in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy concluded that available evidence suggests glucosamine sulfate may be effective and safe in improving symptoms and delaying the progression of knee osteoarthritis (Poolsup et al, 2005).

What is the NPA TruLabel Program?

The Natural Products Association (NPA) TruLabel program is the industry’s most expansive and successful self-regulatory program.

University Health Industries and other NPA members voluntarily pay for random monitored tests of their products by independent laboratories. If a test reveals any deficiency in product quality or accuracy in labeling, NPA immediately alerts the member company and expects it to take corrective action. NPA revokes the membership of any company that does not comply.

Who is University Health Industries?

Every year university labs around the globe identify research and test natural compounds and formulations which have the potential to improve our quality of life.

The majority of these potentially life changing discoveries are never commercialized for the benefit of the public.

University Health Industries, in collaboration with university based researchers worldwide, researches and identifies those compounds that have proven evidence based effects and have the greatest potential for improving our lives.

University Health Industries’ mission is to deliver the latest advances and discoveries in natural compounds packaged in our unique patented formulations and delivered to satisfy the needs of consumers for the promotion of health for many common age-related health concerns.

UHI is a proud American company with offices and manufacturing facilities in Boca Raton, Florida. All of our products are GMP-approved and made in the United States to ensure they adhere to standards the American public can trust.

What other nutraceuticals are available from UHI?

University Health Industries recently introduced three additional products, each developed with the same quality and efficacy standards as Arthroleve™:

· Zenstral PMS™ for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)†

http://www.zenstralpms.com

· Premium SAMe UHI™ for mood support†

· Cold & Flu RMD for immune system support and relief from the common cold†

Our physicians and pharmacologists are hard at work creating additional evidence-based nutraceutical products. For more information, or to receive product announcements and special offers by email, please visit www.arthroleve.com or www.universityhealthindustries.com.

Scientific References

Chrubasik S, Model A, Black A, Pollak S. A randomized double-blind study comparing Doloteffin® and Vioxx® in the treatment of low back pain. Rheumatology. 2003:32;141-8.

Gagnier JJ, Chrubasik S, Manheimer E. Harpophytum procumbens for osteoarthritis and low back pain: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2004 Sep 15;4:13.

Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Channark P, Kittikulsuth W. Glucosamine long-term treatment and the progression of knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2005 June;39:1080-87.

Curtis CL, Harwood JL, Dent CD, Caterson B. Biological basis for benefit of nutraceutical supplementation in arthritis. Drug Discovery Today. 2004;9:16572.

Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressants: meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:7-14.

Najm WI, Reinsch S, Hoehler F, Tobis JS, Harvery PW. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: a double-blind cross-over trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2004 Feb 26;5(1):6.

Liber CS. S-adenosyl-L-methionine: its role in the treatment of liver disorders. AM J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(5):1183s-7s.

Setty AR, Sigal LH. Herbal medications commonly used in the practice of rheumatology: mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Jun;34(6):773-84.

Jacobsen S., Dannekiold-Samsoe B, Andersen RB. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in primary fibromyalgia. Double-blind clinical evaluation. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 1991;20(4):294-302.

Williams Al, Girard C, Jui D, Sabrina A, Katz DL. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) as treatment for depression: a systematic review. Clinical & Investigative Medicine – Medecine Clinique et Experimentale. 2005 June;28(3):132-9.

Soeken KL, Lee W, Bausell R, Anelli M, Berman BM. Safety and efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for osteoarthritis. ACP J Club. 2003 Jan-Feb;138(1):21.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Links:

http://www.universityhealthindustries.com

http://www.arthroleve.com

http://www.zenstralpms.com

http://jmorrow50.wordpress.com



By: Jarret Morrow

About the Author:

Shocking Secrets That Banks And Insurance Companies Don’t Want You To Know