New Radiance Updates
January 2002

~~ NEW RADIANCE NEWS ~~

The New Radiance Florida Directory is the only statewide Directory of body, mind, spirit professionals and organizations published continuously since 1990. Watch for the all-new 7th Edition in March.

If you act quickly, there's still time to submit your ad or listing to the Florida Directory.

An astrologer friend of mine informed me that the recent Winter Solstice included a lineup of planets that - more than usual - indicated a completion and releasing of old things and a fresh start for the new ones.

If you have a new business or a new twist to your existing business and would like to promote this news statewide -- there are still a few ad slots open in the upcoming 7th Edition of the New Radiance Metaphysical & Holistic Florida Directory.

The Directory is being typeset this month and next, so you'll need to send your ad or listing within the next few days. If you were immersed in holiday happenings and didn't have time to prepare your listings in December, here's your opportunity. 

The quickest way to submit a display ad is to mail your business card along with your two free listings. You'll automatically receive your free Directory when they are received from the printer.

Order forms with ad sizes and prices are on the New Radiance website at www.newradiance.com/7th Ed. Ad Rates.htm. If you'd like more information, please email Barb Casey at newradiance@earthlink.net or call 727-397-2702.

Samples pages of the previous 6th Edition of the Florida Directory may be viewed at www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0964570238/newradianceresou. Or, if you are browsing Amazon, just insert the key words "New Radiance" and you will link directly to the 6th Edition page.


-- To access past issues of the New Radiance Updates Newsletter, click on the "Newsletter" box at the top of this page.

~~ 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DISPLAY ADS MORE EFFECTIVE ~~

If your display ads aren't pulling in as many responses as you would like, here are ten tips for making them more effective.

(1) Determine your target market -- who are the people you want to attract? Advertise in publications you know they read and word your ad with your ideal client's needs and wants in mind.

(2) Decide on one purpose for your ad. Do you want to generate: (a) leads, (b) mail order or phone sales, (c) store or website visits? The purpose will determine the points you emphasize in your ad.

(3) Do you wish to attract people new to your field, people who have never tried your type of service before? If so, make sure to keep your ad wording concrete and jargon-free. Create a word picture they can relate to.

(4) Use an attention-grabbing headline. One of the marketing e-zines I subscribe to recommends studying the ads in publications such as The National Enquirer. Apparently these ads draw a huge response and are written by some of the top ad copywriters in the business.

You have mere seconds to catch the interest of people scanning the ads in a publication. To make sure they stop at yours, speak to their wants and needs. For example:

(Dieters Market) Safe, natural diet really works!

(Business Market) Do you need more walk-in business traffic? Case histories prove Feng Shui brings in customers.

(Spiritual Seekers Market) Did you ever wonder where Heaven is? Church of _____ has answers.

(Business Opportunities Market) Are you still waiting for your ship to come in? Success coaching can help speed it along.

(Alternative Health Market) Lengthen your pet's life.

Do you see how each headline shows the benefit to be gained by reading further? Also, each headline is written to catch the attention of a specific target market -- the people who are likely to be interested in reading the rest of the ad. 

(5) If you have a picture that illustrates your product or service, use it to draw readers into your ad. Make sure the picture ties in with the message of your ad.

(6) Stick to one business focus in your ad. A shopping list of services can leave readers confused about how you can help them.

(7) State very clearly the key benefit of using your product or service. Make it believable with facts, figures and testimonials. Tell the readers "what's in it for them."

(8) Tell your readers what you want them to do:
(a) call toll free, (b) mail in a coupon, (c) visit a website, (d) come to a store, (e) schedule an appointment.

(9) Give readers an incentive to do what you ask:
(a) free gift, (b) free information, (c) free sample of your product or service, (d) best prices in town, (e) money back guarantee.

Even if you're the best/most experienced/most respected practitioner in your field, the reader won't know this unless (a) a friend refers him or (b) he tries your service for himself.

(10) Use easy-to-read type that invites the eye to keep reading. Professionals recommend using a minimum number of fonts in each ad. A larger size and bold face can be used for emphasis, especially for headlines and subheadings.


~~ DIRECTORY ADVERTISER UPDATES ~~

Steve and Cathie Reel's new website is www.reelsmusic.com. Their band, The Reels, performs new age, Celtic and world music, recording on the Gaia's Light record label. To inquire about hiring the band to perform at your events, please email: thereels@reelsmusic.com.

Keth Luke and Jan Carter of House of Grace offer divine tune-ups, soul-lightbody work, physical-mental-emotional healing, heart-centered astrology and channeling. Visit their website www.awakening-healing.com or call 727-842-6788 for information.


~~ TIPS FOR EXHIBITING AT TRADE SHOWS & EXPOS ~~

Calvin and Deb Robinson, promoters of the Body, Mind & Spirit Expos conduct training classes for exhibitors prior to each show. Here are some of their pointers for ensuring a successful show for your business.

(1) Use the backdrop drape for displaying large attention-getting posters. You have six seconds to attract the attention of passersby. In that time, you want to (a) pre-qualify them and (b) invite them in, if you have what they want.

(2) Sitting down in your booth doesn't look professional, but leaning against a tall stool can give some relief to weary legs after hours of standing.

(3) Dress appropriately for your business, to make it easier for passersby to tell at a glance what your booth is about. For example, a massage therapist could wear "scrubs" to indicate a health-oriented exhibit.

(4) Offer a "booth prize" drawing to attendees who stop to give you their mailing address. Also make sure to collect email addresses.

(5) Ask a Feng Shui practitioner to assess your booth's traffic flow.

The next Body, Mind & Spirit Expo is Sunday, January 20 at the Harborview Center in Clearwater, Florida, with over 80 exhibitors and a packed schedule of seminars and demonstrations.

If you're considering expo exhibiting as part of your 2002 marketing plan, talk to the Robinsons at 941-707-5557 or visit www.bodymindspiritexpo.com for the the schedule of nationwide and Florida show dates.


~~ RESOURCE LIST OF DESIGNERS AND WRITERS ~~

The resource list of graphic designers and writers is now posted on the New Radiance website. Here is the newest addition to the list:

Blue Haze Design Co. is a full-service company offering design and copywriting services for a wide array of clients -- from large corporate enterprises to small, unique businesses. Whether you're in need of a logo, stationery package, brochure, direct mail promotion, advertising campaign, publication, annual report or website, Blue Haze Design Co.'s personal service and style can help your company grow. Please contact Kate at 941-388-0103 or email: blue.haze@verizon.net.


~~ NEW WEBSITE FOR ADVERTISING EVENTS ~~

A new website www.alternativecalendar.com offers Florida body-mind-spirit professionals and organizations a place to list your upcoming events for a nominal fee of $10 per month. Once you have registered at the website, you can list your classes, conferences, healing circles, expos, entertainment events and ceremonial gatherings -- all of your "open to the public" events. For more information, visit www.alternativecalendar.com.


~~ MARKETING RESOLUTIONS FOR SPEAKERS AND AUTHORS ~~

(1) If my media kit photo is outdated, I resolve to have a new professional business photo taken at a studio specializing in publicity photos.

(2) I will make sure to keep a dozen or so small photos on hand for mailing in my media kit, for use in print ads, for displaying in expo programs, and to give to reporters when my press release generates interest for an article about me.

(3) I will put a page on my website called "Media Room" which includes a head and shoulders jpg or gif photo of myself and updated biographical information.

(4) I will begin making a database of media contacts relevant to my target market and I will plan a 2002 press release campaign to these contacts.

(5) I will subscribe to e-zines that teach new ways to generate publicity for my books and speaking engagements.
(One of the best is by Joan Stewart. You can subscribe at www.publicityhound.com.)