Hi everyone! For those of you with teenage children, I’m sure you’ll be able to relate to my mixed feelings When I share that my son just got his driver’s license. On the one hand, I’m pleased for him that he passed the test on the first try and has joined the ranks of those who have earned the privilege to drive. On the other hand, now begin the battles of how often and how far he can take the car! Any tips for a mom who wants to let her son grow up, but not too fast?!

This month’s article addresses one of my pet peeves - receiving an email that doesn’t include the sender’s contact info in the signature file. Not only is it annoying if I want to contact that person via mail or phone, I also see it as a missed marketing opportunity! Read this month’s article to find out how to maximize your e-mail signature file.

Is there something in particular you would like me to address in the newsletter? Email me at Barbara@Raimaker-Strategies.com.

MAXIMIZING YOUR E-MAIL SIGNATURE

Most of us know what an e-mail signature file is – it’s the contact information we put at the bottom of every e-mail we send. If you don’t use a sig file, I really urge you to reconsider. Not only will you make things easier on your clients and contacts, you’re missing an opportunity to subtly promote your business!

Make it Easy to Contact You
Of course people can look up your address or phone number in their contact management system, but isn’t it so much easier for them to just get it from the email they’re looking at? Most people keep their email open and will go there first before digging up your information from your business card or Palm.

Your Sig File is Soft Self-Promotion
Including a value proposition or Who/What stat ment in your sig file tells people Who you help and What you do for them. Or, if you authored a book, created a product or have a new service to offer, why not include that in your sig file?

Remember, emails are forwarded all the time. While your initial contact may know what you do and for whom, someone who receives your forwarded email might not be as savvy. Don’t leave people in the dark!

Choose Wisely
So, what are you going to put in your sig file?
Here are several possible items to consider:

*Your name and title
*Your firm name
*Your company address
*Your business phone and/or cell phone
*Your fax number
*Your email address
*Your web site address
*A tag line or value proposition
*A company announcement (new service, product, etc.)
*A link to an article or a press release
*An offer for a free consultation
*An offer for a free subscription to your newsletter

Although there are a lot of possibilities, please don’t include ALL of them in your sig file. That would simply be too much of a good thing! Choose what’s important to you and your business, and keep your sig file to seven or eight lines max. You may want to see if your email software will allow you to create and store several different sig files so you can choose the appropriate one for a particular email.

Here’s an example of a good sig line:

Rob Schultz
Not the Same Old Cow Coaching Co.
Email: rob@notthesameoldcow.com
Web: http://www.audaciousaudio.com
Home of the Audacious Audio Workshops and Coaching
Boosting Your Business with CDs, Tapes and Streaming Audio

Most of Rob’s work is done via email so he doesn’t need to include his company address in his email. A good rule of thumb is to include the information that is most important to you and to your contacts and then add your special message or promotion.

Making Rain Out of Mist. Several of you have asked me whether my practice building system for lawyers, Making Rain Out of Mist is a self study program or if coaching is part of the program. The answer is “YES!” :o) Let me explain. The program material consists of a workbook with lots of exercises and four audio CD’s. Those of you who are self-reliant and self-motivated or just plain want to check it out on your own timetable, are certainly able to do so. And, for those of you who would like assistance going through the program, or have questions, individual and group coaching is available. Feel free to contact me and we’ll decide together which is the best option for you and your needs. You can Email me at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com or
Call me at 858-566-5585.

If you want to find out more about this step-by-step, comprehensive practice building system, please visit my web site at www.rainmaker-strategies.com
(click on the products link).

Booklet Information. To purchase your copy of my booklet, Business Development: 97 Quick & Easy Tips For Lawyers, go to my web site at www.rainmaker-strategies.com or send me an email at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com and I’ll be happy to process your order. Cost is $5.00
for a single copy (plus tax where applicable and shipping).

Barbara Nichols Mencer
Rainmaker Strategies
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
www.rainmaker-strategies.com

If you’ve enjoyed this article and learned a valuable business-building tip, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues.

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