As you will know, one key method of producing information products is to create an eBook / Report with articles or interviews from Top industry experts. (HINT - if you get a number of experts' to participate, then this really improves things for you. Firstly, you have expert advice from a range of people in the business, often the advice may differ slightly, and this is a great benefit to see how views change. Plus, the more experts involved in your project, the better - this gives more credibility. Finally, you could develop a series of article on the back of the project, cross-referencing answers from experts, or using responses from one expert at a time, then following on later with the next set of responses from the next expert .. (HINT - great for setting up an effective auto responder series.) To create you very own version of this, simply approach a number of key figures in the world of business, marketing and the internet. Then, give them a little background to who you are. (HINT - here's a great place to 'blow your own trumpet' as they say.... don't undersell yourself, but at the same time, don't oversell either!) Now - tell them a little more about what you are doing..... something like this.. "I have spent a long time studying your material and products and, like many I have come to respect you. Now I wish to compile high-level input from you and your industry colleagues, to distribute via my list, affiliate program and contacts." Now the next part is VERY important.... they will want to know just how they benefit from helping you with your product..... so tell them something like this.... "What's in it for you? Publicity! Any publicity is good publicity! This opportunity gives you 'carte blanche' to say anything and everything on the questions asked, and anything else you want to say. You and your business will get more exposure to potentially thousands of possible customers. Your answers can be as long, detailed and thorough as you like, plus they can be as frank as you wish. I will not edit the copy of your response (unless you use bad language!!)" Next - show you are serious, and put in some (not too many) restrictions, and give good reason for doing so.... "I would prefer it if you could keep the number of blatant product 'plugs' down to a minimum! One reason for this, is that I have learned over the years that this activity tends to lose the article credibility and is sometimes seen as an advertisement rather than informative copy. I would also like to replace any product links / URL's with my affiliate links URLs for you service or product - unless you disagree of course." Then tell them they can put in a resource box, this is expected across the industry, and they will want to put their resource box into their contribution too. So tell them.... "Finally, your 'resource box' can be as detailed as you like and include a Bio if you wish. No limitation on the size of this." Also tell them that promotion of the final item will (or could, depending on whether you are able to do all of this) include a high quality eBook Cover, Full Website with Header Graphics, and Detailed Sales Letter and so on. Now tell them what the basis of the 'interview' is...... "I have prepared 12 topics / questions which I have presented to each of the people I have invited to participate. The twelve may contain more than one question, but this is aimed at building more 'atmosphere' to the topic and it is not necessarily required to answer each sub question. Likewise, there are sections where I have asked for your Top 3 (or so) Tips. There is nothing to suggest that you must give exactly 3 (or so) replies! More would be better, less if you prefer. It's up to you!" Next follow on something like this.... "I would heartily welcome your expert views and input on this project, and I would very much appreciate you kind cooperation." "I am seeking to finalise and publish this book by then end of MONTH this year, and would like to have your much valued responses by DATE if at all possible." (HINT - the reason for this is to ensure that everyone who is contributing to your ebook / report, has the same deadline to work to) "Looking forward to hearing from you...............here are the twelve questions / topics I have prepared (please note - all contributors will have the exact same questions and unlimited copy space to respond)" Kindest regards YOUR NAME YOUR CONTACT DETAILS. That's it for PART 1 of Interview with Experts. In PART 2, I give a list of detailed questions which you could use when you contact the experts. |
