Something new for 2009

[KevinP73]

I'm trying something new this year. I'm going to publish a monthly newsletter from the shop. I intend to feature current shop projects and events that might be of interest to the Porsche and Pelican community.
I have a new web site being made and I think it's almost complete. I'm also making some minor changes with the shop cam. It will be mobile and will give a closer look at the work being done.
The newsletter will be 100% opt in. You will have to go go here to sign up. I promise this is a spam free newsletter and you can opt out at any time(just remember, I know where most of the locals park at night! just sayin)
This is all new to me so there may be some learning issues but with any luck I can make it work and be fun and interesting to everyone.
See you there.

[KevinP73]

Great Idea!
Someone suggested having some of you send pictures of your own project or completed car so I can include it in the newsletter.
So lets do this. If you want your car featured send me a picture and a quick story and I'll include it. If you have a web site be sure to send me the address so I can share that too.
Send it to "KevinP@KevinP74.com"

[slodave]

I thought you were trying to get out of the business???

[porsche4life]

I just signed up. Good luck finding where i park.

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by slodave

I thought you were trying to get out of the business???

I still want out but I need to be carrying a zero debt load before I can shut the doors for good. What I thought was an occupational health issue turns out to be more of an environmental issue. That has been addressed and I'm feeling better as time goes on so getting out of the business has a little less urgency than before. Plus with the economy tanking the way it is I think I'd be crazy to make any big changes right now. I'll continue to create the kayak accessories and build that for when I can close the shop for good.
Maybe a full explanation would be a good topic for my newsletter. Another great idea, Thanks Dave.

[fintstone]

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Glad to hear you are feeling better!

Thank You

[fingpilot]

Does the shift from business issues to envionmental ones have anything to do with the copious amounts of methane that escape your shop right after lunchtime every day?

[KevinP73]

Originally Posted by fingpilot

Does the shift from business issues to envionmental ones have anything to do with the copious amounts of methane that escape your shop right after lunchtime every day?

One word "Toxic Mold". More harmfull than 30 years in the bodyshop business.

[dd74]

Kev - I think the newsletter is a great idea, particularly if you email it to existing and new customers. Email blasts are a great way to generate business.

When you write out a service slip for body work, you should make sure you get the customer's email address, then catalog it in your email database for your newsletter.

I'll volunteer my car for your first photo on the website. After all, you did the work on it.

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by KevinP73

Thank You

You do such great work that every year I promise myself to bring you my '74 Targa for fresh paint....and just cannot seem to find the time. Maybe this is the year. Saved up some money...just need some time. Send me a PM if you have anything open in late spring/early summer.

[Pazuzu]

Originally Posted by dd74

Kev - I think the newsletter is a great idea, particularly if you email it to existing and new customers. Email blasts are a great way to generate business.

When you write out a service slip for body work, you should make sure you get the customer's email address, then catalog it in your email database for your newsletter.

Agreed. It's important to make an easy to find "unsubscribe" link or e-mail when you do this, so you don't accidentally spam anyone, but it's far better to put your newsletter in everyone's hands first, and let them walk away than to hope that they actively subscribe to it.

We did this with my better half's office, and she's only had 2 or 3 people unsubscribe, out of 150 or so. There's no way you could get that same ratio to actively subscribe.


As an aside, what software do you plan on using for the news letters? She uses (from lots of positive comments) Constant Contact http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp
All sorts of automated features, and it's free and clean.

[KevinP73]

I'm in the free trial period with "VerticleResponse". It was fairly easy to create a test letter plus it has all the typical features most programs offer. And Yes it has a very easy to find "Opt Out" feature

[Brillo]

Totally selfish on my part, but I'm glad you are going to be around here for a while longer. It's rare these days to have someone who takes pride in their work, is honest and a heck of a nice person, oh and did I say does great work!

I'm glad the health issues had an external cause.

Cheers

[KevinP73]

Thanks Ray!
I've posted a sample of the newsletter I'm working on. You can see it here and give me some feedback.

[nostatic]

Looks good Kevin. The only warning I'll offer is that the key to this sort of thing is having regular fresh and interesting content. Almost all of these types of projects begin with good energy and then drop over time. There has to be a commitment to writing...can be a challenge for a small business owner as time is always limited.

But beyond that documenting the work is awesome.

[id10t]

Joomla is a free content management system, and has newsletter functionality.

[Brillo]

I like the newsletter Kevin. I'm glad you are able to devote some time to your 356.

[azasadny]

Signed up. Thanks!