Why We Chose “Soft Sell”

Recently we had a conversation with a friend who asked why we chose the term “soft sell” for our marketing efforts. He felt that, because it was not a commonly used term we undermined our chances of drawing a significant response and support.

This is our response to his questions.

We’ve been aware from the beginning, when Alex Mandossian gave us the name “Soft Topic Copywriting Secrets” for our home study course, that we  would have to educate re: the meaning of “soft topic” and that would add a layer of burden that, in other circumstances, would be unnecessary.

However, being new and naïve in the world of marketing, we did not change the name but pressed on — and, to date, we have developed a significant presence using that name.

But we still wanted it to be more easily identifiable and to that end we decided on “soft sell.” Why? Because “hard sell” is a common phrase and, more importan, a familiar phrase in the commercial world. In fact, hard sell is often taken for granted as just the way things are. So, we leveraged the familiarity of “hard sell” using soft sell to establish the difference as an alternative, a counterbalance to what is already known.

We have polled people, not through a formal survey, but through personal contacts, and have asked what they understand when they hear the phrase “soft sell” and, almost to the person, their intuitive understanding is precisely what we mean — a style of marketing that is more in alignment with their personal and professional standards and ethics.

When we add the spiritual component, many we’ve spoken with expressed gratitude for what we are doing and excitement — especially the care-givers who want to market more effectively and who are our specific audience.

Also, we did not formally choose what we are doing, It emerged from our own need and has quickly grown into something that, in large part, is carrying us. More than carrying, it is leading and teaching us and so we trust we’re on the right path.

Given all that, we trust that “soft sell” will work and, as evidence, the Soft Sell Marketers Association (SSMA) (http://www.softsellmarketersassociation.org) is growing faster and easier, with less marketing effort than we anticipated thus far. And the spiritual reward of our soft sell endeavors is far beyond anything else we’ve ever done.

So, in concluding our response to our freind we added:  now, we know of and respect your marketing prowess and ask that you turn your generosity to us toward marketing the SSMA as effectively and fruitfully as possible — as an affiliate — for all concerned.

And, again, thank you for who you’ve been and continue to be.

And we now add to you, dear soft sell readers, we thank you for you who are, who you’ve been, and who you will continue to be.

Because It’s ALL in the Connection,

Judith & Jim