Question
Hi, I would like to mail in envelope my own recorded video to the board of directors of some public companies as a way of approaching the new prospected customer. Not everyone is on LinkedIn and even if they are, they might not be active. In the video I define multiple elements, e.g. show awareness what is happening in their company as a reference point for contact, show some work I already did for them such as PowerPoint presented research involving financial results, elevator pitch to what I offer, etc. Obviously they are aware of their own financial results but the reason for such presentation is to build the trust, credibility and to be attractive and to get their commitment. The purpose of this is doing the High Ticket Closing deal with them on web appointments. So the video on CD, recording myself, is basically a method on client acquisition to close the deal. I'm approaching high hierarchy people (C level) so there is no room for failure. First call to action is to get them use the CD, put them into computer and play the file. Second call to action is to schedule appointment with me.
I am being extremely worried because of their potential anxiety about incorrect assumption the CD involves harmful files such as viruses or malware. If C level member of the large company thinks something like "I have no idea from where that CD arrived and who sent it. Surely I'm not going to open it, particularly not on work computer in the office. It could be key logger, it could be worm, etc." then this is instant loss of deal for me. I still had to pay cost of CD, shipping (very expensive from our country!), envelope, invested massive amount of time in doing PowerPoint presentation, etc.
Could anyone please suggest me what could I do to assure them the CD is fine with SAFE to be used file (video) uploaded on it? Receiving CD in the envelope out of the blue from stranger, envelope being in hands of CEO/CFO etc. the next thing that might follow is CD being in trash without touching it and the main anxiety element is harmful file. What could I do? I have four ideas but neither of them are good enough:
1. include in envelope a letter with email style signature at the bottom: my full name, my photo, my contact details, linkedin link, calendly id. Obviously my real info.
2. include printed parts of Annual Report (most recent year) on paper but only the ones that I'm using (the values) in the video. Highlight important values with marker pen.
3. printing the special, maximum convincing, physical label on the front side of CD. Surely additional expense but could bring massive benefit.
4. calling them (gate keeper) and announcing the post delivery of envelope. Not good either.
Answer
Follow these tips and help your envelope do its most important job: to get opened!
CHECK CD/DVD WORKING:
While sending the CD’s to companies, firstly you have to check while the CD is working properly or not
Check the disc surface before recording, and after recording check while the CD is working properly or not.
Remove dirt, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the center of the disc toward the outer edge before packing them in envelop
Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.
Use a non solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.
For archiving recordable (R) discs, it is recommended to use discs that have a gold metal reflective layer.
ADD SOME COLOR:
Instead of the traditional pristine white envelopes typically used for business correspondence, make your envelopes more interesting by using color. Using colored envelopes would cost a bit more than the regular white ones, but it’ll be well worth the extra dollars if it means your envelope gets opened instead of being tossed to the junk mail pile.
CHANGE THE SIZE:
Similar to the impact of using colored envelopes, you can use an envelope that is anything but the standard #10 size. Go smaller with greeting card-sized envelopes, or go bigger to get to command immediate attention and stand out from that stack of mail.
USE HANDWRITING:
A handwritten name, contact details, email id on the envelope make it look personal, which increases the likelihood of it being opened. Using handwriting or equivalent would be a matter of discretion though, as some businesses would prefer to keep the overall look formal.
USE TEASER COPY:
Why not give your recipient a hint of what’s inside? Use a provocative statement. Rouse curiosity with a question or catchy headline that promises answers/details inside. Take teaser copy a step further with messages targeted at specific audiences by using phrases that speak about to your customers’ identity or interests. Envelopes can do more than just keep your material intact until it reaches your desired recipient.
