The Irresistible Offer Mini-Review

For several months, I had heard a lot of buzz about Mark Joyner and his book The Irresistible Offer: How to Sell Your Product or Service in 3 Seconds or Less.

Normally, like I would assume most people, I am reluctant to put my hard earned money on the line to purchase something that promises results in just 3 seconds. A friend even suggested I get it. But still, 3 seconds? Come on!

Plus, something about the cover was a bit off-putting…maybe a bit spooky even..oooohh…you are going to learn spooky marketing. J

However, Amazon snagged me by offering a 50% off via email and hey, I just happened to have a credit, so I thought I’d take advantage.

So does it work? Is it good information? Are my 3 second periods of time more productive? Read on to find out some unexpected results I discovered in this book.

First, Mark’s writing is very entertaining and easy to understand. I found myself flying through the first chapter. So, the entertainment value is high. But you didn’t come here to be entertained, you want to learn this 3 second marketing technique.

I have to say the information was great. In the first part he presents a “smack your forehead – why didn’t I think of that?” concept that made me want to drop everything and make a simple change to my marketing. Problem was it was about 11:30 p.m. when I read that. So I slept restlessly until the next day when I could get to work on it.

Basically, the idea he presents is the success or failure of any product or service revolves around how you trade your goods for money. Wow, what simple wisdom. After I understood what he was saying, I realized I got my money’s worth from the book.

Think about it for a second, when you make a purchase for a luxury item, service or gadget, what is it that makes you buy? You want a certain level of value for your money. Ok, I wasn’t accurate in the prior sentence; we want MORE value than what we’ve paid for. Go ahead and admit it! Your secret is safe with me.

So as per Joyner what we need to do as marketers, job hunters, and relationship people is not just give $12 worth of stuff for a customer’s $12, we need to go above and beyond. We need to offer the $12 worth, PLUS more if we truly want something from the other person. Anyone can give someone a $12 widget for $12 but can they give the widget, plus free 24hour delivery and a box of doo-dads to go with it? It’s the “pile on” of that offer that closes the deal.

Joyner gives a bunch of good examples that drive this concept home. Plus, the rest of his book details other ways to build your business using offers.

Pros: It’s a fun, easy read. You can read it in an afternoon. If you are marketing a product or service, you’ll likely get your money back the first week if not the first day..

Cons: Not exactly chock full of different marketing strategies. There are half a dozen great marketing strategies discussed at length.

Overall, I think if you read the book and apply the principals it will more than pay for itself. Plus, it’s an entertaining read – so you will enjoy yourself along the way.