1. Need to close the deal? Do it with an article or white paper.
2. Update to our Landing Page topic (Dec. 2006)
3. Is your direct mail being read?
4. Need help starting your eBay business?
5. Tip: Using comments in Word.
6. Recipe: Lemonade

We're Hsuan-min Chou and Blythe Howard-Chou, founders of Jumping Bean Communications. Do you know someone who can use our marketing writing or technical writing services? Forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague, or point them to www.jumpbean.com.

Excellent job on a very involved white paper... This project required you to learn a little something about ALL of the products and pieces for one of our most important product lines. You did a great job of tying all the pieces together. It's always a great sign when our president has a comment, "This is exactly what I wanted!" Beth Cassioppi Copywriter SPSS

1. Need to close the deal? Do it with an article or white paper

You may think that marketing is all about creating direct marketing campaigns. After all, it's what you get in your mailbox, pops up on Web sites, and blinks endlessly in your email.

But what really closes your deal isn't "in your face" marketing, but gentle yet firm cajoling. Cajoling with facts, figures, and graphs. And this means, articles and white papers.

But can you hear the groans? I don't know any copywriter who really likes writing white papers.

That's when you contact Jumping Bean. We've written white papers for many companies, including Oracle, SPSS, Catbird Networks, and others >>

Think we did an outstanding job on your collateral? Don't keep it inside. Tell the world! And we'll take 25% off your next project.

2. Update to our Landing Page topic (Dec. 2006)

First of all, what is a "landing page?" A landing page is a specific Web page that a visitor reaches after clicking a link in an ad, email, or newsletter. Often, this page is optimized for a specific keyword or phrase. And it doesn't live on the Web for very long.

We've updated this article. Look to see what useful tidbit has been added! >>

Need us to do some catalog work? We are wrapping up a project with Specialty Services, and would love to do some more. Write to us now, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

3. Is your direct mail being read?

How do you save your DM from being tossed in the trash? By making your dm snazzy and complicated to open? Or by being simple and direct?

If you guessed "simple and direct," you're already on your way to dm success.

To get people to open the envelope... >>

4. Need help starting your eBay business?

Are you trying to start an eBay business? Or trying to unload those never-opened Le Peeps you got for Easter? We can help you improve your sales by making sure your eBay listing says:

• What you're selling
• What is so great about it
• Why someone would want it

Learn more about how we can help your eBay business >>

5. Tip: Using comments in Word

Need to have your work reviewed by others? What writer doesn't? Do they print out your document and make comments with a red pen? That is so old school. Let's all turn the page to the 21st century and comment electronically. Plus, it's easier and more efficient for your writer to take all the comments at once.

So, how do reviewers add comments to your document? >>

Make your day run more smoothly and efficiently with our time-saving tips. Got a tip? Send it to tips@jumpbean.com. You might see it in the next issue of "bean news!"

6. Recipe: Lemonade

It's an oldie but a goodie. This was, in fact, the very first recipe we put in Bean News lo these last 7 years.

It's finally summer in Chicago, and that means everyone is cleaning those grills and putting all the fixings together for a relaxing weekend picnic. And what's a better accompaniment to baked beans and dogs than a pitcher of fresh lemonade (okay, a bottle of ice cold beer might be better, but it's not really legal in the parks)? And we don't mean ANY lemonade. We're talking about the lemoniest recipe for lemonade we've come across so far.

Ingredients
10-12 medium lemons sliced into thin pieces (lengthwise)
1 1/4 cups sugar
5 cups cold water
Serves 6-8 (1 1/2 quarts)

Keep cool this summer by drinking the perfect lemonade >>

Expand your culinary world by trying one of our recipes. If you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share, send it to recipes@jumpbean.com, and you just might find it in the next edition of "bean news!"

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For quality oil changes and other car maintenance, call Steve at (773) 661-5100. Tell Steve you saw this ad on Jumping Bean.

New Clients
Active and Able
The Beloved Community
  (Taproot Foundation)
Motorola
Specialty Services
Spencer Stuart
Walgreens

You are doing a wonderful job!! You'll have to let me know "who" gets this positive feedback so you can have good referrals going forward!!

S.G.
Motorola

Thanks...for your work in the short time you were here. We'll certainly keep you in mind... for additional freelance help.

Manager
Corporate Branding and Creative Services
Discover Financial Services

Play and Feed a Hungry Person!

Did I overhear right that you were leaving after today? Bummer... You were a great help.

Copywriter
Walgreens

You did a wonderful job and I know The Beloved Community appreciated it!!!

Account Director
Taproot Foundation

Hsuan-min's writing style is approachable and easy-to-read—quite an accomplishment when writing about software and technology concepts!

Carolyn Calzavara
Director, Global Marketing
Decisions Made Easy

Excellent product, packaging, and shipping. Would gladly do business again.

eBay buyer: gravyshoes

Amy has definitely expressed her positive feedback with your work and is impressed with your strategic copywriting abilities!

Recruiter
Visa Account
Direct Mail Agency

Kim Schiff
President
Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce
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