Jeff wrote this letter after he had left Denver, Colorado, to take an overseas assignment in Australia. The newsletter was an attempt to stay connected with his network at home. And that proved to be a wise move, because several years later when Jeff completed his Australian assignment, he turned to his network in Denver, and his friends and business acquaintances helped him return home.
Newsletters are good public relations devices, and you should consider sending your own version to your key contacts at least twice a year. The newsletter doesn't have to be a work of art. It simply has to tell your story.
JEFFERY B. BAER
TeleCheck Australia | An FFMC Company
Head/State Office | PO Box 227 | St. Leonards NSW 2065
H: (02) 439-3188 | C: (02) 996-5596 | jeff.baer@example.com
September 29, 20—
Mr. William Frank
President/CEO
CareerLab
10475 Park Meadows Drive, Ste. 600
Lone Tree, CO 80124-5437
Dear Bill:
Denver has the Rocky Mountains, Sydney has the sea. Each reminds the nearby city dwellers of the primitive earth.
The most stark commercial difference between the two cities is Denver's relative lack of concern for international export/import and Sydney's dependence on it.
Most Australian businesses cannot depend on a domestic market of 12 million for financial success. Export is a necessity. Conversely, Australians recognize that in order to develop products worthy of export, they must import technologies and products that keep them abreast of worldwide developments. In addition, there is a demand to import goods and services which epitomize the dominant western culture. McDonalds, KFC, and Sizzler are all very successful here.
An Australian acquaintance is interested in marketing personalized items to yacht owners. I have made several contacts here with qualified individuals who are interested in importing other American products and concepts. If you know someone who would be helpful to these business people, please let me know. You can reach me at the letterhead address, or by e-mail at jeff.baer@gmail.com.au.
TeleCheck's parent, First Financial Management Corporation (FFMC), recently announced FFMC will be acquired by First Data Corporation. The result? That's $6 billion of transaction fee annual revenue. FFMC stockholders have already enjoyed a 15% increase in stock price since the announcement in early June.
TeleCheck in New Zealand and Australia are progressing very well. We now serve the largest retailers in each country.
The Australian adventure became a family reality when Becky and our three children moved into our Sydney home. We are enjoying becoming a part of this great culture.
Sincerely,
Jeffery B. Baer