[Clough]

Hi, All!

If we're self-employed in a service type of industry or maybe run one that has a number of employees where the service involves going to the homes or offices of people, it's a fact that we always have to "hit the streets" so to speak in order to get business, especially so in these troubled economic times.

I know that I do...

Sure, we might advertise in the Yellow Pages of the phone book, in the newspaper, on the Internet and maybe even on the radio or television.

But, we all know that there's nothing like having that face-to-face contact with potential customers in order to sell our services to them.

I'm always trying to sell my services that I can provide to people. It could be to a cashier at grocery store, restaurant or other place. Maybe the teller at a bank. The mailman, etc.

Maybe I shouldn't call them "unusual" or "unlikely" places. However, when opportunity is there for potential business, it's something to be seized!

What I do, is I bring things up in conversation. I might notice something about the person or know something about them because of the conversations that we've had and lead that knowledge into a sale of my services.

Just today, I think that I've secured playing for the wedding of a cashier at a grocery store. I noticed what looked like an engagement ring on her ring finger. I asked, "Is that an engagement ring?" Even though she's considerably younger than I am, I felt quite comfortable in asking about it because we've had very pleasant, on-going conversations whenever I'm in the store and she's there at the same time.

She said that it was an engagement ring. Bingo! "Well, I play and sing for weddings. Also, I have a harpsichord to use that can add a really nice touch! And, If you want a flute, trumpet or any other instrumentalists for your wedding, I know some of the best players around!" I asked, "Do you know where your having the wedding?" She said, "Not yet." I indicated that I could also help her and her fiancé with that.

I went to my truck and got a business card with my contact information on it and gave it to her. I'm pretty sure that I've secured playing for her wedding.

I also got a piano tuning job once from a lady who was handing me a prescription that I had gotten from a doctor.

There are other instances also...

What are some techniques that you might use to get business in places that might be unusual or unlikely, please?

If you share the type of business that you have, we could probably do some brainstorming to come up with ideas that you could use for approaching potential customers...

Thanks!

[Stringer]

Everyone is a potential customer or a 'path' to one.

As you already know Clough I own three companies one is a commercial cleaning company and the other two are related businesses.

At every opportunity no matter where I am I mention what we do at some point (or they ask me), and something positive such as we have been doing this for over 18 years to any one that will listen. People you talk to may work at a company that is not satisfied presently with their service OR they know someone that knows someone. And references are the easiest way to sell.

If this sounds like something that you don't like to do then you aren't a successful business person. You are in the wrong calling... everything begins with the sale. I am proud of the service we provide and strive to continually improve our service in many ways, thus I have great references.

Now obviously it has to be said that you must remain professional at all times... don't beg, :), don't stress them out, don't mention it EVERY time you talk with them, etc. Take it to a professional level and keep it there. You may be very surprised at the results, it will open doors that were closed before.

That's it for a bit, I've got more, but later... K?

Stringer

[Clough]

Hi, Stringer!

I was wondering when you would come along here!

Yeah, I know that you have to get up very early in the morning, tomorrow!

When I first began in my small businesses, I was somewhat reluctant to just up and say what I do for a living. With practice though, I soon found it easy to mention what I did for a living after striking up conversations with others concerning things that people might think didn't have anything to do with my businesses. However, that really wasn't the cas...

I was looking for something in their lives that might even be remotely related to what I do. To this day, if I find an "opening" for a potential sale of what I do, I jump on making the opening, sale and then the closing.

I know that's not all that a person can do, but it's mine, in brief.

Thanks!

[Stringer]

Yes, the most "innocent" of social exchanges can get you business. Have I heard of your companies (since I live so close to you)?

Possibly WG, (comma) we specialize in the medical market, schools and universities although we do dable in other markets if the prospect is large enough.

[Clough]

Where's WG's post? I'm missing something here... :confused:

[Stringer]

Where's WG's post? I'm missing something here... :confused:

WG used the 'comments' under my first post Clough.

[Clough]

Okay, I can't see any comments in posts, (nor, most of the ads for that matter), in the current skin that I'm using.

[Clough]

Any more takers here?