MotzTech
Well-Known Member
- Reaction score
- 227
Just wanted to share this, I recently walked around to local businesses and just introduced myself. Nothing fancy, just a business card and a quick conversation. I was really nervous about it as first, after all I am a computer geek so my social skills are a bit lacking. However after the first few stops I was really getting into it. After all was said and done I walked my entire town, and talked to at least 100 businesses. It took me a few hours but I managed to get a few new clients out of it.
The lesson I took away from this is as follows. When people have computer problems they would rather work with someone they have met face to face, instead of just the first person in the phone book or google search. Many people deal with computer problems for a long time because they just don't know who to call. Of all the problems people told me about, most of them had been ongoing.
The cost for this type of marketing is minimal at best. Of all the advertising I have ever done, this has easily had the greatest return on investment.
There are some logistics about it that you will need to consider if you want to do this. I may turn this into a guide later, but this is sorta just a stream of thoughts right now.
*Most towns/cities require a peddlers license to go door to door. Make sure you check your local laws.
*Plan your route out, you don't want to back track if possible. I planned my route out to end by a subway at the edge of town, so I could stop for lunch before heading back to the office.
*Figure out how many card you will, then double or triple. I went through a lot more cards then I thought I would. Most of this was because of little business that are hidden away.
*Check the weather! I was lucky that the day I went it was not to hot and it was not raining. Those things can quickly damper your spirits and that hurts your sales efforts.
*Don't try to sell anything. I know that seems counter productive but as soon as you start a "sales pitch" people tune out. Just introduce yourself, give them your card and be on your way. Unless they prompt your for more info. If they have problems or issues they want to discuss they may bring them up then or call you later.
*Wear good shoes and socks, even then prepare for blisters unless your wearing sneakers.
*On the above note, dress to impress. I don't normally wear a tie, but I did that day and I felt it made a good impression.
I may add more later but I'm out of time for now.
The lesson I took away from this is as follows. When people have computer problems they would rather work with someone they have met face to face, instead of just the first person in the phone book or google search. Many people deal with computer problems for a long time because they just don't know who to call. Of all the problems people told me about, most of them had been ongoing.
The cost for this type of marketing is minimal at best. Of all the advertising I have ever done, this has easily had the greatest return on investment.
There are some logistics about it that you will need to consider if you want to do this. I may turn this into a guide later, but this is sorta just a stream of thoughts right now.
*Most towns/cities require a peddlers license to go door to door. Make sure you check your local laws.
*Plan your route out, you don't want to back track if possible. I planned my route out to end by a subway at the edge of town, so I could stop for lunch before heading back to the office.
*Figure out how many card you will, then double or triple. I went through a lot more cards then I thought I would. Most of this was because of little business that are hidden away.
*Check the weather! I was lucky that the day I went it was not to hot and it was not raining. Those things can quickly damper your spirits and that hurts your sales efforts.
*Don't try to sell anything. I know that seems counter productive but as soon as you start a "sales pitch" people tune out. Just introduce yourself, give them your card and be on your way. Unless they prompt your for more info. If they have problems or issues they want to discuss they may bring them up then or call you later.
*Wear good shoes and socks, even then prepare for blisters unless your wearing sneakers.
*On the above note, dress to impress. I don't normally wear a tie, but I did that day and I felt it made a good impression.
I may add more later but I'm out of time for now.