Ideas how yo get FIRST customers.

[spetsnyc]

Hi Guys,
I would like to share my idea about how to get first customers for my PC repair business. Your ideas, experience always appreciated

Goal: Get first customers.

Ways: Print business cards /flyers.

1. Cold approach - In coffee shops (people with laptops). Just walk up and talk. Give your business card. The same thing with businesses- give flyers, talk to business owners.

2. Give out your flyers at the entrance of the mall.

What do you think? Pls add your ideas.

Thank you

 

[Parkwaytech]

Residential service:

Run a mailing of some sort (money mailer, USPS flyers, etc.)
Newspaper ad (classifieds or display)
Referral program
Sponsor an event (a little pricey, but definitely worth it)

 

[buzzcut]

The first thing I did (after business cards) was put my company decals on my truck's back window. To this day I can be at the gas station paying for gas and someone will ask who's truck. Then I give them my card. Paid itself really quick.

 

[Martyn]

The first thing I did (after business cards) was put my company decals on my truck's back window. To this day I can be at the gas station paying for gas and someone will ask who's truck. Then I give them my card. Paid itself really quick.

+1 my no. 1 investment was my advertising on the car. Just remember to be extra courteous on the road

 

[Jobrien]

My wife put her cell number on her car and men stopped beside her at traffic lights would call her and ask if she was married.. HAHAHAHHAhA.. Lesson is, never put your cell number on your vehicle...

 

[anglian]

My wife put her cell number on her car and men stopped beside her at traffic lights would call her and ask if she was married.. HAHAHAHHAhA.. Lesson is, never put your cell number on your vehicle...

Lesson is, never let your wife put her cell number on her car & never let her drive your car if it has your cell phone number on it.

Although, if your wife is good looking a "call this number to book me now, only £75" added to the ad could get more clients

 

[Doctor Mouse]

Lol

Lol!, Great idea
I use flyers, business cards, and local newspapers ads.

 

[BDNTech]

Both

Create a flyer describing your services and staple your business card to it, on the back of the biz card put a discount coupon code or "with this card 10% OFF". Don't change your number or address as people will keep the card and call or bring it in years later. I just had one person that called after keeping my card for four years. Then mail or hand out the flyer w card, mail reaches more people but face time (from hand outs) = trust = sales.

Good Luck.

 

[callthatgirl]

Here is what I did.

Made business cards
1.) Went to networking events and gave them out to EVERYONE I could
2.) Placed those biz cards everywhere I could
3.) Met people from the networking events and invited them to my Linkedin
4.) Went to more networking events (You can search "networking events + Your town) in Google, you will find most there
5.) Joined Linkedin groups
6.) Posted good computer related tips in those groups, never pitched my business

Rinse/repeat. I did that for a long time.

 

[Tab Alternatives]

The first thing I did (after business cards) was put my company decals on my truck's back window. To this day I can be at the gas station paying for gas and someone will ask who's truck. Then I give them my card. Paid itself really quick.

Did you get your decals locally? Or from a website?

 

[buzzcut]

Had them done through a sign shop, with an extra set just in case I open a store front. No phone number.

 

[spetsnyc]

I went to couple of Starbucks here in the city and tried to give out my business card to people with laptops. I was lucky to give it to 1 guy. The other one said he does not need it.

1. Looks like I need to work on my script how to cold approach people and state them my intentions.

2. I need to print flyers. I was reading here that it is the best to do it professionally in colors.

3. I signed up for some networking professional events. Let's see how it goes.

4. I will do research about advertising on the car.

 

[Parkwaytech]

Had them done through a sign shop, with an extra set just in case I open a store front. No phone number.

Buzzcut, does the lettering obscure your view at all? I was looking at getting something similar for our two vehicles, but I still want to be able to see out of the back windows.

 

[Tab Alternatives]

Buzzcut, does the lettering obscure your view at all? I was looking at getting something similar for our two vehicles, but I still want to be able to see out of the back windows.

From what I am aware, the decals are 100% visible from the outside, and you barely notice them from inside, only a slight darker hue.

 

[buzzcut]

@parkwayytech, it does not affect my vision at all, here's a pic

 

[datagnostic]

SSIDvertising

Let's see how that turns out

 

[Tab Alternatives]

SSIDvertising
Let's see how that turns out

I have my SSID the same way, with my website. It benefits me because I am currently living in an area with many apartments, hence many people in close proximity. I have actually gotten a few bites off it haha! Good luck!

 

[nesrinamb]

well if you have the cash you can make a booth at a local festival since its summer their should be a lot of them pretty soon. Their not crazy expensive but you do need some stuff up front.

This is what I am doing so far and hope it works:

Im currently looking at getting a booth for a local festival on the 4th of July.

Festival is estimated to bring in just under 3000 people in the hours of 7am-1pm.

I'm doing a raffle to try and get contact info and really make some commotion over at my area.

Costs for the event:

Booth:$150
(150) Tote Bags:$275
1000 Miniature Frisbees (to act as raffle tickets): $400
Business cards:$30
Banner: about $100
Table:free

Raffle prizes costs:
(2) Kindle fires $450
(3) Angry birds plush toys:$30
(2) KAS Internet security:$50

Total cost:$1,485 but more likely going to be $1600

That's about what I am planning and hoping to get a lot of clients from the event.