rodowdy09
Regular Member
- Dec 4, 2012
- 232
- 104
First, BHW has opened my mind and educated me to a world I knew existed, but could not access... I am no guru or would not even consider myself successful at the moment, but I understand the resource we have here and appreciate every value providing thread here... With that said, I would like to share something that I thought about yesterday -- and if it or something similar has been shared, this thread can be deleted; as I am not searching for thanks or anything in return... I just know that I joined BHW after only reading a couple of posts, because it seemed like a place where like minded individuals, freely shared valuable information in an effort to assist the whole 'family' succeed.. And with that I hope I can help at least a couple of people.. ( ---- Sorry for the long intro ---- )
I have yet to try this or seen it implemented.. So take this as it is -- an idea... I have built a site promoting offline services like -- SEO, Web Design and Social Media Management. I jumped in feet first without really being at a point where I can provide the SEO and SMM, and I still need work on Web Design (in my opinion).. The projects I have done for family came out decently.. Did have a YP rep look at my uncle's business site and give it kudos so I guess I may be doing something right! But I have been thinking of how I would attain customers once I was ready to actively offer my services...
My idea or thought was setting up a trade... A lot of people have issues with connecting with business owners it seems, and only really need to "get their foot in the door" to prove their merit.. So I was wondering, how can one get pass this? So this simple idea was born.. I feel that if done properly and if you succeed, you should be able to foster a mutually positive relationship and also get something out of it!
I have seen many people try and 'give' their services away (free website, free month of this or that) and fail, because the business owner believes, if you are giving it away it can't be of any value... So my thought was to either think of something you need (home improvement service, large ticket item, etc.) or a business you want to target.. Think of a service you provide that they can benefit from... Enter the business solely as a customer at first.. Talk to the owner about his business and the product/service you would be willing to trade your services for.. When the topic of pricing/payment comes up -- most small business owners are willing to entertain reasonable negotiations, because they understand that they have competitors; and if they come to a deal, you may be a repeat customer -- talk about your service..
At this point, I believe it will be more effective if you have background on their current practices, where they are lacking and how you can help them.. Position yourself as someone that would like to help them, because you see value in their business -- that's why you chose them instead of their competitor. Let them know, "My services normally run about xxxx$ per month or one-time" but you would be willing to do this on a trial basis (1/2 month, or one time) in exchange for what ever you were looking at... This should at least get a dialogue started about your business.. and if you can prove the value of your service, you may have a recurring client that respects you as both a customer and business...
If they say they can't use your service or are not interested.. Tell them, "Cool! Well I appreciate your time. I am going to think about this purchase a bit and go look around **some competitor or other location**. But if you change your mind, or think we can work together in the future; give me a call!" *Give them your business card -- You do have a business card right? They will either throw it away and never call. Or think about the fact that a) they are potentially about to lose a customer b) may lose the opportunity for a service they need at a good price (cost of item or service).
I believe this can work because:
1) You are not approaching with some scripted sales pitch
2) They are only 'paying' what the product/service costs them at cost (before potential profit is added)
3) This will develop a stronger relationship -- as not only are you a service provider there to help, but potentially a repeat customer -- "Customers of each other, almost like a brother!" (just made that up!)
I am not saying this is fool-proof or guaranteed... Just an idea.. Some of the veterans may have some tweaks or tell me where this doesn't make sense.. But I figured I would share ..
Not necessarily expecting this but **** PLEASE DO NOT PM ME **** about how to implement or questions.. Post them here, and let the community work together.. As I have stated, I have not tried this. I have a live website, but I am still learning before I begin to offer my services to the public.
Hope it helps,
--Rich
I have yet to try this or seen it implemented.. So take this as it is -- an idea... I have built a site promoting offline services like -- SEO, Web Design and Social Media Management. I jumped in feet first without really being at a point where I can provide the SEO and SMM, and I still need work on Web Design (in my opinion).. The projects I have done for family came out decently.. Did have a YP rep look at my uncle's business site and give it kudos so I guess I may be doing something right! But I have been thinking of how I would attain customers once I was ready to actively offer my services...
My idea or thought was setting up a trade... A lot of people have issues with connecting with business owners it seems, and only really need to "get their foot in the door" to prove their merit.. So I was wondering, how can one get pass this? So this simple idea was born.. I feel that if done properly and if you succeed, you should be able to foster a mutually positive relationship and also get something out of it!
I have seen many people try and 'give' their services away (free website, free month of this or that) and fail, because the business owner believes, if you are giving it away it can't be of any value... So my thought was to either think of something you need (home improvement service, large ticket item, etc.) or a business you want to target.. Think of a service you provide that they can benefit from... Enter the business solely as a customer at first.. Talk to the owner about his business and the product/service you would be willing to trade your services for.. When the topic of pricing/payment comes up -- most small business owners are willing to entertain reasonable negotiations, because they understand that they have competitors; and if they come to a deal, you may be a repeat customer -- talk about your service..
At this point, I believe it will be more effective if you have background on their current practices, where they are lacking and how you can help them.. Position yourself as someone that would like to help them, because you see value in their business -- that's why you chose them instead of their competitor. Let them know, "My services normally run about xxxx$ per month or one-time" but you would be willing to do this on a trial basis (1/2 month, or one time) in exchange for what ever you were looking at... This should at least get a dialogue started about your business.. and if you can prove the value of your service, you may have a recurring client that respects you as both a customer and business...
If they say they can't use your service or are not interested.. Tell them, "Cool! Well I appreciate your time. I am going to think about this purchase a bit and go look around **some competitor or other location**. But if you change your mind, or think we can work together in the future; give me a call!" *Give them your business card -- You do have a business card right? They will either throw it away and never call. Or think about the fact that a) they are potentially about to lose a customer b) may lose the opportunity for a service they need at a good price (cost of item or service).
I believe this can work because:
1) You are not approaching with some scripted sales pitch
2) They are only 'paying' what the product/service costs them at cost (before potential profit is added)
3) This will develop a stronger relationship -- as not only are you a service provider there to help, but potentially a repeat customer -- "Customers of each other, almost like a brother!" (just made that up!)
I am not saying this is fool-proof or guaranteed... Just an idea.. Some of the veterans may have some tweaks or tell me where this doesn't make sense.. But I figured I would share ..
Not necessarily expecting this but **** PLEASE DO NOT PM ME **** about how to implement or questions.. Post them here, and let the community work together.. As I have stated, I have not tried this. I have a live website, but I am still learning before I begin to offer my services to the public.
Hope it helps,
--Rich
