RV Trip: Meet Every Single Customer In The United States

[Andyhenry]

Sounds like fun JaMo - let us know where you are - I've been in the US for most of this year and haven't decided about next year yet, but I'm up for finding you while you're on the road somewhere.

I know what you mean about the house stuff - I've spent 11 out of the last 12 months out of the UK and keep thinking I should get rid of the house - but I like having it there

I'm sorting of doing what you're planning, but doing countries and continents rather than states - because it's quicker to fly around than drive

Good luck with it, I'm sure you with doing it, it'll be fantastic fun - and profitable too.

Hope to see you on the road.

Andy

[Online Bliss]

I would have to hire a driver while I continue marketing online
the Gas prices could kill ya.

[marciayudkin]

Jason,

Sounds like fun. Just make sure you do not put ANY pressure on your customers to meet you, not even in the form of you hoping to rack up some impressive statistics. Some will have no interest whatsoever, and you could lose them as customers by being too aggressive about this.

For example, I live in the middle of nowhere and like it that way, do not want anyone coming to visit me unless they are the FedEx guy or an old friend/family member.

Good luck,
Marcia Yudkin

[Jason Moffatt]

Yippee, got the RV today! Stoked. Will post pictures soon.

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by marciayudkin

Jason,

Sounds like fun. Just make sure you do not put ANY pressure on your customers to meet you, not even in the form of you hoping to rack up some impressive statistics. Some will have no interest whatsoever, and you could lose them as customers by being too aggressive about this.

For example, I live in the middle of nowhere and like it that way, do not want anyone coming to visit me unless they are the FedEx guy or an old friend/family member.

Good luck,
Marcia Yudkin

Absolutely. I wouldn't want to pressure anyone to do anything they don't want to do.

What I was thinking is having my programmer make a map of the US, and those customers that are interested in meeting up, click on their state and fill out a little bit of info. Some I'll be able to drive to, others may have to make a effort to meet me. But I'll try my hardest.

[Eric Louviere]

Austin, TX is calling for JMO

Let me know if you come to Austin homie, I'll fill your RV up with gas and get you some beef jerky and BBQ for the road.

Eric

[ktpasco]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

I have a crazy idea. Imagine that, me with a crazy idea.

Here it is...

I want to meet every single customer I have in the United States. I say the US because I don't think the RV will float all the way to the UK or OZ.

At the beginning of the year I'm going to embark on a road trip across the US and visit every single state. In that time, it will be my goal to try and personally meet every one of my customers that wants to meet up.

If they make a effort, I will too.

I'm doing this because I just genuinely like meeting people and I really dig adventure. The groovy thing is I'll be able to still be online the entire time via Satellite internet & iPhone, live in cool vacation rentals across the country, experience new sites, and meet like minded entrepreneurs.

Sounds like a win, win, win, win.

Now I just need some RV advice. I've never done anything like this. I'm sure there is some insider knowledge that RV'ers must know.

OK NOW THIS IS COOL

[Eric Louviere]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

Definitely going used. So many great deals out there right now. Tons of family's having the dreams of multiple Griswald vacations that just never happen. The RV sits in the driveway and soon the old lady is yapping at the husband to "get that damn thing out of the driveway. Just sell it already."

I've thought about the trailer with a truck but don't like the idea. More then likely I'll tow a car or Jeep behind this and use that for local transpo.

I'm hitten the south during the winter for sure.

As for the GPS, Satellite, etc... yeah that's all a must. The rig I'm looking at right now is a 36 footer. I almost am thinking I'd prefer this smaller size over a 40 some footer, but I don't know. This 36 footer only gets 8 miles to the gallon. Definitely not the cheapest way to travel.

And when I get to Texas, can't wait to see the new Cowboys stadium.

I went to the game a couple weeks ago versus Seattle, that stadium is amazing. One of my good friends has a son who plays for Dallas.

As far as surfing in Texas, there's only one place worth it, and that's South Padre Island (happens to be where I grew up too). Long drive down to the bottom of Texas man.

Great idea on the RV trip, hope to see you again Jason. It's been a couple years now.

Eric

[confetti]

Jason - We can meet up and caravan on the road for a while! You're going to be living my dream, and I'll be joining you very soon. Just as soon as I can get this IM thing profitable, then I can go. I've finally found a system that works for me and I've made a little money, but it's still moving way too slow.

I actually bought one of Tina & Ron's RVs. It's a 32' New Horizons 5th Wheel. Its the perfect size for living and working in full time. Main thing that attracted me was the big computer work station! It's been in storage in Yuma AZ since I bought it several years ago. I can't believe its been so long, but I keep on trying to get a dependable portable income. It's getting so close I can almost taste it. I work at it all day, every day. Determination. Persistance. Tenacity.

Now all I need is a big ass truck, and then I'll be good to go. A one ton duelly pickup or bigger. Actually I'd love to have an automatic 4400 or 4700 International. So I'm putting that out there into the universe! (I actually bought a Kenworth T2000, but that was a little too big! Sold it.)

I'd love to hear from you, and any other IM RVers. I've done a lot of study about RVing (since I have zero practical RV experience in Honolulu). Mainly through the Escapees Forum and reading a lot of books. When I do get to the mainland, I'll have to learn it all over again with the real thing.

Speaking of books, I've got a bunch of fun travel books to help me target interesting places I might want to go to.
Eccentric America - Jan Friedman
Funky Towns USA - Mark Cramer
100 Best Small Art Towns in America - John Villani
Americas Most Charming Towns & Villages - Larry Brown
...of course I buy every RV book I can get my hands on, especially ones about how technical stuff works in all the RV systems, and how to fix them.

I'm interested in the SouthWest & Texas, and alternatively the NorthWest in the summer. And of course, flying home to Hawaii whenever I get homesick!

I'm also thinking long and hard about an additional on-the-road business, so I can legitimately write off all of my expenses - truck, RV, gas, etc. Maybe as a "shopper" finding unique and unusual items in every little town I pass through. Then mailing or dropshipping them to customers.

Any other ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Congrats on your new rig Jason! Can't wait to see pictures of it!

You can call or skype me, just send me a pm.

Aloha,
Lisa

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by Eric Louviere

I went to the game a couple weeks ago versus Seattle, that stadium is amazing. One of my good friends has a son who plays for Dallas.

As far as surfing in Texas, there's only one place worth it, and that's South Padre Island (happens to be where I grew up too). Long drive down to the bottom of Texas man.

Great idea on the RV trip, hope to see you again Jason. It's been a couple years now.

Eric

I'll be in Austin on Feb. 9th. I'm suppose to be speaking at some gig/party David Gonzales runs. I imagine I'll stay around town for at least a week or so. Been wanting to get to Austin for a long time.

Got a place I can plug in the RV Eric?

The plan is to hit S. Padre Island if there is any forecast for waves.

[Jay Jennings]

Jason -

We sold our house about 18 months ago and for the past 14 months my family of four has been living on the road -- me and the wife and two teenagers...in 208 square feet. (No, I didn't forget a digit there.)

We spent last Christmas in the desert outside Mesa, AZ. This winter we're spending in Alaska. Yep, and we're doing it in the trailer. =:)

For those who commented about gas, we get between 8-10 MPG but since we're parked for several days at a time we still only travel 1000-1200 per month, which is about the national average.

And since we spend an average of $25 per night for space rent, our housing is only about $750 per month. And we get to see *so* many freaking places! =:)

I don't do the internet satellite thing -- the closest Starbucks is my office, and now that I have tethering on my iPhone I can work from just about anywhere.

So, Jason...

...when are you planning on coming to Alaska? We'll be here in the state until next fall and then heading south again (one snowy winter in the trailer is enough).

Jay Jennings

[Daniel Brock]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

I'll be in Austin on Feb. 9th. I'm suppose to be speaking at some gig/party David Gonzales runs. I imagine I'll stay around town for at least a week or so. Been wanting to get to Austin for a long time.

Got a place I can plug in the RV Eric?

The plan is to hit S. Padre Island if there is any forecast for waves.

Jason,

Are you still going through with this? I read your OP awhile back and remembered it for some reason - I guess because it was such a strange idea.

What I am really curious about is how you think this will help your business?

Are you doing it just for fun, or do you think dropping by for a personal visit will actually improve your profits some how?

[jamawebinc]

you can put me down for NYC if you decide to come to the apple.

We can go to the met museum in the day and then chill out at night with a few beers, jameson's and girls dancing on the bar at night

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by Daniel Brock

Jason,

Are you still going through with this? I read your OP awhile back and remembered it for some reason - I guess because it was such a strange idea.

What I am really curious about is how you think this will help your business?

Are you doing it just for fun, or do you think dropping by for a personal visit will actually improve your profits some how?

First of all, the main reason for doing this is not about the business or money. I just wanna screw off, have fun and see the country.

Secondly, hell yeah it's going to help the business. Most people love this kind of stuff and will want to travel vicariously through my adventures. I'll be able to stop and interview marketing experts along the way and do individual promos to their list.

First stop is Boise Idaho were I'll proceed to talk some marketing with Russell Brunson, then kick his %#@ like Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorf as I show him how wrestling is really done. Coming to a YouTube channel near you soon.

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by Jay Jennings

Jason -

We sold our house about 18 months ago and for the past 14 months my family of four has been living on the road -- me and the wife and two teenagers...in 208 square feet. (No, I didn't forget a digit there.)

We spent last Christmas in the desert outside Mesa, AZ. This winter we're spending in Alaska. Yep, and we're doing it in the trailer. =

For those who commented about gas, we get between 8-10 MPG but since we're parked for several days at a time we still only travel 1000-1200 per month, which is about the national average.

And since we spend an average of $25 per night for space rent, our housing is only about $750 per month. And we get to see *so* many freaking places! =

I don't do the internet satellite thing -- the closest Starbucks is my office, and now that I have tethering on my iPhone I can work from just about anywhere.

So, Jason...

...when are you planning on coming to Alaska? We'll be here in the state until next fall and then heading south again (one snowy winter in the trailer is enough).

Jay Jennings

Hey Jay,

I reckon Alaska will be one of the last stops because of the location, weather, and size. I'd like to spend a decent amount of time there and don't want to rush it.

Thanks for sharing your story.

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by confetti

Jason - We can meet up and caravan on the road for a while! You're going to be living my dream, and I'll be joining you very soon. Just as soon as I can get this IM thing profitable, then I can go. I've finally found a system that works for me and I've made a little money, but it's still moving way too slow.

I actually bought one of Tina & Ron's RVs. It's a 32' New Horizons 5th Wheel. Its the perfect size for living and working in full time. Main thing that attracted me was the big computer work station! It's been in storage in Yuma AZ since I bought it several years ago. I can't believe its been so long, but I keep on trying to get a dependable portable income. It's getting so close I can almost taste it. I work at it all day, every day. Determination. Persistance. Tenacity.

Now all I need is a big ass truck, and then I'll be good to go. A one ton duelly pickup or bigger. Actually I'd love to have an automatic 4400 or 4700 International. So I'm putting that out there into the universe! (I actually bought a Kenworth T2000, but that was a little too big! Sold it.)

I'd love to hear from you, and any other IM RVers. I've done a lot of study about RVing (since I have zero practical RV experience in Honolulu). Mainly through the Escapees Forum and reading a lot of books. When I do get to the mainland, I'll have to learn it all over again with the real thing.

Speaking of books, I've got a bunch of fun travel books to help me target interesting places I might want to go to.
Eccentric America - Jan Friedman
Funky Towns USA - Mark Cramer
100 Best Small Art Towns in America - John Villani
Americas Most Charming Towns & Villages - Larry Brown
...of course I buy every RV book I can get my hands on, especially ones about how technical stuff works in all the RV systems, and how to fix them.

I'm interested in the SouthWest & Texas, and alternatively the NorthWest in the summer. And of course, flying home to Hawaii whenever I get homesick!

I'm also thinking long and hard about an additional on-the-road business, so I can legitimately write off all of my expenses - truck, RV, gas, etc. Maybe as a "shopper" finding unique and unusual items in every little town I pass through. Then mailing or dropshipping them to customers.

Any other ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Congrats on your new rig Jason! Can't wait to see pictures of it!

You can call or skype me, just send me a pm.

Aloha,
Lisa

We should definitely caravan together. Although motor home gang sounds a bit better. Thanks for all the tips. Much appreciated.

I actually got much of my inspiration for doing this from Tina and Ron. Every time I hang out with them we chat about it and they would get me one step closer to taking the plunge. Sure glad I did.

[proapc]

The is a trucker either on UStream Or LiveStream who has his camera mounted on his dash so people can hit the road with him. I'll do a search for it later when my second eye is open. Yes I do check the forum before my cup of coffee.

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by proapc

The is a trucker either on UStream Or LiveStream who has his camera mounted on his dash so people can hit the road with him. I'll do a search for it later when my second eye is open. Yes I do check the forum before my cup of coffee.

Yeah, we were talking in the Friday night Warrior chat about installing one of those in the rig. Gotta figure out the whole satellite/internet thing asap.

And oh yeah, I gotta figure out how to drive a darn 38 foot diesel pusher too. Kinda forgot about that part.

[proapc]

I drove a 45 foot American Heritage around the country for 2 years. You would be advised to keep my phone number handy. 208-450-9135. I've driven every kind of RV out there and could probably trouble shoot anything by phone. Start writing your questions down and call anytime. GPS is great idea. If you are going to stop in rest areas get in before 8 PM in metro areas. There is too much to list in one post. I'll start jotting notes as I think of them. Truck stops have the best diesel etc...

[proapc]

Another thing is a wireless card. I've had Verizon for 3 years and it works pretty much everywhere (not sprint). I hardly use mine when I'm at home (unless I'm posting to craigs list ~ every time you log out and in, you have a different ip). I was on a 2 year contract for $60 a month and had unlimited BW. You cannot get that now so I kept mine active.

[proapc]

One more thing LOL (told you) There is a company that rents a great little RV and after 1 year they sell them. Great deal. They build their own. Ton of storage, great mileage unique interior and sizes from 24 feet to 35 feet. Search for Road Bear RV.

[Eric Louviere]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

I'll be in Austin on Feb. 9th. I'm suppose to be speaking at some gig/party David Gonzales runs. I imagine I'll stay around town for at least a week or so. Been wanting to get to Austin for a long time.

Got a place I can plug in the RV Eric?

The plan is to hit S. Padre Island if there is any forecast for waves.

Sure man, you can plug it in at my casa if you want. But, my house is out by Lake Travis and about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown (6th street) where all the fun is.

There's a big group of party animal, Internet Marketers here in Austin, and they all live in the city. Yeah, they go to David's mixers downtown too. I go once in a while if I can escape the cave. Here's David's blog: Austin Internet Marketing Entrepreneur Network

It's pretty damn cool actually. I think Austin wants to kick those La Jolla asses by being the MAIN IM spot. jk

Anyway, you'll love Austin man. Guaranteed.

But, yeah, you're welcome bro. Not a lot of partying here in Lakeway, but it's pretty here and lots of views, and the lake is up.

South Padre... let me know if you go down there too. It's not the right time of year for Padre though...

All in all, I look forward to seeing you again homie

Eric

[Jay Jennings]

Originally Posted by Eric Louviere

There's a big group of party animal, Internet Marketers here in Austin, and they all live in the city. Yeah, they go to David's mixers downtown too. I go once in a while if I can escape the cave. Here's David's blog: Austin Internet Marketing Entrepreneur Network

We spent last February at McKinney Falls State Park in Austin -- I wish I'd known it was an IM hotspot!

Austin has a great juggling group and now that I know there's IM stuff there, too, we'll have to make that another "must go" place for next fall/winter.

Jay Jennings

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

I'm hitten the south during the winter for sure.

We'll be in Mesa in March watchin the Cubs.

[Kevin J Foy]

Sounds like a great adventure. Hope all goes well and you get to meet some amazing people and see some amazing sights.

[mr2monster]

Originally Posted by Lance K

We'll be in Mesa in March watchin the Cubs.

Let me know when you're in town, that's where I live. It'd be cool to meet another warrior... I'd hit up a game or two if I'm still in town.

My trip won't be getting under way until about March/April so I could still be here.

[Fred_Acker]

You'll love it!

I've been on the road for over 14 years now (in a truck though). One word of caution though about your houses...

Unless you plan on going home on a regular basis (or even semi regular) get rid of them. They'll be a monkey on your back. I used to rent both of mine out and in the end it cost me more then I care to remember.

Another word of caution....

If you have an 'addictive' personality (or a.d.d.s.) --- Stay Home! No I'm not kidding. Serious as a Montana Sheep farmer in rubber boots... The road is HIGHLY addictive.

I once tried the 'Normal Life' of living at home after being on the road for a few years and it just bout put me into an asylum. I still can't figure out how folks do it.

As for the RV... I was thinking about getting out the truck and trying the rv life. What I found was that a fully self contained unit is the only way to go.

There are plenty of places you can fill your (water) tanks and dump your loads for free in the U.S. and having a generator will be the best investment you'll ever make (I now have one on the truck that runs tv, puter, microwave, elec blanket - a must have in the north country - and also keeps batteries charged).

I'd also recommend a satellite system for your puter. I use a pc card (sprint) but they have their limitations now that they dropped their unlimited minutes (*&%#*&%*&*&#*!!!)

Oh... and one more thing... Make sure you get in the left lane and do 53mph the whole way. :0)

Good luck with your venture.

Oh wait... one more one more thing.... Bring a tent and hiking gear so you can REALLY get away from things for a while.

[FaJeeb]

Not a customer, but if you get out towards eastern IA, hit me up and I'll hook you up with a hotel for the night and a couple hot meals.

[kf]

Hey Jason... Ya found the rig of your dreams? Exciting stuff. Post pics.

I'll likely be in the Arizona desert by mid- to late-December. Driving down west coast to San Diego, then east. That's if I can resist the magnet that is Mexico!

Lots going on in the desert in January for the RV crowd.

Sending you a link. Check your PM.

Cheers,
Kate

[Teresa Coppes]

Couldn't tell from your picture on Facebook but is it a Winnebago RV?

Teresa

[AndrewCavanagh]

Very cool idea.

Reminds me of Declan Dunn who physically called every person who bought his ebook (he sold 10,000) to thank them for buying.

The process took him several months but after that he had so much information on what his customers wanted he went on to make millions of dollars in sales from the information he mined from that customer base.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

[CDarklock]

Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh

Reminds me of Declan Dunn who physically called every person who bought his ebook (he sold 10,000) to thank them for buying.

BLINK

*scribbles note*

*hits "Thanks" button*

[Chris Hubbard]

Jason,

This is a crazy idea. But I think it fits into your online persona perfectly. Your list is gonna eat this stuff up.

Make sure you stop by the high desert on your way to Vegas. I could use some more of your "out of the box" thinking!

[Floyd Fisher]

Originally Posted by Jason Moffatt

First stop is Boise Idaho were I'll proceed to talk some marketing with Russell Brunson, then kick his %#@ like Mr. Wonderful Paul Orndorf as I show him how wrestling is really done. Coming to a YouTube channel near you soon.

Now, that is a 'marketers deathmatch' I'd pay to see.

[Justin Mandel]

Hope your going to bring at least one gun with you Jason - I can take you out to some of the surf spots here on Long Island

[Lance K]

Originally Posted by mr2monster

Let me know when you're in town, that's where I live. It'd be cool to meet another warrior... I'd hit up a game or two if I'm still in town.

My trip won't be getting under way until about March/April so I could still be here.

Cool. We actually stay in Scottsdale, but we make frequent trips down to Mesa.

[ravijayagopal]

Mofo,

If you ever come to NY city, then give me a holler at 347-992-4212 . I'll sponsor a night out in the city - all you can eat+drink too!

Plus we'll brainstorm about how to take over the IM world :-)

- Ravi Jayagopal

[Scott Ames]

Got an advanced look at the RV. Hope it doesn't spoil it for everyone.

[Jason Moffatt]

Hey ya'll.

I did get the RV. I got pics of it on Facebook, but I guess you gotta be a Facebook friend.

Or, you can check out the video of the RV in the video in my signature, but I'll try to sell you something on that page.

Jose, asked...

"Why don't you go beyond the US,Jason?"

Some day I'd like to. But I figured, I'd love to travel and see my own country first. There's so much close to home that I've never witnessed. So I figured, why not start here?

From what many travelers say, the US may be the most beautiful country of them all. I hope so!

[Jason Moffatt]

Originally Posted by ravijayagopal

Mofo,

If you ever come to NY city, then give me a holler at 347-992-4212 . I'll sponsor a night out in the city - all you can eat+drink too!

Plus we'll brainstorm about how to take over the IM world :-)

- Ravi Jayagopal

I may need some AA meetings after this trip.

Thanks Ravi.

[Keith Boisvert]

Ditto on drinks if you come up to New England. And I will even toss in some AA vouchers to boot. As a past graduate I get frequent member and refer-a-friend discounts.


keith

[MurphSmurf]

Jason, what you are planning to do is my dream.

Eventually I would love to buy an RV and travel around the country, meeting people and going on crazy adventures.

Some day!

[Kirahster]

Originally Posted by Keith Boisvert

Ditto on drinks if you come up to New England. And I will even toss in some AA vouchers to boot. As a past graduate I get frequent member and refer-a-friend discounts.


keith

I am in New England too and I would be thrilled if there was a meetup here. I also think, Tina aka TMG Enterprises in in NE.

[crossy]

sounds great Jason wish you all the best!

[theinfoexpert]

great idea - one a much much much smaller scale I always call my customers as soon as I can. This usually surprises them, but make them happy too. I always try to ask how they found me, this has provided a wealth of info. Let us know how the trip goes!