8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
8 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

How to approach a business owner?

by samuelbell
7 replies
I would like to offer a few of my local Businesses a website, Is it best to email them? go into the business? or mybe even send a letter?

:confused:
#approach #business #owner
  • Profile picture of the author Kelly Verge
    I prefer either postcards or seminars as first contact, but the best way to get over the fear-caused-hesitation is to simply walk into a few businesses. You'll have to walk in and talk with business owners eventually, regardless of your lead generation techniques, and you'll have to get used to hearing "no thanks."

    Some prefer using letters. Some drive traffic to a squeeze page and offer a free report.

    Go with your strengths and what you feel most comfortable with, then refine it for best results.

    But I still recommend "wetting your feet" by walking into businesses for a few days. You might just surprise yourself.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185112].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author danbcaut
    I have a friend who sends a letter first (a professionally crafted and printed salesletter) and then does a physical "drop by" for the purpose of setting an appointment.
    Signature
    FREE Blog Clones Monthly
    http://CloneMyBlogs.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185117].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Aaron Riddell
    How about jumping on the phone.

    Ring ring "Hi, this is Samuel here from......, I am talking with local business today in our area and just have a QUICK QUESTION for you. Have you got time to talk now.........."wait"........for Y or N and launch into your website blurb focusing on the benefits.

    Aaron Riddell
    Signature
    AaronRiddell.com - Internet Marketing Tips Home Business Entrepreneurs
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185135].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author aaron_nimocks
    How about go crazy and make a mockup of what you can do for them. Dont spend too much time on it but an hour would be enough.

    Then you have something to show them and your pitch will be 100 times easier. Also this way you dont look like another person calling random people and you actually show that you are interested in building this site for them.
    Signature

    My free PSD logs can be downloaded at PSD Bum. Enjoy!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185141].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kiopa
    Banned
    Definitely don't send an e-mail, because that just gets immediately deleted.

    I wouldn't really recommend just walking in unannounced either. That somewhat screams desperation, and would personally turn me off. It would make me think you're not very good at your job, or else you wouldn't be so desperate to find a new client.

    I like the idea of setting up a demo company / site, to quickly demonstrate what you're capable of. Maybe even a quick Flash presentation, and maybe a PDF brochure as well. Then call the companies, and but don't bother launching into a sales speech. Just make initial contact, and ask if they have a few minutes to sit-down for a meeting, when convienient for them. If yes, then great! If no, then ask their permission to send them a quick e-mail, showing them what you have.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185182].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by Aaron Riddell View Post

      How about jumping on the phone.

      Ring ring "Hi, this is Samuel here from......, I am talking with local business today in our area and just have a QUICK QUESTION for you. Have you got time to talk now.........."wait"........for Y or N and launch into your website blurb focusing on the benefits.
      Samuel, Aaron,

      If you are using this approach you are losing a lot of potential clients. Here's the deal...and this comes from having 6 telemarketers working for me in a previous life...

      Your first sentence needs to lead off with a benefit, not with a question as to whether or not they have time to talk. And then you want to infuse an element of curiosity into the equation. All in the first sentence.

      So it would go like this..."Hi, this is Samuel from......, I have a program that will [insert benefit]. Is that something that would interest you?"

      If your benefit is on tartget for your audience you are almost guaranteed a yes answer. I know this from testing. It works like a charm. And getting that first yes is the key to further conversation.

      And if you are having to deal with gatekeepers, as many companies have in place, be sure you know who the contact person should be and refer to that person in your opening line.

      "Hi, this is Samuel from......, I have a program that will [insert benefit]. Is that something that would interest [Mr, Mrs, Ms contact person]?" Believe it or not almost every gatekeeper that has ever heard that question will reply with "I'm not sure, I'll have to check." They don't generally have the authority to answer that question for their boss. Most of the time they will connnect you to your contact target, or give you a time to call back. Both are good outcomes.

      ~Bill
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185255].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author marketingstatic
    I know that the other thing I am getting ready to try is finding other non competing businesses that already pound the pavement Example Merchant Card services sales reps already trying to save people money and cold calling on businesses they may even already have a client list you could offer JV on and just offering them a piece of the pie. I work a full time job so I don't have time to do it myself and don't make enough yet to quit my job.
    Signature

    Happy new Year 2019

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2185442].message }}

Trending Topics