My First Offline Opportunity - Advice Needed Please

[Hackbridge]

My neighbour has had a tree in his garden cut back and not wanting to miss an opportunity, I spoke to the 'boss' of the crew doing the work, who had given me his business card a few days ago, and mentioned his website that I had found was very unattractive.

It turns out that the person who said they would set it up for him cannot continue to do more to it, as he is too busy. I sat down with the boss and I discussed how I could create a website for him to increase his business. In the West Midlands how realistic is that? How can I 'guarantee' that he'll get the visitors?

He has a website with hosting, so I'm wanting to either have access to the site or to purchase a new domain, and set up hosting myself. Not sure if I should have ownership of the site or transfer it to the 'boss'.

What content would be best, as it's related to groundwork, tree surgery, and a host of outdoor work, and he subcontracts other aspects of building work?

I said I didn't want any payment upfront as yet, as I am not sure what I should be charging initially. Was that the wrong thing to do? I think that around £200 wouldn't be a bad investment, as YP is around £400 to £500 a month for businesses in the UK - for practically nothing.

I have wanted to do something like this since Peter (isn't it?) told us of his success offline. I have an opportunity to create a website for his business partner as well, so I am very hopeful.

All and any advice would be simply awesome. I really need a break right now, if only for a few hundred pounds at the moment. I want this first site to be an opportunity to showcase my ability.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

[artwebster]

Hi, Hackbridge,

Skype me - old.coot

I can definitely help you.

[TimCastleman]

Brian-

I never guarantee anything with my clients. What happens if the guy gets on the local news for bad work and as a result his business tanks. Same thing for guys who get picked up for crimes. You can't control the future and if you say that 99.9% of the time they understand.

Also get something up front. Even if it is $100. The reason is you want them to have some type commitment to the process. What happens when you do everything, walk in and the guy says man that is awesome but he can't afford it right now, or something like that. Your screwed, that's what.

Hope that helps.

Tim

[Hackbridge]

Yeah that is very helpful. It seems strange to ask for money upfront because I've had builders in my home who asked for money upfront and we've paid the price for that.

I understand what you are saying though and I appreciate you taking the time to give your advice.

Brian

[iw433]

I do a contract where I get a third upfront, a third half-way and the rest on completion. That is how I do it. PM for some more friendly advice.

[Hackbridge]

Originally Posted by iw433

I do a contract where I get a third upfront, a third half-way and the rest on completion. That is how I do it. PM for some more friendly advice.

You mention a contract. I'd prefer to use one. How can I get up created that I can use for all offline customers?

I'm in the UK, what do you charge in the US, and I'll gauge if it's right for me?

Thank you

Brian

[JohnMcCabe]

I agree with Tim - never, ever guarantee anything you can't control.

As far as a contract, all you really need is a piece of paper with a plain language explanation of what you will provide, when it should be accomplished, what your client needs to provide, and how much you get paid and when.

Both of you sign and date the sheet, and youu have a contract. I don't know what the limits are in the UK, but in the USA you would be dealing with small claims court, should a problem go that far.

You should get something upfront, as you will be committing resources (your time, etc.) that you could employ elsewhere. Your tree service buddy should understand that; he probably asks for deposits himself.

I've also found that many clients are more committed and cooperative when they have some skin in the game...

[TimCastleman]

Quick story.

I helped my local gym out with some marketing advice that brought them a nice 20% increase in membership.

As a result they gave me a year free membership.

Guess what happened when I stopped having to pay for the membership - that's right I stopped going.

So when my trainer saw that he told me - Tim instead of doing it for free we're going to give you a discounted membership.

Haven't missed since.

My point is this - people with no money in a deal have no commitment to that deal.

Something to think about.

Tim

[ileneg]

Originally Posted by TimCastleman

Quick story.

I helped my local gym out with some marketing advice that brought them a nice 20% increase in membership.

As a result they gave me a year free membership.

Guess what happened when I stopped having to pay for the membership - that's right I stopped going.

So when my trainer saw that he told me - Tim instead of doing it for free we're going to give you a discounted membership.

Haven't missed since.

My point is this - people with no money in a deal have no commitment to that deal.

Something to think about.

Tim

Spot on; thanks for the reminder!

ileneg

[grumpyb]

[quote=TimCastleman;606485]Quick story.

My point is this - people with no money in a deal have no commitment to that deal.

Thanks Tim I have been mulling over a discussion I recently had with one of my sales managers about whether a deal is a deal if there is no money on the table and I was pursuaded otherwise.
BUT I have always been of the opinion that if there is no money the deal has not been consumated. I am now reverting to my original thinking.

If there is no money on the table then the deal is not done !!

No Sale has been made !