I got a little tip for the noobies thinking about doing offline.

[Matt Gannon]

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Google each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

[Tsnyder]

I wish you the best, Matt. Let us know how that goes for you.

Tsnyder

[Hackbridge]

Matt,

thanks for the tip.

Can I ask how it's going with regard to your offline efforts? I know that I've been asked to stop marketing as I've not made any money but I know that it IS possible, so I can't say I want to stop. I'd also like to market to offline businesses.

Thanks

Brian

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Googled each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Hackbridge

Matt,

thanks for the tip.

Can I ask how it's going with regard to your offline efforts? I know that I've been asked to stop marketing as I've not made any money but I know that it IS possible, so I can't say I want to stop. I'd also like to market to offline businesses.

Thanks

Brian

As of right now I have not started yet, I plan on sending out letters this week to each business that does not have a website, and hope i get some responses back, then I will go meet with each client, I plan to outsource the website design, but do the responder, and other things myself. I will let you know how it works out for me though.

[BaldShark]

I think those sound like very reasonable rates. I'm a Creative Director with almost 25 years of professional design experience...web2.0, mobile, print...and I think it's great you're going for it. It's also great there is a place like this where you can share with people that understand what you want. You dont want to let negative people get you down. It's not their fault, they can't always help it...it's not easy to watch someone go out and take risks and go for it...it's much easier to sit and judge.

Good luck!

[Richard Tunnah]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Google each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

Matt,
I think unfortunately this is a common problem! I too had this issue with my father who is old school (as we say in the uk) were you get your degrees and start working your way through a company for the next 40 odd years even if you hate it! However his attitude after seeing me be happier and do financially better off since working for myself has changed...although I've been doing it (working for myself) a long time now. He recently admitted he wishes he'd done something else particularly in later years (he was a success lawyer for 40 odd years but it came with huge time pressures for most of that!).
I'd advise to stick with it...believe in yourself...work hard and ultimately the results should follow. Then your family and friends will change their views! Oh and then they'll start to bother you to help them do what you do as well! Good luck.

Rich

[Matt Gannon]

They just don't understand because they have been doing a 9 - 5 job their entire lives. I want to prove to them that it can be done.

[Achilles1963]

I gotta tell anybody who's thinking that being a succesful IM'er makes you a salesman it doesn't, it never will (its 2 completely different skills) , Internet Marketing is the same as oldschool marketing (no different), you find a niche and advertise (and rely on the strength of your ad copy), real sales is very personal, you have to rely on your personality, not your pitch, you're trying to form a relationship, you're trying to sell yourself, don't talk stats and tech data (who cares), talk about your kids, your car...their kids, their car, when you talk about product (any product it doesn't matter...its all just consumer goods), talk offhandedly about it, as if it's a triviality,the sale is a forgone conclusion. Now i know a lot of guys are gonna respond to this post disagreeing with me, but who cares...as a PRO i know what works.

[Al Andrews]

Keep the faith... The hardest part is taking that first step, once you do that and get your first client things will begin to fall into place.

Good luck
Al

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Al Andrews

Keep the faith... The hardest part is taking that first step, once you do that and get your first client things will begin to fall into place.

Good luck
Al

That's what I am thinking, should be easy after the first client is landed.

[chrisnegro]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

They just don't understand because they have been doing a 9 - 5 job their entire lives. I want to prove to them that it can be done.

Hey Satan can use well intentioned family members to put you on a trajectory of life that wasn't God's purpose. Word to wise....your family members are not GOD....and they are limited people. They have no problem to vision kill your dreams.

I've learned LONG AGO...people have no problem telling you how to live your life, what'you need to do...who you should marry, what you should where, how to spend your money, what type of job you should get. People are predictable sheep for the most part. I'm sure I'm predictable too (God I hope not but I'm limited too because I'm human).

I have a fear of letting people's (so called wisdom) dictate my destiny. However...there is wisdom out there...that you should take into consideration. You just need to discern for yourself the difference between mans foolish advice versus their wisdom.

Keep your chin up - reach for the stars and don't look back.

Success to you Matt,

Chris Negro

[AndrewCavanagh]

If you're really serious you can use your motivation to physically talk to business owners which is the quickest way to get hired (while you wait for your letters to get delivered).

I've helped a lot of people make money with this business model and I don't know of anyone who's done it consistently for 2 or 3 months...actually contacting business owners intelligently...doing some real work instead of just thinking about it...and hasn't made good money.

But you do have to put in some effort and as was already mentioned your success is going to hinge on the skill you develop talking to business owners regardless of the lead generating method you use.

The best way to develop that skill is to spend a lot of time talking to business owners...asking intelligent questions and listening to them.

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

P.S. As far as telling your family goes...if you talk to people who've been employees all their lives some will be positive for you, some will be negative. You shouldn't expect any different.

If you talk to people who've been business owners they're whole lives most will tell you it can be done but they won't necessarily be positive about you doing it.

They'll kind of wonder why you're telling them about it instead of just going out and DOING it.

My advice would be...don't waste time talking to anyone who's not a potential prospect or can give you referrals to a potential prospect.

If you're going to do this they're the only people who can help you.

And if you think that you sucess will hinge on other people's opinion of what you're doing then you're not going to do very well.

Just get on with it and take ACTION.

[Maria Gudelis]

Originally Posted by Achilles1963

I gotta tell anybody who's thinking that being a succesful IM'er makes you a salesman it doesn't, it never will (its 2 completely different skills) , Internet Marketing is the same as oldschool marketing (no different), you find a niche and advertise (and rely on the strength of your ad copy), real sales is very personal, you have to rely on your personality, not your pitch, you're trying to form a relationship, you're trying to sell yourself, don't talk stats and tech data (who cares), talk about your kids, your car...their kids, their car, when you talk about product (any product it doesn't matter...its all just consumer goods), talk offhandedly about it, as if it's a triviality,the sale is a forgone conclusion. Now i know a lot of guys are gonna respond to this post disagreeing with me, but who cares...as a PRO i know what works.

Don't think you'd be dissed here...

Anyone doing consulting to 'offline businesses' is not in the internet marketing biz...

...we are in the "Relationship Business" - asking the prospect about their passions, their family, their life....and you become the most interesting person in the room even though all you are doing is listening and asking probing questions.

Matt - kudos to you for going for it and yes - keep negative energy out of it as your mindset is what makes or breaks you.

It took me 6 months before I told my family what I was doing when I became a full time entrepreneur (even telling them I had a J (ust) O (over) B (broke) to appease them whilst I was full time chasing deals!)

...and when I did tell them what I was really doing...it was when the bank account shut them up about any 'you're crazy' type of statements.

[chrisnkay]

I am currently in the process of doing something similar to you Matt!

Best of luck to you. If you want it bad enough, you can make anything happen for yourself.

Stay positive and just do it!

[TimCastleman]

Matt -

I am sorry to hear that. I told my wife tonight I wanted to spend $3k on a business idea.

Her response - sure honey, we have the money and you're always successful.

It is a good thing we are married already because if we weren't I'd have to do it all over again.

When you're ready and want some help getting started let me know.

Tim

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by billyboy

hmmm...that seems a bit steep to me...i mean you can do this for about 10% of that price. nothing wrong with profit (that's biz) but that seems a little too high to me... Hey maybe I am wrong. Tell me.

I hear about people charging 7k or more upfront,and like $1,500/mo after that, so I don't think 4k is bad, what does everyone else think?

[POTPOLITICS.COM]

Sometimes your worse Haters are in your own house
Man I been there and my wife and kids still talk smack
but now they mostly have their hand out LOL
Also another problem I have is freezing up when it comes to saying a price and come out with some crazy LOW price and this cost me everytime

[k8spy8]

That's a good idea to start with. Besides you cannot think of earning with out IM. Though offline will pay you but notmore than in IM. IMis the best way to earn money.

[Charles Montgomery]

LOL. My family totally didnt support me. My wife pretty much thought I was nuts!

Anyway, there is an easier way to search out offline businesses in your area. Save your gas. I like to use google maps to find my local leads.

What I do is enter an industry in google with a city. Then, I have a whole list of businesses. And, I know whether they have a website or not. You can cal them on the phone on the spot if you wanted too.

ex. cafe Orlando,Fl or what ever. In the map that pops up, when you click a business - if it has a website it will be listed. If not, their phone number will be listed. Then, you can compare the listings in the Map to thew listings in your local phone book - and offer the businesses that are not on the Map a service to get them on the map for an extra $400-$600. 1st page of google right there

[Preben Frenning]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Google each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

My family knows, and are sceptical. Too bad for them I'm so stubborn
I have gotten a business partner, a website, a business name, etc. And I KNOW it will work. Why shouldn't it? After all, I made the plan myself

Believe in yourself, and think BIG. Great tip

[deanfz]

I don't talk to anybody about my online activities because most people, not just your family, recognises the power of the internet and how it can make you money. I once tried to talk about it to one of my friends and he was like: ,,Ohh yeah make millions overnight whatever man." I directly stopped talking about it and changed topic. Same thing with my family.

I will tell them about my online activities when I get one of those big checks (:

[Irishman]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

I hear about people charging 7k or more upfront,and like $1,500/mo after that, so I don't think 4k is bad, what does everyone else think?

Matt,
I can only share my experience here, but it works very well for me. I have a FREE consultation that helps me understand what I would need to do for each client specifically.

In my opinion, you really have to understand what NEEDS to be done, and what CAN be done to make an offer of work. A cookie cutter approach will most often lead to a dissatisfied customer or a burnt reputation. What I mean is you will come across customers that need different approaches, customized to them in your offline offering. Setting proper expectations is where customer loyalty is made or broken.

What's more - you can charge more or less based on the value you know for sure you're able to create and bring with that very customized solution.

So to your price question - what work gets done for that price, and will that bring the business owner the success THEY expect?


Here's what I do...

In order to not lose your shirt in this game, my free consultation sells a "Current Site Analysis Report (if they have one)"
"A Competitive Intelligence Report"
"A Premium Keyword List"
"A customized Online Marketing Strategy - action plan"

I get it binded at Kinkos, and its very professional.

This is basically a custom prescription or work order for their business.
I sell this for $497. It's in a nutshell - a "market research" report if you will so I can speak intelligently to what they need and what I can deliver.

That way I've made money on the consult, I've not promised a customer I can deliver something I can't based on a market I've not explored, and I create a 90% or better upsell opportunity based on the credibility I've created/demonstrated.

At worse case, you've gained a contact, honed your presentation skills, and earned some starter money. At best case and most often, you've build your business, reputation, portfolio, confidence and opened to more referrals.

Yesterday, based on a $497 "investigation" report, I met with a business owner at a local Cosi shop and came away with check for $1497 for set up fees, and then a monthly continuity/marketing plan based on what I can do for his market.

I would not have known what I can and can't do for him had I not researched his market, and what value/price/work I should offer.


All that to say - the price you quote may work for one, and not for another. I've found it much better to leverage your skills in a customized strategy.

Hope some of that helps in moving forward.

Best,

Will

PS - in regards to your thoughts about family - I do think that's a specific one based on your reputation for being an opportunity junkie. I've found my wife to be my biggest fan and supporter who even invoices my clients.

I also know that there was a stage in my life when my sister said to me after requesting a meeting... "oh no, what are you into now?" Since then, my equity has grown with her, but I totally get what you're advising here.

[jjbalagosa]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Google each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

Ain't it sad that, more often than not, the one's closest to you are your biggest dream killers!? They say stuff like, "Nobody makes money doing that." or "You're just a dreamer." or my personal fav "Get a real job."

Then once you start becomming successful it's like, "I always believed in you." or "I wish I had done what you did in my younger days." or another personal fav "Can I borrow some money?"

[monitorit]

same with me buts its harder as i have nothing to show as of yet but when i get the taste of money it will not stop me.

[Paid Surveys]

all the best, I hope it works out for you and you are able to get some repeat business from these clients.

[Tyrus Antas]

I still remember the days where I had to put off with my parents telling me everyday to stop playing around with the computer and just get a "regular job"...

What can I say about families? Sometimes they suck...

Tyrus

[JR Griggs]

I've heard all kinds of stuff about what I do. Not really from family but friends mostly. :-/ But I told my wife when we buy our first boat we'll name it "Told You So" lol

[Steve Peters Benn]

Hi Matt,

Is it ok if I include a few quotes from you in my Warrior War Room offline series?

Cheers

Steve

[traian29]

I agree, never let anyone tell you that what you think will not work. Being happy means that you do what you want, not what others want. Failure means nothing, the experience of living matters.

[washoutinc]

@ Irishman... those are killer tips and something I have never thought about. Thanks!

Also just another tips of lead gen... get involved in your Chamber of Commerce and other town meetings. That is an insane way to network and get to know the people that know the people.

You can start a word of mouth wild fire that way. I've done it locally with Realtors by going to their real estate investing meetings.

Cool deal though and go kick some butt and make some money!

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Irishman

Matt,
I can only share my experience here, but it works very well for me. I have a FREE consultation that helps me understand what I would need to do for each client specifically.

In my opinion, you really have to understand what NEEDS to be done, and what CAN be done to make an offer of work. A cookie cutter approach will most often lead to a dissatisfied customer or a burnt reputation. What I mean is you will come across customers that need different approaches, customized to them in your offline offering. Setting proper expectations is where customer loyalty is made or broken.

What's more - you can charge more or less based on the value you know for sure you're able to create and bring with that very customized solution.

So to your price question - what work gets done for that price, and will that bring the business owner the success THEY expect?


Here's what I do...

In order to not lose your shirt in this game, my free consultation sells a "Current Site Analysis Report (if they have one)"
"A Competitive Intelligence Report"
"A Premium Keyword List"
"A customized Online Marketing Strategy - action plan"

I get it binded at Kinkos, and its very professional.

This is basically a custom prescription or work order for their business.
I sell this for $497. It's in a nutshell - a "market research" report if you will so I can speak intelligently to what they need and what I can deliver.

That way I've made money on the consult, I've not promised a customer I can deliver something I can't based on a market I've not explored, and I create a 90% or better upsell opportunity based on the credibility I've created/demonstrated.

At worse case, you've gained a contact, honed your presentation skills, and earned some starter money. At best case and most often, you've build your business, reputation, portfolio, confidence and opened to more referrals.

Yesterday, based on a $497 "investigation" report, I met with a business owner at a local Cosi shop and came away with check for $1497 for set up fees, and then a monthly continuity/marketing plan based on what I can do for his market.

I would not have known what I can and can't do for him had I not researched his market, and what value/price/work I should offer.


All that to say - the price you quote may work for one, and not for another. I've found it much better to leverage your skills in a customized strategy.

Hope some of that helps in moving forward.

Best,

Will

PS - in regards to your thoughts about family - I do think that's a specific one based on your reputation for being an opportunity junkie. I've found my wife to be my biggest fan and supporter who even invoices my clients.

I also know that there was a stage in my life when my sister said to me after requesting a meeting... "oh no, what are you into now?" Since then, my equity has grown with her, but I totally get what you're advising here.

Thanks for the tips, that sounds a lot better then trying to go with one flat rate thanks for the tips it will help me greatly!

Originally Posted by Steve Peters Benn

Hi Matt,

Is it ok if I include a few quotes from you in my Warrior War Room offline series?

Cheers

Steve

Yes you may use anything you want from my post!

[M4UNow]

Originally Posted by Matt Gannon

Well I went around my town today writing down a lot of small business names, came home and Google each one, I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events. Anyways here is my tip to you, Don't talk to your family about doing something like this. Unless they already support you, because my family tells me no one will pay this, no small business will pay this crazy amount of money, but I believe they will, and im going to try it anyways! Don't let your family or anyone talk you out of your dreams. Well anyways thanks for listening I appreciate it!

Matt,
First great for you. Yes, you can do this don't listen to people who are afraid of change change brings success.

Now here is some info I posted somewhere else to help someone I hope it gets you on track to where I think you want to go. I Hope it helps.

Now that you have done some homework on who may need your services.
Get the appt by cold calling, or ambushing them. Then at your appointment all you need is

Your card maybe a brochure
NO PRICES though don't ever sell yourself short like that.

Unless you are selling candy then you would have fixed prices.

No sales sheets with pricelist none of that.

No comparing prices to other advertising outlets.
Let me ask you a question how does showing them that get them or you what either of you want. IT DOESN'T!


Now, very rarely are you going to get the time needed to discuss all you need with the client when he doesn't have an appt with you.

Should you have some things with you sure why not. But most likely not needed.
Appointments where they are already expecting you is when you bring your stuff such as laptop, contract, free additional material such as
possible articles you have written or faound on case studies of what you are offering.

If you get the BO's attention for 5 minutes that's great ask him questions so bring a pad and paper. Get to know his business, ask him what he thinks he needs, not what you
think he needs, does he need cheeks in seats, traffic to the site, new customers, customers to return. Does he fell he needs an online precense we know he does but does he think he does. If he doesn't and you have your laptop show him on Google adwords how many avg are looking for him by his keywords and type of business.

Explain how you can help him the services that you provide and the VALUE in that service that it will bring him.
That is what he wants to hear and see.


My second largest piece I can give you is FOLLOW UP FOLLOW UP and oh yeah FOLLOW UP,
call him in a few days, see if/he she has proper time to sit down with you. Grab his/her email address when you are there tell him you may follow up with an email or phone call.
If you feel you can help him, try 6-7 times to get them to hear you out. or until they simply say not interested.

Always explain what your service will do for him, let him value that.

Hope this helps
Gina Gray

[MichaelHiles]

Many years ago, when I was still creating my first success story, I used to tell the family members who hit me with negative stuff to explain how they're such experts with their dead end jobs, barely scraping by mortgage payments, and fat credit card balances, where they pay interest on depreciating trinkets and trash to try to present some facade of wealth to the rest of the world that is quagmired in exactly in the same thought patterns.

Now, they don't say so much (unless they're asking for something).

[Domenick King]

Best of luck brotha, I'm sure it will work out. I've been thinking about taking what I know to provide a service for offline businesses, I know the information we all have learned can benefit other businesses, some of them would be better off putting there money towards online advertising anyway.

Family members and friends are just ignorant to the whole internet marketing world, don't hold it against them, they don't know any better. They'll be asking to help you once you start landing those clients. Best of luck.

Peace, Prosperity and Internet Marketing

[Andy LaPointe]

As an offline business owner, this post is right on target. It's all about the relationship and not the pitch. Small business owners have a family envirnoment at work and they want to keep it that way. Many won't work with the smartest guy in town because the smartest jerk is probably the biggest turkey in to town.

They would rather would rather work with the 2nd best in town and have a relationship than the person with the biggest brain.

Originally Posted by Achilles1963

I gotta tell anybody who's thinking that being a succesful IM'er makes you a salesman it doesn't, it never will (its 2 completely different skills) , Internet Marketing is the same as oldschool marketing (no different), you find a niche and advertise (and rely on the strength of your ad copy), real sales is very personal, you have to rely on your personality, not your pitch, you're trying to form a relationship, you're trying to sell yourself, don't talk stats and tech data (who cares), talk about your kids, your car...their kids, their car, when you talk about product (any product it doesn't matter...its all just consumer goods), talk offhandedly about it, as if it's a triviality,the sale is a forgone conclusion. Now i know a lot of guys are gonna respond to this post disagreeing with me, but who cares...as a PRO i know what works.

[zulu24]

I hope you don't let those who don't believe stop you. I know it's possible - it just takes action. Like some others have said the first step is the most difficult. It sounds like you have a plan and I can't wait to hear how things are going.

[Chris Endres]

Ok, Matt you need a balance where it comes to motivating outside influences. So,.. you have a bunch of non believers who are shooting holes in your belief in success,..

Well..

How's this...

If you give up on this before you have really talked to any business owners I am going to come find you and poke you in the eye!

See? Now there is balance! You may hear what those belief shooters have to say but you certainly don't want to get poked in the eye so now all is AWESOMESAUCE!

Live it large bro...

PeeCe Ah-ight!

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Chris Endres

Ok, Matt you need a balance where it comes to motivating outside influences. So,.. you have a bunch of non believers who are shooting holes in your belief in success,..

Well..

How's this...

If you give up on this before you have really talked to any business owners I am going to come find you and poke you in the eye!

See? Now there is balance! You may hear what those belief shooters have to say but you certainly don't want to get poked in the eye so now all is AWESOMESAUCE!

Live it large bro...

PeeCe Ah-ight!

Yes I definitely don't want to be poked in the eye .

[Steve888]

Matt,

Great tip and great post. Thanks! This comes at a perfect time for me : )

[Leanne King]

@Matt when you are doing your research look at the businesses that already pay for white pages/yellow pages advertising and start with them. These guys are already proving they are happy to spend money on advertising for their business so your job is easier.

All the best

Leanne

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by Leanne King

@Matt when you are doing your research look at the businesses that already pay for white pages/yellow pages advertising and start with them. These guys are already proving they are happy to spend money on advertising for their business so your job is easier.

All the best

Leanne

How can I find out if they are advertising in yellow pages/white pages, can I just go to yellow and white pages website to find out?

[FlightGuy]

I'm late, again!

Matt,

It sounds like you have no problem with ignoring the naysayers. Man, if I listened to everyone who told me that I "couldn't do it" or "didn't have a chance," well... I wouldn't be here telling you any of this and I certainly wouldn't have most of the luxury's that exist in my life. One of them being my passion, which is being a pilot and being able to fly a number of planes to wherever the hell I want.

I think IrishMan made some great points in his post. I know you read it already, but do yourself a favor and go ahead and read it again, along with a couple others that you felt, "ah... thats a great point" with.

I see TOO MANY WSO's spelling out prices and price sheets for "students" to use. To be honest, each and every one of them is selling themselves short. Having a marketing plan is an absolute MUST and your prices need to fluctuate according to the value you're able to provide to each and every one of your clients. They will all be unique, and will deserve attention as such.

As Gina says, follow up is very important as well. Establish rapport and trust, and just as the others have said, make sure you form a good relationship. Be yourself, be sincere, be honest, and REALLY want to help each and every business owner you do business with.

I'd say good luck, but that's just so cliche and with all this support here on WF, you won't need luck.

Best to you,
John Dennis

[Matt Gannon]

Thanks for all the tips, I will be making my plan of action and bringing my plan of action to use soon, I will keep everyone updated on my success or failures. If I have any questions I will ask you my fellow warriors whom I trust! I have never had so much support before it feels good! I will share what I learn and I will help people, when I know more... thanks again warriors much appreciated!

[eidoan]

If you have trouble finding someone willing to pay, maybe try offering to do it for cost for a few months. Work hard and show them how much your efforts are benefiting them. Then ask for money when they get to the point that they wouldn't want to be without you. Then have them write letters of recommendation or testimonials you can show to potential customers after that.

Remember to put yourself in their place. If they're going to be paying you $1,500/month or whatever it is, they'll want to see well more than that in profits for their business from your efforts. Make sure most of the stuff you do has trackable results.

Consider asking for compensation based on how much extra business you generate for them. That way you'll have basically limitless earning potential and they'll be much less likely to drop you after slow months.

[robingbg]

lol Thanks

I personally was able to go to my family and share my ideas with them, however, I believe they thought I was going to fail and it was just going to be one of those life lessons.

Man were they surprised when I started pulling in 3k a month from a membership site xD

[PrettyJenny]

I love this thread! I'm planning to do something exactly the same! I haven't told my parents that I'm thinking of quiting my job to do this yet. Because they are REALLY old-fashioned and traditional thinking. Hey however how do you make yourself look like an expert? I have experience doing SEO and Web 2.0 marketing... but as you know IM is freelancing. So how do you convince the local businesses? Thanks a lot, please keep this thread alive!

[ShellySamuel]

I just started my offline marketing, and i got lot of attentions from offline businesses, because everytime i go into their businesses, i never act as a sales person, i usually engage them in conversation on what i can provide that will help their business, i give them examples. At first i try to understand what they want i.e the result they want for their businesses, this way i offer them something free, like free website, if they take up my marketing services: like email marketing, youtube marketing etc and tell them how other competitors are using to get more customers than them. One advice i will give is to start with one niche and examine what marketing will be good for that niche, that way you provide a bespoke solution to them.

[RickV]

I was thinking of offering a service like, setting up a website, e-mail responder, getting them on the local directories for Google search if there not there, and maybe even doing a few web 2.0's if they wanted, for like 4k start up and $1,500 a month after that to keep there responder updated with sales or events.

"What's in it for me (for that price)?!"

[Matt Gannon]

Originally Posted by RickV

"What's in it for me (for that price)?!"

More business and repeat customers. front page in Google, website, ill run the auto responder, do back linking for them on a constant basis to keep them in the top spot, anyways i am not going with hat price now, as others said each will be unique and may want more or less services, i will charge them based on how much work I will have to do, and make some kind of deal with them, but make sure they don't try to talk me down to low for what I am doing for them...

[Loren Woirhaye]

Originally Posted by Achilles1963

I gotta tell anybody who's thinking that being a succesful IM'er makes you a salesman it doesn't, it never will (its 2 completely different skills) , Internet Marketing is the same as oldschool marketing (no different), you find a niche and advertise (and rely on the strength of your ad copy), real sales is very personal, you have to rely on your personality, not your pitch, you're trying to form a relationship, you're trying to sell yourself, don't talk stats and tech data (who cares), talk about your kids, your car...their kids, their car, when you talk about product (any product it doesn't matter...its all just consumer goods), talk offhandedly about it, as if it's a triviality,the sale is a forgone conclusion. Now i know a lot of guys are gonna respond to this post disagreeing with me, but who cares...as a PRO i know what works.

This is just one approach to selling. Engaging in talk about trivialities
can actually waste a lot of your time as a salesperson and annoy the
prospect. On a case-by-case basis this sort of thing can and does
work - however if used ineffectively it can really hurt you because
your prospects will like you a bit, but see you as a brown-noser
and won't buy.

Every question you ask in sales should have a purpose - in the case
of personal questions I would recommend you try to find the PAIN
in the prospect's life.

What is true of business-people is they are generally starved for
conversation where they can really talk about problems in their
business they would like to solve. While these problems preoccupy
their minds a lot of the time, their families and most friends are
bored by hearing about them and in many cases don't understand
the issues at all.

I'm not trying to be a sales authority, but I've done it and studied
several methods. I highly recommend you pick up:
The Secret of Selling ~ Anything
and,
Amazon.com: The Closers: Ben Gay III: Books
... two of the best books I've ever read about reality in sales.