Offline Help Appreciated

Phil, in all honesty, I would start right where you are FIRST... kinda get your feet wet -- at least a TOE -- before going 'global.' See what you're good at...and then maybe look to outsourcing. This offline marketing stuff is a crawl... then baby-steps... then a walk...

I talk to newcomers all the time who are ready to set the world on fire... but havent even done much ONLINE marketing first.

In fact, here's my own definition of an Offliner...

Offline Marketing Consultant: noun. A person who takes their vast online marketing knowledge and applies it to local offline brick & mortar business owners... the result of which brings in new prospects for the business owner... and well-deserved coin for the offline / online consultant.

Exactly start by offering a simple service (see my free guide on optimizing Google Places, which is a great lead in for Local Clients Google Places Optimization Guide Raptor Social Media) and do some basic backlinking, onsite SEO work (meta tags, keyword research, etc) and you can easily get a couple $500 a month, hour or two clients. Def start local

As mentioned, start local. Also, start by making a divided list.
First section: What you are good at
Second section: What you know how to do
Third section: What you know you can outsource and still profit on

Then offer all of those services. Focus first on selling the ones you are good at or know how to do, but don't shy away from the third section.

As far as client acquisition, that's called sales. You can hire a local sales person, or do it yourself like I am. It's a hard road, but it can be the most effective because as the business owners start acting like "not another salesperson" you can remind them that you are not a salesperson, you are a fellow business owner, building rapport

Guy,

I will pass on a couple of specific strategies you can put into motion that have worked very well for my clients.

One, allow other businesses to incorporate your discounts into their promotions. I'm not talking about strict control, or outlined programs you solicit to other businesess...its a relationship thing...give them some parameters and let them adapt to what they need and let them style it or print it. ( no cost to you...just additional foot traffic) This becomes added value to their marketing effort being able to dangle other kinds of carrots, so to speak. Don't be afraid to go a little bit deeper with first time offers...you want to get that cutomer in your door just once...then, and only then do you get repeat payments from them and there referrals, for years and years.

Second, scout out and invite the prominent names in your community...business owners, city council....all the names that people know. Treat them to your service and give them a way to express their opinion about it ( survey sheet or similar) Ask permission to use a testimonial from them.

Use those prominent testimonials prominently ....particularly in direct mail, as that is your opportunity to get your name in front of prospects without having to wait for them to find your other ads wherever they might be hiding.

Good Luck in your adventure

DP

I have just started myself Phil...I have to agree with Jimian...start where your at right now..its easy to get caught up in preparing I know I did...when I started my offline business I went to Manta.com found a niche in my local area and started calling offering my services...until someone said yes...and they do..I will tell you in this business IMHO cold calling or door to door is the fastest way to getting business and $!