First 2 SMS Appointments Yesterday - 3 thoughts

22 replies
I've been hitting the phones and setting appointments for sms and mobile marketing with local businesses since last week. I dialed for 3 days for about 2 hours each day. I had a few appointments scheduled for last week, but all moved them to this week.

Yesterday, I finally got to sit down with business owners, and I really felt like I had no f---ing idea what I was doing. I completely winged it with a ppt and it went REALLY REALLY well. I walked out of the 1st appointment with an appointment to meet with the owner and his GM again this afternoon and walked out of the 2nd appointment with a signed contract!

Based on this VERY limited sample, here are my thoughts:

1. Business owners are ready for this. They know they need to do get on board with mobile because they see their customers on their phones ALL the time. For everyone on this forum, it probably isn't a surprise.

2. They either have done a little research into it, have heard of it, or have seen it somewhere else and thought to themselves that they want to try it. It almost seemed like they were both ready to try it even before I pitched them which was really interesting to me.

3. Cold calling flat out WORKS. Both were completely cold leads that I literally called right out of a list of restaurant owners. It is cost effective (I paid $0 for both leads) and efficient

So, now that I have 1 client and another likely client, I can officially call my self owner of a mobile marketing company!

Anyone reading this that has clients already, I'd love some advice on how to handle their marketing plans. I have a good deal of info already on how I want to handle it and what I want to do to help them build their lists, but I'd love some more input if anyone would be kind enough to give it.
#appointments #mobile #sms #thoughts #yesterday
  • Profile picture of the author OfflineMan
    Originally Posted by tdorland View Post

    I've been hitting the phones and setting appointments for sms and mobile marketing with local businesses since last week. I dialed for 3 days for about 2 hours each day. I had a few appointments scheduled for last week, but all moved them to this week.

    Yesterday, I finally got to sit down with business owners, and I really felt like I had no f---ing idea what I was doing. I completely winged it with a ppt and it went REALLY REALLY well. I walked out of the 1st appointment with an appointment to meet with the owner and his GM again this afternoon and walked out of the 2nd appointment with a signed contract!

    Based on this VERY limited sample, here are my thoughts:

    1. Business owners are ready for this. They know they need to do get on board with mobile because they see their customers on their phones ALL the time. For everyone on this forum, it probably isn't a surprise.

    2. They either have done a little research into it, have heard of it, or have seen it somewhere else and thought to themselves that they want to try it. It almost seemed like they were both ready to try it even before I pitched them which was really interesting to me.

    3. Cold calling flat out WORKS. Both were completely cold leads that I literally called right out of a list of restaurant owners. It is cost effective (I paid $0 for both leads) and efficient

    So, now that I have 1 client and another likely client, I can officially call my self owner of a mobile marketing company!

    Anyone reading this that has clients already, I'd love some advice on how to handle their marketing plans. I have a good deal of info already on how I want to handle it and what I want to do to help them build their lists, but I'd love some more input if anyone would be kind enough to give it.
    SMS Text message marketing is the next wave of communication for businesses, you need to look at my signature it will answer many of your questions, marketing plan is all about 1 making sure the owner is in the right mindset and that his staff is on board 100% plus you need to make sure the message is well displayed all over the place of business. Cold calling does work for sure!

    Goodluck!
    Signature
    Make $8331 A Month With Text Messaging! Tons Of Reviews CLICK HERE
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3864958].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tdorland
      Originally Posted by OfflineMan View Post

      SMS Text message marketing is the next wave of communication for businesses, you need to look at my signature it will answer many of your questions, marketing plan is all about 1 making sure the owner is in the right mindset and that his staff is on board 100% plus you need to make sure the message is well displayed all over the place of business. Cold calling does work for sure!

      Goodluck!

      Hey offlineman,
      Is this webinar going to be an informative webinar, or will it just all lead to a pitch at the end for us to buy a thousand dollar course or something like that?

      I understand if it is going to be a pitch. It's a great way to sell...and I'll probably attend anyway, but I really would like to know before hand.

      Thanks in advance!
      Signature
      www.RiseMobile.net - Your FULL SERVICE mobile marketing partner for SMS, Mobile Websites, Smart Phone Apps, and Mobile Appointment Reminders
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3872850].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author scarab
        +1 on the tdorland's reply above.
        Signature

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3874023].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author cashtech29
          This is really beneficial...
          Thanks for sharing.

          OfflineMan, your signature isn't working...
          Any reason it's still up there???
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3935399].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TommyB
        tdorland, what company are you using?
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4001247].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ashley Wright
    Congrats is in order! Like you said, most companies know that they need mobile marketing its just our job to get in front of them and offer them great value and service
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3865010].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JustinP
    Congrats! That is a great story and I think a lot of people here in this forum will be inspired by it. I think cold calling can definitely work if you do it the right way. In your case you were offering to discuss a topic that is addressing a direct need of these businesses.

    Keep us posted on how it evolves!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3865058].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rideotm
      Thats a pretty damn good batting average, congrats! I see on your website you mention real estate professionals as good candidates. As one myself, I am trying to figure out how sms messaging is beneficial other than just staying in touch with clients. Do you or anyone else have any thoughts on how to make them money with this?
      Signature

      Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3866490].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jacquic
    So, now that I have 1 client and another likely client, I can officially call my self owner of a mobile marketing company!

    Congratulations :-) The next 20 will be much easier.

    Do you or anyone else have any thoughts on how to make them money with this?
    Here's one idea: do a JV with furniture/carpet/paint stores and removals firms and solicitors. Text offers to your list -Moving house? Text 12345CARPET to get a wool carpet for the price of a nylon one.

    (Do a better one than that!)

    You can either take a referral fee or cut, or they can reciprocate and promote you.

    If people have just moved in, text them with restaurant/pizza offers too.
    Signature
    See our great value publications - business, SEO, etc. Being added to weekly.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3867182].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cshilling22
      Wow that is great! I would love to see a sample of that PPT. What SMS company are you using? What are you charging the clients? Are you charging a set-up fee or free month of service?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3867723].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Edwards WOrld
        what are you Charging Customers are you only targeting restaurants ?

        Can you share your pick up line thanks.



        -EA
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3867742].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author tdorland
        Originally Posted by cshilling22 View Post

        Wow that is great! I would love to see a sample of that PPT. What SMS company are you using? What are you charging the clients? Are you charging a set-up fee or free month of service?
        Charging $149 set up and $149/month for 1500 messages. I know I may be able to make more, but as for now, I want to make sure they see ROI so I can keep the biz!
        Signature
        www.RiseMobile.net - Your FULL SERVICE mobile marketing partner for SMS, Mobile Websites, Smart Phone Apps, and Mobile Appointment Reminders
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4020626].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Russell Hall
    Good for you getting a plan together and hitting the pavement so to speak.

    I personally think that where you're captivating their attention is with the Mobile marketing aspect.

    It can be so hard and tedious competing with every other man and his dog on SEO and Google Places etc etc but if you can talk with authority about where the real action is moving with local business then you're onto a winner.

    I'd stay focused with that. Don't try to be the Swiss army knife of offline consultants,.. go for focus and get them excited about generating more customers and more sales through your specific mobile perspective and then once you've won them over and show results you will become their trusted offline marketing man making it near impossible for anyone to tread on your turf!

    All the best with it.

    Russell Hall
    Signature

    Mvlti svnt vocati, pavci vero electi - Many are called [but] few are chosen

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3935942].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author WAWarrior
    Congratulations. Seems like mobile marketing is a cutting edge offer - and it attracts.
    Anyone knows where we can get good training on mobile marketing/websites ?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4010288].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cashtech29
      Hi tdorland, I myself am always looking for new and better techniques to make me look more adult and professional, when picking up new business clients.

      Do you literally use the phrase: "I have no f---ing idea of what I'm doing"?
      If it works, I'd like to start using that phrase myself... If it will bring in more
      professional clients.

      Who knows, maybe it'll help me get more women also. lol
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4011354].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Clough
    tdorland.....great share and congrads! Can you tell us which mobile platform you
    are using?

    Thanks
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4011381].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Randome
    Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring ... Mind sharing your cold calling? techniques? What do you tell the businesses on your 1st call
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4014883].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author tdorland
      Originally Posted by Randome View Post

      Thanks for sharing. Very inspiring ... Mind sharing your cold calling? techniques? What do you tell the businesses on your 1st call
      First I tried to break the ice. With a witty comment or joke...something to catch them off guard.

      Then I start the business end of the call off by telling them that I'm the area mgr of a national mobile communications company, we have clients ranging from national firms like Pizza hut to local businesses in the area\ (piggybacking off my white label company)

      I then talk about how we drive revenue with a direct connection to their customers mobile phones to send offers and coupons...

      Then I talk about how it would work for their business and try and close for an appt.

      It seems to work well, but not as well as I'd like.
      Signature
      www.RiseMobile.net - Your FULL SERVICE mobile marketing partner for SMS, Mobile Websites, Smart Phone Apps, and Mobile Appointment Reminders
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4020651].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TrumpiaTim
    Congrats on landing your first client!
    Signature

    www.Trumpia.com

    Trumpia: The Most Completed SMS Text Messaging Software & API Solution.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4017119].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jdjohnson21
    Originally Posted by tdorland View Post

    I've been hitting the phones and setting appointments for sms and mobile marketing with local businesses since last week. I dialed for 3 days for about 2 hours each day. I had a few appointments scheduled for last week, but all moved them to this week.

    Yesterday, I finally got to sit down with business owners, and I really felt like I had no f---ing idea what I was doing. I completely winged it with a ppt and it went REALLY REALLY well. I walked out of the 1st appointment with an appointment to meet with the owner and his GM again this afternoon and walked out of the 2nd appointment with a signed contract!

    Based on this VERY limited sample, here are my thoughts:

    1. Business owners are ready for this. They know they need to do get on board with mobile because they see their customers on their phones ALL the time. For everyone on this forum, it probably isn't a surprise.

    2. They either have done a little research into it, have heard of it, or have seen it somewhere else and thought to themselves that they want to try it. It almost seemed like they were both ready to try it even before I pitched them which was really interesting to me.

    3. Cold calling flat out WORKS. Both were completely cold leads that I literally called right out of a list of restaurant owners. It is cost effective (I paid $0 for both leads) and efficient

    So, now that I have 1 client and another likely client, I can officially call my self owner of a mobile marketing company!

    Anyone reading this that has clients already, I'd love some advice on how to handle their marketing plans. I have a good deal of info already on how I want to handle it and what I want to do to help them build their lists, but I'd love some more input if anyone would be kind enough to give it.
    Good to hear that it works! did you happen to have a script you used when talking to the owners over the phone?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4077146].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author scotth
    congrats! Great story now you broke the ice..I am sure you will get the business...and then once the business owner see his ROI your in the money with referrals he will be given you.
    Signature

    Based in Costa Rica Living my life on my terms a expat lifestyle and traveling the world at will. Time Freedom is True Freedom!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4077166].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Hinakhan
    Banned
    [DELETED]
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4079338].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Luke Bishop
      Hey guys, for a long code here in Australia its around $49 per month.

      Now some business are tight so to get around this I was thinking of setting up promotional signs within the store saying,

      "If you would like 20% off your haircut today, ask your hairdresser how"

      hairdresser replies by saying they can fill out the online opt in form on the customers behalf to receive the special offers and to be added to their vip club.

      the customer passes on their phone number.

      what are your thoughts?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4079555].message }}

Trending Topics