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Need advice on this biz model...

by TimothyW
9 replies
I DO like the "hunt" for new clients + the sales part (cold calling, etc.) -- Go figure.

What I do NOT like is the actual fulfillment (DOING the "work").

I want to get into SELLING (+providing) mobile sites.

What's the best way to proceed + find 1 or 2 RELIABLE + TRUSTWORTHY + DEPENDABLE + *TOTALLY* CAPABLE people to actually build the sites for me?

The people I find must also stay in the background (not steal my clients, etc.). Kind of like a drop shipper who remains anonymous.

Any advise or suggestions?

Thanks!

-- TW
#advice #biz #model
  • Profile picture of the author localvseo
    Try to find guys with a solid reputation. Ask around. If someone is in business for the long term it is not to their advantage to cut you out as you won't bring them any more business. Only short term thinkers who aren't looking to add real value would start stealing clients. Do you know anyone well that is outsourcing already? Another option is to spread the work around if you are concerned. Find 5 guys so even if 1 turns out to hurt you you lose 20% and not 100% of your revenue. The main thing is have a strong relationship with the customer. If they like you and feel you are providing a valuable service then why would they switch?
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Check out elance. You can see contractor ratings, client comments/testimonials, what they typically make etc. Someone with a proven record is easy to pick out.

    And the payment system protects you both.

    That being said, everyone I've ever read from Tim Ferriss to Lee McIntyre who talked about outsourcing said they had to go through a few dogs to get to the great subs.
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  • Profile picture of the author espresso003
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author lambkr01
      This sounds interesting. I'm the exact opposite. Not a big fan of the sales side of things, but love doing the work. I don't have enough posts to PM but email me at (lambkr01 at gmail dot com) if you want to talk.

      I do hosting, SEO, html/css, wordpress, mobile sites, and am starting to get into the SMS game.

      I'm sure if you got the right people working behind the scenes this would easily work. It's not really very different from just hiring outsourced work.
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  • Profile picture of the author NewAge29
    I think Lambkr01 give you your answer in the first line.

    "I'm the exact opposite...not a big fan of the sales side of things"

    If you are willing to cold call and book appointments, and you are willing to set 6 or 7 appointments per day, I'd bet your inbox will be filled with offline "consultants" willing to take those appointments.

    Everyone is deathly afraid of cold calling or any sort of prospecting. I have no idea WHY, but they are. That is your USP. You book the appointments and sell them to the "consultants" in the local area.

    That's the way I'd go about it.
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    • Profile picture of the author TimothyW
      Thanks - that all makes sense. It's a subtle distinction, but I want to always be sure "they" are working for me, and not the other way around.

      I guess sometimes the line becomes blurred.

      -- TW

      Originally Posted by NewAge29 View Post

      I think Lambkr01 give you your answer in the first line.

      "I'm the exact opposite...not a big fan of the sales side of things"

      If you are willing to cold call and book appointments, and you are willing to set 6 or 7 appointments per day, I'd bet your inbox will be filled with offline "consultants" willing to take those appointments.

      Everyone is deathly afraid of cold calling or any sort of prospecting. I have no idea WHY, but they are. That is your USP. You book the appointments and sell them to the "consultants" in the local area.

      That's the way I'd go about it.
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      • Profile picture of the author lambkr01
        Originally Posted by TimothyW View Post

        Thanks - that all makes sense. It's a subtle distinction, but I want to always be sure "they" are working for me, and not the other way around.

        I guess sometimes the line becomes blurred.

        -- TW
        Yeah it would get tough in that kind of situation. Personally, a lot of the reason I got into this stuff is because I don't want to work FOR someone else. I'm more than happy and am looking for opportunities to work WITH someone (as in a partnership).

        I agree that there are tons of people out there who are afraid of cold calling and sales. I'm one of them. It's not that I'm bad at it because I have been somewhat successful so far. I just greatly prefer the development side. This is why it would be great to find someone to work with.

        Again, I think your model can be very successful if you work at building it and clearly define the roles. Good luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    So, basically what you want is like a white label web design company..? right?
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  • Profile picture of the author Aussieguy
    I was about to say the same thing as the post above as I was reading through the thread. Google "website whitelabel reseller" or somesuch and you should start finding some options. I'm leaning towards thinking that finding one that is acceptable to you would be a better way to go, as that way you don't rely on one individual person (as in a freelance situation).
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