i need help. got a meeting with a business owner.

9 replies
so i had a list of numbers which i downloaded form salesgenie. i was targeting restaurants, so i was calling and i wasn't paying attention to the business name.

anyways i ended up contacting a quiznos

and i didn't know that, but i had them agree for a meeting. they might be interested on getting a website created for them

but now that i go the meeting i am nervous, because i think this question is going to come in at any time during the meeting..

" why do i need a website?"

i mean at the end the way a business benefits from a website is by having it ranked on google.

i can offer seo for them or google places, but i just don't see how a business such as quiznos will benefit from seo or google places.

i mean their average customer spends what 6-8 dollars.

if i ranked their website on google for restaurant in xxx city. people are going to ignore it because is quiznos, not a restaurant.

im not sure if i am making sence here.


so basically what do i tell them if they asked why do i need a website, or how do i benefit by having a website?
how would a website bring me more customers?

i hope you explained myself enough, and i get some suggestions here.

thanks guys.
#business #meeting #owner
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Allard
    Should have that figured out before calling, but it looks like you learned that lesson now .

    If they're expecting a website design pitch, I'd talk about getting a website with an email opt-in to receive specials. For signing up they could get a discount coupon, free sandwich, etc. I think that's more valuable than a website for SEO considering the client.

    Or just pitch them on SMS marketing or something better suited to them, and just say "after I got off the phone with you I gave it some more thought and have an idea that will generate even more revenue..."
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    • Profile picture of the author hereforsuccess
      okay that sounds more valuable. i guess i am just nervous to go in there. lol.

      i can't even think.
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      • Profile picture of the author The Sales Guy
        Hey Success, first, congrats on landing a meeting through the means of cold calling. Here's a couple of suggestions...

        1. As the other poster above mentioned, you really should've thought beforehand what services you're looking to provide. This is essential. You're not so much looking to go in and "sell something" to someone. Rather, you ARE looking to go in and deliver something of value. There's a big difference between the two. You have something that they want or need. You're the "man with the plan". The solution.

        2. Do you have something of value to offer? Something specific?? You cannot go into a meeting seeking to sell everything to everyone. This is a bad strategy. So, figure out what it is that you do best. Something you can provide which will knock the clients socks off. Something that works and is valued. Once you know what that is, then you have something to bring to the table.

        3. Do your homework. Find out all you can about the location of the business, approximate sales, years in business, etc. You don't want to walk in completely dumbfounded with your tail between your legs.

        4. If I had to guess, I'd say you're pretty new to the sales game. If so, I'd STRONGLY suggest putting pen to paper and writing a simple presentation that you can deliver to the prospect. This will GREATLY help to ease your nerves, while at the same time, giving you a clear outline as to what you seek to gain from the meeting. Think of it as a road map.

        Finally, Quizno's is a huge, nationally franchised brand. As with almost any franchise, most - if not all - of their marketing expenditures must go through corporate. Or at least anything sizable. There's a LOT of red-tape involved. So, do understand this before approaching the situation.

        While everything I've written isn't the "magic bullet" to help you close a deal, methinks it's very good, solid information you should not take lightly
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  • Profile picture of the author RRG
    If you intend to communicate with prospects or customers in writing, you should consider outsourcing that function.
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    • Profile picture of the author hereforsuccess
      Originally Posted by RRG View Post

      If you intend to communicate with prospects or customers in writing, you should consider outsourcing that function.
      you lost me here.
      i am not sure what you mean??
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  • Profile picture of the author NewParadigm
    quiznos have marketing budgets like any other business. It's up to you to ask them how they promote their business now, and show them how they can do a bit better with your services. There is tons of research out there you can share with them on benefits of IM. (and sounds like you need to convince yourself first). Im sure you could even find IM info specific to fast food (QSR-quick service restaurant) that would intrigue them.

    As a consumer I use websites all the time for easy quick info of location/map, hours of operation, phone. I get so mad that many retail businesses dont have essential info on front page or not at all. This basic stuff should be on the home page in plain sight.
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  • Profile picture of the author Creativegirl
    Subway, Dairy Queen, Papa Johns, you name it, they all do well online and rely on the direct marketing, advertising and sales.

    This franchisee owner may not like Quizno's way of marketing so it's a good opportunity for you that could be repeated with others. However, they are governed by certain guidelines. That's not your business or your problem for the most part as it is the business owners'. He needs help competing locally or within a 5-10 mile radius. That's your focus, in my opinion. The website and everything you integrate can do as much or as little as you want to help him and get the store more engaged in with its customers.

    BTW, use your first meeting as a discovery or strategy session to identify their weaknesses, strengths and understand his online goals and revenue objectives. You can talk about ideas but don't him the nuts and bolts or blue print in this meeting. Sell yourself though, that you get the big picture and have the credentials to take him where he needs to be.
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    • Profile picture of the author Michael Bucker
      No need to be nervouse at all, a company that does not have a website usually knows a lot less than you do no matter how much you still have yet to learn. The reason they agreed to a meeting is most likely they have been thinking they need a site.

      I am a sales trainer and will help you. Go to my website conqueringthesale.com find my cell number and give me a call. I will help make it easy for you. Its not going to be near as hard as you think.
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