119 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
119 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Put $300 in your pocket everyday with The Yellow Pages

by David McAnulty
98 replies
Hey Everyone,

Here is something I started noticing not to long ago. If you go through your yellow pages, Google, and/or craigslist and look for lawnmowing companies there are dozens of them and 75% of the companies do not have a website.

Simply call their contact # introduce yourself and explain that you can have them a professional looking website up and running in less than a week for under $500 bucks. If they accept take it over to to Warriors for Hire, Elance, RentCoder which ever you prefer. Have them create a basic but professional website for no more than $200 and pocket the rest. If you are slightly efficient a Dreamweaver you can handle this.

I also found this works well for tv installers, handymen, and a few other businesses where individuals have low start up cost.

To take it even a step further keep all the contact information for the individuals you do business. In a few months follow up with them and offer your services to put an autoresponder in place for a small fee $150 so that they can capture leads and make more sales.
#$300 #everyday #pages #pocket #put #yellow
  • Profile picture of the author David Mcalorum
    That's actually pretty straightforward and legitimate. There's a lot of this going around and surely more to come as our business society centralizes more and more around the internet. The only problem is that it's definitely a booming method now, but will surely die in the foreseeable future.

    Well, as I see it anyway.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321059].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason_V
      Originally Posted by MJGrae View Post

      That's actually pretty straightforward and legitimate. There's a lot of this going around and surely more to come as our business society centralizes more and more around the internet. The only problem is that it's definitely a booming method now, but will surely die in the foreseeable future.

      Well, as I see it anyway.
      Yeah, you're right, this is a dying business don't get into it. There will be no desire for companies to have websites, SEO services, auto-responder services, etc....This probably only has a lifespan of probably no more than 6 months.
      Signature
      "When you do something exactly wrong, you always turn up something."
      -Andy Warhol
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321069].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author sahi
        Originally Posted by Jason_V View Post

        Yeah, you're right, this is a dying business don't get into it. There will be no desire for companies to have websites, SEO services, auto-responder services, etc....This probably only has a lifespan of probably no more than 6 months.

        For some even 6 months are enough to get the cash that can help to enhance their lifestyle or give them a desired boost in the right direction or venture where they may need the much needed startup cash.

        So I would say to anyone reading this thread negative comments and just give this mthod a try, you don't have anything to lose after all.
        Signature

        Get your Brand mentions/Interviews in top magazines around the US & UK like Forbes, Harvard EDU, American Express, INC, Entrepreneur, LA weekly, and many more
        Email Me for more details and share your requirements.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321091].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author John Atkins
          Originally Posted by sahi View Post

          For some even 6 months are enough to get the cash that can help to enhance their lifestyle or give them a desired boost in the right direction or venture where they may need the much needed startup cash.

          So I would say to anyone reading this thread negative comments and just give this mthod a try, you don't have anything to lose after all.
          You need to learn how to detect sarcasm.

          Am I right Jason_v?

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321099].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sahi
            Originally Posted by IM Headlines View Post

            You need to learn how to detect sarcasm.

            Am I right Jason_v?

            But did you detect my sarcasm.....
            Signature

            Get your Brand mentions/Interviews in top magazines around the US & UK like Forbes, Harvard EDU, American Express, INC, Entrepreneur, LA weekly, and many more
            Email Me for more details and share your requirements.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321105].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sohailanwar

            good idea to Put $300 in your pocket everyday with The Yellow Pages it is posibal
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170119].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
        Of course! They are shutting the whole thing down on April 27 of this year. Good luck to all.
        Signature

        David

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321096].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author RyanT
        Haha it's really cool that you put this up because I've been doing this off and on for some quick cash.

        I usually pocket $200 everytime.

        Thanks for givin away the secret!!!!
        I'm kidding of course

        But yes this works and it works well so give it a try
        Signature
        Highest Quality Content Written For You - Articles, Ebooks, Blog Content and Copywriting.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1873187].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author misterwrecker
      Originally Posted by MJGrae View Post

      That's actually pretty straightforward and legitimate. There's a lot of this going around and surely more to come as our business society centralizes more and more around the internet. The only problem is that it's definitely a booming method now, but will surely die in the foreseeable future.

      Well, as I see it anyway.



      Yea I'm sure it will only last as long as direct mail and television commercials



      -John
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321144].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author greff
    Run for cover! April 27, 2010 is right around the corner. It was foretold by Nostrodamus too.
    Signature

    Greg Cryns
    Expert WordPress design and promotion
    My Marketing Blog
    Scentsy flameless candles

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321129].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Charann Miller
      Originally Posted by greff View Post

      Run for cover! April 27, 2010 is right around the corner. It was foretold by Nostrodamus too.

      What? And here I was blissfully thinking it was 2012? You mean I actually have less than a year left at this internet thing?, oh boy.

      In terms of the OP, there is definitely plenty of room when targeting the offline market and is how many a Warrior and IM'er are silently making their fortunes because more and more people are recognizing the importance of gaining a web presence.

      So yeah, I think the Yellow Pages is a great resource.
      Signature
      Hot Weight Loss PLR
      Ex Back Niche PLR
      Short Reports PLR
      Self Esteem Niche PLR
      Aromatherapy PLR
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321234].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Enthusiastic
      Originally Posted by greff View Post

      Run for cover! April 27, 2010 is right around the corner. It was foretold by Nostrodamus too.
      As always, the prophecy is only understandable when it's too late. How sad!

      In the ides plus nine of tax month, two years 'ere the end
      A giant plug is pulled and awesome terror descend
      On those whose half a K of coding and design
      Have finally reached obsolescence, shutdown, end of line
      Till off in gloomy sunset sail those who used to counsel
      Those from page of yellow who to find their customers
      Yet used to strive to online go like helpless fauns
      To find no further clients amongst those who would mow lawns.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2199644].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author joshril
    Webdesign will get more and more competitive, but I am certain he was being sarcastic. There are literally millions of businesses that need help navigating the perils of online marketing. It's like the Old West or the Gold Rush was back in the 1800's... stake your claim!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321141].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Mike Adams
      Originally Posted by joshril View Post

      Webdesign will get more and more competitive, but I am certain he was being sarcastic. There are literally millions of businesses that need help navigating the perils of online marketing. It's like the Old West or the Gold Rush was back in the 1800's... stake your claim!
      Just remember...
      If there's a gold rush and there not much gold,

      you can still make a lot of money selling shovels.

      -Larry Hite
      Signature
      P.S. If you found my post useful, please click the "Thanks" button below...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2186385].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jdenc
        Really? You guys actually think a guy running a lawn service is giving you big bucks for a web site? Ain't happening. I guess if I had P&G I wouldn't bother either. But apparently they have a guy.

        I think you have to look at every market and decide how to price it. And if you are just starting out or starting over with no portfolio you can show(as I am) you need to rebuild that. I'll take less now to build up that portfolio and get some folks talking. In fact I know I have read one of the posters who has slammed this say he built up by offering to do websites on the cheap walking door to door. On Tuesday of this week that's exactly what I'll be doing. I have some businesses I have a history with that are getting a visit. I'll make it clear that their pricing isn't always going to be the price and I'll tell them exactly why it is the price. Being small businesses I expect them to understand and realize they are getting a deal. And I'll also be going back to them after a couple of weeks when their shiny new website has made them a customer or two and talk about an SEO campaign which will be the next logical step. But I won't ever get P&G money. However at this level it is about volume and if I can nail down 3 new clients on Tuesday I will be moving in the right direction. Money coming in, someone else paying for my hosting and subsidizing what I want to do online while I also get to eat. Right now that works for me.

        So thanks to the OP I don't why I didn't think of that but my sales call list just got bigger.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187072].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Folusho Orokunle
    Oh MY GOD!!! The Interweb is SHUTTING DOWN.

    Whether this is sarcasm or not, the idea to target service oriented businesses online is a good one. Don't undercharge though.....
    Signature

    Need premium biz opp traffic? Email me: folusho at eliteecoach.com

    Internet Marketing Television

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321145].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rapidscc
      Originally Posted by Folusho Orokunle View Post

      Oh MY GOD!!! The Interweb is SHUTTING DOWN.
      What is shutting down again? O my I think I'm not updated with the news..
      Please explain.

      To the OP, thanks for sharing this man.

      All the best,

      Omar
      Signature
      Medical Billing and Coding
      Petition Against RA 10175
      http://www.change.org/petitions/junk...prevention-law
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321169].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
        Back on track now. This seriously is a little cash cow ready for the milking. It is something that you can pick up tomorrow with 0 dollars, find your target audience and have a few clients by the end of the day.

        Can beat $900 in services that you do not even perform in 1 day.

        If you are just starting out and need some money for your new product idea or even just to pay the bills give it whirl you will not be disappointed
        Signature

        David

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321181].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author joshril
          Great idea... definitely better than many of the WSO's out there!

          Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

          Back on track now. This seriously is a little cash cow ready for the milking. It is something that you can pick up tomorrow with 0 dollars, find your target audience and have a few clients by the end of the day.

          Can beat $900 in services that you do not even perform in 1 day.

          If you are just starting out and need some money for your new product idea or even just to pay the bills give it whirl you will not be disappointed
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321203].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author LegitIncomes
    Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

    Hey Everyone,

    Here is something I started noticing not to long ago. If you go through your yellow pages, Google, and/or craigslist and look for lawnmowing companies there are dozens of them and 75% of the companies do not have a website.

    Simply call their contact # introduce yourself and explain that you can have them a professional looking website up and running in less than a week for under $500 bucks. If they accept take it over to to Warriors for Hire, Elance, RentCoder which ever you prefer. Have them create a basic but professional website for no more than $200 and pocket the rest. If you are slightly efficient a Dreamweaver you can handle this.

    I also found this works well for tv installers, handymen, and a few other businesses where individuals have low start up cost.

    To take it even a step further keep all the contact information for the individuals you do business. In a few months follow up with them and offer your services to put an autoresponder in place for a small fee $150 so that they can capture leads and make more sales.

    You know, there are offline gold reports that are several chapters in length. But, what you have posted right here sums it up. Anyone can follow the information you laid out above, and make money.
    Signature
    100% Unique Sales Page Website +100% Unique Internet Marketing Product
    + Support! All of this, just $397! (PM Me For Details!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1321771].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
      Thanks Legit.

      With a little knowledge and some direction I believe almost anyone can create a steady income or at least supplement their ultimate goal until it is achieved.
      Signature

      David

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324317].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author whoops
        My nephew and his girlfriend (both 18) have been doing this exact thing for the last 8 months. One of his high school buddies designs the sites for them for $150.00 they charge $300.00 plus they also offer to host for the first 3 months free then they get them to go on a monthly hosting plan through their reseller account for $9.95 per month...so far they have sold over 40 websites to all kinds of tradesmen/business and have a nice little residual income coming in with the hosting.

        Time to remind them about offering a autoresponder again, I mentioned it before but I am sure they haven't done that yet.

        Regards, Dave
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324372].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
          Guys stop thinking pennies and start thinking dollars. I don't get out of bed for $300. Seriously, remember your value and CHARGE MORE.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324376].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
            Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

            Guys stop thinking pennies and start thinking dollars. I don't get out of bed for $300. Seriously, remember your value and CHARGE MORE.
            I can understand where you are coming from, but truthfully there is a price limit on things. I could go into a whole spill about Supply and Demand, but I will spare you.

            Truthfully what it boils down to is we are creating simple websites. There are plenty individuals out there with the same skill set and ability to do just that. By over charging for your services what you risk the chance of doing is being pushed out by your competition. It applies to all aspects of business.

            For example,

            Let say you own a yard service like the one mentioned above. I charge you website $1000 for a very simple website that took only an hour of my time. The next person comes in and offers the same quality of website for $300. The only difference in the value of these 2 offers, because of the simplicity of the task, is price point. If your price point is higher than your competition for a product of the same value then you will quickly find yourself reevaluating your position.

            From your stand point I see that your counter would be then create something of higher value and I would agree with that angle.
            Signature

            David

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324427].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
              Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

              I can understand where you are coming from, but truthfully there is a price limit on things. I could go into a whole spill about Supply and Demand, but I will spare you.

              Truthfully what it boils down to is we are creating simple websites. There are plenty individuals out there with the same skill set and ability to do just that. By over charging for your services what you risk the chance of doing is being pushed out by your competition. It applies to all aspects of business.

              For example,

              Let say you own a yard service like the one mentioned above. I charge you website $1000 for a very simple website that took only an hour of my time. The next person comes in and offers the same quality of website for $300. The only difference in the value of these 2 offers, because of the simplicity of the task, is price point. If your price point is higher than your competition for a product of the same value then you will quickly find yourself reevaluating your position.

              From your stand point I see that your counter would be then create something of higher value and I would agree with that angle.
              David -

              The only people who trade hours for dollars are hourly employees. Are you one of those? Or are you a business owner? A business owner understands value.

              If you target better clients you get higher fees. I don't work for dollar stores, I work for doctors. Why - the same reason people rob banks - that is where the money is.

              And you never compare your services Apples to Apples with another provider. I am not a commodity.

              Tim
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324453].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author whoops
                Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                David -

                The only people who trade hours for dollars are hourly employees. Are you one of those? Or are you a business owner? A business owner understands value.

                If you target better clients you get higher fees. I don't work for dollar stores, I work for doctors. Why - the same reason people rob banks - that is where the money is.

                And you never compare your services Apples to Apples with another provider. I am not a commodity.

                Tim
                Tim, the beauty of what my nephew does is he goes after the dollar stores while everyone else wants a $1000.00 bucks or more or goes after the doctors, dentists.

                Guess who gets the work from the really little guy? Not saying he hasn't set his sights higher he has but this was a very comfortable starting point for him and one that is bringing in a little income while he hone's his skill.

                Regards, Dave
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324475].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
                Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                David -

                The only people who trade hours for dollars are hourly employees. Are you one of those? Or are you a business owner? A business owner understands value.

                If you target better clients you get higher fees. I don't work for dollar stores, I work for doctors. Why - the same reason people rob banks - that is where the money is.

                And you never compare your services Apples to Apples with another provider. I am not a commodity.

                Tim
                Tim,

                I understand your argument, except we are not qualifying the amount effort, but the actual offering itself. When you have something unique then regardless of the time and effort it takes to create then you have the ability to charge whatever you like because there is only one place to get that particular product or service.

                Maybe its myself who is being unclear. This offer is laid specifically to target low start up business with limited budgets and no websites. When you say not to apply Apples to Apples with another provider that is a great sales technique, when approaching a client, but applying it to the specific opportunity I laid out, I would have to disagree. While your services may be 100% better then the competition, as it applies to this target demographic, you will price yourself beyond the range of their capabilities. Expenses have to be justified.

                You yourself pointed out in order to demand a higher price point that you have target professionals, such as doctors. Unfortunately, that demographic of individuals is far less abundant considering most in that market have a website.

                The idea and demographic I am referring to takes a lot less time to find targeted customers and start generating revenue immediately
                Signature

                David

                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324478].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
                  Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

                  Tim,

                  I understand your argument, except we are not qualifying the amount effort, but the actual offering itself. When you have something unique then regardless of the time and effort it takes to create then you have the ability to charge whatever you like because there is only one place to get that particular product or service.

                  Maybe its myself who is being unclear. This offer is laid specifically to target low start up business with limited budgets and no websites. When you say not to apply Apples to Apples with another provider that is a great sales technique, when approaching a client, but applying it to the specific opportunity I laid out, I would have to disagree. While your services may be 100% better then the competition, as it applies to this target demographic, you will price yourself beyond the range of their capabilities. Expenses have to be justified.

                  You yourself pointed out in order to demand a higher price point that you have target professionals, such as doctors. Unfortunately, that demographic of individuals is far less abundant considering most in that market have a website.

                  The idea and demographic I am referring to takes a lot less time to find targeted customers and start generating revenue immediately
                  If you are targeting businesses in the yellow pages and they have any type of display ad they can afford more than you are asking. Here in my little town the full page ad runs about 7500 and goes down from there.

                  At any rate, you are doing great, I just want you to make more money.

                  Tim
                  Signature
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324550].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author kiopa
                Banned
                Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                David -

                The only people who trade hours for dollars are hourly employees. Are you one of those? Or are you a business owner? A business owner understands value.

                If you target better clients you get higher fees. I don't work for dollar stores, I work for doctors. Why - the same reason people rob banks - that is where the money is.

                And you never compare your services Apples to Apples with another provider. I am not a commodity.

                Tim
                All depends on your business plan, direction, market, and how efficient your operations are. Selling for cheap, cheap managed to do companies such as Walmart wonders...
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170047].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
                Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                David -

                The only people who trade hours for dollars are hourly employees. Are you one of those? Or are you a business owner? A business owner understands value.

                If you target better clients you get higher fees. I don't work for dollar stores, I work for doctors. Why - the same reason people rob banks - that is where the money is.

                And you never compare your services Apples to Apples with another provider. I am not a commodity.

                Tim
                Tim,

                this is so great and refreshing reading this. If you hang out on IM forums and [make the mistake to] target other IMers - sometimes it feels like a bazaar in afghanistan where people haggle and offer or seek services for PENNIES.

                People installing complete web sites for $25 or writing articles for $2.50. It is a freaking joke sometimes.

                I am making web sites myself, i KNOW how how much time it takes..why on earth are people making FOOLS out of themselves and offering jobs like web design or installation for a few bucks?

                I like your approach a lot. People, don't under-sell your skills and knowledge! Simply because THERE IS NO REASON TO.
                Signature
                *** Affiliate Site Quick --> The Fastest & Easiest Way to Make Affiliate Sites!<--
                -> VISIT www.1UP-SEO.com *** <- Internet Marketing, SEO Tips, Reviews & More!! ***
                *** HIGH QUALITY CONTENT CREATION +++ Manual Article Spinning (Thread Here) ***
                Content Creation, Blogging, Articles, Converting Sales Copy, Reviews, Ebooks, Rewrites
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170101].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author TimG
                  Originally Posted by GeorgR. View Post

                  Tim,

                  this is so great and refreshing reading this. If you hang out on IM forums and [make the mistake to] target other IMers - sometimes it feels like a bazaar in afghanistan where people haggle and offer or seek services for PENNIES.

                  People installing complete web sites for $25 or writing articles for $2.50. It is a freaking joke sometimes.

                  I am making web sites myself, i KNOW how how much time it takes..why on earth are people making FOOLS out of themselves and offering jobs like web design or installation for a few bucks?

                  I like your approach a lot. People, don't under-sell your skills and knowledge! Simply because THERE IS NO REASON TO.
                  That is part of the vacuum environment that has been created by people looking to make quick money.

                  Ironically enough, I remember when firesales used to actually mean a huge discount on an assortment of products based on a valid need or special reason. Now, you see as much or more content in a bundled package for half the price...it's really a shame.

                  Why do marketers like Kern, Pagen and others charge high prices for their products? Because they have established themselves and will not work for peasant wages.

                  The same can be said for offline marketing - Establish yourself and as you build your client base continue to increase your rates.

                  Respectfully,
                  Tim
                  Signature
                  Article Marketing Soldiers - The Best Selling Article Marketing Product On The Warrior Forum Is Now Looking For Affiliates! Make Over $25 Per Sale With This High Converting Product.

                  Make More Money And Spend More Time With Your Family By Becoming A Scentsy Consultant - I Provide Personal Assistance And Help With Growing Your Business.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2171913].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Michael Taylor
            Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

            I don't get out of bed for $300.
            I agree.

            On the other hand, if someone is just starting out selling to bricks and mortar businesses, a handful of $500 websites may be just the thing to gain confidence, build a starter portfolio, and gather testimonials.

            But after a few, ramp those charges up to $3000 for a 10 page website, $2500 for a TubeMoguled video, $500 autoresponder setup, etc.

            Whatever you guys do, do NOT stay at the Wal-Mart Special pricing level or you'll eventually get sick of your business and dump it.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324473].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Fenshon
              Originally Posted by Michael Taylor View Post

              I agree.

              On the other hand, if someone is just starting out selling to bricks and mortar businesses, a handful of $500 websites may be just the thing to gain confidence, build a starter portfolio, and gather testimonials.

              But after a few, ramp those charges up to $3000 for a 10 page website, $2500 for a TubeMoguled video, $500 autoresponder setup, etc.

              Whatever you guys do, do NOT stay at the Wal-Mart Special pricing level or you'll eventually get sick of your business and dump it.
              $300 is serious income in west Africa, where i come from.
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170783].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author joshril
            Agreed! Think about it this way... if you charged $799 instead of $499, you're doubling your profit. That means you only have to 50% of the total sales that you would have had to do before to make the same amount of money. What about charging $1099, etc.?

            The big money is not in web design, but this is a great way to get your feet wet!

            Work smarter... not harder!

            Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

            Guys stop thinking pennies and start thinking dollars. I don't get out of bed for $300. Seriously, remember your value and CHARGE MORE.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324565].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Scott Ames
            Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

            Guys stop thinking pennies and start thinking dollars. I don't get out of bed for $300. Seriously, remember your value and CHARGE MORE.
            I knew a girl that would get in bed for $300, but you won't even get out for that. Wow.
            Signature

            Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. -Winston Churchill

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1325922].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
              Banned
              [DELETED]
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1326269].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
                Guys and gals -

                Just got off the phone with Elsom Eldridge Jr. (obvious expert author) about offline marketing for an upcoming teleseminar series.

                One thing I stressed what charging what you are worth from the beginning. One cheap gig only gets you another cheap gig. Stop working for pennies and start charging dollars.

                If you don't start at the beginning it is hard to change course along the way.

                Tim
                Signature
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1326619].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author Handsome J
                  Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                  Guys and gals -

                  Just got off the phone with Elsom Eldridge Jr. (obvious expert author) about offline marketing for an upcoming teleseminar series.

                  One thing I stressed what charging what you are worth from the beginning. One cheap gig only gets you another cheap gig. Stop working for pennies and start charging dollars.

                  If you don't start at the beginning it is hard to change course along the way.

                  Tim
                  Well said. Better to start out right. If the ROI is there for your client, everybody wins. Warriors, don't sell yourself short.
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1327919].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author DeadGuy
                  I'm in complete agreement with the other warriors who have told you to focus on the customer value-added side of your services. There is much more money to be made by showing your clients how to improve their own revenue stream(s).

                  To free up your time a bit more to concentrate on that area, you might want to consider hiring a website jock to do the dirty work. (Website arbitrage.?.) Good web designers will occasionally do great work for french fries.
                  Signature

                  You are making this work at home stuff way harder than it is. Ready for some sanity? Clear your head and start over.

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1873238].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author dremy154
                  Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                  Guys and gals -

                  Just got off the phone with Elsom Eldridge Jr. (obvious expert author) about offline marketing for an upcoming teleseminar series.

                  One thing I stressed what charging what you are worth from the beginning. One cheap gig only gets you another cheap gig. Stop working for pennies and start charging dollars.

                  If you don't start at the beginning it is hard to change course along the way.

                  Tim

                  Absolutely right.

                  It's called "setting presidence, and it applies to anything in life. Relationships, childrearing, friendships.... you get the idea.

                  If you teach them that they can get away with it, they will. The public at large will take what they can get, for as cheap as they can get it.

                  If you let your kids get away with doing things that they know are wrong without there being consequences that they have to pay, you have "set the presidence" that they can do what they want without fear of consequence, and they will go through life with that mentality. (Just an example, but a good one.)
                  Signature

                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1873804].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author CurtisSWN
                  As I see it offline marketing is still going to be the wild, wild west for some time to come. Plenty of opportunity for go-getters.
                  Signature
                  Simple Two Step Formula
                  Earns Me Over $146.72 in 12 Hours. This is Weird, But it Works!
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170193].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author xatsmann
            Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

            Guys stop thinking pennies and start thinking dollars. I don't get out of bed for $300. Seriously, remember your value and CHARGE MORE.
            People who think that simple web hosting/design is worth more than a few hundred dollars need to re-examine the market--its NOT worth more than that if that is what the market will bear. You can't decide what the customer will pay because it is what you want or we'd all be making a million bucks a year.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170446].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
              Originally Posted by xatsmann View Post

              People who think that simple web hosting/design is worth more than a few hundred dollars need to re-examine the market--its NOT worth more than that if that is what the market will bear. You can't decide what the customer will pay because it is what you want or we'd all be making a million bucks a year.
              Well of course i can decide what the customer will pay. That's the whole point of this thread.

              However, if you go to digital beggar forum and try to sell your service there....much luck Do you think that $300 - $500 for a doctor or whatever professional is a lot of money? I think that price is actually "just right" and fair for good work and some hours spent on a site.
              Signature
              *** Affiliate Site Quick --> The Fastest & Easiest Way to Make Affiliate Sites!<--
              -> VISIT www.1UP-SEO.com *** <- Internet Marketing, SEO Tips, Reviews & More!! ***
              *** HIGH QUALITY CONTENT CREATION +++ Manual Article Spinning (Thread Here) ***
              Content Creation, Blogging, Articles, Converting Sales Copy, Reviews, Ebooks, Rewrites
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170709].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Michael Thorsett
              Originally Posted by xatsmann View Post

              People who think that simple web hosting/design is worth more than a few hundred dollars need to re-examine the market--its NOT worth more than that if that is what the market will bear. You can't decide what the customer will pay because it is what you want or we'd all be making a million bucks a year.
              Tell that to Dan Kennedy. Or any other of the ultra-high-priced consultants that are doing exactly what you say they can't do.
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2171316].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TommyBussey
    I recently started a thread with some detailed info on this subject if anyone including the OP would like to take a "look-see"

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ke-action.html

    TimCastleman, right on bro. I charge local biz clients a MINIMUM of $797/month for services. Again, that's a minimum and my prices are increasing with demand

    Don't sell yourselves (is that a word?) short. haha

    - Tommy
    Signature

    - Meet Tommy Bussey -

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324412].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis-White
    Great little idea... I think im going to give it a try and see how it goes
    Signature

    Affiliate Marketer, business builder and Content Creator >Grab My FREE Internet Marketing Profits Book Here<

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324449].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Uuuhhhh.... the website "design" business got competitive in about 1998.

    Before then, you could get $50,000 for a static HTML site that did nothing but look pretty.

    BTW... I've used this phrase already in another "offline" thread.... OFFLINERS STOP BEING GHETTO.

    Why do offline marketers lowball themselves like slave labor?

    I don't get it.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324458].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JoeCool
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      BTW... I've used this phrase already in another "offline" thread.... OFFLINERS STOP BEING GHETTO.

      Why do offline marketers lowball themselves like slave labor?

      I don't get it.
      Michael,

      One factor that is changing here in the US/UK market is the amount of third world citizens doing these offline services for what we in the west would consider "slave labor".

      For the past few years many of these talented people (and yes, there are many) have been happy being the "outsourcers"; now they are going direct... direct to the business owners and direct to their wallets, direct to our markets if we live and do business here in the US and/or UK.

      My clients are getting contacted, in one way or another, almost every day.

      The world's getting smaller and smaller every year, brother!

      Or is it the "Ghetto" getting bigger and bigger?


      Best Regards,
      ~ JoeCool
      Signature

      My Favorite Charity .:: www.Unitus.com ::. Helping Third World Entrepreneurial Families Help Themselves.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324552].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by JoeCool View Post

        Michael,

        One factor that is changing here in the North American/UK market is the amount of third world citizens doing these offline services for what we in the west would consider "slave labor".

        For the past few years many of these talented people (and yes, there are many) have been happy being the "outsourcers"; now they are going direct... direct to the business owners and direct to their wallets, direct to our markets if we live and do business here in the US and/or UK.

        My clients are getting contacted, in one way or another, almost every day.

        The world's getting smaller and smaller every year, brother!

        Or is it the "Ghetto" getting bigger and bigger?


        Best Regards,
        ~ JoeCool
        I completely agree with you.

        I've said time and again to offliners... who want's to be a commodity?

        But there still is a huge opportunity in the market because Main Street still doesn't have a web presence, let alone troll eLance looking for cheaper ways to get it done.

        Back in Feb. of this year, Neilsen did a study that showed less than 50% of businesses in the US still had any viable form of web presence at all.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324560].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      Uuuhhhh.... the website "design" business got competitive in about 1998.

      Before then, you could get $50,000 for a static HTML site that did nothing but look pretty.

      BTW... I've used this phrase already in another "offline" thread.... OFFLINERS STOP BEING GHETTO.

      Why do offline marketers lowball themselves like slave labor?

      I don't get it.
      Michael,

      I feel it is unfair your are playing down offline marketers. I myself use a combination of both. If you have seen the website I am working on launching you would appreciate that I am quite involved in online marketing as well.

      I do not believe you have to limit yourself to a specific arena, but in order to create a vision, an idea you have to have capital to bring that idea to fruition.

      This is a simple cash generating method that even the newbiest of newbie can implement. You see slave labor I see opportunity to grow and expand. Everyone must start somewhere.
      Signature

      David

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324570].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

        Michael,

        I feel it is unfair your are playing down offline marketers. I myself use a combination of both. If you have seen the website I am working on launching you would appreciate that I am quite involved in online marketing as well.

        I do not believe you have to limit yourself to a specific arena, but in order to create a vision, an idea you have to have capital to bring that idea to fruition.

        This is a simple cash generating method that even the newbiest of newbie can implement. You see slave labor I see opportunity to grow and expand. Everyone must start somewhere.
        Don't quite understand what you mean "playing down offline marketers".

        I want offline marketers to succeed.

        One of the first lessons to success is that it takes the same amount of effort and time to sell a $300 deal as it does a $30,000 deal - and the $300 guy is going to nickel and dime you to death over it. If you've got someone on the phone that is interested, for chrissakes... build some freaking value and deliver it.

        Successful companies produce goods and services that are valued by customers, but they also produce them in a manner that sustains the organization's viability over the long term.

        I have 16 years of direct experience in delivering web solutions to business clients, from brand divisions of P&G, all the way down to start-ups. I'm here to tell each and every "offline person" that thinks they're going to be successful doing websites with the Sam Walton model as a template is delusional.

        It's not just programming time that's in question.

        It's the time it takes to sell the business (how many do you have to cold call to get a sale?), account for the business on the admin side (who's tracking the accounting, billing, accounts receivable aging, etc... ?)

        When you end up doing the average math for all the time it takes for your $300 deal, you're going to make more as an employee of the Walton organization rather than a wannabe mogul trying to use their model as a gameplan.

        But hey, it's your time. If you're charging that little amount of money, you're working IN your business and not ON your business. Most people already have jobs, so why trade one for another - especially one that you aren't going to generate enough net profit to get out of?

        Anyone promoting this strategy hasn't actually made any serious money, and they're not going to. Period.

        They will be gone in no time... leaving yet another bricks and mortar business pissed off about their website and feeling like they got stuck.

        But I just remind these folks when fixing the mess, "You get what you pay for." If that business thinks betting their future marketing on hiring a high school kid for $300 to churn out an HTML template website is a good strategy, they've got bigger problems.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324600].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      Uuuhhhh.... the website "design" business got competitive in about 1998.
      LoL, I thought I got sucked into a time warp or something. What's next, ffas and safelists, lol?



      Why do offline marketers lowball themselves like slave labor?

      I don't get it.
      Because they know on some level that what they're selling is virtually worthless to the buyer, and will likely never produce more than 10 visitors per month.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324614].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
        Originally Posted by Black Hat Cat View Post

        LoL, I thought I got sucked into a time warp or something. What's next, ffas and safelists, lol?





        Because they know on some level that what they're selling is virtually worthless to the buyer, and will likely never produce more than 10 visitors per month.
        Anyone who has been in the game for any length of time can smell the B.S. 10 miles away.

        low barrier to market entry with no value-add = price leader = commodity

        Maybe Geoffrey Moore will license Crossing The Chasm to me to repackage as a WSO for these kinds of people. lol
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324646].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author fixmaster
          this sounds really interesting ive been making my own call center(small operation of course) for local business to find customers for them ,do u guys have a sample work so i can offer to my customers?

          thank you
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324657].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author actionplanbiz
    a Profesional website should be?

    how many pages?

    can it just be a one page thing?
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324464].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Lol... Tim I was about ready to compare the YP ad price as well.

    If a business has no problem paying $3-4K a year for a YP ad, then why act like $300 is such a big deal?

    If we're talking about start up businesses that can't afford AT LEAST $1K for a website, one of the most powerful communication tools for any business in 2009, we must be discussing vendors at flea markets or something.

    A single ad campaign in a local weekend metro area newspaper is several hundred dollars for a single, small ad.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324555].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
    Yes this method will work as long as you're willing to make the calls (which you should be if you're serious about making money).

    You'll probably want to do at least a little training in cold calling methods (I recommend anything by Ari Galper..I've known him for quite some time and interviewed him on Audio for OfflineBiz.com...his information is excellent and takes the stress out of making calls).


    There is a FAR more important issue here that no one seems to be mentioning and it makes me VERY nervous.

    At no point has anyone mentioned whether you're going to provide value for that money you're charging the lawn mower service or for the professionals or for any other business you work with.

    Guys web desingers who put up sites for $500 are a dime a dozen.

    You can make a living doing it but the real money is in genuinely helping businesses make real sales and profits.

    So you need to think beyond just putting up a website for them.

    A website is just a means of communication.

    You need to think through how to use your marketing skills to help the businesses you work with make more sales and profits (if you've been on this forum for a while you should have an abundance of marketing strategies you can use).


    Put another way...if you just put up website for businesses and charge them $500 for it and they don't make an extra cent in sales...you've just ripped them off for $500.

    On the positive side if you create a website that's part of a well thought out marketing strategy and you charge $5,000 for it plus $500 a month for ongoing help...

    And that strategy brings in an extra $50,000 in extra profits in the first 2 years...

    That is a stunning bargain for the business owner (he's putting out $17,000 to get back $50,000).

    The good news is you get to keep the $17,000 and a clear conscience.



    Will you make every business you work with a profit out of the help you give them?

    Maybe not...although it's really not that hard.

    But that should really be your goal in any business enterprise...to give more value than you get paid back to your clients.

    Kindest regards,
    Andrew Cavanagh
    Signature
    Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324562].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Dean Martin
      Originally Posted by AndrewCavanagh View Post

      At no point has anyone mentioned whether you're going to provide value for that money you're charging the lawn mower service or for the professionals or for any other business you work with.

      Put another way...if you just put up website for businesses and charge them $500 for it and they don't make an extra cent in sales...you've just ripped them off for $500.

      On the positive side if you create a website that's part of a well thought out marketing strategy and you charge $5,000 for it plus $500 a month for ongoing help...

      But that should really be your goal in any business enterprise...to give more value than you get paid back to your clients.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
      Finally the voice of a true businessman. If you want to build a business and lasting relationships that will also bring additional income sources for years to come - provide more value than what you charge in everything you do.

      Today it may be a website, autoresponder and backlink building for $5000 - next year it may be an overall marketing plan integrating multiple media sources for $50,000 and who knows what down the line.

      If every time you come to them with a new proposal they receive back 2 and 3 fold what they invest in you they will always say yes!
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1325236].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
        Originally Posted by dlmartin View Post

        If every time you come to them with a new proposal they receive back 2 and 3 fold what they invest in you they will always say yes!
        Perfectly put and exactly what happens most of the time.

        You also end up getting a lot of products and services free or at cost.

        Business people you've made real profits for tend to be very grateful. (It doesn't happen very often. Can you believe they run into people every day trying to sell them crap products and services with no interest in finding out what they really need or ensuring they provide them with real value?)


        One final thing...it's very easy to get REALLY high quality referrals off business owners you help to make real profits for and that more or less eliminates the need for cold calling, prospecting or other lead generation methods over time (although you may still do just a little of that).

        Projects from repeat clients and referrals from happy clients...high fees based on the value your provide...with your fees increasing as your skill and the results you're getting clients increases.

        That's a good business model.

        Kindest regards,
        Andrew Cavanagh
        Signature
        Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1325815].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

        I have 16 years of direct experience in delivering web solutions to business clients, from brand divisions of P&G, all the way down to start-ups. I'm here to tell each and every "offline person" that thinks they're going to be successful doing websites with the Sam Walton model as a template is delusional.
        Mike, my wife works at WalMart, and from what they say is coming, even Mr. Sam's heirs aren't banking their future on the original model. They've already squeezed every bit of juice available from browbeating suppliers for low prices. Now they want to move upscale, too.

        Watch for more celebrity-endorsed lines at the big W, including ladies fashions, kids' clothes, even food and wine (would you care to sniff the carton flap?).
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1325904].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Kevin AKA Hubcap
          Didn't Walmart have a higher priced fashion line that didn't do so well? For the most part people think of Walmart as bargain basement. I guess they can change their image over time but it won't happen quickly... kinda of like getting an oil tanker to stop on a dime.

          Kevin

          Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

          Mike, my wife works at WalMart, and from what they say is coming, even Mr. Sam's heirs aren't banking their future on the original model. They've already squeezed every bit of juice available from browbeating suppliers for low prices. Now they want to move upscale, too.

          Watch for more celebrity-endorsed lines at the big W, including ladies fashions, kids' clothes, even food and wine (would you care to sniff the carton flap?).
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1874065].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
            Originally Posted by Kevin AKA Hubcap View Post

            Didn't Walmart have a higher priced fashion line that didn't do so well? For the most part people think of Walmart as bargain basement. I guess they can change their image over time but it won't happen quickly... kinda of like getting an oil tanker to stop on a dime.

            Kevin
            They did. From what I've seen, the first wave of this new initiative is going to come in the grocery department. Watch for a line of wines...
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1874129].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author kvnkane
              just curious how many pages to you create for $300 and do you do any seo for them at all?
              Signature

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1874331].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sohailanwar
            you earn 300$ daily But your Wife Work In Wal Mart She dont Know Online Work?
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170138].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Damien Roche
    Used to do this in the uk using yell.com. Problem is, I'm a one man team and it requires a lot of cold calling.

    If we do this via email, it's called spam.
    Signature
    >> Seasoned Web Developer (CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby) <<
    Available for Fixed Fee Projects and Hourly ($40/hr)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324573].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zachary0611
    Me and my father run a landscaping company. It is extremely tough with the competition and the economy. I can see this working tho because people are looking to make themselves as professional as possible to get higher end clients.
    Signature
    Professional Web Designers www.WebDesignBros.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324587].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Charleskidd
    Sounds good my friend, I will check it out.
    Signature

    Does internet marketing seem to hard? Click here and you will see how much you learn.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1324606].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author drwhogoesthere
    Have you ever wondered why service station dont have web sites? They dont need them. Not evey business needs a web page. In fact for some people doing a web page would take more effort than it is worth. The people such as lawnmowers, TV repair people, they need classified ads, not a web page.

    There is helping people and using people. I dont like this idea and I cant see anybody who mows lawns really getting a good ROI.
    Signature



    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1327936].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AmyBrown
      Originally Posted by drwhogoesthere View Post

      Have you ever wondered why service station dont have web sites? They dont need them. Not evey business needs a web page. In fact for some people doing a web page would take more effort than it is worth. The people such as lawnmowers, TV repair people, they need classified ads, not a web page.

      There is helping people and using people. I dont like this idea and I cant see anybody who mows lawns really getting a good ROI.
      It depends on the situation and I wouldn't necessarily say landscapers wouldn't get a good ROI. In my area we're under water restrictions and the sprinkler repair guy I worked with had so much work he had to hire another employee. The guy that trims my trees stops by every month or so to see if I need any work done. I'm trading him a website and autoresponder for services and I'm 100% sure he's getting the better deal. A website isn't always the answer but it's often a good start.
      Signature
      "Test fast, fail fast, adjust fast."
       Tom Peters

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328002].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Handsome J
      Originally Posted by drwhogoesthere View Post

      Have you ever wondered why service station dont have web sites? They dont need them. Not evey business needs a web page. In fact for some people doing a web page would take more effort than it is worth. The people such as lawnmowers, TV repair people, they need classified ads, not a web page.

      There is helping people and using people. I dont like this idea and I cant see anybody who mows lawns really getting a good ROI.
      A generalized statement is not always a right one. I agree using people is bad, if a business cannot benefit from services like the ones we are discussing, I agree to pass on them. My thing is, if you bring a landscaper, service station, or a TV repair guy more paying clients through a website you provided him and he pulls a profit off those people that exceeds his cost of doing business with you, then he is getting a good deal. Even if its only a few hundred a year. Like the old adage "a few hundred of something is better than zero of nothing".

      I only chimed in because you mentioned TV Repair guy. I happened to do a search on just that as I have a Rear Projection Mitsubishi HDTV that lost its focus on its screen when I moved recently. Apparently the red green and blue projector lenses shifted, hence my need for just that guy you had said would not benefit from online exposure. I thought that was funny.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328045].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
        Originally Posted by Handsome J View Post

        if you bring a landscaper, service station, or a TV repair guy more paying clients through a website you provided him and he pulls a profit off those people that exceeds his cost of doing business with you, then he is getting a good deal.
        Exactly right.

        The most important thing is being genuinely committed to making sure when you work with a client you bring him in more profits than he pays you.

        Kindest regards,
        Andrew Cavanagh
        Signature
        Old School Copy Like This Is BACK & Converting Like Crazy!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328506].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DennisM
      Originally Posted by drwhogoesthere View Post

      Have you ever wondered why service station dont have web sites? They dont need them. Not evey business needs a web page. In fact for some people doing a web page would take more effort than it is worth. The people such as lawnmowers, TV repair people, they need classified ads, not a web page.

      There is helping people and using people. I dont like this idea and I cant see anybody who mows lawns really getting a good ROI.

      That's a ridiculous response. Do you not think these service busineses cannot eventually find ONE customer in a year...or even the lifetime of the website that's up and running?

      All you need is a one page website, with a simple local keyword(s) and phone number. That phone will ring eventually.

      Unbelievable.

      CAVEAT: It's getting ridiculous with all these newbies on the WF giving out misguided advice.

      Regards,
      Dennis
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1873274].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
        Banned
        Originally Posted by DennisM View Post

        That's a ridiculous response. Do you not think these service busineses cannot eventually find ONE customer in a year...or even the lifetime of the website that's up and running?
        Getting one $50 customer over the lifetime of a $300(or more) website isn't exactly a good deal.

        CAVEAT: It's getting ridiculous with all these newbies on the WF giving out misguided advice.

        Regards,
        Dennis
        As long as the advice is misguided, that is.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1874621].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
    Warriorsellingebooks -

    Is this really in your sig line - My Wife is Bleeding Because of this Device

    I clicked on the link. Wow, nice enhancement device and a great way to sell it by telling people they can tear up their wives insides.

    WOW.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328047].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David McAnulty
      Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

      Warriorsellingebooks -

      Is this really in your sig line - My Wife is Bleeding Because of this Device

      I clicked on the link. Wow, nice enhancement device and a great way to sell it by telling people they can tear up their wives insides.

      WOW.
      I think we can both agree on that one. I literally started laughing out loud.

      That is absolutely outrageous! We are all discussing value in this this thread and that is PRICELESS!
      Signature

      David

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328099].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author joshril
      Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

      I clicked on the link.
      I guess his headline worked...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1329584].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
        Originally Posted by joshril View Post

        I guess his headline worked...
        Actually it didn't. I clicked on it because I thought "who would be stupid enough to put this on the warrior forum and actually be proud to say he hurt his wife." I got my answer, I clicked off, and blocked the user.
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1329631].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Originally Posted by drwhogoesthere View Post

          Have you ever wondered why service station dont have web sites? They dont need them. Not evey business needs a web page. In fact for some people doing a web page would take more effort than it is worth. The people such as lawnmowers, TV repair people, they need classified ads, not a web page.

          There is helping people and using people. I dont like this idea and I cant see anybody who mows lawns really getting a good ROI.
          Looks like another serious case of tunnel vision here.

          You seem to be assuming that the sole reason to have a web page, much less a complete site, is to generate cash customers via search results.

          There are more terms in the equation...

          Start by adding the url in those classified ads you mentioned. Use the ad to generate clicks to a web page, where an offer can be expanded at much lower cost. If I can go online and see that my potential lawn guy has lived in the area for years and is confident enough to present photos (better yet, video) of his work, I'm more confident in calling him.

          Having basic information available on a web page can also cut down hassles for the lawn guy. I've watched various professionals have to spend time between jobs returning phone calls - or even starting and stopping to answer their cell.

          A web site can also be a valuable tool for making a selection. If the business in the classified ad is a one-man band with a riding mower and a string trimmer, and I need someone who can also trim the trees, tend the flower beds, remulch when needed, etc., I can tell from the web site. I can keep looking, and he doesn't have to spend valuable time explaining to me what he can't do.

          If the client and provider are a little more ambitious, they can even add a service request form to help with scheduling.

          All of the above could be valuable even if Google shut down tomorrow.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1329768].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Silas Hart
    I've done this before while I was in high school for local professional wrestlers and all I was using was Dreamweaver. I didn't make much money, but I also didn't apply myself nor have much confidence in myself. Another good way to do this is to contact bands on myspace or through other social networks.

    Be prepared to explain everything you can do for them and how valuable your service is.


    I think I'm going to start this back up again.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328136].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dfaitel
    I have worked for the yellow pages and yes the paper directories are dying along with other print media.
    If you like building sites, go for it. Your idea is viable, yet you need to charge more. We all know as networkers the value of our business is our list. An auto responder is a must have for ANY business be it a repair shop or attorney.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1328582].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author -Jericho-
    Great tip. If you use programs to do off site SEO like SENuke or anything else you could also offer services to get them on the first page of google. Or you could just check sites that aren't on the first page and offer to get them on the front page if it looks easy for $500. Then charge them a monthly fee for keeping them there.
    Signature

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1329604].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Melodican
    Wow... Great thread, I used to do this sort of stuff with new companies and startups in London. I was doing most of the cold calling and expressing the fact that everyones on the net these days and really, it's a great shop front for the amazing services & products they offer... Get them excited about it... Close the sale.

    The surprising fact to me is that since then (2 years ago) I get regular emails/phone calls from people I outsourced a site for saying that it has increased their business 30%+, even though SEO, AR etc wasn't part of the service... Maybe I should re-open this little business.

    I believe that because some of you think that some businesses don't need a website, we aren't looking at the businesses needs creatively enough. Really, EVERY business needs some kind of online presence, seriously, I guarantee I could find an angle in which to make a site for any business in any niche.... This is your job, not the clients. Google is their biggest tool to make them the goto guy in their niche.

    Anyway, I think I just heard the new yellow pages drop through my door.... I Might make afew calls tomorrow for old times sake.

    As for making my wife bleed, I fell for the link too.... Funny man.... Sick, but funny !
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[1875193].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author paulie888
    Love the discussion going on here. Ultimately, to build a viable and long term offline business model, you want to present yourself as an authority figure and expert who delivers value to the customer, as opposed to a commodity that may or may not deliver anything. People will pay an astounding amount of money for relatively simple web services as long as they get true value, aka a return on their investment.
    Signature
    >>> Features Jason Fladlien, John S. Rhodes, Justin Brooke, Sean I. Mitchell, Reed Floren and Brad Gosse! <<<
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170648].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JayPeete
    Great info David.

    Even if the method was short-lived (which it is not), you could use it to catapult your success in another category of IM.
    Signature
    What Misunderstood Traffic Source SUCKS In
    3 Million Visitors Daily and Spits Out
    $560.81 Per Day In Commissions?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170829].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    One thing that seems to be overlooked here in regards to pricing is that if you're working the local market, then the local economy and local pricing have to factor into your prices. Try selling a $5,000 website to lawn mowing service in a town of 2,000 people and you'll get absolutely nowhere every time.

    The OP is trying to share a way to make quick money with little work from small, local businesses who typically can barely afford a yellow pages listing and a few newspaper ads. These kind of businesses in this kind of location just aren't going to shell out thousands of dollars for a web site very often. By the time you find one that will, you may have sold 10 others at a cost that more closely reflects the local economy.

    This style of marketing isn't for someone with the skills and expertise to build multi-faceted big business websites for businesses with huge budgets, it's for small town folks catering to small town businesses.

    There's room for that too. You just can't impose your reality on the rest of the world. The conditions just aren't the same everywhere.
    Signature

    Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2170941].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author joshril
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      One thing that seems to be overlooked here in regards to pricing is that if you're working the local market, then the local economy and local pricing have to factor into your prices. Try selling a $5,000 website to lawn mowing service in a town of 2,000 people and you'll get absolutely nowhere every time.

      The OP is trying to share a way to make quick money with little work from small, local businesses who typically can barely afford a yellow pages listing and a few newspaper ads. These kind of businesses in this kind of location just aren't going to shell out thousands of dollars for a web site very often. By the time you find one that will, you may have sold 10 others at a cost that more closely reflects the local economy.

      This style of marketing isn't for someone with the skills and expertise to build multi-faceted big business websites for businesses with huge budgets, it's for small town folks catering to small town businesses.

      There's room for that too. You just can't impose your reality on the rest of the world. The conditions just aren't the same everywhere.
      Agreed.

      I also think that doing something as opposed to doing nothing is a good philosophy to adopt. Instead of thinking about how to build an "offline" business, the OP has taken the initiative, contacted some business owners, helped them out, and made some money.

      Is he going to get rich offering basic websites? Probably not... But as another poster mentioned, it's a great way to get out of the 9-5 and to start making enough money to work on some more passive income streams (offline or online).

      Additionally, only good can come from talking to business owners. You never know who that small lawn care business owner might know... Opportunities tend to present themselves when you put yourself out there. Plus, the OP is building a list of clients that now trust him to some extent that he can go back and market additional services, consulting, seminars, info products, etc. to in the future.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2172040].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BrainCopy
    Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

    Hey Everyone,

    Here is something I started noticing not to long ago. If you go through your yellow pages, Google, and/or craigslist and look for lawnmowing companies there are dozens of them and 75% of the companies do not have a website.

    Simply call their contact # introduce yourself and explain that you can have them a professional looking website up and running in less than a week for under $500 bucks. If they accept take it over to to Warriors for Hire, Elance, RentCoder which ever you prefer. Have them create a basic but professional website for no more than $200 and pocket the rest. If you are slightly efficient a Dreamweaver you can handle this.

    I also found this works well for tv installers, handymen, and a few other businesses where individuals have low start up cost.

    To take it even a step further keep all the contact information for the individuals you do business. In a few months follow up with them and offer your services to put an autoresponder in place for a small fee $150 so that they can capture leads and make more sales.
    I have a friend that does something similar to this. He does pretty good. Personally, I wouldn't do it... I hate talking on the phone. It is a little money make though.

    There's a product out there that teaches you how to become a middleman. He would find distributors through online resources and sell them to offline business, and he keeps a fee. He only used the Yellow Pages to find offline businesses.

    Best regards,
    Anthony
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2171418].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author eaglechick
    Not long ago a fellow warrior cried out for some help with his Wordpress site. To say the least it did'nt look good at all. He designed it for his company (taxes) and apparently just needed to get it online asap. I offered to do it for him in XSPro and in the end I offered to do it for free!

    I spend the 3-4 hours putting it up, designed a stunner graphic, bought some images and put it on. In the end it really looked professional.

    What happened? I PM'ed him, even offering to host it for a couple of months - NEVER heard from him again.

    I've got the contact email details of the company, sometimes I just want to gently let them know what happened and tell them here is the site - please use it! CHEERS!

    LESSON LEARNED - NO FREEBIES!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2186122].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Drover
    Why would you pay someone $200 to build the site for you? If you're in this business, you should be able to build a simple site for a lawn business in about 15 minutes with Wordpress.

    I will say though that this method is getting pretty popular already. Every time I post on Craigslist, regardless of category, I get 5-10 spam emails from people offering this service.
    Signature
    Click Here for 100% Free Internet Marketing Tutorials
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2186485].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mjzivko
    My 2 cents is that you should figure out a way to add residual income from these clients. Otherwise what is the point?

    Also, the whole point of your perspective clients getting a website is to generate more business. So if you can create them a nice site, then generate them business, and charge them a fair price every month to maintain the site, then you make some real money.

    I used to be a Realtor before I was a full time internet-preneur. I made killing as a Realtor selling foreclosed bank owned properties. I was the lead salesman for the biggest foreclosure brokerage in Illinois. I would sell a home and collect a commission. But the problem is that I had to keep selling homes to make more money. The grind of selling homes eventually brought me to a conclusion that residual money is much greener then any other type of income.

    Take your little idea and figure a way to get a few hundred bucks from these companies every month. You wont have to keep selling and selling after you close 20-30 clients.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187068].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author rts2271
    Wouldn't the FTC step in as this would be a violation of telemarkeitng without a registration to the DNC list?

    Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

    Hey Everyone,

    Here is something I started noticing not to long ago. If you go through your yellow pages, Google, and/or craigslist and look for lawnmowing companies there are dozens of them and 75% of the companies do not have a website.

    Simply call their contact # introduce yourself and explain that you can have them a professional looking website up and running in less than a week for under $500 bucks. If they accept take it over to to Warriors for Hire, Elance, RentCoder which ever you prefer. Have them create a basic but professional website for no more than $200 and pocket the rest. If you are slightly efficient a Dreamweaver you can handle this.

    I also found this works well for tv installers, handymen, and a few other businesses where individuals have low start up cost.

    To take it even a step further keep all the contact information for the individuals you do business. In a few months follow up with them and offer your services to put an autoresponder in place for a small fee $150 so that they can capture leads and make more sales.
    Signature

    Ralph Smith
    Mercenary development and deployment.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187125].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rts2271
      Also 2 other points I didn't mention. This method is way underpriced, but I'm fine with it cause people who buy cheap web sites come to me 3 months later and want one done right.

      2 Smartphones. Use places directory on a android and whatever app it is on a iToy. It pulls all the business in your area by geo-info and displays them by distance. Think that gas station doesn't need a web site? If someone uses a smartphone app and has a need, the first business to come up has a good shot at the business. This is going to be a hotly contested war zone in 12 months. The op found gold, the method might not be legal in the US without some digging into telemarketing laws, but it's still gold.

      Nice job man.
      Signature

      Ralph Smith
      Mercenary development and deployment.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187145].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author jdenc
        Originally Posted by rts2271 View Post

        Also 2 other points I didn't mention. This method is way underpriced, but I'm fine with it cause people who buy cheap web sites come to me 3 months later and want one done right.

        2 Smartphones. Use places directory on a android and whatever app it is on a iToy. It pulls all the business in your area by geo-info and displays them by distance. Think that gas station doesn't need a web site? If someone uses a smartphone app and has a need, the first business to come up has a good shot at the business. This is going to be a hotly contested war zone in 12 months. The op found gold, the method might not be legal in the US without some digging into telemarketing laws, but it's still gold.

        Nice job man.
        Inexpensive doesn't mean bad every time.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187436].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author rts2271
          True,
          but when your undercutting a market by 75% chances are it is. Now if your giving them a 1000.00 piece of work for 300 bux and have it in mind it's a opportunity generator and loss leader, then yes I agree 100% that it's a smart move. But without a plan for upsells or cross sells what you end up selling them is either a junk site that they will be hating on you in 90 days or your spending too much time effort and energy that can be used to make money. If it takes a person 4 hours to do this then they are making 100 a hour. If it takes them 8 then it's 50, longer and you get the idea. If you valuate your time , and I do put a value to my time, then for me this is a loss from the start. I'm either going to lose money because to do a quality job will take a minimum of 8 hours or clients because of substandard rushed work. I guess it really depends on the person.
          This doesn't even factor in that lowballed clients are 100 times the support headache and generally nitpick the work. So now you have 2 then 3 days involved and the guy at Burger King has made more per hour then you.

          Originally Posted by jdenc View Post

          Inexpensive doesn't mean bad every time.
          Signature

          Ralph Smith
          Mercenary development and deployment.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187569].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author jdenc
            Originally Posted by rts2271 View Post

            True,
            but when your undercutting a market by 75% chances are it is. Now if your giving them a 1000.00 piece of work for 300 bux and have it in mind it's a opportunity generator and loss leader, then yes I agree 100% that it's a smart move. But without a plan for upsells or cross sells what you end up selling them is either a junk site that they will be hating on you in 90 days or your spending too much time effort and energy that can be used to make money. If it takes a person 4 hours to do this then they are making 100 a hour. If it takes them 8 then it's 50, longer and you get the idea. If you valuate your time , and I do put a value to my time, then for me this is a loss from the start. I'm either going to lose money because to do a quality job will take a minimum of 8 hours or clients because of substandard rushed work. I guess it really depends on the person.
            This doesn't even factor in that lowballed clients are 100 times the support headache and generally nitpick the work. So now you have 2 then 3 days involved and the guy at Burger King has made more per hour then you.
            Yeah I can go along with all that I think. My plan is more in line with the loss leader and opportunity generator.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187632].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fourthday
    What a great idea.. I would have never thought of it own my own.. Thanks so much. Deb

    Originally Posted by David McAnulty View Post

    Hey Everyone,

    Here is something I started noticing not to long ago. If you go through your yellow pages, Google, and/or craigslist and look for lawnmowing companies there are dozens of them and 75% of the companies do not have a website.

    Simply call their contact # introduce yourself and explain that you can have them a professional looking website up and running in less than a week for under $500 bucks. If they accept take it over to to Warriors for Hire, Elance, RentCoder which ever you prefer. Have them create a basic but professional website for no more than $200 and pocket the rest. If you are slightly efficient a Dreamweaver you can handle this.

    I also found this works well for tv installers, handymen, and a few other businesses where individuals have low start up cost.

    To take it even a step further keep all the contact information for the individuals you do business. In a few months follow up with them and offer your services to put an autoresponder in place for a small fee $150 so that they can capture leads and make more sales.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2187154].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author goodfriend2u
    Banned
    Sounds like some good money. But it sounds kind of risky since you are actually outsourcing the job to another individual.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2199604].message }}

Trending Topics