Going All In: Not Just for Poker.

by WillDL
3 replies
Today was the first day I've tried selling .mobi websites to businesses. I focused on restaurants, because in Charleston SC, with 3 million tourists a year the restaurants get a lot of mobile device traffic.

The beginning of the day was incredibly frustrating. I only targeted restaurants whose websites were entirely flash based and simply didn't show up on smart phones. But try as I might I couldn't get the restaurant owners to understand that their website did not show up on smart phones. I couldn't tell them to check iphonetester because it does not take into account that smartphones don't support flash.

In the middle of my third infuriating phone call I was so annoyed that manager just wouldn't see me in person (hate selling over the phone I completely suck at it). I knew I could convince him of the value of my offer if he'd just talk to me and let me show him what the site looked like on my droid. So I blurted out "I've got $200 cash in my wallet. Give me fifteen minutes of your time, in person and if you still aren't interested in my offer it is yours."

He asked if I was serious, and apparently I was. It surprised me too.

After about thirty seconds he was totally shocked to see his very expensive flash site as a white page with a little blue box in the middle. The next five minutes were spent showing him my mock up restaurant site and how it was a totally different site for smart phone users.

Minute six explained my pricing options.

Minute seven I had a check in hand for $367.50 and a contract for $36.75 a month.

I used my $200 for fifteen minutes at three other restaurants after that. I got two more clients, and still have my $200.
#poker
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Dude that is great! Money talks Bullsh*t Walks! Great Job and keep it up! Don't forget to ask them for referrals before you finish the work.

    Actually while they are still in the shock and awe moment of seeing what you show them, the second they hand you a check is when you need to tell them you need three referrals.

    Just do it, I doesn't matter what you feel or your perception is about asking for referrals. Do it right then when they hand you the check.

    Oh and don't give them the card to call their friends that's a waste of time. Make a little referral sheet and get the name and phone numbers from them. Before you know it you won't be able to keep up.

    Gratz on your first deal!
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  • Profile picture of the author WillDL
    It's not my first deal, I've sold web hosting before, just a new product. I've already asked for referrals but my answer was "Hell no, I hate the other restaurants in town."

    I figure the feeling is probably mutual so I'm going to play it up and hit the other restaurants with "You can never tell anyone this because they are my client, but I like your food/atmosphere better. Don't get left in the dust. Let me show you what I can do to keep you in the game."

    Other than that I plan to phase out working directly for end users and offer a subscription outsourcing service for web designers and marketers. 100 sites done a month with a small fee for extra sites if you go over. I've got the licensing to do it in place and I've trained my two wonderful VAs (moving into IM from working as a case signer and investigator at a law firm. You'd be amazed what a good researcher in the phillipines can dig up on people trying to avoid being servers.) trained to crank out site.
    Signature

    Occasionally Relevant.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Well I meant to say other owners of non food related business' but yea good job anyways!
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