offline business questions...

by pro11
39 replies
So I've decided to give the offline business a try. And this is just to offer business owners my services to build them a website. But I dont know where to start. I know I have the yellow pages where I can get the exact names and address to this business, then do a google search to try to find out if they have a webpage. If they do not, then I can try to approach them to offer my services. But how do I approch them is the question? In a letter? personally? how?
Also if I do it in a letter, what should I say in the letter, any of you can give me an example to get started. Thanks a lot guys, I know I have many questions but Im just confused where to start from.
#business #offline #questions
  • Profile picture of the author keyword-research.info
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    • Profile picture of the author washoutinc
      If you are going after businesses in your local town then the absolute number one thing to do is...

      1. Join the chamber of commerce.

      Then... 2. Join toastmasters and 3. Join any other group you can get your hands on.

      Once you do that and start to network with people you will be overwhelmed with business. At that point is just making sure you spend your time with the people who will pay and not make life miserable.

      I hope that helped.

      One last quick thing... think about the people like accountants, realtors, and service businesses like that. They usually have the worst websites.
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      • Profile picture of the author Webthings
        I wouldn't necessarily agree that "you will be overwhelmed with business" just from joining the Chamber of Commerce, because there are many people out there offering website design and development. What you need to do is find a way to differentiate yourself from them, by focusing on your marketing skills (e.g. by adding lead-capture and an auto-responder sequence to an existing website).

        Either way though you want to target people who demonstrably have an advertising budget (because if they don't it doesn't matter how badly they need help...) so make life easier for yourself by focusing on people who are currently advertising.

        You can write to them, phone them up (start at the bottom of your list so you're nicely warmed up by the time you reach the top), or just plain wander into their shop and start chatting.

        Andrew
        Signature
        WSO: FREE REPORT on how I went from start-up, via a workshop, to offline clients.
        WSO: OFFLINE WORKSHOP PACK - The PowerPoint slides, promotional materials, delegate questionnaire, sales page, tracking & testing results etc. I use to promote & run my workshops to offline business owners.
        www.OfflineResources.com - Free Resources, reviews etc. for the offline niche.
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    • Profile picture of the author Achilles1963
      This is the kind of work i have been doing for a long time, i would telephone and try to get to the owner or manager and say..."Hi! this is Eric $&$ with (your business name here), i'm calling to talk to you about your online marketing, do you currently market online/do you have a webpage, if so maybe i can save you a little money or increase the effectiveness of your advertising program. Can i ask you, what are you currently paying for your online advertising? and what does that cost include, lets crunch some numbers etc." Try something similar to this (i've found it very effective), let me know if you have any questions or need tips. P.S.- It might also work with written correspondence but i'm really not like that (yet)
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  • Profile picture of the author Harry Behrens
    One thing that worked well for me when I did this (about a year ago) was to have a nice-looking webpage ready to go on my first contact with the prospective client.

    If you have a bit of experience its very easy to get a nice attractive Wordpress GSL-licensed theme all done up with the name of your prospective business, some Lorem Ipsum text and a few relevant graphics from iStockPhoto in a few minutes. You put a password on the site so that it's private and only viewable when logged in, and when you're talking with your prospect you either log them in yourself manually, or you leave all the info needed (URL, login, password) to login and see the website when it's convenient for them.

    It depends a lot on the person themselves of course, but I found that doing this little bit of work up front turned into lots of good will and appreciation on the part of the business owner, *especially* if you take a little extra time to investigate their business and add a bit of text that will be special to them, such as putting their slogan in a secondary headline or something

    Just something to think about...
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    - Harry Behrens

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    • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
      I use direct mail to get 99% of my clients. But it really is what you are comfortable with do.

      I've setup my business so the only time I talk with a business owner is when they want to write me a check.

      The key is to not just do one thing, but 5 times all at the same time to get customers.

      Direct mail
      warm calling
      stopping by
      networking meetings
      online advertising

      the list goes on and on.

      Tim
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    • Profile picture of the author SallyJo
      Originally Posted by hmbehrens View Post

      One thing that worked well for me when I did this (about a year ago) was to have a nice-looking webpage ready to go on my first contact with the prospective client.

      If you have a bit of experience its very easy to get a nice attractive Wordpress GSL-licensed theme all done up with the name of your prospective business, some Lorem Ipsum text and a few relevant graphics from iStockPhoto in a few minutes. You put a password on the site so that it's private and only viewable when logged in, and when you're talking with your prospect you either log them in yourself manually, or you leave all the info needed (URL, login, password) to login and see the website when it's convenient for them.

      It depends a lot on the person themselves of course, but I found that doing this little bit of work up front turned into lots of good will and appreciation on the part of the business owner, *especially* if you take a little extra time to investigate their business and add a bit of text that will be special to them, such as putting their slogan in a secondary headline or something

      Just something to think about...
      I'm doing this exact same thing tomorrow with a chinese restaurant here.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
        Hi Art, don't really know what is going on in your life but I can feel the pain. Anything I can do?
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  • Profile picture of the author pro11
    Thanks a lot guys, all this info is very helpful!!! One thing I want to ask is, when sending out letters, is it necessary to know the name of the owner or is it ok to just use the name of the business?
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    • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
      I use business owners name. Makes it more personal and gives you a better chance of getting it read.
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      • Profile picture of the author jficarro
        Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

        I use business owners name. Makes it more personal and gives you a better chance of getting it read.

        I have written a good personal sales-letter. I have seen reference to a service that provides the personal names and business addresses of local businesses. Does anyone know of that source or better yet, a free or inexpensive (but efficient) way of getting the actual names of the people who own or run local businesses.

        I want the letters to be personal and have the owner's name on them.

        Thanks in advance fellow Warriors

        James
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        • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
          Hello James,

          You where looking for free ways to get business owner names.
          Well, I just went google and typed in

          texas financial "association"

          Here is one of the listings TAIFA

          Then go to the membership directory and you will
          find FOR FREE - 3140 different business names and contacts.

          Here's a simple...

          Name Company City Richard D. Abbe, LUTCF Lakewood Financial Associates Waco Anthony C. Abbey, CRPC,CMFC Houston Advantage Insurance Brokerage Houston Michael P. Abdoo Foresters Equity Services, Inc. Amarillo John Eugene Abney Mutual of Omaha Companies Midland Linda Sue Abshire, MDRT New York Life Bedford James E. Achilles, Jr., CLU, CFP Achilles and Associates Austin John W. Ackley, CLU Ackley Financial Group Addison Michael Allen Acosta, LUTCF State Farm Insurance Companies Killeen Grace Acosta, CPCU,CLU,CASL State Farm Insurance Spring Sergio J. Acuna, LUTCF Lincoln Financial Network El Paso Melvin M. Adams, LUTCF New York Life El Paso W. Joy Adams, CFP,ChFC,CSA Adams Financial Group Tyler Phillip D. Adams Phil Adams Company Bryan L. Sue Adams, CLU, ChFC State Farm Insurance Companies Tyler Jason Adams, LUTCF Mutual of Omaha Companies Arlington Ronna Kay Adams Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Athens Regina Stubblefield Adams Bill Hatchett Ins. Lubbock Nannette L. Adkins Nannette Adkins Insurance Agency Lubbock Lowanda Aguilar Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Pearsall Roberto Aguinaga, Sr. New York Life El Paso Michael A. Aguirre, FIC MetLife San Antonio Kevin M. Ahalt Aetna Inc. Arlington Troy K. Ahrens, CLU,ChFC Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Austin Richard O. Ahumada Nationwide Financial Services El Paso Anthony Albanese, Jr., CLTC,LUTCF Allstate Insurance Company Irving
          The moral of this story is... Think of an industry for example kitchens and look for the location, industry and association in google.com - You have many businesses then you could ever deal with

          best of luck (but you won't need luck)

          Jay

          Originally Posted by jficarro View Post

          I have written a good personal sales-letter. I have seen reference to a service that provides the personal names and business addresses of local businesses. Does anyone know of that source or better yet, a free or inexpensive (but efficient) way of getting the actual names of the people who own or run local businesses.

          I want the letters to be personal and have the owner's name on them.

          Thanks in advance fellow Warriors

          James
          Signature
          Cheers

          Jay
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          • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
            You where looking for free ways to get business owner names.
            Well, I just went google and typed in

            texas financial "association"
            BTW guys, just to be clear on the above post.
            Associations are great places to find local
            businesses and contacts in your area.

            Go to google type in your location (New York)
            the industry (Accountants) and finally (Association).
            Do that in almost any town/city/state or province and
            you will find more businesses then you can ever handle.

            hope that helps

            cheers

            Jay
            Signature
            Cheers

            Jay
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    • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
      Originally Posted by pro11 View Post

      is it necessary to know the name of the owner or is it ok to just use the name of the business?
      Do your very best to get the first name of the Business Owner but don't let that stop you from contacting the business and taking action.

      Cheers

      Jay
      Signature
      Cheers

      Jay
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      • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
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        • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
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          • Profile picture of the author pro11
            Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

            If you are in the US.
            I use this Directory Assistance Plus - Yellow Pages, White Pages & Reverse Phone Search

            It works for finding the business owners name for me 98% of the time.

            Hope this helps
            Gina Gray
            Thanks for this tip!

            Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

            Pro where are you located?

            If you want to offer web design services for offline businesses make sure
            sell them direct response websites.

            For example each page you make for them make sure there is a call to action, whether it be to opt in for something or call now to receive xxxx or to make appt. etc.

            Don't just design the site help them use it to make money.
            Also are you planning on SEO'ing it for them?


            Gina Gray
            I am located in Texas, to tell you the truth I was just thinking of just designing the website for them, not planning SEO. To tell you the truth I dont know much about SEO.
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        • Profile picture of the author jficarro
          Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

          If you are in the US.
          I use this Directory Assistance Plus - Yellow Pages, White Pages & Reverse Phone Search

          It works for finding the business owners name for me 98% of the time.

          Hope this helps
          Gina Gray

          I'm sorry. I guess I should have gone through the entire site first. :rolleyes:

          The above reference seems to be pretty good.

          Any additions will be great though.

          James
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    • Profile picture of the author Webthings
      Originally Posted by pro11 View Post

      One thing I want to ask is, when sending out letters, is it necessary to know the name of the owner or is it ok to just use the name of the business?
      You'll get a much better response rate to your letters if you know the business owner's (or other decision maker's) name.

      If you buy leads then you can specify that you only want those that include a name.

      If I want to send direct mail but don't have a name I'll simply ring up and say "Hi, I'm just sending out some free marketing literature to local businesses and I'd like to make sure that it gets to the right person; could you tell me the owner's name, please?"

      It's simple, and it works! 9 times out of 10 I'll get a name and move on. The other 1 out of 10 tends to get split between a refusal (in which case I say thank you and goodbye, and cross them off my list) and being asked "what's it about" (i.e. effectively being invited to pitch on the phone )!

      Andrew
      Signature
      WSO: FREE REPORT on how I went from start-up, via a workshop, to offline clients.
      WSO: OFFLINE WORKSHOP PACK - The PowerPoint slides, promotional materials, delegate questionnaire, sales page, tracking & testing results etc. I use to promote & run my workshops to offline business owners.
      www.OfflineResources.com - Free Resources, reviews etc. for the offline niche.
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      • Profile picture of the author FlightGuy
        Pro11, I have a question...

        are you comfortable with speaking in front of a small group of people?
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        "If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much." - Jim Rohn
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        • Profile picture of the author John Cussons
          Excellent thread and thought provoking responses, thanks to all

          Cheers
          JC
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        • Profile picture of the author pro11
          Originally Posted by FlightGuy View Post

          Pro11, I have a question...

          are you comfortable with speaking in front of a small group of people?
          I am, why?
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  • Profile picture of the author Abledragon
    I agree with the principles that Washoutinc referred to: join groups, chambers, etc and network.

    I do get a very good response from this.

    However, before you do that develop your own website setting out what you can do for your customers. Let your website explain how you're different and let your website demonstrate your skills.

    Then create some good business cards to give out at those mixers. Business cards that (obviously!) contain your website address and make it clear what you do.

    Then give out those business cards to people you meet, but don't talk to them about what YOU do - ask them about THEIR business. Get to know THEM.

    Then the next morning when they're going through all the business cards they collected the night before they're FAR more likely to remember you, because you showed an interest in them and their business.

    Also the next morning, follow up with a 'nice to have met you' email to all the people you met, referring to something you talked about. And make sure your signature contains links to your website.

    This works well for me, anyway.

    Cheers,

    Martin.
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    WealthyDragon - Earning My Living Online
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Wow. Did you see that not one reply recommended the same course of action.

      Here's what's going to happen regardless of what lead generating method you use...phone, email, mail...

      You're going to have to talk to a real business owner.

      And your ability to do that effectively is going to determine whether you get hired or not.

      The real secret to talking to business owners when you start out is to ask intelligent questions about their business then listen.

      You want to collect information about how they're making their sales, where their sales are coming from, what their highest net profit lines are, what lines are selling the best, what they really want from their business etc etc.

      Then you suggest strategies based around what they want from their business and how their business is working now and run with the strategy that gets them excited.


      THE best way to start is to talk to business owners you know and business owners your friends know (referrals are by far the easiest prospects to talk to).

      Once you've done that you'll have at least some experience and you can think of other lead generating methods.

      But understand that you will need to develop the skill of talking to business owners regardless of what you do and that really is a skill that can take time to learn.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
    This is from David Preston...

    I don't remember which thread... lol but should help you out


    Here's A Stupidly Simple Way To Generate "Emergency" Cash NOW!

    This is very easy to do and can generate at least $1,000-$1,500 within the next few days!

    First, you need to find some local business owners who need what you're about to offer them here. No, you won't be pounding
    the pavement or cold calling anyone....they will be calling YOU.

    You can use a couple of methods to find these clients.

    1. You can simply go to the phone book and look up businesses in your local area. Write down any business that you want. You will
    use that list to check the internet in a minute or two, so keep it handy.

    2. OR you get an in depth "drill down" listing from GoLeads which will give you tons of information on all businesses in ANY geographic area. Cost is about $15 for unlimited access. :-)

    Once you have your list, about 20-25 is all you need to start. Look them up on the internet to see if they have a website. For this particular deal you want them to have a website. (If they don't have a site yet, we can deal with that later.)

    Once you have a few of the websites, visit them. Here's what you're looking for: Any business site that does not have a capture
    mechanism installed on their FRONT page.

    In other words, they need to have an autoresponder opt in form on their front page. If they don't....you're in for some quick cash.

    When you have about 10-15 "prospects" send them this letter:

    ************************************************** *
    Mr./Ms. ___________

    My name is ______________ and I am a local e-commerce business consultant.

    I know your time is valuable, as is mine so I'll get right to the point. If I could show you an unused asset that you ALREADY
    have that could make you thousands of dollars, would you be willing to speak with me for 15 minutes?

    This free consultation can save you as much as 50% off your entire monthly advertising budget AND bring you brand new customers at the same time! The best part is that you already have it, so the cost to implement this marketing weapon is minimal.

    Please call me at *** *** **** at your earliest convenience to schedule a free "no strings" consultation. I promise you, it will be worth your time.

    Toronto Internet Marketing Expert,
    David Preston
    909 998 8898

    ************************************************** ***
    That's it! Believe me when I say that your phone will ring off the hook. DO NOT mass mail that letter! You really only need to mail
    25-30 per week and you'll be busy.

    Now that you have the clients calling you, the next step is to set a consultation appointment and meet them. The unused asset they have is of course their website which has no list building capabilities.

    The "money is in the list" applies to ALL businesses, not just online marketers. By building a proper list they can cut their
    advertising dollars at least in half. Just send a customer blast about an upcoming sale instead of paying $4,000 for a half page ad.

    You follow me here? All you have to do is set up an autoresponder opt in form on their existing site! That's it.

    I have coaching students who are making $250-$500 a deal with just this method. It's very easy to generate 4, 5 or even 6 deals
    per week this way. Heck, it only takes about 20-30 minutes to put the form on their site and that's if you're slow!

    I usually visit their site, right click and select "view source" and save it in notepad. Then I open the notepad in an html editor and install the form. (I use Trellian pagebuilder, which is free and allows me to preview the finished site.) Once I'm done I save it as, "theirsitename.html" send it to their programmer and they can swap it. (I charge $50 if I have to load it.)

    You can use your autoresponder account or let them get an aweber account with your affiliate link of course. If you use your account then you control their list. In either case this usually leads to "who is going to write the emails" which is another monetization chapter for later....

    Just so you know, almost half of all the sites I look at fall into the category of no capture system. It may be more or less where you
    live, but it's a rampant problem.... everywhere. Why? Because they simply don't understand e-commerce.

    By the way, GoLeads will also give you the name of the business owner, number of employees, etc. Do your first one the hard way if you have to, but it's worth the $15 to be able to put their name on the letter.

    Response rates will triple if you use their name and this little trick.

    Stamp "CONFIDENTIAL" in red block letters on the front of the envelope. This will make them put your letter in the "open later"
    pile instead of straight into the trash. It's a simple but effective strategy especially if you use their name. You can get a confidential stamp at Staples for $5. I've used the same one for years.

    Keep this in mind. People sort their mail while standing over the trash can. You do it, so you know it's true. You have to have
    something that stands out and says, "This might be important, I'll look at it later."

    *NOTE*
    Change their cash register and credit card terminal receipt to read, "For Preferred Customer Discounts Sign Up At: (their
    website) There is a toll free number on the side of every register and terminal for support. Just call them and they will walk you through changing it. It only takes about 10 minutes.

    This strategy is awesome because it does two major jobs when it comes to marketing.

    1. It captures all their current customers because everybody reads their receipt, and everybody wants to be a preferred customer to get discounts. It also captures all walk in traffic that actually BUY something. Which leads us to:

    2. A list of nothing but BUYERS of their product. No tirekickers or browsers, buyers only! You may need to clarify to them exactly why that's so powerful.
    Now you've made a client for life and there are tons of other methods to help them, and generate a great living for you as well.

    I've just shared a tested, proven method to generate some serious emergency money FAST! Just copy and paste the direct
    mail letter and get to work.

    You can do this.

    I told you it was stupidly simple, and it works because it really is helping them, and that's what it's all about.

    Make it a great marketing day,

    David


    Cool stuff...
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    Cheers

    Jay
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Grossman
    I'd start by buying the Web Design Business Kit. Not only is it a book on building a web design business, from how to approach clients, how to make the pitch, etc... but also a workbook of contracts and forms you'll need to manage the process right.
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    Improvely: Built to track, test and optimize your marketing.

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  • Profile picture of the author artwebster
    Sopunding like a broken record but my approach was always walk in, speak to the owner OR decision maker (not always the same!) and say "Hi, I'm Arthur, I'd like to show you how to save money next month and probably show you where you will find new cash customers. Is now OK or should I come back this afternoon or tomorrow morning.?"

    This is such an effective and simple approach - and I am really, really pee'd off that I can no longer do face to face!
    Signature

    You might not like what I say - but I believe it.
    Build it, make money, then build some more
    Some old school smarts would help - and here's to Rob Toth for his help. Bloody good stuff, even the freebies!

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    • Profile picture of the author Andy LaPointe
      Your message is so true,

      Your success greatly depends on your ability to help another human being succeed. The only way to succeed in offline consulting is to meet them.

      But the secret to doing this is to leverage your time, talent and energy for you consulting business. If you don't you won't succeed.

      Originally Posted by artwebster View Post

      Sopunding like a broken record but my approach was always walk in, speak to the owner OR decision maker
      Thanks,

      Andy
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      72 Hour Article Review Guarantee - Acme Articles
      NLP Website Design Secrets for Internet Marketers - NLP Cash
      Learn the Secrets to Website Branding - Website Branding Strategies

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  • Profile picture of the author Mark Riddle
    Here is the simple truth...

    There is no ONE best way to contact business owners, nor really is there a bad way to contact them.

    Choose what you believe will work best for you, and sick with that method until you are very comfortable with the process that you have chosen.

    Believing that the approach that you are using is a must, regardless of what method works great for someone else.

    Its this confidence that will show up when you are talking with clients.

    REMEMBER DON'T SELL WEBSITES ~!

    You are providing methods to increase sales and profits.

    When you buy a car you're not buying nuts and bolts; but a complete system designed to assist you to get where you are going, so you can provide for your family, and enjoy the little things of life that you can only find with quality, affordable and reliable transportation.

    Mark Riddle
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    Today isn't Yesterday, - Products are everywhere if your eyes are Tuned!
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  • Profile picture of the author pro11
    Thanks for all the great advice people!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author deesangels
    Hey Pro 11

    Here's a perfectly free resource that you can access from home-- Your public library. Get a library card, plug into Texas's library system online and access Reference USAs database. You can select an industry, a particular business, all the relevant contact info.

    The database also provides nearby competitors and surrounding businesses. Just a wealth of information. Hope this helps.

    Dee
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    • Profile picture of the author pro11
      Originally Posted by deesangels View Post

      Hey Pro 11

      Here's a perfectly free resource that you can access from home-- Your public library. Get a library card, plug into Texas's library system online and access Reference USAs database. You can select an industry, a particular business, all the relevant contact info.

      The database also provides nearby competitors and surrounding businesses. Just a wealth of information. Hope this helps.

      Dee
      Thanks alot deesangels I will try that.
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  • Profile picture of the author j hogan
    One good, free way to contact offline business owners is via local niche professional associations as these usually have regular email contact with members and you can often get them to email a little ad about your services for nothing, so long as you keep it low key.

    so if you were targeting physiotherapists, or dentists for eg, you would look up online to find the national or state association and then look for the regional groups, most will have a email contact.

    The email the contact person and let them know you are offering web design for small businesses in the local area and would it be OK if they included your details in their next email, a lot will be fine with this.

    The only thing is to keep it low key and don't be pushy, just write a few sentences saying you provide personalised web design for small business at reasonable rates and include your phone, website details with a sample set up. its a simple free way to get your name out there in front of busy professionals. or even offer to do a short presentation at their next meeting, again keep it short and sweet for busy service providers.
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  • Profile picture of the author jficarro
    The Directory Assistance Plus gives a limited number of contacts including owners name. To automate and get a bunch of leads is expensive. my list came back as $2000. I narrowed it to 31 names and it was $200. Not worth the price for DM. But, if you have an assistant, they could do it manually and get a bunch for free.
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    • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
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      • Profile picture of the author jficarro
        Originally Posted by M4UNow View Post

        Hmm I'm lost I have never paid that service a dime.
        All my searches are free.

        Gina
        Gina, you can get the names free, but it's a long tedious process. What I was saying was that if you just want a print out, or a better yet a database, they charge.

        In fact, the company called me this morning because I had to fill out my name and phone number to get access. They weren't too pushy, but were trying to "assist" me in purchasing the leads I want.

        It is still a great source. Just time consuming for a busy business owner.

        James
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisByrns
    Originally Posted by pro11 View Post

    So I've decided to give the offline business a try. And this is just to offer business owners my services to build them a website. But I dont know where to start. I know I have the yellow pages where I can get the exact names and address to this business, then do a google search to try to find out if they have a webpage. If they do not, then I can try to approach them to offer my services. But how do I approch them is the question? In a letter? personally? how?
    Also if I do it in a letter, what should I say in the letter, any of you can give me an example to get started. Thanks a lot guys, I know I have many questions but Im just confused where to start from.
    this worked for me: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...es-letter.html
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  • Profile picture of the author Pete Egeler
    The smartest thing you'll ever do: OfflineBiz.com You'll learn more, and get more help with your projects than you could ever imagine.

    Pete
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    • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
      Originally Posted by Pete Egeler View Post

      The smartest thing you'll ever do: OfflineBiz.com You'll learn more, and get more help with your projects than you could ever imagine.

      Pete
      I downloaded the free report and it's great!
      The bottom line is Taking Action... That broken
      record is being drilled in by everyone. You don't
      need to know everything to earn great money
      offline.
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      Cheers

      Jay
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  • Profile picture of the author clos
    Man this is great help and information. I trying to find a few customers as well in the Houston, TX area.
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    • Profile picture of the author JaySabree
      Originally Posted by clos View Post

      Man this is great help and information. I trying to find a few customers as well in the Houston, TX area.
      There has been a ton of threads and wso's on this subject.
      I think this forum has beat this subject into the ground.
      However, above I've listed both one free and one paid method
      to find new potential clients. Make life easier for yourself and
      get the first name of a contact within the company. Call the
      company and qualify that contact. Ask the receptionist and even
      the contact if they are the person in charge of marketing? If it's
      not the right person then ask who is in charge of marketing
      (get the full name) Then book an appointment to go and see
      them or send in a letter.

      Third method to find potential clients is going after companies that
      are already searching for your services to help them out. This is
      how I got my first $1500 client. I went to craigslist, kijiji and my
      local newspaper. In each of those mediums there is a section for
      web services or computer services. This is where companies/people
      are advertising that they need help with their website and internet
      marketing. (Bingo) I should charge for that one. This is what you
      can call going after the low hanging fruit. These are people that
      know they need your help and are actively looking for it. Contact
      every listing in your area. Hell, contact every listing!!! For internet
      services you don't have to be living in their area to do the work.

      Hope that helps

      cheers

      Jay
      Signature
      Cheers

      Jay
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Endres
    IMHO the answer to this question is all about relationship.

    The first relationship is to yourself. Do you believe in your own ability to genuinely provide value to another person, to get them benefits and advantages they did not have before they met you?

    If yes then you have no excuse to allow good people out in the "work-a-day" world to suffer while you know how to help. (soppy but I like it)

    Thats the personal motivation part, which is extremely important. Next is the skills.

    Do you have what it takes to go on craigslist or anywhere else and ask for a service and a price you need? If Yes move to the next square...

    You are now fully qualified to ask a business owner if they want help marketing their business.

    There are 2 ways to do this and my personal suggestion is to do one before the other but I know of many people having great success doing it the other way.

    Way #1 is to talk to individual local businesses.

    Way #2 is to gather interested businesses in group meetings, charge a seat price and teach the group a bunch of stuff and offer services at the end of the presentation.

    What do you say to a local business owner? How about DO YOU WANT HELP WITH YOUR MARKETING....

    That line is not the best ever, because the best ever has to be invented by you.

    However, it is a damned good door opener and if you say it right people usually ask what ya got.

    If you can remember that the entire reason you are doing offline consulting is to help them market better, and that this starts with a magical autoresponder to collect their customers into a list,.. you are rockin the house.

    almost everything after the autoresponder set up is all just pointing different kinds of traffic at the "funnel" or list generator. This list generator also happens to be their business website,.. but hey, lets keep our priorities straight, LIST FIRST!

    So, Now, you should be at the point where you just have to ask if they want help,.. help them set up an autoresponder and then get creative in how to get traffic to the funnel.

    P34c3 0uT!
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    "Observation is an act of creation through limitations inherent in thinking"

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