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Approaching Offline Marketing - Age Factor

by swords
17 replies
Hello everyone, again!

I made this thread a week or so ago, and it accomplished what I had hoped for... self-motivation.

I have been really looking at offline marketing lately, bought $39 worth of WSOs ($12 - Caleb Spilchen interviews Maria and a $27 - Maria - Offline Money Mindmap). Two great investments might I add. Maria is one of the most successful offline marketers on this forum, and I think I have a lot to learn from her.

... but she is one person with one opinion. I wanted to make this thread to get multiple opinions from a variety of people (and age groups).

I am 17 years old, keep this in mind.


I walk into your business and ask to see the manager (that being you). You come up to me, and I properly greet you and ask the following question:




Would you be interested in pursuing online marketing?




How would you react? This may be the exact question I would ask after talking for a bit, getting to know them a bit more... so how would you respond to a 17 year old 'kid' asking you such a question.

and then...


How would you react to the price I ask for? For a full-fledged SEO, website creation, blog creation, article submission, press releases, backlinks, you name it... I could charge $1,000+ of course. To the eyes of many 'Ma and Pap' businesses, the first thing that would come to their mind would be:

"I'm not going to pay a 'kid' to do this work. If I were to even consider doing online marketing, I'd surely pay a 'professional' *adult* to do it."

(adult being referred to by 'professional')


I thought about asking Caleb for insight, but as far as I know, he doesn't do too much offline (maybe I'm wrong!).


Thanks in advance for any responses.

P.S. - I know many of you might not think about the 'kid' topic that I'm pointing out, because you know some of us are capable (Caleb for example)... but put yourself in the shoes of a restaurant owner, a doctor, a dentist, a lawyer, a grocery store, a hardware store... the typical jobs! Forget about your abundance of IM knowledge for 1 minute and think like one of 'them'.
#age #approaching #factor #marketing #offline
  • Profile picture of the author Bronwyn and Keith
    Hi swords

    If you are able to "show" the business owners work that you have done it would make a difference.

    Age is not the issue - most 17 year olds have used computers since they were born.

    People like us on the other hand (mid 50's) had to learn and had to overcome the computer revolution.

    Yes we have life experince on our side but you young people have the world at your feet.

    Talk to enough people, build a reputation and the world is your oyster.

    Regards

    Bronwyn and Keith
    Originally Posted by swords View Post

    Hello everyone, again!

    I made this thread a week or so ago, and it accomplished what I had hoped for... self-motivation.

    I have been really looking at offline marketing lately, bought $39 worth of WSOs ($12 - Caleb Spilchen interviews Maria and a $27 - Maria - Offline Money Mindmap). Two great investments might I add. Maria is one of the most successful offline marketers on this forum, and I think I have a lot to learn from her.

    ... but she is one person with one opinion. I wanted to make this thread to get multiple opinions from a variety of people (and age groups).

    I am 17 years old, keep this in mind.


    I walk into your business and ask to see the manager (that being you). You come up to me, and I properly greet you and ask the following question:




    Would you be interested in pursuing online marketing?




    How would you react? This may be the exact question I would ask after talking for a bit, getting to know them a bit more... so how would you respond to a 17 year old 'kid' asking you such a question.

    and then...


    How would you react to the price I ask for? For a full-fledged SEO, website creation, blog creation, article submission, press releases, backlinks, you name it... I could charge $1,000+ of course. To the eyes of many 'Ma and Pap' businesses, the first thing that would come to their mind would be:

    "I'm not going to pay a 'kid' to do this work. If I were to even consider doing online marketing, I'd surely pay a 'professional' *adult* to do it."

    (adult being referred to by 'professional')


    I thought about asking Caleb for insight, but as far as I know, he doesn't do too much offline (maybe I'm wrong!).


    Thanks in advance for any responses.

    P.S. - I know many of you might not think about the 'kid' topic that I'm pointing out, because you know some of us are capable (Caleb for example)... but put yourself in the shoes of a restaurant owner, a doctor, a dentist, a lawyer, a grocery store, a hardware store... the typical jobs! Forget about your abundance of IM knowledge for 1 minute and think like one of 'them'.
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    • Profile picture of the author swords
      One problem I have is that I do NOT have a profile to show them. I had planned to offer my services as a 'pay as you get' kind of thing.

      So if I bring a chiropractor 5 people that were referred by one of my services provided, then the chiropractor would pay me.

      I will continue to do this until I get a reputable profile to show to the next business person.


      And I realize that we as 'kids' are more tech savvy than 80% of adults 40 and older. That still does not disintegrate the thought in their mind that I am 17 and I could only be making $7/hr at some place, but I am asking for them to pay me $1000+. If they accept me for who I am, I can see many of them trying to underprice my services due to my age.
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      • Profile picture of the author Bronwyn and Keith
        Hi swords

        If you haven't got a profile you simply need to build one.

        Go and do some work for free for a couple of business people that you or your family know well. Let them know that you will need to be able to use their results to get more business and that you would approciate some testimonials to help you get started.

        They will in all likelihood be happy to help a "kid" whereas they may not help and "old-timer" as much.

        Then start the building process. One step at a time.

        regards

        Bronwyn and Keith
        Originally Posted by swords View Post

        One problem I have is that I do NOT have a profile to show them. I had planned to offer my services as a 'pay as you get' kind of thing.

        So if I bring a chiropractor 5 people that were referred by one of my services provided, then the chiropractor would pay me.

        I will continue to do this until I get a reputable profile to show to the next business person.


        And I realize that we as 'kids' are more tech savvy than 80% of adults 40 and older. That still does not disintegrate the thought in their mind that I am 17 and I could only be making $7/hr at some place, but I am asking for them to pay me $1000+. If they accept me for who I am, I can see many of them trying to underprice my services due to my age.
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      • Profile picture of the author ShawnPeter
        Originally Posted by swords View Post

        One problem I have is that I do NOT have a profile to show them. I had planned to offer my services as a 'pay as you get' kind of thing.

        So if I bring a chiropractor 5 people that were referred by one of my services provided, then the chiropractor would pay me.

        I will continue to do this until I get a reputable profile to show to the next business person.


        And I realize that we as 'kids' are more tech savvy than 80% of adults 40 and older. That still does not disintegrate the thought in their mind that I am 17 and I could only be making $7/hr at some place, but I am asking for them to pay me $1000+. If they accept me for who I am, I can see many of them trying to underprice my services due to my age.
        Hey Swords,

        'Easy and steady wins the game.' You have age on your side, so do not waste time worrying about how these 'prospective clients' will treat you or how much they will pay you - first.

        Yes, build your profile 1st. As advised by the other warriors on this thread - you could take on some FREE clients 1st, to build your brand/service up.

        1) Do not worry about age. Young or old, there is always a way to win these customers. I have a 'life' mentor who is 20 years younger then me.
        When I first met him, I thought he was just a 'fly by night' operation. But, after a month, i realised how GOOD he is. He has taught me some valuable strategies & pointers. He makes $35K a month.

        2) To further build your portfolio or profile - do networking at events. (But do not sell so adamantly at these events. The main thing is to give out a name card first, that is memorable. Upon contact, do not wait for them to ask you what you do...you tell them '3 different important things that you do in your business.') Treat them like people. Not like business prospects. They can smell from the other end of the room, if you are keen/desperate to sell to them. They are at the event for (a) whoever is organising the event. (b) buying the course or service from the event organiser. (c) networking. thats where you come in. The whole idea is to touch base and build a relationship.

        3) Go create DVDs on what your service is about. Or you can create a DVD from the angle of the prospective client. Lets say, if they are Photographers (just an example), you can create a DVD on how they can benefit from ONLINE marketing. Maybe present the 'negatives' to them on not doing online marketing for their business or using social media. At these events, or whenever they are present - give out your DVDs to them. You make an impression. They should perceive you more professional as you are able to publish DVDs on your services. (pls do not include your price plans in the DVDs). Remember, they are getting these DVDs FREE from you. People in general think very positively of DVDs. Its a Marketable Tool. Kunaki publishes a DVD (case, artwork, shrinkwrap, content, ISBN no. for $1 a pc)

        4) Build a website (wordpress would be good, what with all the neat plugins) on your services. Have an optin form. Add content weekly.

        Once you have done these for a mth, you would have a decent profile. Your 1st few clients would not hesitate to refer you to others. Do not get upset or demoralised if things don't go your way. Be patient, professional. Success is a journey, not a destination.

        Cheers!
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        • Profile picture of the author swords
          Thank you both for your humblest replies.

          I got 2 questions:


          1. This question may seem odd, but you stated don't make a sales pitch to someone at an event. How do I confront them otherwise? What should be my first 3 sentences to say to them?


          Great idea on the DVD thing... Easy to just 'hand out' and let people be on their way if they do not have time to listen about my services. In the DVD I could include my website, contact information, and all kinds of things.


          2. Why shouldn't I include a price in the DVD? That way they would know how much I'm looking for before 'making the call' to me. Also, what topics should I include in the DVD? Just a generalization of each of my topics: what they are, how they can help, why they are needed... etc?



          EDIT:

          I was looking on craigslist and MeetUp.com and could not find any events that are coming up in the next 7 days.

          3. How do you suggest I find events to go to that have businessmen there?
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          • Profile picture of the author ShawnPeter
            Originally Posted by swords View Post

            Thank you both for your humblest replies.

            I got 2 questions:


            1. This question may seem odd, but you stated don't make a sales pitch to someone at an event. How do I confront them otherwise? What should be my first 3 sentences to say to them?
            A: Ok, my bad. i should have mentioned the kinds of event that you attend. If its a very specific event like say 'Mr Kern's Listbuilding Course' (just an example), do not pitch to most of the prospects present. Cos' they are in the 'mindset' of the said course or topic. But giving out your namecard & DVD will give you a foot in the door. You only pitch at a prospective client/s' office or at your event or one you've been invited to speak at. Your 3 sentences : 1) Your name & company name. 2) Give 2 excellent services you provide. 1 in each sentence. (eg: Hi I'm John Doe from ABC Communications. Viral features writing is our forte. Please also check out our social media packages. (just an example. be creative and spontaneous. always be warm & friendly)

            Great idea on the DVD thing... Easy to just 'hand out' and let people be on their way if they do not have time to listen about my services. In the DVD I could include my website, contact information, and all kinds of things.
            A: Yes, you are getting the idea. Many are always on the go. Many also have the 'Latest Ideas' to sell, you're not the only one. So, Make Contact, Be Warm/Sincere, let the DVD do the presentation for them. If its an excellent HOOK from watching your DVD, they'll call you. But you can call them after 3 days, to just check in on them. Please note: The content in your DVD has to run for 120 seconds. This works best. Many are busy and you only have 120 secs to reel them in. Anything beyond 120 secs will get them bored or lose interest. (just my 2 cents)


            2. Why shouldn't I include a price in the DVD? That way they would know how much I'm looking for before 'making the call' to me. Also, what topics should I include in the DVD? Just a generalization of each of my topics: what they are, how they can help, why they are needed... etc?
            A: You're not established yet. So don't display your pricing yet. It also helps you to tailor your package to the needs of various clients. However, you may want to set up a Pricing table on your website. Personally, I don't display pricing on any medium. I try my best to HOOK the client and give them a package based on their business. Based on their Ad/Mktg budget for the next 12 mths.

            EDIT:

            I was looking on craigslist and MeetUp.com and could not find any events that are coming up in the next 7 days. A: Look out for trade shows.
            (I know of a 18 year old girl from China, who saved up US$2500 {thats big money for a chinese from China} to fly to Chicago to attend 2 trade shows. No, she wasn't there for her company. She was a starting entrepreneur. She visited Chicago on her own accord. At these trade shows, she gave out DVDs. The DVDs were actually business card shaped DVDs. She managed to churn out over $30K of business at the 2 shows.
            She now runs her own business card company.

            3. How do you suggest I find events to go to that have businessmen there?
            A: You can start your event. Collaborate with others on related services.
            Or, you can launch a webinar. FREE guide for attendees to this webinar.
            Create a guide around 1 of your excellent service.
            You need to stop thinking about getting the $$$ in 1st. Focus on building your platform. Networking & relationship building.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirahster
    Hi Swords have you looked at the rent a site model at all? This is where you build a site and get it ranking for local keywords and then rent the site or flip it. This is a good way to build a portfolio of "proof" and you are going to be selling the results rather than the promise of results so it builds an instant credibility.
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    • Profile picture of the author swords
      Originally Posted by ShawnPeter View Post

      A: You can start your event. Collaborate with others on related services.
      Or, you can launch a webinar. FREE guide for attendees to this webinar.
      Create a guide around 1 of your excellent service.
      You need to stop thinking about getting the $$$ in 1st. Focus on building your platform. Networking & relationship building.
      Thanks for the inspiring insight! I still am a bit hesitant on:

      1. How to 'bring up the subject' to a grown adult (me being 17 years old)

      2. Find people to talk to. This doesn't necessarily have to be events, but just people. You can't just walk up to someone and give them a DVD and a sales pitch, it's too "spammy" in my eyes. If someone did that to me on the streets I would instantly bias them into thinking they are a sales person for a company and I don't care about anything they say because they only want my money.

      Originally Posted by Kirahster View Post

      Hi Swords have you looked at the rent a site model at all? This is where you build a site and get it ranking for local keywords and then rent the site or flip it. This is a good way to build a portfolio of "proof" and you are going to be selling the results rather than the promise of results so it builds an instant credibility.
      I currently have one about ready to sell. The site is: bestomaharestaurant.com... It ranks in 2 keywords that total about 1,100 LOCAL searches a month (about restaurants in Omaha of course). I think I can sell this for a few hundred dollars at that statistic it self.

      If anyone has a price in mind that I could sell this website for, please tell! I really have no idea what to offer it for.

      Also, the website only receives like 1 hit per day... pretty lame and if the business buys the domain and checks the WP Stats and sees this poor stat record, they will instantly ask for a refund and raise hell. If I do plan on selling the website with these stats, I will make clear that the traffic that it is getting and they can decide if the IMPRESSIONS on Google is worth their money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirahster
    This is a great tool that a generous warrior is giving away. It should help you to determine the value of the website. And remember 1 hit a day is 30 a month. If a restaurant started getting 30 new customers a month I am sure they would be happy with that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirahster
    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...free-copy.html

    forgot the link. Here it is..
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    • Profile picture of the author swords
      Thanks for the link, and that's a very good point you bring up about 30 new customers.

      If they make an average of $5 profit per customer, that's an additional $150 a month. So explaining a $300 or so price on the domain definitely could be reasonable!
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirahster
    I work in a restaurant also and the owner spends a lot more than $300/mth on advertising and marketing. He spent $3k on a coupon mailing. I am not sure how many houses it was mailed to but the coupon expired 2 mths after mailing. I think $300 may be selling yourself short but sometimes you need to do that just to get your feet wet and into the swing of things.
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    • Profile picture of the author swords
      Originally Posted by Kirahster View Post

      I work in a restaurant also and the owner spends a lot more than $300/mth on advertising and marketing. He spent $3k on a coupon mailing. I am not sure how many houses it was mailed to but the coupon expired 2 mths after mailing. I think $300 may be selling yourself short but sometimes you need to do that just to get your feet wet and into the swing of things.
      Thanks a bunch!

      I checked out that download, and not so sure it's what I need for SELLING websites. I don't intend on renting them, so the factors played on it don't really apply to my model. However, it's a neat tool and I have it stored away for future reference .
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  • Profile picture of the author Man Ray
    Hi! It's nice to know that the number of young entrepreneurs continue to grow. I have been reading your exchange of ideas and I agree a lot from the responses that you are getting. What I can add to these maybe is to give you some ideas on how to do a small talk among possible customers.

    When one is starting a business, it is necessary to have a good reputation. The clients will base us on our previous works and mostly the feedback that we would be getting. I agree to the idea of having a job paid by a sincere "thank you," for it gives them the idea that you value service more than money. Sometimes, we really need to do things without an equal monetary value but with an earned image.

    The word of mouth strategy will be very much effective in creating your networks. You may start with a friend, his parents, your neighbors, or even your professors. Take that risk to go to them and tell them about a story. Find a connection between you and their business. Relating the restaurant reasoning would sound very promising to some. And I must say, with this process slowly you'll get networks and soon enough you'll have a reputation and will be credible enough to issue fees.

    Just remain true with your intentions and don't promise anything that you cannot provide them. Allow yourself to venture on the probabilities and be ready for unexpected events. As per se, the road to success is a ladder not an elevator. Goodluck!
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    • Profile picture of the author swords
      Originally Posted by Man Ray View Post

      Hi! It's nice to know that the number of young entrepreneurs continue to grow. I have been reading your exchange of ideas and I agree a lot from the responses that you are getting. What I can add to these maybe is to give you some ideas on how to do a small talk among possible customers.

      When one is starting a business, it is necessary to have a good reputation. The clients will base us on our previous works and mostly the feedback that we would be getting. I agree to the idea of having a job paid by a sincere "thank you," for it gives them the idea that you value service more than money. Sometimes, we really need to do things without an equal monetary value but with an earned image.

      The word of mouth strategy will be very much effective in creating your networks. You may start with a friend, his parents, your neighbors, or even your professors. Take that risk to go to them and tell them about a story. Find a connection between you and their business. Relating the restaurant reasoning would sound very promising to some. And I must say, with this process slowly you'll get networks and soon enough you'll have a reputation and will be credible enough to issue fees.

      Just remain true with your intentions and don't promise anything that you cannot provide them. Allow yourself to venture on the probabilities and be ready for unexpected events. As per se, the road to success is a ladder not an elevator. Goodluck!
      The thing is, I am only 17, who do I know personally that owns a business? Just one, a dentist.

      I suppose I can try to grow from there, but just one person is not a lot of word-of-mouth. I suppose 'viral marketing' could pursue if I can convince him to refer people to me, and those referred to refer people, and so on... but I think only 1 person is too small. Of course, many will say, "You got to start somewhere!". Yes, but I don't want to end there as well . If perhaps he does not refer anyone, where am I left at? No one .
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  • Profile picture of the author ShawnPeter
    Swords,

    You become what you think. Please stop thinking that you are 17 and that you are going no where. If you continuously harbor such thoughts, you really will not go anywhere.

    I have 1 question: Are you really in need of a boat load of cash, immediately? Now, you have some pointers on moving forward - its about time you start building up step by step. Don't worry, you'll do it.

    I've PMed you.
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  • Profile picture of the author swords
    Alright everyone... I'm about to contact that dentist I talked about earlier.

    Before I pick up the phone and give him a call, I got 1 simple question:

    How do I track leads generated from my services?

    Maybe dentists might be an easy answer, but can your answer be applied to restaurants? Waitors/Waitresses aren't going to ask you "How did you hear about us?" to every single customer. However, coupons could be granted for restaurants... but I want a broad idea that can cover almost all lead trackings for Offline Marketing.

    Thanks!
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