My £0-10kpm 6 month challenge - selling mobile to local businesses (deadline 31st March 2013)

Sure. Hope it sorts itself out. Let me know.

I've just got EZMobile Site Generator. Plus SqueezeMobi and WillR templates. Already had WPMobilePro, which builds the sites in WordPress, but I heard WP mobile sites are unnecessarily big and slow. EZMobile Site Generator builds them in WP, but then you export them as html.

Determined to get some demos done to get out there and present - want to hit these businesses before they blow their Christmas budgets. I'd say right now is the time to get in front of them, in time for the Xmas season.

DAY 37 OF 182

TODAY'S ACTIVITY

So Mr Procrastinator finally went out today to start demo-ing his mobile sites. I walked around the town, and walked into all the hair salons that were open, which amounted to 5. The rest had closed for the day - I'll do these tomorrow.

It was slightly nerve-wracking if I thought about it too much, so walking straight in without over-thinking it worked best for me.

But walk-ins and cold-calling have always been my favourite method of approach, because most people won't do it, and it's just damn effective. And although I've done walk-ins in the past, that was selling SEO. So doing these demos on my phone was a new thing for me.

The script was effective, people were receptive, and I got a good lead from it, which I'll follow-up on. I feel like my testicles have grown slightly, too.

METRICS

Walk-in Leads Spoken To: 5
Walk-in Decision-makers: 2
Mock-up Demonstrations Booked: 0
Mock-up Demonstrations Done: 0
Presentation/Closes Booked: 0
Presentation/Closes Done: 0
Sales: 0

THOUGHTS

Obviously, 5 walk-ins a day isn't going to get me my £10kpm, but I'll be ramping-up the prospecting as I move forward, and I'm looking at getting some salespeople in, too - probably commission-only at first.

My procrastinating self was getting the better of me at first, with me wanting to build lots of demos for lots of different markets, before I set out the door, so I could walk around town armed with demo sites for many markets.

But I've since decided to make prospecting the 'big rocks' of my day, leaving time for meetings/presentations and any client set-ups, too. I'll keep adding to my demo portfolio as I go, and I'll concentrate on the markets I have demos for, and increase my markets one-by-one.

PROGRESS

Set-up Sales This Month: £0
Current Residuals: £0
Current Progress: £0pm of £10,000pm

Good Day Scotty,

Surmise it to say, I get around.

Feel free to call me Jay.

Thanks so much, a got a big smile, and even had a laugh, envisioning you out there with your coat and notebook. The locals businesses must all be abuzz with talk of you...lol.

I learn a lot by being a member of this forum, and I need to share more. Thing is, as you may have evidenced, I tend to get long winded in my posts...lol.

Thank you for your generous invite to continue posting here and communicating with you.

Anyway, a BIG Congratulations to you on the interest from the artist. My wheels immediately started turning on that one. So many ways to approach that "foot in the door" opportunity.

I immediately foresaw your newly created local virtual art museum featuring local/regional artists work. This led to consignment sales for up and coming artists work, each with their own featured "subsite" on your domain.

Any start can lead to your goal of doing primarily mobile sites, or perhaps take you somewhere you haven't yet imagined.

You have a bit of a captive audience with this thread, and I know if you asked for help on some ideas for the best approach to make a site for an artist you'd more than likely get some beneficial replies.

Most of the reader Warriors here are rooting for you. We are sharing your journey. When you succeed, we experience it too.

What I have done for my prospects on a low budget (not uncommon these days) is keep control of the domain and website on my end, then I can "lease" the domain and/or site to them, and offer them a monthly payment plan. If they are unable to pay, I can put the site on hold (with my own ads, if I choose). I use payment processing that allows for monthly subscriptions.

Now again, what works for me may not be for everyone. I am always open to new ideas, and I am very flexible in my approach to business. When you own your work, you can do that, as you already know.

When you have the confidence (or desire) you can go after the larger businesses that have "budgets" for marketing. Money will often go where value is (or can be) proven, that's just smart business.

The Warriors here are so very generous, that it makes me feel incredibly fortunate to have found this forum. The gem you got from "4webmaster" on creating a local mobile directory is another golden idea when put to use.

If you create such a directory, and make it both desktop and PC based, and it gains in popularity through organic traffic as well as some crafty legitimate SEO and offline/alternative marketing on your part, you could soon have businesses seeking you out to be a part of it and offer exclusive placement. As the idea suggested, to get on the directory they have to be a customer (or pay for advertising).

This is why the internet is such a grand place to conduct our business...the opportunities are limitless!

So long as you continue do something every day, you WILL see results.

During our start-up, we mixed it up using Craigslist postings in the business sections, and merchant websites that allow direct "spam free" communication with other businesses (the previously mentioned Merchant Circle is working on a UK version), as well as direct contact.

I have seen folks offering gigs on Fiverr to put out flyers in London (remember, in this biz you have no geographic boundaries). I imagine a flyer, perhaps titled something along the lines of "Why You Need Me To Build You a Mobile Website" (or whatever works for you) with a few stats and graphics for effect and a big QR code to your flashy and informative professional landing page. Of course posted fliers are not for everyone.

I have used graphics that shows 2 mobiles with the "before and after" mobile views, as many mobile website marketers do, as well as graphics of my own creation like "Stop Wasting Money on Yellow Page Ads" with my "How To Make a Phone Book Christmas Tree" instructional Bonus as a tongue in cheek way of saying advertising of old can be a waste of money.

I don't know when the last time I used a phone book to look up a business as a consumer was, but I do use them to look for prospects (and I use these very "facts" in my marketing")

If you're aware of how much a business pays for Yellow Page "display" ads (standard listing is often free), billboards, and even print display advertising, then you know where some of your marketing could be profitably targeted, since mobile sites basically offer direct "targeted" clientele at a much lower cost. Phone book advertising can run into the tens of thousands a year in some areas.

I know folks have mixed feelings about Fiverr and quality, but we all should understand that many of the service providers there live in places where the norm is to earn less than fifty cents an hour. When you hire them for gigs you are doing them a favor and saving yourself some coin. If you feel guilty about the low cost, you can always pay them a "tenerr" ("tip" them).

I have found great artists and very professional business associates through Fiverr. When you like someone, you can get them to work for you directly. You can even find quality folks from the good ole' USA (or UK) if you are concerned about language barriers, or want to serve "country first".

The reason I bring it up again, is because you can find translator gigs there, for five bucks (of course). So in the case of your Chinese restaurant, you can decide if it is worth the cost to get your best sales letter translated, and could use it for other similar business establishments in the future. The owners appreciation and recognition of your efforts (and respect) could lead to a sale.

As on option, I like to engage students in my work, so if you have a local college or university nearby, you can post for workers on bulletin boards, student newspapers, or on Craigslist. You can often find a driven student wanting to do (and learn) more that way.

One version of my sales copy starts of with the reasons why a business without a mobile site is at a disadvantage, possibly failing against competition. I also mention the calculated prediction of how mobile searches will soon dominate.

I try never to directly bash an existing business in any way. I have seen that approach ("Your Website Sucks!"...seriously???) and it always turns me off, so I have no way of knowing if it works. It's just not for me.

As for the Indian restaurants, perhaps they need you more than anyone, based on your own observations. If you've been on your feet all day, and could use a cold (or hot) drink or a snack, it might be a great ice breaker (if you are okay with spicy food...lol), "thank you, that food was awesome, by the way, do you have a website (or mobile site) in case I'd like to order take-out sometime?" such a scenario could eventually lead to a sale.

It is my feeling that if one are not equipped to offer non-mobile websites you are missing out on an opportunity to build your business, and to engage a customer who might eventually go mobile through you. Some of the domain sites offer domains for as little as one or two dollars (US), and with that you often get a free one to three page website. If you can build someone a site that way, or build one to host on your existing hosting space, the start up cost is quite negligible.

Breaking the ice, getting my foot in the door to gaining a new customer is my first goal. From there I always have a better advantage for increased business from them, because I KNOW I will almost always outperform their expectations (on rare occasion, some folks can be unrealistic).

My first thoughts are of "What can I do for YOU, today". I already know what they can do for me.

I have used simple templates, and/or domain host provided services, to build simple sites for folks without sites (or with lame ones) and eventually some of them will up-sell due to satisfaction and/or recognition of the increased value and revenue to their business.

You can further add value (and income if you choose) by submitting them to local search sites like Google, Yahoo and Bing for starters. Such sites usually offer FREE business pages and can be a thirty dollar up-sell (for your time) on your end.

Some folks are overwhelmed just to see their business online on an attractive one page design with a brief narrative, contact info, a pic or two, and map. They will gladly pay twenty or thirty a month for this valuable service, then you charge extra for limitless add-ons. I often make actual establishment pics an add on, even if it's for just ten bucks. Even a map (free for you, other than time) could be an add-on.

I have seen folks brought to tears for such a thing, and that's always an awesome feeling, when you provided a service that enriched them is such a way.

You can even enjoy some regular tasty meals, as well as other services, if you are willing to barter. Remember that your return does not end with the site, each site is a perpetual business magnet, in particular when you have it branded with a subtle link. It's amazing how many folks are willing to trade their service rather than their cash. If you barter for gift cards or certificates, you can sell them or offer them as a bonus, which benefits the grantor further with new clientele.

For me, I've found that I don't have to offer a full suite of services to everyone, as some of them will never see the value (some can even be "scared" off). But most of those can see a value in a twenty a month (or hundred a year even) website. If it cost me near nothing to host, and a half hour to create, I'll take it. I know that it almost always leads to more sales, one way or another. I usually keep control over the low cost sites, and my costs are usually covered with the initial payment.

Of course that's not the real business I'm after, and I may not get rich from one site that way, but you know what, it grows. It enriches me as person (and professional), it enriches a business, and it betters the world of commerce. It finds customers a place that makes them happy, so all around it's a plus. And again, word of mouth is often the result, and that can't always be calculated (have your link at the bottom of the low cost sites, or remove it as an up-sell). You never know how many people you reach.

Get one of these a day and in a few months you'll have some bread and butter money coming in on a regular basis that will allow you the time to focus on more lucrative business. Along the way you'll sell mobile sites (and up-sells/add-ons) and your profits increase.

That's my take anyway.

There's a great thread on a similar topic in this forum posted by "Attraction Marketing" called "No Investment Needed". Several great tips and ideas there.

Okay, so I have ventured too far from the mobile based topic here...it's that busy brain thing

In closing my friend, I'd suggest getting a back-up battery for your phone, so you don't have to run out of juice when it does...lol.

I really think you have a well thought out plan and approach. Remember to always be willing to think outside the box.

I sense a sale coming very soon.

You've got our attention, keep running with it, and keep us posted!

Sincerely,
JS

P.S. I wanted to share one of my business philosophies before I take a break from the forum to literally "feed the hounds". I see each potential client as a potential Wealth Contributor, as they may very well contribute to my income, thus my wealth. Once they are a customer, I see us as Wealth Partners, because I now contribute to their income and wealth as well. Thus, I treat my potential clients with great respect and care. It all comes back!

Hey Scotty,
I have been following your thread for a bit and wanted to tell you how great it is to see you taking action. There is a mobile mockup generator in the war room you can get for free. It lets you create a very simple site from your prospects website, but it is much less work. If you search mobile in the WR, it is one of the first few threads.
Much luck and keep taking action

Scotty,

Thanks for such an inspiring and honest thread! And an Awesome sense of humour too

For quick mobile site demos I have found dudamobile does a great job too!Fuss free and fast!

Keep going mate!! You have greatness within you! Never for a minute doubt that - my mentor Les Brown always reminds me of that

I post an answer here: http://www.warriorforum.com/mobile-m...bile-site.html

Hi Dan,

Some great advice here, thanks. I'd never heard of going in at this angle.

I'm going to consider this going forward.

With regard to accountants, that's been on my list of folks to approach, but I guess I put it off until the new year, in favour of those that would more likely buy my services this side of Christmas.

Some great stuff here, thanks Dan.