Wanting To Start A Local IM Business...Need Some Advice

Local Chamber of Commerce Meet and Greets and Local Business Expos. I get leads from my County Clerk when people register a new fictitious name. After using those leads I sell them to other business they my be good for.
Keep it short and sweet. The exact opposite of what I do, but I have a method to may madness. lol
Only offer services that you can provide competently without relying on others. Never offer things you don't excel at or that you need to depend on others to deliver.
I don't. Unless you have no real skills of your own, you should not outsource until you have gained all the work you can handle and are ready to branch out. Everything I offer, I do myself.
Only those that are already spending money. Qualify all of your prospective clients and cut the dead wood as soon as you spot it. And - always remember, if you have to 'sell them something,' they probably don't need it. There are exceptions of course but it's better to skim the cream off the top than constantly beating a dead horse. As soon as you hear a 'no' coming your way, move on to someone else that may say, 'yes!' Just like in telemarketing, which is the best way to build your business, as you get to actually have a conversation. Many of my sales came from talking to someone that before the call was over would say, "You need to call So-and-So. I know he needs some help with what you do."
You're kidding, right? Start with total, abject failure and move on from there. Knowing how to market and promote your own business will demonstrate to others that you can do the same for them. Talk is cheap. If you think this will be easy, you should quit, now and avoid the heartbreak.

The concept is simple but the execution is NOT easy.

I'm basically retired, so I am giving you input based on my past experience.

I hope there is something in my post that might help you

Cheers. - Frank

Walk in the door of their establishment.

First thing I ask people is may I see what kind of results you are currently getting. So far only 2 people have showned me results. I tell all the others...... You can't teach somebody something that you can not do yourself! It's the formula for failure. First learn how to do it then you can teach people. At this point you will know about marketing....

The first thing you need to do is figure out what you enjoy doing as there are so many business that you can start. So you definitely want to start something that you will enjoy doing to ensure success.

Secondly you want to take a look around at other businesses in your area to see what would complement the city or town you live in. Once you have figured out what kind of business you want to open start, talking to other business owners in your area to see what they think of your idea you will certainly get honest answers at the same time a creating awareness and putting yourself on the map.

If people like the idea they will want to get involved and talk about it with people that they know. In terms of a website you have many options Wordpress, Wix, Godaddy all three of which are very user friendly and affordable. You also want to come up with a website name that is catchy and easy to remember. Once you get to that point you can start building up ideas on how to advertise online and offline. Many sites offer great ideas and tips.

Hey Zachary R. Skinner,

Reaching out to the local businesses plays a vital role when you are all set on everything else and when you are confident enough to carry out on the requirements of the clients fully.

As soon as you are all set, try reaching the local businesses by walking in the door of their establishment (avoid the busiest times of the day) and local business expos etc.

1) What is the best way to reach out to local businesses?
2) What suggestions do you have for my own website?
3) What services do you think I should offer and which ones should I avoid?
4) Who do you recommend for outsourcing work to?
5) Are there specific businesses I should target?
6) What are some of the risks associated with this business model?

That's interesting, really that depend where you take it from, reach out is easy, they all beg to get help but you have to see how .. 1. Pro Website, represent you 3. monthly payment is a necessity, not a maybe 4. good outsourcing from multiple reliable teams is the best. 5. hehe that's secret i only say in private message /email 6. none if you have a good network ..