List of Offline Businesses To Contact

87 replies
Hey Offliners,

I haven't found this yet in searching the forum and online. Let's create a list of all the different types of businesses people are contacting.

If everyone shares a few, we'll have a damn good list. Then there's tools to get the local keywords out there to find these guys. Anyhow, let's start with businesses.

HOME

1. Plumber
2. Electrician
3. HVAC Companies
4. Roofers
5. General Contractors
6. Home Builders
7. Landscaping Contractors
8. Pool Contractors
9. Carpet Stores
10. Tile Installers
11. Kitchen/Bath Contractors

SERVICES

12. Cosmetic Surgeons
13. Day Care Centers
14. Architect
15. Travel Agency
16. Dry Cleaners
17. Maid Services
18. Tutors
19. Pest Control

I'm going to stop there...what does anyone want to share?

Cheers,

Brad
#businesses #contact #list #offline
  • Profile picture of the author Scott Voss
    When you say tutors, who have you done work for?

    I don't mean the actual company/person name, but more like are they individuals or larger companies.

    Are they K-12 or college.

    Just curious
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    I contact / do business with any business that does between $500,000 - $5,000,000 per year in sales.

    I purchase business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.

    Then you don't have to worry about the industry its in...

    Approaching a Plumber in his first year of business that is earnign $40,000 a year...sure he could become a client...

    ...but good luck getting him to pay $1,500 - $2,500 per month for your services.

    (However if just starting out, then I suppose you could focus on businesses that can afford $1,000 - $2,000...just remember its the same amount of effort to do a marketing campaign...so why accept a lower payment amount)

    ~Dexx
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    • Profile picture of the author MIB Mastermind
      Hey Dexx,

      could you expand a bit on where you purchase the business contact details from?

      Also do these places tell you the yearly sales volume of each business?

      Thanks

      mib
      Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

      I contact / do business with any business that does between $500,000 - $5,000,000 per year in sales.

      I purchase business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.

      Then you don't have to worry about the industry its in...

      Approaching a Plumber in his first year of business that is earnign $40,000 a year...sure he could become a client...

      ...but good luck getting him to pay $1,500 - $2,500 per month for your services.

      (However if just starting out, then I suppose you could focus on businesses that can afford $1,000 - $2,000...just remember its the same amount of effort to do a marketing campaign...so why accept a lower payment amount)

      ~Dexx
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      • Profile picture of the author Jacer
        Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

        These lists all have the owner, revenues, etc? Very detailed stuff? How do they ascertain this revenue data if the company is private?

        Cheers,

        Brad
        Originally Posted by MIB Mastermind View Post

        Hey Dexx,

        could you expand a bit on where you purchase the business contact details from?

        Also do these places tell you the yearly sales volume of each business?

        Thanks

        mib
        If you want to get some FREE leads, go check out Manta.com. It is the same info you may pay hundreds or thousands for. You can sort by geography, business size, industry, and more. The one draw back is it is a little time intensive to get the information. But it is perfect if you want to try a few cold calls out in an afternoon to see how things shake out.

        Once I decided to give full time cold calling a shot, I bought a commercial list. Going this route proved to be much cheaper than buying a few thousand leads here and there from sites like Goleads and InfoUsa.
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        • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
          Originally Posted by Jacer View Post

          If you want to get some FREE leads, go check out Manta.com. It is the same info you may pay hundreds or thousands for. You can sort by geography, business size, industry, and more. The one draw back is it is a little time intensive to get the information. But it is perfect if you want to try a few cold calls out in an afternoon to see how things shake out.

          Once I decided to give full time cold calling a shot, I bought a commercial list. Going this route proved to be much cheaper than buying a few thousand leads here and there from sites like Goleads and InfoUsa.
          Thanks for the resource!

          I know this is slightly off subject but how often do people actually want to hear what you have to say when you're cold calling them?

          As a biz owner, the one time we bought something off a cold call, they turned out to be scammers so I'm pretty hesitant. Not to say I'm not open to it...but I've been on the other end pretty bad so how do you handle that?

          Cheers,

          Brad
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        • Profile picture of the author Scott Voss
          Jacer,
          Any recommendations on where or how to get a commercial list?

          -Scott

          Originally Posted by Jacer View Post

          Once I decided to give full time cold calling a shot, I bought a commercial list. Going this route proved to be much cheaper than buying a few thousand leads here and there from sites like Goleads and InfoUsa.
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          • Profile picture of the author Jacer
            Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

            Thanks for the resource!

            I know this is slightly off subject but how often do people actually want to hear what you have to say when you're cold calling them?

            As a biz owner, the one time we bought something off a cold call, they turned out to be scammers so I'm pretty hesitant. Not to say I'm not open to it...but I've been on the other end pretty bad so how do you handle that?

            Cheers,

            Brad
            Depends on your experience as a cold caller. When I start training a cold caller, they will get 1-2% interested if they have a heartbeat. Average callers (after some experience) get up to 5%. Excellent, top performer maybe up to 10%. It is very subjective, and depends on two very important elements: A targeted list, and a quality calling script. Hone in on these to thing, and you can get some exceptions sales %'s

            Originally Posted by Scott Voss View Post

            Jacer,
            Any recommendations on where or how to get a commercial list?

            -Scott
            Sending you a PM.
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            • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
              Here is how I pick my offline marketing clients.

              Open Yellow pages.

              open it at page one, work until the last page.

              Repeat, yearly.

              What, you want more?

              Ok here are the four thing offline businesses MUST have in order for me to work with them.

              1. Local businesses only. I don't want to work for Wendy's and they don't want me.

              2. Decision maker.
              I want the owner or the person with the checkbook. No one else. I'm not wasting my time with the secretary or the IT guy.

              3. Already advertising.
              Want a great way to eliminate 95% of the dead weight businesses out there? If they don't do some form of paid advertising (yellow page display ads, tv, radio, billboards, etc) I don't mess with them.

              I am not in the business of convincing people on advertising. I only want to preach to the converted. Meaning if they spend money on advertising, they have a better chance of spending money with YOU.

              4. Website. Most of the websites for local businesses SUCK. That is a good thing. See if a business owner already shelled out for one website, chances are they'll do it again.

              If you use these 4 criteria when searching for local businesses to work with chances are you'll eliminate a ton of dead weight and focus only on the business owners who the highest chance at paying you in the process.


              Tim
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              • Profile picture of the author TheAtHomeCouple
                Originally Posted by TimCastleman View Post

                Here is how I pick my offline marketing clients.

                Open Yellow pages.

                open it at page one, work until the last page.

                Repeat, yearly.

                What, you want more?

                Ok here are the four thing offline businesses MUST have in order for me to work with them.

                1. Local businesses only. I don't want to work for Wendy's and they don't want me.

                2. Decision maker.
                I want the owner or the person with the checkbook. No one else. I'm not wasting my time with the secretary or the IT guy.

                3. Already advertising.
                Want a great way to eliminate 95% of the dead weight businesses out there? If they don't do some form of paid advertising (yellow page display ads, tv, radio, billboards, etc) I don't mess with them.

                I am not in the business of convincing people on advertising. I only want to preach to the converted. Meaning if they spend money on advertising, they have a better chance of spending money with YOU.

                4. Website. Most of the websites for local businesses SUCK. That is a good thing. See if a business owner already shelled out for one website, chances are they'll do it again.

                If you use these 4 criteria when searching for local businesses to work with chances are you'll eliminate a ton of dead weight and focus only on the business owners who the highest chance at paying you in the process.

                Tim
                Take the list that the OP put up, take tim's list of criteria and there you go... made to order prospecting system.
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    • Profile picture of the author eyfohtik
      Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

      I contact / do business with any business that does between $500,000 - $5,000,000 per year in sales.

      I purchase business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.

      Then you don't have to worry about the industry its in...

      Approaching a Plumber in his first year of business that is earnign $40,000 a year...sure he could become a client...

      ...but good luck getting him to pay $1,500 - $2,500 per month for your services.

      (However if just starting out, then I suppose you could focus on businesses that can afford $1,000 - $2,000...just remember its the same amount of effort to do a marketing campaign...so why accept a lower payment amount)

      ~Dexx
      Where do you purchase that data for Canada?
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    • Profile picture of the author Joseph Ratliff
      Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

      I contact / do business with any business that does between $500,000 - $5,000,000 per year in sales.

      I purchase business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.

      ~Dexx
      In some cases, you don't have to purchase the list at all...my public library subscribes to ReferenceUSA...and I get access to their subscription with all of the "qualifiers" and can build a list to call from my computer screen.

      Call a business, use a notebook to write down pertinent info about the important calls (the ones leading to follow up or appointments), and move on to the next on the list I create.

      The only minor difference is you cannot add them to your own database or contact manager automatically as if you purchased a list...but for those who may not have the funds to purchase a list when getting started...it's a great way to get started on the phones.

      Most of the list of businesses have been covered pretty well, but I've contacted:

      -- auto-shop owners
      -- chiropractors
      -- manufacturers

      Hope that helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author Enis
      Originally Posted by Dexx View Post

      I contact / do business with any business that does between $500,000 - $5,000,000 per year in sales.

      I purchase business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.

      Then you don't have to worry about the industry its in...

      Approaching a Plumber in his first year of business that is earnign $40,000 a year...sure he could become a client...

      ...but good luck getting him to pay $1,500 - $2,500 per month for your services.

      (However if just starting out, then I suppose you could focus on businesses that can afford $1,000 - $2,000...just remember its the same amount of effort to do a marketing campaign...so why accept a lower payment amount)

      ~Dexx
      Great point there, but in most cases it's not that easy getting in touch with that kind of people you have to be well connected to be able to pull it off.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacer
    Dexx hit the nail on the head here. While lists are awesome, the best list is who can afford what you have to offer. Of course, that list can vary greatly to, depending on the service you provide.

    As a website designer, we target businesses anywhere from 500k-2M. Seems to be the sweet spot for us and has produced much better results than focusing on any one business type.
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    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by Jacer View Post

      Dexx hit the nail on the head here. While lists are awesome, the best list is who can afford what you have to offer. Of course, that list can vary greatly to, depending on the service you provide.

      As a website designer, we target businesses anywhere from 500k-2M. Seems to be the sweet spot for us and has produced much better results than focusing on any one business type.
      Is it harder to get in touch with the actual business owner with these types of businesses? Anyway to the OP, you pretty much have every businss listed lol I love working with contractors..they're easy to get a hold of and are generally nicer people lol I have yet to work with an attorney, account, doctor, or dentist because I haven't wanted to put the effort into contacting them.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    Ok maybe I had the wrong idea...

    I guess I was thinking this could help people come up with lead ideas...

    I.E. "Chicago Dentists" and then start prospecting that way.

    Lesson learned I guess.

    Cheers,

    Brad
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    • Profile picture of the author Irishman
      Originally Posted by Brad Spencer View Post

      Ok maybe I had the wrong idea...

      I guess I was thinking this could help people come up with lead ideas...

      I.E. "Chicago Dentists" and then start prospecting that way.

      Lesson learned I guess.

      Cheers,

      Brad

      Actually Brad, in my opinion you have the right idea. Not everyone approaches this business the same way. I built my business by starting a list just like you positioned above.

      My reasoning was simple... this is the keyword for which I went through the yellow pages looking under. This is categorically how the YP organize their advertisers, and friends, if they have the ability to pay for YP, they have the ability to pay for your services. (And likely to get much better ROI!)

      It's not to discount Dexx/Jacer's point above, just that there is plenty of money found exploring businesses through industry specific categories, so I appreciate the post.

      Here's the actual list I built in a spreadsheet several years ago that got me moving, some of which you covered.

      Travel Agency
      Lawyer
      Dry Cleaner
      Carpet Cleaner
      Dentist
      Pediatrician
      Doctor
      Eye Doctor
      Auto Mechanic
      Martial Arts
      Real Estate Agent
      Wedding Planner
      Limousine
      Florist
      Hair Salon
      Spa
      Car Wash
      Roofing
      Plumber
      Contractors
      Electricians
      Jewelers
      Photographers
      Bakery
      DJ
      Nail Salon

      Not comprehensive, but it absolutely gave me a starting point.

      Thanks for your post.

      Will
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      • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
        Originally Posted by Irishman View Post

        Actually Brad, in my opinion you have the right idea. Not everyone approaches this business the same way. I built my business by starting a list just like you positioned above.

        My reasoning was simple... this is the keyword for which I went through the yellow pages looking under. This is categorically how the YP organize their advertisers, and friends, if they have the ability to pay for YP, they have the ability to pay for your services. (And likely to get much better ROI!)

        It's not to discount Dexx/Jacer's point above, just that there is plenty of money found exploring businesses through industry specific categories, so I appreciate the post.

        Here's the actual list I built in a spreadsheet several years ago that got me moving, some of which you covered.

        Travel Agency
        Lawyer
        Dry Cleaner
        Carpet Cleaner
        Dentist
        Pediatrician
        Doctor
        Eye Doctor
        Auto Mechanic
        Martial Arts
        Real Estate Agent
        Wedding Planner
        Limousine
        Florist
        Hair Salon
        Spa
        Car Wash
        Roofing
        Plumber
        Contractors
        Electricians
        Jewelers
        Photographers
        Bakery
        DJ
        Nail Salon

        Not comprehensive, but it absolutely gave me a starting point.

        Thanks for your post.

        Will
        Exactly...I mean can you imagine just contacting people for basic website services. I mean when we opened my deli in January, we didn't have a ton of money. I had a VA at the time help edit the site, add a new banner in the header, and other various WP coding tasks.

        I can only imagine how many businesses don't have websites. Many people want a website yet don't want to do it themselves or they realize if they do it themselves it will suck.

        A simple 5 page site with a WP theme that you teach them to make edits to would be huge. Provide some basic SEO so they show up in name and they'll be happy.

        I mean this business might not be a 100k per month recurring income but I think there's a lot of people that don't even want that. They want 30 clients paying $250 plus some new business here and there.

        I wonder how many people doing freelance web design on Elance would ever consider doing business this way.

        Hmm....

        Thanks for contributing your business list.

        Cheers,

        Brad
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  • Profile picture of the author James Foster
    Hey Brad,

    This list might not apply to everyone, but this is the list I came up with for potential customers of my advertising business:

    apartments
    Charities
    auto parts
    car dealers
    bakeries
    barbers and salons
    bikes and sports shops
    bridal
    charter
    carpet/rug cleaners
    cell phone services
    chiropractors
    coffee shops
    computer repair
    electronics stores
    dentists
    drug stores/pharmacy
    dry cleaners
    employment assistance
    bowling/roller skating
    financial services/ planning
    florists
    golf courses
    grocers
    hardware stores
    gyms
    restaurants
    insurance
    jewelers
    lawn care
    liquor stores
    martial arts
    massage therapy
    eye care
    craft stores
    retailers
    sporting goods
    tanning
    movies
    travel
    discount and consignment shops
    Oil Change shops
    furniture stores
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    • Profile picture of the author Shane F
      I wanted to add to the list "Home Inspectors."

      Each town has pretty stiff competition for this offline. The average home inspection costs $300. It took us a couple weeks for our first home inspector to reach #1 and the A spot. He tells us he averages 6 more inspections a month now.

      This has also brought us real estate agents through referrals of the first home inspector.

      While you are not going to get $1,000 a month from each inspector just on SEO, it is easy to rank for and a nice initial check and monthly maintenance fees.

      -Shane
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      • Profile picture of the author godsgood
        Originally Posted by Shane F View Post

        I wanted to add to the list "Home Inspectors."

        Each town has pretty stiff competition for this offline. The average home inspection costs $300. It took us a couple weeks for our first home inspector to reach #1 and the A spot. He tells us he averages 6 more inspections a month now.

        This has also brought us real estate agents through referrals of the first home inspector.

        While you are not going to get $1,000 a month from each inspector just on SEO, it is easy to rank for and a nice initial check and monthly maintenance fees.

        -Shane
        You may not see this, I realize that your post was from last year, but do you have any pointers for me for advertising/seo for this niche? My husband is a home inspector, and I am trying to use what I know from online to help with his business, but I'm kind of at a loss where to start. Any pointers? Thank you
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  • Profile picture of the author deannatroupe
    It might be dangerous for me to go into craft stores for business. I'm not allowed to go to Hobby Lobby because I get distracted by the yarn and the soap making supplies...
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacer
    Yeah Brad, everyone has their opinion. Really depends on what kind of services you plan to offer too. For example, it would be very beneficial to focus on specific industries when providing SEO. For that, focusing on leads with high customer value is critical to attract higher paying clients. Much easier to manage ten clients paying $1000 a month, than 50 clients paying $200/mo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    Easiest way is just to Google: country business lists | country business directory

    An example of a quality one that does Canada / USA is Mailing List - Email, Business, Sales Leads, Consumer - InfoUSA

    Cheers,

    ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    I dunno how they do it, but I've verified the data with the business owners I've dealt with (I go through the list for my specific city) and its accurate...keep in mind that it all depends on the quality of the list company you deal with.

    So you'll need to do your own research and review checking to see who you deal with...I listed infoUSA as they are considered one of the higher quality ones but you pay a premium price for that quality.

    You'd have to ask them how they do it =P

    Ask for a sample listing with the list company you contact to check out it validity perhaps...

    Cheers,

    ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author James Foster
    I don't know if anyone has used these guys before (and no, I have no affiliation with them)....

    DirectMailTools.com

    They sell both B2B lists and B2C lists. They're pretty cheap too.
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    • Profile picture of the author TimCastleman
      Oh if we're just talking about tools to use for offline businesses then I just use a list broker who gets me 99.9% of the local businesses nationwide (and in Canada). It is costly BUT worth it.

      Tim
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    • Profile picture of the author anwar001
      Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

      I don't know if anyone has used these guys before (and no, I have no affiliation with them)....

      DirectMailTools.com

      They sell both B2B lists and B2C lists. They're pretty cheap too.
      thanks for the site. any other such site??
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  • Profile picture of the author global1967
    Hey Brad i read your post and thought i could contribute to this. So here is a comprehensive list of local business niches. Enjoy everyone:

    Air Conditioning and Heating Company
    Commercial Building Construction
    Drywall Contractors
    Electrical Contractors
    Flooring Contractors
    Framing Contractors
    Glass and Glazing Contractors
    Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
    Land Subdivision Construction
    Masonry Contractors
    New Housing Construction
    Oil and Gas Pipeline Construction
    Painting Contractors
    Plumbing Contractors
    Poured Concrete Foundation
    Power and Communication Line Construction
    Residential Remodelers
    Roofing Contractors
    Siding Contractors
    Structural Steel Contractors
    Water and Sewer Line Construction

    Adoption Agencies
    Aircraft Rental Instruction
    Alternative Health Website
    Ambulance Services
    Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers
    Apprenticeship Training
    Art School Gallery
    Automobile Driving Schools
    Blood and Organ Banks
    Business Schools
    Child and Youth Services
    Chiropractor Offices
    College Planning Consultant
    Colleges
    Community Food Services
    Computer Training
    Cosmetology and Barber Schools
    Dance Studios
    Day Care Services
    Dentist Offices
    Diagnostic Imaging Centers
    Educational Support Services
    Elementary Schools
    Emergency and Other Relief Services
    Exam Preparation
    Family Planning Centers
    Fine Arts Schools
    Flight Training
    HMO Medical Centers
    Home Health Care Services
    Hospitals
    Junior Colleges
    Kidney Dialysis Centers
    Language Schools
    Management Development Training
    Medical Laboratories
    Mental Health Practitioner Offices
    Nursing Care Facilities
    Occupational Therapist Offices
    Optometrist Offices
    Outpatient Mental Health Centers
    Physical Therapist Offices
    Physician Offices
    Podiatrist Offices
    Professional Schools
    Residential Mental Health Facilities
    Residential Mental Retardation Facilities
    Secondary Schools
    Secretarial Schools
    Senior Care Services
    Speech Therapist Offices
    Sports and Recreation Instruction
    Tutoring
    Substance Abuse Facilities
    Temporary Shelters
    Universities
    Vocational Rehabilitation Services

    Aircraft Rental and Leasing
    Appliance Rental
    Auto Insurance Claims
    Claims Adjusting
    Commercial Banking
    Consumer Electronics Rental
    Consumer Lending
    Credit Card Issuing
    Credit Unions
    Direct Health and Medical Insurance
    Direct Life Insurance
    Direct Property and Casualty Insurance
    Direct Title Insurance Carriers
    Equipment Rental and Leasing
    Financial Planner
    Formal Wear and Costume Rental
    Insurance Agencies and Brokerages
    Investment Advice
    General Rental Centers
    Home Health Equipment Rental
    Investment Banking
    Lessors of Real Estate Property
    Mortgage Loan Brokers
    Non-mortgage Loan Brokers
    Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
    Pension Funds
    Portfolio Management
    Property Manager
    Real Estate Agent
    Real Estate Appraisers
    Real Estate Investment Trusts
    Sales Financing
    Savings Institutions
    Securities and Commodity Exchanges
    Securities Dealing
    Trust, Fiduciary, and Custody Activities
    Vehicle Rental and Leasing
    Video Tape and Disc Rental

    Administration of Public Programs
    American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments
    Correctional Institutions
    Courts
    Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities
    Executive Offices
    Fire Protection
    International Affairs
    Counsel and Prosecution
    Legislative Bodies
    National Security
    Parole Offices and Probation Offices
    Police Protection
    Public Finance Activities
    Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities
    Space Research and Technology

    Almanac Publishers (except Exclusive Internet Publishing)
    Archives
    Book Publishers
    Art Film Theater
    Atlas Publishers
    Cable and Other Program Distribution
    Cable Programming
    Cellular Telecommunications
    Data Processing
    Directory Publishers
    Greeting Card Publishers
    Internet Publishing
    Internet Service Providers
    Libraries
    Mailing List Publishers
    Motion Picture Production and Distribution
    Motion Picture Theaters
    Music Publishers
    News Syndicates
    Newspaper Publishers
    Online Business
    Paging
    Periodical Publishers
    Radio Networks
    Radio Stations
    Recording Studio
    Satellite Telecommunications
    Software Publishers
    Sound Recording Studios
    Tele-production Services
    Television Broadcasting
    Video Production and Distribution
    Web Hosting
    Web Search Portals
    Wired Telecommunications Carriers

    Actors, Independent
    Advertising Copywriter
    Aerobic Dance and Exercise Centers
    Agents and Managers
    Amateur Sports Teams, Recreational
    Amusement and Theme Parks
    Amusement Arcades
    Animal Exhibits, Live
    Animal Safari Parks
    Animated Cartoon Artists, Independent
    Announcers, Independent Radio and Television
    Aquariums
    Arboretums
    Archery Range
    Art Film Theater
    Art Gallery
    Art Restorers, Independent
    Art School Museum
    Artists, Independent
    Athletes, Amateur, Independent
    Athletic Club Facilities, Physical Fitness
    Automobile Racing Teams
    Aviaries
    Aviation Clubs, Recreational
    Bar/Club Business
    Bed-and-Breakfast Inns
    Botanical Gardens
    Bowling Centers
    Campgrounds
    Casinos
    Caterers
    Country Clubs
    Dance Companies
    Dinner Theaters
    Fitness Centers
    Golf Courses
    Historical Sites
    Hotels
    Independent Artists
    Independent Performers
    Marinas
    Museums
    Musical Groups and Artists
    Nature Parks
    Promoters
    Racetracks
    Recreational Sports Centers
    Restaurant and Food Business
    RV Parks
    Skiing Facilities
    Sports Recreation Guides
    Sports Teams and Clubs
    Sports Trainers
    Theater Companies
    Writers
    Zoos

    Aircraft Equipment Maker
    Aircraft Manufacturing
    Animal Food Manufacturing
    Apparel Manufacturing
    Arts and Crafts
    Banner-Making
    Breweries
    Canvas Work
    Cement Manufacturing
    Chemical Manufacturing
    Clay Product Manufacturing
    Commercial Bakeries
    Commercial Printing
    Computer Equipment Manufacturing
    Crocheting
    Cross Stitch
    Distilleries
    Electronic Manufacturing
    Embroidery
    Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
    Food Manufacturing
    Foundries
    Furniture Manufacturing
    Glass Product Manufacturing
    Iron and Steel Mills
    Jewelry Manufacturing
    Knitting
    Lace Making
    Lucet
    Machine Shops
    Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
    Macrame
    Metal Manufacturing
    Metalworking
    Mineral Product Manufacturing
    Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
    Needlepoint
    Paper Product Manufacturing
    Patchwork
    Petroleum Refineries
    Plastics Product Manufacturing
    Pottery
    Quilting
    Retail Bakeries
    Rubber Product Manufacturing
    Rug Making
    Sawmills
    Sculpture
    Sewing
    Spinning
    Tapestry
    Textile Product Milling
    Tobacco Product Manufacturing
    Trade binding
    Weaving
    Wineries
    Wood Preservation
    Wood Product Manufacturing

    Agriculture Farm Business
    Agriculture Fruit Farm Business
    Agriculture Produce Farm Business
    Apiculture
    Apple Orchards
    Coal Mining
    Farming
    Fishing
    Logging
    Metal Mining
    Nonmetallic Mineral Mining
    Nursery / Greenhouse
    Oil and Gas Operations
    Ranching
    Support Activities for Mining
    Timber Tract Operations

    Animal Daycare
    Appliance Repair and Maintenance
    Aquarium Services
    Astrology Tarot Card Business
    Auto Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance
    Auto Decal Business
    Automobile Detailing Business
    Automobile Inspection Business
    Automobile Restoration
    Automotive Glass Replacement Shops
    Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops
    Automotive Repair
    Business Associations
    Car Wash Business
    Cemeteries and Crematories
    Civic and Social Organizations
    Coin-Op Laundry
    Conservation Organizations
    Diet and Weight Reducing Centers
    Electronics Repair and Maintenance
    Environment Organizations
    Equipment Repair and Maintenance
    Funeral Homes
    Grant making Foundations
    Hair Salon & Day Spa
    Household Goods Repair and Maintenance
    Human Rights Organizations
    Labor Unions and Organizations
    Laundries and Dry cleaners
    Linen Supply
    Machinery Repair and Maintenance
    Parking Lots and Garages
    Personal Concierge / Shopper
    Pet Business
    Photofinishing Laboratories
    Political Organizations
    Private Households
    Professional Organizations
    Religious Organizations
    Social Advocacy Organizations
    Voluntary Health Organizations
    Wedding Consultant
    Wildlife Organizations

    Accounting Firm
    Administrative Service Business
    Advertising Agency
    Advertising Consulting
    Advertising Material Distribution Services
    Agricultural Consultant
    Architectural Engineering
    Architectural Services
    Armored Car Services
    Art Packaging Installation
    Art Shipping
    Auditing Services
    Automated Accounting Systems
    Building Inspection Services
    Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
    Certified Public Accountants
    Cleaning Service
    Collection Agencies
    Computer Related Services
    Consulting Service
    Convention and Trade Show Organizers
    Convention and Visitors Bureaus
    Copy Shops
    Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Offices
    Court Reporting
    Credit Bureaus
    Drafting Services
    Employment Agencies
    Engineering Services
    Environmental Consulting Services
    Event Planning Service
    Exterminating and Pest Control Services
    Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
    Graphic Design Services
    Hazardous Waste Collection
    Home Design
    Home Inspection Service
    Industrial Design Services
    Investigation Services
    Janitorial Services
    Landscape Architects
    Lawn Care/Landscaping Business
    Lawyers
    Locksmiths
    Marketing Consulting Services
    Marketing Research
    Medical Claims Billing Service
    Notaries
    Office Administration Services
    Packaging and Labeling Services
    Payroll Services
    Photography Studios
    Private Mail Centers
    Public Opinion Polling
    Public Relations Agencies
    Repossession Services
    Research and Development Agencies
    Security Guards
    Security Systems Services
    Septic Tank Services
    Solid Waste Collection
    Specialty Travel and Tours Business
    Sports Tour Operators
    Staffing Service Business
    Stenotype Services
    Surveying and Mapping Services
    Tax Preparation Services
    Telemarketing Bureaus
    Telephone Answering Services
    Temporary Services
    Testing Laboratories
    Title Abstract and Settlement Offices
    Travel Tour Operators
    Translation and Interpretation Services
    Travel Agencies
    Veterinary Services
    Web Design

    Aircraft Charter Services
    Air Traffic Control
    Aircraft Weighing Systems
    Airport Shuttle Service
    Airport Taxi
    Bus Transit Systems
    Charter Bus Industry
    Couriers
    Employee Bus Transportation
    Freight Brokerage
    Limousine Service
    Local Delivery
    Local Messengers
    Marine Cargo Handling
    Motor Vehicle Towing
    Natural Gas Distribution
    Packing and Crating
    Pipeline Transportation
    Port and Harbor Operations
    Postal Service
    Power Generation
    Railroads
    Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation
    School Bus Transportation
    Sewage Treatment Facilities
    Special Needs Transportation
    Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply
    Taxi Service
    Trucking
    Warehousing and Storage
    Water Supply and Irrigation Systems
    Water Transportation

    Antiques Dealer
    Art Dealers
    Art Sales Custom Framing
    Art Supply Store
    Artificial Flowers Importers
    Athletic Shoe Stores
    Automobile Dealership
    Automotive Parts and Accessories Store
    Boat Dealers
    Book Stores
    Building Material Dealers
    Business to Business Electronic Markets
    Clothing Stores
    Commercial Equipment Wholesalers
    Construction Material Wholesalers
    Crafts Stores
    Department Stores
    Durable Goods Wholesalers
    eBay Business
    Electronic Parts Wholesalers
    Electronic Shopping
    Electronics Stores
    Equipment Wholesalers
    Farm Product Wholesalers
    Farm Supply Stores
    Florists
    Fuel Dealers
    Garden Centers
    Gasoline Stations
    Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Stores
    Grocery Wholesalers
    Hardware Wholesalers
    Health and Personal Care Stores
    Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores
    Home Centers
    Home Furnishing Stores
    Home Furnishing Wholesalers
    Household Appliance Stores
    Import/Export Business
    Industrial Wholesalers
    Internet Auctions
    Jewelry Stores
    Liquor Stores
    Luggage and Leather Goods Stores
    Mail-Order Houses
    Manufactured (Mobile) Home Dealers
    Motor Vehicle Dealers
    Motor Vehicle Wholesalers
    Musical Instrument and Supplies Stores
    New Parts Wholesalers
    News Dealers and Newsstands
    Nurseries
    Office Supplies and Stationery Stores
    Outdoor Power Equipment Stores
    Personal Service Wholesalers
    Pet and Pet Supplies Stores
    Pharmacies and Drug Stores
    Prerecorded Tape, Compact Disc, and Record Stores
    Professional Equipment Wholesalers
    Retail Store
    Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores
    Sporting Goods Stores
    Supermarkets
    Supplies Wholesalers
    Tobacco Stores
    Used Merchandise Stores
    Vending Machine Operators
    Warehouse Clubs and Super centers
    Wholesale Distribution
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    • Profile picture of the author Jeremy James
      Originally Posted by global1967 View Post

      Hey Brad i read your post and thought i could contribute to this. So here is a comprehensive list of local business niches. Enjoy everyone:

      Air Conditioning and Heating Company
      Commercial Building Construction
      Drywall Contractors
      Electrical Contractors
      Flooring Contractors
      Framing Contractors
      Glass and Glazing Contractors
      Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
      Land Subdivision Construction
      Masonry Contractors
      New Housing Construction
      Oil and Gas Pipeline Construction
      Painting Contractors
      Plumbing Contractors
      Poured Concrete Foundation
      Power and Communication Line Construction
      Residential Remodelers
      Roofing Contractors
      Siding Contractors
      Structural Steel Contractors
      Water and Sewer Line Construction

      Adoption Agencies
      Aircraft Rental Instruction
      Alternative Health Website
      Ambulance Services
      Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers
      Apprenticeship Training
      Art School Gallery
      Automobile Driving Schools
      Blood and Organ Banks
      Business Schools
      Child and Youth Services
      Chiropractor Offices
      College Planning Consultant
      Colleges
      Community Food Services
      Computer Training
      Cosmetology and Barber Schools
      Dance Studios
      Day Care Services
      Dentist Offices
      Diagnostic Imaging Centers
      Educational Support Services
      Elementary Schools
      Emergency and Other Relief Services
      Exam Preparation
      Family Planning Centers
      Fine Arts Schools
      Flight Training
      HMO Medical Centers
      Home Health Care Services
      Hospitals
      Junior Colleges
      Kidney Dialysis Centers
      Language Schools
      Management Development Training
      Medical Laboratories
      Mental Health Practitioner Offices
      Nursing Care Facilities
      Occupational Therapist Offices
      Optometrist Offices
      Outpatient Mental Health Centers
      Physical Therapist Offices
      Physician Offices
      Podiatrist Offices
      Professional Schools
      Residential Mental Health Facilities
      Residential Mental Retardation Facilities
      Secondary Schools
      Secretarial Schools
      Senior Care Services
      Speech Therapist Offices
      Sports and Recreation Instruction
      Tutoring
      Substance Abuse Facilities
      Temporary Shelters
      Universities
      Vocational Rehabilitation Services

      Aircraft Rental and Leasing
      Appliance Rental
      Auto Insurance Claims
      Claims Adjusting
      Commercial Banking
      Consumer Electronics Rental
      Consumer Lending
      Credit Card Issuing
      Credit Unions
      Direct Health and Medical Insurance
      Direct Life Insurance
      Direct Property and Casualty Insurance
      Direct Title Insurance Carriers
      Equipment Rental and Leasing
      Financial Planner
      Formal Wear and Costume Rental
      Insurance Agencies and Brokerages
      Investment Advice
      General Rental Centers
      Home Health Equipment Rental
      Investment Banking
      Lessors of Real Estate Property
      Mortgage Loan Brokers
      Non-mortgage Loan Brokers
      Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
      Pension Funds
      Portfolio Management
      Property Manager
      Real Estate Agent
      Real Estate Appraisers
      Real Estate Investment Trusts
      Sales Financing
      Savings Institutions
      Securities and Commodity Exchanges
      Securities Dealing
      Trust, Fiduciary, and Custody Activities
      Vehicle Rental and Leasing
      Video Tape and Disc Rental

      Administration of Public Programs
      American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments
      Correctional Institutions
      Courts
      Electric, Gas, and Other Utilities
      Executive Offices
      Fire Protection
      International Affairs
      Counsel and Prosecution
      Legislative Bodies
      National Security
      Parole Offices and Probation Offices
      Police Protection
      Public Finance Activities
      Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities
      Space Research and Technology

      Almanac Publishers (except Exclusive Internet Publishing)
      Archives
      Book Publishers
      Art Film Theater
      Atlas Publishers
      Cable and Other Program Distribution
      Cable Programming
      Cellular Telecommunications
      Data Processing
      Directory Publishers
      Greeting Card Publishers
      Internet Publishing
      Internet Service Providers
      Libraries
      Mailing List Publishers
      Motion Picture Production and Distribution
      Motion Picture Theaters
      Music Publishers
      News Syndicates
      Newspaper Publishers
      Online Business
      Paging
      Periodical Publishers
      Radio Networks
      Radio Stations
      Recording Studio
      Satellite Telecommunications
      Software Publishers
      Sound Recording Studios
      Tele-production Services
      Television Broadcasting
      Video Production and Distribution
      Web Hosting
      Web Search Portals
      Wired Telecommunications Carriers

      Actors, Independent
      Advertising Copywriter
      Aerobic Dance and Exercise Centers
      Agents and Managers
      Amateur Sports Teams, Recreational
      Amusement and Theme Parks
      Amusement Arcades
      Animal Exhibits, Live
      Animal Safari Parks
      Animated Cartoon Artists, Independent
      Announcers, Independent Radio and Television
      Aquariums
      Arboretums
      Archery Range
      Art Film Theater
      Art Gallery
      Art Restorers, Independent
      Art School Museum
      Artists, Independent
      Athletes, Amateur, Independent
      Athletic Club Facilities, Physical Fitness
      Automobile Racing Teams
      Aviaries
      Aviation Clubs, Recreational
      Bar/Club Business
      Bed-and-Breakfast Inns
      Botanical Gardens
      Bowling Centers
      Campgrounds
      Casinos
      Caterers
      Country Clubs
      Dance Companies
      Dinner Theaters
      Fitness Centers
      Golf Courses
      Historical Sites
      Hotels
      Independent Artists
      Independent Performers
      Marinas
      Museums
      Musical Groups and Artists
      Nature Parks
      Promoters
      Racetracks
      Recreational Sports Centers
      Restaurant and Food Business
      RV Parks
      Skiing Facilities
      Sports Recreation Guides
      Sports Teams and Clubs
      Sports Trainers
      Theater Companies
      Writers
      Zoos

      Aircraft Equipment Maker
      Aircraft Manufacturing
      Animal Food Manufacturing
      Apparel Manufacturing
      Arts and Crafts
      Banner-Making
      Breweries
      Canvas Work
      Cement Manufacturing
      Chemical Manufacturing
      Clay Product Manufacturing
      Commercial Bakeries
      Commercial Printing
      Computer Equipment Manufacturing
      Crocheting
      Cross Stitch
      Distilleries
      Electronic Manufacturing
      Embroidery
      Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
      Food Manufacturing
      Foundries
      Furniture Manufacturing
      Glass Product Manufacturing
      Iron and Steel Mills
      Jewelry Manufacturing
      Knitting
      Lace Making
      Lucet
      Machine Shops
      Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
      Macrame
      Metal Manufacturing
      Metalworking
      Mineral Product Manufacturing
      Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
      Needlepoint
      Paper Product Manufacturing
      Patchwork
      Petroleum Refineries
      Plastics Product Manufacturing
      Pottery
      Quilting
      Retail Bakeries
      Rubber Product Manufacturing
      Rug Making
      Sawmills
      Sculpture
      Sewing
      Spinning
      Tapestry
      Textile Product Milling
      Tobacco Product Manufacturing
      Trade binding
      Weaving
      Wineries
      Wood Preservation
      Wood Product Manufacturing

      Agriculture Farm Business
      Agriculture Fruit Farm Business
      Agriculture Produce Farm Business
      Apiculture
      Apple Orchards
      Coal Mining
      Farming
      Fishing
      Logging
      Metal Mining
      Nonmetallic Mineral Mining
      Nursery / Greenhouse
      Oil and Gas Operations
      Ranching
      Support Activities for Mining
      Timber Tract Operations

      Animal Daycare
      Appliance Repair and Maintenance
      Aquarium Services
      Astrology Tarot Card Business
      Auto Body, Paint, and Interior Repair and Maintenance
      Auto Decal Business
      Automobile Detailing Business
      Automobile Inspection Business
      Automobile Restoration
      Automotive Glass Replacement Shops
      Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops
      Automotive Repair
      Business Associations
      Car Wash Business
      Cemeteries and Crematories
      Civic and Social Organizations
      Coin-Op Laundry
      Conservation Organizations
      Diet and Weight Reducing Centers
      Electronics Repair and Maintenance
      Environment Organizations
      Equipment Repair and Maintenance
      Funeral Homes
      Grant making Foundations
      Hair Salon & Day Spa
      Household Goods Repair and Maintenance
      Human Rights Organizations
      Labor Unions and Organizations
      Laundries and Dry cleaners
      Linen Supply
      Machinery Repair and Maintenance
      Parking Lots and Garages
      Personal Concierge / Shopper
      Pet Business
      Photofinishing Laboratories
      Political Organizations
      Private Households
      Professional Organizations
      Religious Organizations
      Social Advocacy Organizations
      Voluntary Health Organizations
      Wedding Consultant
      Wildlife Organizations

      Accounting Firm
      Administrative Service Business
      Advertising Agency
      Advertising Consulting
      Advertising Material Distribution Services
      Agricultural Consultant
      Architectural Engineering
      Architectural Services
      Armored Car Services
      Art Packaging Installation
      Art Shipping
      Auditing Services
      Automated Accounting Systems
      Building Inspection Services
      Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services
      Certified Public Accountants
      Cleaning Service
      Collection Agencies
      Computer Related Services
      Consulting Service
      Convention and Trade Show Organizers
      Convention and Visitors Bureaus
      Copy Shops
      Corporate, Subsidiary, and Regional Managing Offices
      Court Reporting
      Credit Bureaus
      Drafting Services
      Employment Agencies
      Engineering Services
      Environmental Consulting Services
      Event Planning Service
      Exterminating and Pest Control Services
      Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services
      Graphic Design Services
      Hazardous Waste Collection
      Home Design
      Home Inspection Service
      Industrial Design Services
      Investigation Services
      Janitorial Services
      Landscape Architects
      Lawn Care/Landscaping Business
      Lawyers
      Locksmiths
      Marketing Consulting Services
      Marketing Research
      Medical Claims Billing Service
      Notaries
      Office Administration Services
      Packaging and Labeling Services
      Payroll Services
      Photography Studios
      Private Mail Centers
      Public Opinion Polling
      Public Relations Agencies
      Repossession Services
      Research and Development Agencies
      Security Guards
      Security Systems Services
      Septic Tank Services
      Solid Waste Collection
      Specialty Travel and Tours Business
      Sports Tour Operators
      Staffing Service Business
      Stenotype Services
      Surveying and Mapping Services
      Tax Preparation Services
      Telemarketing Bureaus
      Telephone Answering Services
      Temporary Services
      Testing Laboratories
      Title Abstract and Settlement Offices
      Travel Tour Operators
      Translation and Interpretation Services
      Travel Agencies
      Veterinary Services
      Web Design

      Aircraft Charter Services
      Air Traffic Control
      Aircraft Weighing Systems
      Airport Shuttle Service
      Airport Taxi
      Bus Transit Systems
      Charter Bus Industry
      Couriers
      Employee Bus Transportation
      Freight Brokerage
      Limousine Service
      Local Delivery
      Local Messengers
      Marine Cargo Handling
      Motor Vehicle Towing
      Natural Gas Distribution
      Packing and Crating
      Pipeline Transportation
      Port and Harbor Operations
      Postal Service
      Power Generation
      Railroads
      Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation
      School Bus Transportation
      Sewage Treatment Facilities
      Special Needs Transportation
      Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply
      Taxi Service
      Trucking
      Warehousing and Storage
      Water Supply and Irrigation Systems
      Water Transportation

      Antiques Dealer
      Art Dealers
      Art Sales Custom Framing
      Art Supply Store
      Artificial Flowers Importers
      Athletic Shoe Stores
      Automobile Dealership
      Automotive Parts and Accessories Store
      Boat Dealers
      Book Stores
      Building Material Dealers
      Business to Business Electronic Markets
      Clothing Stores
      Commercial Equipment Wholesalers
      Construction Material Wholesalers
      Crafts Stores
      Department Stores
      Durable Goods Wholesalers
      eBay Business
      Electronic Parts Wholesalers
      Electronic Shopping
      Electronics Stores
      Equipment Wholesalers
      Farm Product Wholesalers
      Farm Supply Stores
      Florists
      Fuel Dealers
      Garden Centers
      Gasoline Stations
      Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Stores
      Grocery Wholesalers
      Hardware Wholesalers
      Health and Personal Care Stores
      Hobby, Toy, and Game Stores
      Home Centers
      Home Furnishing Stores
      Home Furnishing Wholesalers
      Household Appliance Stores
      Import/Export Business
      Industrial Wholesalers
      Internet Auctions
      Jewelry Stores
      Liquor Stores
      Luggage and Leather Goods Stores
      Mail-Order Houses
      Manufactured (Mobile) Home Dealers
      Motor Vehicle Dealers
      Motor Vehicle Wholesalers
      Musical Instrument and Supplies Stores
      New Parts Wholesalers
      News Dealers and Newsstands
      Nurseries
      Office Supplies and Stationery Stores
      Outdoor Power Equipment Stores
      Personal Service Wholesalers
      Pet and Pet Supplies Stores
      Pharmacies and Drug Stores
      Prerecorded Tape, Compact Disc, and Record Stores
      Professional Equipment Wholesalers
      Retail Store
      Sewing, Needlework, and Piece Goods Stores
      Sporting Goods Stores
      Supermarkets
      Supplies Wholesalers
      Tobacco Stores
      Used Merchandise Stores
      Vending Machine Operators
      Warehouse Clubs and Super centers
      Wholesale Distribution
      This is a VERY good list!
      Signature

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  • Profile picture of the author Dexx
    lol...so basically the entire Yellow Pages...

    I still think its easier to just identify what level of investment you require clients to typically make, and then identify the businesses with the cash flow to support such a cost...

    I think this is why there's so many people that get hung up on getting started in the first place. =/

    ~Dexx
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  • Profile picture of the author gigim17
    Hey Dexx,
    Noticed you live in Alberta and so do I-Calgary.
    Was curious -- where do you live?
    Gigi
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    • Profile picture of the author internetsweetie
      Great thread! I'm going to look into INFOUSA.
      Signature

      Internet Sweetie
      ---

      Freedom from the 9 to 5 can be so sweet.

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  • It's important to procure your lists from well-managed, frequently verified databases. If you're sending postal mail then the list needs to be CASS certified and carrier route pre-sorted. Otherwise you won't qualify for the lowest bulk rates (or possibly no bulk rates - ouch!) Overpaying for postage can mean the difference between a loss and break-even.

    I typically query the Dun and Bradstreet master list first and only move on to another if I'm looking to target based on selects D&B doesn't compile or if the campaign requires a respondent list to achieve results.

    There is a lot more to a localized vertical B to B strategy than picking a bunch of yellow pages categories you expect will be hungry for your services.

    In fact, targeting just a few business categories, or even only one at a time, will get you profitable much faster. Many of the reasons should be obvious but there are 2 big ones.

    1st - Small business owners prefer to work with consultants who are insiders to their industry. You are not selling your excellent SEO skills, etc. to the businesses; you're selling those businesses to prospects in their market. So if you want some of the big bucks general dentists will pay, you need to be able to discuss the conversion ratios of their treatment plans, their share of wallet, share of household, lifetime value of patients, and so on. Any sales oriented industry such as car dealerships will expect you to know the basics of hard-core in-person selling.

    2nd - It's easier to talk like a dentist if you were just grilled by 5 in a row. And it's much easier to close the deal with a dentist if you just closed one before lunch. (Dentist is an example but if you're going after them be sure to subscribe to Dental Economics Magazine). These businesses may compete with each other but they also talk amongst themselves and once you become the expert in a specific vertical they will refer each other to you.

    Now, if you're obsessed with getting a list of business categories speak up and I'll post the entire SIC tree here or link to a download or something. If you don't want to wait just Google "list of SIC codes". That's Standard Industrial Classification codes if you're new to this topic. In fact, here's the link to the official list from the Dept. of Finance - SIC Codes -

    I've been a direct response consultant and list broker since the early 90's and I really enjoy the game. But you have to realize it's an art form that's been evolving since the 1950's and there's more to learn in one sub-section of it than the entirety of Internet Marketing. Especially since all the latest "discoveries" in online copywriting, conversion, list building, etc. have been around a long time in the original direct marketing world.

    You should know about PostcardMania and StockLayouts or similar resources. Walk into a business with a mailing list of every affluent homeowner in a 5 mile radius of their location and a turn-key direct mail campaign ready to go and you'll own all those other "offline" experts.

    If you're interested in a custom list count for any target I can respond to a few requests so let me know.

    To close, quit calling them OFFLINE businesses. The owners and their operations are connected just like everybody and are as reliant on the fabric of the Internet as you are - probably more so.

    One more thought to share, the local biz approach is much like an online strategy. All the information you need to make it big are available free. If you can't figure most of it out on your own you should do something other than marketing for a living. All you need is to figure out a few of the right questions and you're on the way!
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  • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
    Awesome contributions from some awesome warriors in this thread!

    Chris, thank you for mentioning the "sic codes thing", as that reminds me of another issue I am investigating.

    I just don't want "new" offliners to come in here and get overwhelmed with business category options, and end up getting nowhere lol (I know, I was there). So my only advice to add to this great thread would be: TARGET THE BIG FISH out of these categories: lawyers, massage therapists, etc. It is often the same amount of work, but a much bigger reward. This is something I am just now REALLY focusing on in my own business. Otherwise, you may as well work a 9-5 and/or just stick to adsense/amazon and general IM.

    - Jim
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    I agree with Jacer.

    The best thing to do is just call all of them and get a mixture, unless you have a specific niche...

    Get a commercial list that focuses on a target type of prospect such as 5-2mil per year 5-10 employees or less sort of thing depending on the biz you are in...

    You can laser target your prospects with a good list almost as well as a natural search ranking,and when you compare ratios its actually alot better using telemarketing.

    Example:

    In telemarketing as compared to IM

    Dials = Impressions
    Pitches = Clicks
    Sales = CTS Ratio

    In telemarketing the formula is invariably about like this using internet terms:

    700 Impressions = 180 Clicks = 3-5 sales.

    So the ratios are much better.

    Now if it takes you 8 hours and costs 100 dollars to get that $700 impressions via a telemarketer , then I would say its a much better deal than pay per click with a much higher ROI.

    Scaling out is just a matter of putting on another TM.

    Just my two cents.
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  • Profile picture of the author pcloadletter
    This is not specific, but an independent professional that has to compete against alarge national company. For example, an independent financial advisor is going to have to compete against Morgan Stanley, Charles Schwab, AXA, etc. Focus on his business and get him at the top of the local listings.
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    • It looks like the SIC categories were already listed above as well as some insightful comments. Following is a copy of a message I sent recently in response to a question about list databases and the information they contain:

      The main types of lists are: Compiled, Subscribers, Respondents, and Buyers. Hybrid lists are variations of these. In the past compiled lists were much less valuable than the others but with modern database technologies it's possible to infer a great deal of information accurately.

      Here's some of the popular databases available along with a brief description:

      AccuData Res/Occ Powered by Compact
      Use the AccuData Res/Occ file to reach almost 100% of all consumer and/or business addresses in the United States. This file is optimized for postal discounts when mailed standard class. The AccuData Res/Occ file is updated monthly and is sourced from the United States Postal Service.

      Valassis Residential and Business Occupants
      Use the Valassis file to reach almost 100% of all consumer and/or business addresses in the United States. This file is optimized for postal discounts when mailed standard class. The Valassis file is updated monthly and is sourced from the United States Postal Service.

      Valassis Bullseye View
      Use the Valassis Bullseye file to reach almost 100% of all consumer and/or business addresses in the United States with the added benefit of census-based demographic and lifestyle elements. The Valassis Bullseye file is updated monthly and is sourced from the United States Postal Service.

      Equifax Consumer
      Use the Equifax Consumer file to reach individuals at their home address. The Equifax Consumer file is updated every six weeks and is compiled from 31 different sources including automotive data, census statistics, directories, questionnaire data, and more. Unique elements on the Equifax Consumer file include the AccuScore Zip+4 Profit Potential model and networth. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Epsilon
      Use the Epsilon Consumer file to reach individuals at their home address. The Epsilon Consumer file is updated monthly and is primarily compiled from consumer survey responses. Unique elements on the Epsilon Consumer file include donor/social concerns, hobbies, investments, trade lines, and more. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Knowledgebase
      Use the KnowledgeBase file to reach individuals at their home address. The KnowledgeBase file is updated every other month and is compiled from dozens of sources that include purchase transactions, state license files, survey data, voter registration data, and more. Unique elements on the KnowledgeBase file include occupation codes, Digital Neighborhoods, hobbies and interests. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records

      Acxiom Consumer
      Use the Acxiom Consumer file to reach individuals at their home address. The Acxiom Consumer file is updated every eight weeks and is compiled from over 100 different sources that include transactional data, real property data, public records, and more. Unique elements on the Acxiom Consumer file include automotive data, buying activities, interests, and the Personicx segmentation system. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Acxiom Real Property File
      Use the Acxiom Real Property Advantage file to reach verified homeowners at their mailing address. The Acxiom Real Property Advantage file is updated every eight weeks and is compiled from numerous sources that include county assessor data, county recorder data, and attributes from the Acxiom consumer file. Unique elements on the Acxiom Real Property Advantage file include lender name, loan information, and property characteristics. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Acxiom PreMover
      Use the Acxiom PreMover file to identify homes that for sale. The Acxiom PreMover file is updated monthly and is compiled from real estate-focused websites. Unique elements on the Acxiom PreMover file include listing price, number of bedrooms, and number of bathrooms. Please note that not all records will include the name of the homeowner. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Acxiom New Borrowers Hotline
      Use the Acxiom New Borrower file to reach who individuals who have refinanced their home or received an equity line of credit in the last six months. The Acxiom New Borrower file is updated weekly and is compiled from deed recordings. Unique elements on the Acxiom New Borrower file include home market value, loan type, and loan to value. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Acxiom New Homeowners
      Use the Acxiom New Homeowner file to reach who have purchased a home in the last six months. The Acxiom New Homeowner file is updated weekly and is compiled from deed recordings. Unique elements on the Acxiom New Homeowner file include home market value, loan type, and loan to value. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      Acxiom New Movers
      Use the Acxiom New Mover file to reach individuals who have moved to a new residence in the last six months. The Acxiom New Mover file is updated weekly and is compiled from deed recordings, new phone hook-ups, credit card updates, and more. Unique elements on the Acxiom New Mover file include owner gender, and trust flag. This file requires a minimum purchase of 100 records.

      HomeData New Homeowners
      Use the HomeData file to reach individuals who have purchased a home in the last twelve months. The HomeData file is updated weekly and is compiled from deed recordings. Unique elements on the HomeData file include Hispanic ethnicity, lender names, and purchase price.

      The base retail price of the Acxiom Consumer database is $120 per 1000 plus $10 - $30 per 1000 for each additional selection criteria.

      I ran a count against this database for a client targeting US women between the ages of 30 and 55, with a net worth above $2,000,000 and it returned a total of 1,368,265 records.

      Here's all the selection criteria available in that file:

      Address Type Indicator
      Age - Adult Age (2 Yr Bands)
      Age - Adult Age Ranges in HH
      Age - Head of HH
      Age - Head Of HH - Complete
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Compact
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Coupe
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Cross Over
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Domestic Sedan
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Exotic
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Foreign Sedan
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Luxury Cross Over
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Luxury Sedan
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Luxury SUV
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - Pickup Truck
      Auto - Vehicle Propensity - SUV
      Auto - Vehicle Value Investment Index
      Available Home Equity
      Available Home Equity (RPA)
      Business Owner
      Business Owners at Home
      Buying Activity
      Buying Activity - Catalogs - # of Orders Low-Scale
      Buying Activity - Catalogs - # of Orders Mid-Scale
      Buying Activity - Catalogs - # of Orders Upscale
      Buying Activity - Community Involvement - Supported Financially
      Buying Activity - Offline - Average $ Amount per Order
      Buying Activity - Offline - Dollars
      Buying Activity - Offline - Last Order Date
      Buying Activity - Offline - Orders
      Buying Activity - Offline - Weeks Since Last Order
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - $100-$249.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - $1000+ Range
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - $250-$499.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - $50-$99.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - $500-$999.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Offline Orders - Under $50 Range
      Buying Activity - Online - Average $ Amount per Order
      Buying Activity - Online - Dollars
      Buying Activity - Online - Last Order Date
      Buying Activity - Online - Order
      Buying Activity - Online - Weeks Since Last Order
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - $100-$249.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - $1000+ Range
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - $250-$499.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - $50-$99.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - $500-$999.99 Range
      Buying Activity - Online Orders - Under $50 Range
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Apr (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Aug (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Dec (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Feb (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Jan (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Jul (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Jun (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Mar (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in May (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Nov (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Oct (Range)
      Buying Activity - Purchases in Sep (Range)
      Buying Activity - Retail Purchases Most Frequent Category
      Buying Activity - Weeks Since Last Order
      Census Median Home Value (Thousands)
      Census Median Income (Thousands)
      Child - Present - Complete
      Child - Present - Indicator - Complete
      Child Age
      Children - Probable Teen Driver
      Claritas Income Producing Assets
      Community Reinvestment Act Code
      Consumer Prominence Indicator
      Credit Card - Premium
      Credit Card - Regular
      Credit Card Indicator
      Credit Card Users
      Date of Birth
      Date of Birth (Month Only)
      Delivery Point Drop Indicator
      DOB (Select Year only)
      Dominant Vehicle Lifestyle Indicator
      DSF Delivery Score
      Dwelling Unit Size
      Economic Stability Indicator (RITAA)
      Education of Selected Record
      E-mail/Internet Prospect Flag
      Estimated Income
      Estimated Income - Complete
      Estimated Income - Higher Ranges
      Estimated Income - Narrow Ranges
      Ethnicity - African American Professionals
      Ethnicity - Country of Origin-ET
      Ethnicity - Ethnic Code-ET
      Ethnicity - Group Code
      Ethnicity - Hispanic Assimilation Index
      Ethnicity - Language Preference Code-ET
      Ethnicity - Religious Affiliation Code-ET
      Ethnicity - Roll-Up Code-ET
      Expiration Date 1 (Loan Month)
      Expiration Date 2 (Purchase Month)
      File Date
      Financial - Charitable Giving Rank
      Financial - Discretionary Income Index
      Financial - Life Insurance
      Gender (Individual)
      Generations in Household
      Green Living
      Head HH Education
      Head of HH Only
      Head of Household Occupation
      Health
      Heavy Transactor
      Home Market Value
      Home Purchase Date (RPA)
      Home Value - Market Range up to $1mm+
      Homeowner/Renter
      Homeowner/Renter - Complete
      Homeowner/Renter Flag
      Household size
      Household Status Indicator
      Income - Broad Range
      Income - Premium Income Range
      InfoBase Investor Model - Highly Likely Investors
      InfoBase Investor Model - Likely Investors
      InfoBase Networth Indicator
      InfoTrend Cellular User Model
      InfoTrend International Long Distance User Model
      InfoTrend Internet User Model
      InfoTrend Long Distance User Model
      InfoTrend Optional Calling Services User Model
      InfoTrends - PC Operating System
      InfoTrends - PC Owner
      InfoTrends - Software Buyer
      Interests
      Internet Connection Type
      Investments - Active
      Length of Residence
      Life Event - Child Nearing High School Graduation
      Life Event - College Graduate
      Life Event - Expectant Parent
      Life Event - New Parent
      Life Event - Newlyweds
      Life Event - Recent Divorced
      Life Event - Recent Home Buyer
      Life Event - Recent Mortgage Borrower
      Life Event - Vehicle - Intend To Purchase
      Life Insurance Policy Owner
      Loan Date 1st
      Mail Order Buyer
      Mail Order Donor
      Mail Responders
      Marital Status
      Marital Status - Complete
      Market Decile
      Market Value Model Indicator
      Neilsen Codes
      Networth
      New Bank Card Issued
      New Record to File
      Number of Address Lines Present
      Number of Adults
      Number of Credit Lines
      Number of Sources - Demographic Data
      Number of Sources - Name and Address
      Number of Vehicles
      Occupation Detail - Input Individual
      Occupation of Selected Record
      One Per/All Per Household or Address (1)
      Online Purchase Indicator
      Only Records with Zip+4 (1)
      P$ycle NE
      PC DSL/High Speed User
      Personicx Hispanic
      Personicx Hispanic Indicator
      Personicx Life Stage Clusters
      Personicx Lifestage Group
      Phone Available
      Prem New Car Buyer
      Prem Number of Children
      Prem Retail Activity - Date of Last Activity
      Prem Senior Adult
      Prem Young Adult
      Premium Child Ages - 1 year range
      Presence of Bank Card
      Presence of Children
      Presence of Pool
      Prizm NE
      Property - Estimated Residential Properties Owned
      Property - Vacation Property Ownership Rank
      Range of New Credit
      Real Property Detail (Specific Property Type)
      Real Property Loan Amount Range 1st
      Real Property Loan-To-Value Range
      Real Property Property Type
      Real Property Purchase Amount
      Real Property Real Estate Investor
      Real Property Year Built
      Real Property Year Built Ranges
      Retail Purchases
      Single Parent
      Small Office - Home Office
      Travel
      Travel - Vacation Type - Casino
      Travel - Vacation Type - Cruise
      Truck/Motorcycle/RV Owner
      Underbanked / Cash Transactor
      Vehicle - New/Used Indicator - 1st Vehicle
      Vehicle - New/Used Indicator - 2nd Vehicle
      Vehicle Year (1st Vehicle)
      Veteran in Household
      Wireless Product Buyer
      Working Woman Indicator
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  • To clarify, what I just posted contains an example of the type of targeted lists I provide to my business clients. A good list of businesses in a specific industry can be put together free by simply scraping a yellow pages website with software.

    But if you're doing marketing for local companies then I recommend setting yourself up as a list broker and direct mail agency as well. You'll provide better solutions, make more money from your clients and get more clients out of those you approach by offering a service for those that aren't ready to do anything online.

    For self promotion you can also leverage your ability to run unlimited searches on these databases. The statistical information you get from a creative list count can be used to issue "market analysis" press releases. The local media loves this type of info so they'll gladly run it. And business leaders like to read this kind of news. It makes you an expert and when they see how precisely you can target prospects they'll pick up the phone and call. When they initiate the conversation your closing ratio skyrockets.
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  • Profile picture of the author deezine
    You can also use the resource database at the local library can't remember the name. It has some good information about the size of the business, annual revenues, and such. However, for smaller businesses, I have found that information is not as up to date as for the larger businesses.
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  • Profile picture of the author toprahman
    does anybody who does cold calling have a particular referrence point of how they develop the scripts? I am working on a sales script for a SEO company. thanks
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  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    Telemarketing Vs. IM ROI

    If you get a commercial list that focuses on a target type of prospect such as 500k-2mil per year/5-10 employees or less sort of thing depending on the biz you are in...you can laser target your prospects with almost as much precision as a natural search ranking, and when you compare ratios ROI is actually alot better using telemarketing than PPC.

    Check out the real life stats here in this metaphorical formula I came up with.

    Example:

    In telemarketing as compared to IM

    Dials = Impressions
    Pitches = Clicks
    Sales = CTS Ratio

    In "Telemarketing" the formula is invariably about like this using internet terms:

    700 Impressions = 180 Clicks = 3-5 sales. (at least)

    In "IM" its more like this:
    700 Impressions = 30 clicks = 0-1 sale. (at best)

    So the ratios are much better in telemarketing. Plus you can control the amount of impressions and increase it at will.

    About ROI:

    If it takes you 8 hours and costs $100 (for a tm) to get that 700 impressions in a day, via a telemarketer , then I would say its a much better deal than pay per click with a much higher ROI.

    In terms of scalability, you have complete control.

    Scaling out is just a matter of putting on another TM.

    Just food for thought...
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  • Profile picture of the author thesweetspot
    I really love this list. Thanks everyone for the ideas.
    Signature
    Drop Shipping Success
    How I Went From A Simple Idea To Processing Over $1,000 Dollars PER CUSTOMER!!!!!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Yvonne L-M
    Just what I was looking for thanks.
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    • I don't recommend emailing local businesses unless you can find a partner with an existing house list that will send a solo out for you. Sending bulk emails cold is "unsolicited", in other words, spam.

      Telemarketing can be an excellent approach. The best telemarketing vendor I've found is a local company that has contracts to call businesses and sell advertising in the state police association magazine, fish and game warden magazine, sponsorships for the shriner's circus, etc. These salespeople are trained to get decision makers on the phone and close them. And they really seem to enjoy my projects because it's a change of pace.

      If you're just starting in local SEO services I suggest doing your first deal with a business you know like your dentist, chiropractor, day spa, or favorite pizza place. Take part of your fee in trade and it's easy to get a client.

      The main thing is to quickly see what it's like to send an invoice 2 or 3 months out when the results you've achieved may be different than the expectations of your customer. I can only speak for myself and a few others I know, but you should know, when we actually close a deal where we walk away with a fat check, the next thing we do is spend a good chunk of that money on campaigns we know will drive some fast traffic. I tell prospects about this strategy from the beginning. Others choose to keep everything a mystery. I can't say either approach is better but full disclosure has always served me well.

      BTW, I got burned out doing ongoing SEO contracts. There's no way to guarantee success and it's uncomfortable when you can't rank for a client no matter how hard you work. Paid traffic gigs are easier to close and I know I can dominate. I pitch SEO after we sign a deal. My SEO compensation is 100% performance based so there's basically no risk on either side. Of course, a well funded PPC campaign works as a secret weapon for the organic side. Deals structured this way produce happier clients and make me more money over a longer period of time.

      One last thing. If you like the idea of going after the local market but don't want the commitment of ongoing contracts, I'm perfecting an approach of building websites for vertical markets where the clients are excited about the functionality instead of search rankings. These sites are built using free or very low cost plugins with a few minor enhancements. I can build one in 2 days then sell it for a couple thousand dollars. After that the site can be cloned and themed for a new customer in a few hours (but the price stays the same).

      I'm combining this site building strategy with my direct marketing experience and some VoIP technology to target businesses across an entire region while appearing to be locally based in each market. I'm setting up a private membership site to collaborate with others interested in this strategy. Info will be shared that you won't find anywhere else. Send me a PM if you're interested.
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  • Check this out. For those of you still looking for access to real marketing lists - now you can go build your own targeted results from some of the best information available.

    You'll get the most databases available through any source along with all the advanced features and functionality of the best online count and order system. This is what a lot of big time list brokers use.

    This has been one of my closely guarded resources for years. I planned to disclose it in a paid offer that included training on how to use it to make at least $1000 in 48 hours or less but I just don't have the time right now.

    I was sure somebody would have shared this already but I searched and couldn't find any posts mentioning it.

    The company is AccuData. The site where you want to go and create a free account is their list portal at http://www.acculeads.com.

    Explore the site and you quickly see the power of the data and tools at your fingertips. Instructions are embedded in the interface. If you want insider secrets on becoming a list broker, message me and I'll send a link to a private post I'm writing on my blog.
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    • I'm sharing the info in my next few posts due to the recent actions of some individuals currently selling yet another "offline marketing" course which is based on obviously limited business experience.

      Your local lead generation clients need a CRM solution - not an autoresponder!
      Setup a free Zoho CRM account for them CRM Software, Customer Relationship Management - Zoho CRM. Then generate a web-to-lead form to put on their site. Do your homework and the difference should be obvious. If it isn't, educate yourself on the reality of building a sales organization rather than a big opt-in list.
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      • A lot of local prospects still prefer to pick up the phone, especially when they have an urgent need. Since you wouldn't run an online campaign without a great tracking solution, don't generate phone calls for your clients but leave them clueless about the value they're getting from it.

        There's a lot of options for call tracking, however, the service to beat is provided by Ifbyphone | Cloud Telephony - Automate Your Phone Calls. Click on the partners link and you'll not only be a hero to your clients, you'll earn good reseller income and benefit from call statistics in your own business.
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        • Build a local business directory website now if you haven't already.

          My preference is the phpMyDirectory - Web Portal, Business Directory, Classifieds, Link Indexing script.

          Leverage the principals of Network Theory. Include a large enough percentage of the businesses in your area and you'll hit the tipping point where it becomes more valuable for businesses to add their listing than not.

          You should give every company a free listing then offer enhanced features at reasonable prices. Pay an intern to load up a bunch of initial entires then issue a press release notifying businesses they can add themselves for free.

          As the site fills with user generated content your page rank will rise and you'll have a steady stream of new leads to call.
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          • Instantly generate a geo-targeted website with landing pages for every business category in your market. Or take it to the level I have and build it out for the entire country. (Then cash out 30 days later for $10k if you get an offer from left field the way I did)

            Go grab a ZIP code database from ZIP Code Postal Code Area Codes Database Subscription and Solution Services | ZIPCodeWorld.com. Then download WebMerge at 4W WebMerge - Publish Your FileMaker, Access, or Other Database on the Web and go crazy.
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            • Cash in on the real estate market regardless of the economy. Take a peek at Single Property Websites & Real Estate Marketing: SinglePropertySitesâ„¢. Think creatively for a few minutes and your head should fill with ideas on how you can replicate that model with a few extras thrown and have customers lined up around the corner.

              As you come across real estate professionals looking for a total solution, don't give in to the temptation to stuff them into WordPress. Tap the power of Open-Realty® 3.0. There's even an installer for it in Fantastico, although you shouldn't install anything with Fantistico other than test sites. Gurus that teach you to use Fantastico are showing their lack of real technical knowledge. The same goes for anybody recommending HostGator for your sites or GoDaddy for domains. If you're not sure why I say this let me know. It's not just a matter of opinion.
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              • Profile picture of the author Ron Kennedy
                Originally Posted by Christopher Hansen View Post


                As you come across real estate professionals looking for a total solution, don't give in to the temptation to stuff them into WordPress. Tap the power of Open-Realty® 3.0. There's even an installer for it in Fantastico, although you shouldn't install anything with Fantistico other than test sites. Gurus that teach you to use Fantastico are showing their lack of real technical knowledge. The same goes for anybody recommending HostGator for your sites or GoDaddy for domains. If you're not sure why I say this let me know. It's not just a matter of opinion.
                Ok then, I'll bite...

                Why shouldn't you install using fantastico?

                Great thread btw
                Signature


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              • Profile picture of the author rushindo
                Originally Posted by Christopher Hansen View Post

                Gurus that teach you to use Fantastico are showing their lack of real technical knowledge. The same goes for anybody recommending HostGator for your sites or GoDaddy for domains. If you're not sure why I say this let me know. It's not just a matter of opinion.
                What's wrong with HostGator?
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        • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
          When you're looking at the types of businesses to contact also think through your own experience in the past.

          If you've worked a job or had a business in an industry or if you have friends with businesses in an industry you may have insights that could be valuable to those particular kinds of businesses.

          Sometimes using the marketing ideas from one industry in another industry can be explosively successful.

          So given the huge difference in the experiences people have and the random nature of which actual business owners they might talk to and what state of mind they might be in you never really know what kind of business you might get lucky with.

          It's important to jump on opportunities as they come and really run with any good chances you get.

          Kindest regards,
          Andrew Cavanagh
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        • Profile picture of the author gforces
          Definitely some 'meat' in this thread. As one mentioned the offline, direct marketing sector has been in action really since the postal service and phones and faxes have been in operation. It's a huge market for sure but there are a lot of good teachers out there as well... and on this forum by the looks. It just takes more capital and time than working things on the internet...but these days, with everyone one wanting the quick buck for no or little effort, this maybe the way of the future!!
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        • Profile picture of the author raysonsmith
          Thanks friend for providing contact for offline business.
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        • Profile picture of the author Tim Hoogasian
          Too many internet marketers trying to tap into "offline gold" forget to think like marketers. Remember: Ready, Aim, Fire... Not Ready, Fire, Aim!

          Service businesses will benefit much more than product businesses. Especially, service businesses that will tap into frequent-repeat customers and/or "need it fixed NOW" segments.

          A very short list of business types I like:
          Hair / beauty salons
          Day spas
          Chiropractors
          Massage therapists
          DUI and Criminal defense attorneys
          Emergency plumbers
          Pest exterminators
          (I do hope that DUI and Criminal attorneys won't have 'frequent client' clubs....)

          Marketing starts with understanding which market(s) you want to reach, *why*, and what your true differentiator is for them. "Local-area businesses" is not a "market". Specific segment types are markets.

          Consider why particular business segments attractive... but, think about it from a pragmatic marketing perspective. Do those segments tap hungry, repeat buyer segments? Do their customers use search engines to find a service they need right now? Do those business prospects have multiple cross-sell and upsell options? Do they typically generate multipe six-figure annual sales? What sort of annual advertising budget do they spend? (As a proxy to figure that, you can take a percentage from their annual sales, and also figure that if they're spending money on big / color ads with Yellow Pages, TV, Radio, and Billboards they have money to make it worth going after them as a paying client... not a charity case.)

          If they only have a basic free entry in the Yellow Pages and aren't spending money to advertise elsewhere, much less have a website, or they're on blogger.com, what makes you think they'll see value to spend money on your services?
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        • Profile picture of the author Vincent1988
          Thanks for sharing
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  • So you know, I'm not attempting to hijack this thread, it's simply that someone I care about got screwed by paying big money for crappy info published by losers who have no idea how much they don't know.

    Stay tuned. After I get some sleep I'll drop the details of some really cool strategies.
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  • Profile picture of the author Fernando Veloso
    Chris, you're giving away everything here.

    But yeah, hopefully people will understand what you're saying between the lines: there is A LOT of stuff we can do to get into biz owners office with a big smile and a "welcome" word!
    Signature
    People make good money selling to the rich. But the rich got rich selling to the masses.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jimian
    While all the lists are potential prospects, you want to avoid the time wasters...

    Pick businesses that are typically run by the owners -- whereby they pick up the phone themselves so that you reach the decision maker immediately.

    It's a major shortcut.

    Florists, massage therapists ....it may be less money BUT it's a starting place to gain confidence.
    Signature

    OFFLINE Marketing Strategies For The OFFLINE Warrior
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    • Profile picture of the author Deidra Renee
      Originally Posted by Jimian View Post

      While all the lists are potential prospects, you want to avoid the time wasters...

      Pick businesses that are typically run by the owners -- whereby they pick up the phone themselves so that you reach the decision maker immediately.

      It's a major shortcut.

      Florists, massage therapists ....it may be less money BUT it's a starting place to gain confidence.
      I agree..especially for newbies. That's why I asked about those high income clients and how hard is it to actually get them on the phone. I wouldn't recommend that for newbies starting out, but of course later on and with a GREAT telemarketer it's worth doing, but trying to get past a gatekeeper can discourage a newbie very quickly. Trust me, I hate talking to gatekeepers!!! lol
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  • Profile picture of the author jrod014
    Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone said this.

    Gun Shops

    I'm a gun owner and everytime I go to the range someone is buying the new accessory, optic, or ammo for their weapon.

    You cant sell ammo online in 2011 But you can offer to create a website that handle range reservations, accessory sales, target sales and a forum for community interaction.

    I apologize in advance if someone said gun shops/ shooting ranges but I didn't see it if it was listed.

    What do you guys think, would you approach a gun shop/range? lol
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    • This is a great suggestion by jrod. I rented a booth at a local gun show a few months ago. It cost me $75 for 2 days on a weekend. About 4000 people walked through and I picked up 2 new clients out of the other exhibitors.

      As a gun nut this is perfect for me. I make money hanging around with great people and looking at a bunch of cool firearms.

      I'm doing a knife show next month. The promoter is giving me a free booth in exchange for optimizing some images for his website.

      These craftsmen hand build knives costing $5000 +. They don't need to convert much web traffic to get a huge return on my fees. (I drive traffic using good lists and postcard mailings. Cost per thousand is higher but the response smokes online buys. Plus they can use the postcards at shows, in their shops, etc.)

      Originally Posted by jrod014 View Post

      Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone said this.

      Gun Shops

      I'm a gun owner and everytime I go to the range someone is buying the new accessory, optic, or ammo for their weapon.

      You cant sell ammo online in 2011 But you can offer to create a website that handle range reservations, accessory sales, target sales and a forum for community interaction.

      I apologize in advance if someone said gun shops/ shooting ranges but I didn't see it if it was listed.

      What do you guys think, would you approach a gun shop/range? lol
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  • Profile picture of the author marklucas8
    I buy business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amir Luis
    I have a girl starting tomorrow... she knows that until she proves herself, I told her she couldn't use my autodialer or my lead list....

    She is going to go straight to Google... then type in the words.. "under construction MY CITY"

    then pitch webdesign to all the results that come up in the search query...

    Pretty tenacious if you ask me...

    I told her to go to Manta.com when she finds out the company name and look up the owners name there. That way she will have someone to ask for.

    Genius... talk about a targeted list.

    Is that not a brilliant idea...
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  • Profile picture of the author vision1
    Thanks for contributing your business list with us.
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  • Profile picture of the author deus ex
    Google places and the yellow pages are the greatest of all lead lists in my opinion
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  • Profile picture of the author GrayGandalf
    Guys, I can't thank you enough for sharing
    This is an awesome thread
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    If you liked my post - thank me ;)

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  • If your just starting out, i still believe the yellow pages are your best resource. Businesses are spending ridiculous amounts of money on yellow page ads....who uses those anymore? They advertise there because they don't know any different. Dentist, dentist, dentist...they spend thousands on advertising and have the money to do so. And from a dental client of my own, he stated it's almost not about getting customers from the web, but being able to show their fellow piers that there on page one of google. It's a competition for them and mainly about their ego's.
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  • Profile picture of the author alfredmanor12
    It is matter of personal choice and differs from personal to personal. Not every practices such practices.* Gathering information about potential and prospective clients is essential.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mufasa
    Keep up the good info folks. New guy here, eves dropping and trying to soak it all in.
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  • Profile picture of the author brenmk
    thanks for the many suggestions for offline marketing, hotels and grocery stores often have buliten boards to where you can put information on about your business.
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulKlein
    One of my best strategies has been to build relationships with business owners long before I hit them up for building their base online.

    I realize this isn't always going to be the case for most, but it beats cold calling. I worked around many of the business owners I know, or have been associated with them through other means, local clubs, etc. So now that I have been growing with my online work, they are finding out I know more about it than they do, and they are willing to pay someone they know, like and trust to handle the SEO, Social Media, and website work for them.
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  • Profile picture of the author samykim
    One way that I've discovered is checking your local newpapers. If they have an ad up, then you know they have the money to advertize. You can check up their website and see how well they're doing in the rankings or if they even have a website.

    From there, it's just contacting them and telling them what you can do to help promote their business.
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  • Profile picture of the author GeeHollings
    Great great thread. Lots of info to start with. Personally I prefer using YP and CPC ads and businesses not on page 1. If you can find businesses that are paying for advertisers in multiple places and not on page 1 they are a very good prospect.
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  • Hey guys great thread... wow so much information!

    Here's my 2C.

    Firstly I only look at businesses that have a high customer value (at least $150-$200 per customer transaction). That way it doesn't take many new customers each month to justify my fees, which is a great negotiating point when meeting with business owners. As such I look for many of the things already listed but particularly cosmetic surgery (botox and laser lipo are excellent).

    Then I use GP Scraper to get an initial set of leads and target people who have a website and whose GP Listing is about page 4 or 5.

    I have tried just about every method of cold calling but what for me has worked by far the best is then contacting these people (either by phone, email or both) and offering to do a free short (about 30 seconds) video for them and get it on page 1 in return for a testimonial. Works great... after all no-one is going to turn down something for free are they!

    Then once you have shown them that you can deliver the sale becomes easy

    Bit of a ramble there guys but hope that helps.

    Best

    Neil
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  • Profile picture of the author newpromarketing
    We are finding great results working with contractors who are bold enough to place 1/2 - full page ads in the yellowpages. What we are doing is sending them a personalized DVD that showcases what are services are, and a special direct mail piece ) that get's open 100% of the time and in the hands of the decision maker.

    I have personally been doing offline marketing for 2 years now, but recently I just hired 3 new sales reps (commission only) and the FIRST WEEK we closed $7K worth of business.
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  • Profile picture of the author jsherloc
    Hi newpro,

    I noticed you mentioned mailing out personalized DVDs to local business owners. Not to hijack this thread, but I'm experimenting with similar stuff and I'm curious to hear a bit more about the actual "content" of the DVD and mailer you're sending out to the businesses with half or full page YP ads.

    - Jim
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  • Profile picture of the author sprks79
    This is a great topic. So many people out there want to start making contacts but dont know how. It is exactly how I started in my offline venture a few years back. I find the businesses in the local area, whether they have no site or a site that isnt converting well. Some of my lists have gotten huge. Takes time and patience to do yourself, or outsource to someone who can do it.
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    PBN site builder. Expired domain scraper. Website Hoster.....Oh, and an amazing guy. :)

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