List of Offline Businesses To Contact

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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
#offline marketing #businesses #contact #list #offline
  • 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
    • [1] reply
    • Hey Scott,

      Actually I haven't worked with any tutors. I am just kind of braindumping a list of business types to contact b/c I was searching for one, didn't find it, and wanted to share my thoughts (not wanting to duplicate something that was done already).

      Sorry for the confusion. Just bought your WSO btw...good stuff!

      Cheers,

      Brad
  • 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
    • [ 7 ] Thanks
    • [4] replies
    • 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
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
    • Where do you purchase that data for Canada?
    • 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.
    • 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.
  • 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.
    • [1] reply
    • 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.
  • 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
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply

    • 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
      • [1] reply
  • 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
    • [ 5 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • 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
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • 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...
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • 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.
  • 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
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies
    • 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
    • Wow Dexx, that is a great tip for Canadian leads, thanks! Kathi
  • 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
  • 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.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • [2] replies
    • 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
    • thanks for the site. any other such site??
  • 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
    • [ 10 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
  • 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
  • Hey Dexx,
    Noticed you live in Alberta and so do I-Calgary.
    Was curious -- where do you live?
    Gigi
    • [1] reply
  • 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!
    • [ 7 ] Thanks
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
    • [1] reply
    • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
    • [2] replies
    • Look up Warrior "Jacer"...he has is all about cold-calling and has a forum about it.

      He posts here regularly so I'm sure him and his forum have plenty of resources.

      Cheers,

      Brad
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    • There are a ton of great free cold calling resources for offline marketers over on The Telemarketing Forum - Index




      .
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  • 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...
  • I really love this list. Thanks everyone for the ideas.
  • 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.
  • 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.
    • [1] reply
    • 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.
      • [ 2 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
    • [1] reply
    • 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
  • 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
    • [1] reply
    • 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.)

      • [ 1 ] Thanks
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  • I buy business contact lists that have that information, the SIC code, business owners contact info etc.
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  • 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...
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Thanks for contributing your business list with us.
  • Google places and the yellow pages are the greatest of all lead lists in my opinion
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  • Guys, I can't thank you enough for sharing
    This is an awesome thread
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Keep up the good info folks. New guy here, eves dropping and trying to soak it all in.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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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