How difficult is it to setup an offline firm?

5 replies
Greetings Warriors,

I have been throwing around the idea of starting up an offline business to target the brick and mortar business in my local area. I am going to offer website design and internet marketing solutions. Are there different strategies involved when doing this?

What is recommended to have on hand before you begin approaching the variety of businesses? I've no issue with cold calling or even making visits to their stores.
#difficult #firm #offline #setup
  • Profile picture of the author jspmedia
    Build portfolio, have a case study to show something to local business...they need to see green..they don't care about seo, map list, etc..
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2826510].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author DaniMc
      It's not too hard. There is a lot to learn but you will find what works for you along the way. There is no one size fits all formula.

      An offline firm relies heavily on your personality type and your willingness to learn from mistakes. Also learning sales techniques will help greatly.

      Figure out what value you can add to a business. Increase their bottom line. They don't care about a great site unless it makes money.

      The simplest thing to do is go talk to business owners. Find out what they like and don't like about their online marketing plan. Those are the things that are important to them. Fix the things they don't like in a way that makes money. Then improve the things they do like in a way that makes money.

      If they don't care one bit about their online presence don't try to convince them. Just move to the next business who understands the value and help them out. If they know you want to help them, they will pay you.

      And honestly, it doesn't take a ton of clients for a one man show to make a good living.
      Signature
      Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2827298].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mikebrooks
    Get a strong 30 second benefit driven elevator pitch together and start networking.

    You can find networking events where they allow multiple people from the same category through your local chamber, business groups and a cool site called meetup dot com.

    I would also find exclusive category groups. These are groups with only one person for each business category. Check out BNI dot com. Look at all the members for each group to see if someone is already representing your category. If not, ask if you can visit the group.
    Signature

    Mike Brooks
    Affiliate/JV Manager for Job Crusher
    IMPartnerPro.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2827361].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Ryan Shaw
    if you have any level of internet marketing experience, you are already an expert and can offer your knowledge for free; then they will want to buy from you

    start out looking to do webdesign work bc its an easy sell; they offer your monthly marketing services for the big profits
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2827434].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author deus ex
    There is a lot - networking through sites like meetup and other sites. Cold calling needs to be optimized, you need to work with your cold calling efforts. You have to work with a lot of areas to sell your services. Be sure your free advice isn't fallen on deaf or cheap ears as well
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[2827500].message }}

Trending Topics