Success and a viable lead building idea!

Hello Warriors!

So guess what happened today?

I had a meeting with two managers who own a company doing directory listings. The main way they have done this so far is through a beautiful bound glossy book which is sent out to around 40,000 homes free in the region every year. It's the best offline directory book I've ever seen actually.

They obviously make their money from getting businesses to have a whole page with great copy, coupon/discount feature, info and a professional photography for their profile picture.

They approached me because they have a website attached, however they've really not focused on it much but want to take the website to the level they have the book, plus have a marketing plan so they both work together.

That's the background.

They basically said there and then they want to work with me. YES!!!!

We're having another meeting in a week or so's time once they've filled in my questionnaire about their budget, goals etc - we'll then talk £/$.

Really as I'm on transition from coach to consultant I'm happy to get them on board for less then I normally would in return for referrals and contacts. This town tends to be very much based on word-of-mouth for the most part so long term that benefits me.

They've also said they'd like to offer me a free listing in their next book at the front of it as part of their team of experts!! So that's a good sign right? 40,000 homes for free - with the word EXPERT next to my cheesy grin. I'll take that and you can keep the change!

Here's the interesting thing.

They have literally 100's of businesses and other contacts which they've said openly they'd like to refer to me. Since some businesses would clearly want more than a page in a book and/or one page on a site. They will actually want the full shabang of a website and personalised marketing.

Can you say cha-ching! Oh yes indeedy you can!

So the bottom line is - if it's not already been discussed on here before. It's good to get in with these local directory owners. Especially since they have people already paying money to advertise in books.

I don't know about where you are but here we get these little local books posted through the door every month/ 6 months and yearly.

You may think to go to each business individually but this may save you the time if you go to the organ grinders so to speak. If you shine for them you will have a great way into these businesses. I guess it's an easier route than getting to the managers of the yellow pages.

Yes, you're mostly dealing with small businesses owners but many don't have websites or any marketing plan! One should never assume they can't afford to have that or have the benefits explained to them.

Potential? Yes I think so.

Ironically a meeting next week is with a woman who's advertised in this book. In fact one of the directory managers today emailed me after their meeting and said 'hey Vanessa, I had a meeting with the lady you are meeting next week - she advertises in our book. Fantastic!'
I knew my ears were burning this afternoon. LOL What's nice is that the manager probably was still hyped from our meeting this morning so he's paved the way for me in a positive way.

So there you go guys and gals - another nugget that may be golden for you.

Get to these local directory managers!

V

P.S The advice on here and also via Dexx and Russ Sells really helped me with this meeting. Thanks for everyone's help and advice.