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Wasting My Time Trying to Get Clients in NYC?

by Ehanson
5 replies
This is probably something facing some of the New York warriors. I've been doing some offline marketing (switching to mobile now since most small businesses have websites in this city) and am finding that I may have been wasting months chasing after places in the over saturated market of Manhattan- very competitive.

I'll get interest but they'll check around with other design firms or on CL and know there's at least 10 other guys in this city who can do the job (for cheaper too). Many have just flaked out on me which is frustrating since I can't afford to have my time wasted.

The reason I'm targeting restaurants there is because they probably have more cash on hand or spend more on marketing and advertising than places in the outer boroughs and burbs due to amount of competing restaurants (in some cases next door).

Should I branch out to places outside of the city, I'd rather not spend hours traveling around just for initial meetings with prospects who may or may not become clients. Thoughts? Or Experience with handling urban markets?

It seemed like a good idea when I started prospecting because there are thousands of restaurants in Manhattan but not really sure now..
#clients #nyc #time #wasting
  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    Originally Posted by Ehanson View Post

    I'll get interest but they'll check around with other design firms or on CL and know there's at least 10 other guys in this city who can do the job (for cheaper too).

    If you get them interested enough to check out your competition,

    then YOU HAVE THEM SOLD .... your just not closing the deal.

    Sound like your doing everything right, except for that one critical step
    that changes them from a window shopper to a paying client.

    there are a few threads in here that go into some pretty good detail
    on how to close, and when to go for the money.

    Read them... all. afterwards, if you have specific questions come back here
    and ask them.

    Side Note: NY clients are some of the most loyal ever... if you do something wrong,
    or not how they were expecting they will have a hissy fit and cuss you out.

    However, they will be your client for LIFE. and invite you into their family fold.
    No joke, they will treat you like family and expect you to act accordingly.
    Signature

    Selling Ain't for Sissies!
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    • Profile picture of the author John Durham
      Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

      If you get them interested enough to check out your competition,

      then YOU HAVE THEM SOLD .... your just not closing the deal.

      Sound like your doing everything right, except for that one critical step
      that changes them from a window shopper to a paying client.

      there are a few threads in here that go into some pretty good detail
      on how to close, and when to go for the money.

      Read them... all. afterwards, if you have specific questions come back here
      and ask them.

      Side Note: NY clients are some of the most loyal ever... if you do something wrong,
      or not how they were expecting the will have a hissy fit and cuss you out.

      However, they will be your client for LIFE. and invite you into their family fold.
      No joke, they will treat you like family and expect you to act accordingly.
      Ken is right on again. If they have time to shop around then you are not striking while the iron is hot. Always close the deal. Dont forget to close with all your selling... or NOT, but try not to leave things hanging. At least "ask" for the close or make an effort to assume it.

      Always try to close while the iron is hot. I dont know why a person would do otherwise.

      If they arent closing, you either arent talking to real prospects, or your sales process (pitch) isnt taking them through all the necessary stages that lead to a close being the natural conclusion, you you need to build more desire and value in the pitch....they should have days to shop around after you leave, they should be ready to close or not in most cases.

      Ifr you are accepting call baxcks...and maybe's as "real possibilities" then the prob may be you are placing energy and hope into the wrong things and feeling like you have potential looming sales when you dont, which could lead to false confidence and alot of disapointment.

      There is no "be back" bus...8 out of ten times, if you leave their office without at least a $100 comittment...you are never going to hear from them again. They just brushed you opff with a maybe.

      Some will stack up their "maybe's" and feel like they are sitting on a gold mine...its a gold mine of wooden nickels.

      Later they say sales didnt work for them, but really they just werent closing people and they should have changed their approach and quit putting stock in maybe's.

      @ Ken

      I did some work for David Miller Ken, the new yorker....and he pounded me about not being on time.... But today he has invited me into his fold.... and just expects me to act accordingly. lol
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  • Profile picture of the author Bredfan
    Definitely - branch out into NJ, CT and Long Island. You're close enough to meet face to face if need be and there are huge markets all throughout - restaurants and other verticals. No reason to confine yourself to Manhattan....
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    • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
      Originally Posted by Bredfan View Post

      Definitely - branch out into NJ, CT and Long Island. You're close enough to meet face to face if need be and there are huge markets all throughout - restaurants and other verticals. No reason to confine yourself to Manhattan....
      Unless he learns how to close, he will just be wasting his time and gas.
      Signature

      Selling Ain't for Sissies!
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  • Profile picture of the author Muwa
    Ehanson,

    Which part of Manhattan are you in? I'm in UWS. I'd like to talk to you over the phone, we might be able to collaborate on local marketing here in NYC. Will PM you shortly.

    > Wasting My Time Trying to Get Clients in NYC?

    No, you are not wasting your time. Most of them might have websites already, but many of the local biz sites that I checked out are out of the question from a marketing point of view. You can help them make more money.

    Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post


    Side Note: NY clients are some of the most loyal ever... if you do something wrong,
    or not how they were expecting the will have a hissy fit and cuss you out.

    However, they will be your client for LIFE. and invite you into their family fold.
    No joke, they will treat you like family and expect you to act accordingly.
    I think this is sound advice! You don't want to approach them as a web designer nor a salesman, but as a friend.

    You might want to check this thread out.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/offline-...st-3years.html
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