16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
16 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Next time you're driving on the interstate, get some leads...

by John Williamson
12 replies
WARNING: Use this idea with caution. I am not responsible for you having a wreck using this suggestion.

So I just got back in town from a trip to Charlotte and back, a 4-hour drive I make quite frequently, and thought I'd share what I usually do to pass the time on the interstate.

You've all seen them - the trucks with the magnets or decals on the tailgate with the name and phone number of the business - almost always contractors, plumbers, roofers, heating/air, electricians, and the like.

What I do when I see these is touch the voice memo icon on my smartphone and record a memo for myself with the name of the business. Then when I get home I take all the business names I gathered and check out their online presence. Some usually don't have a website, the ones that do usually could use a redesign, and most could also use some SEO help.

I usually shoot them an email saying "Hey so-and-so, I was driving behind you northbound on I-77 yesterday..." which I feel is a good, casual, almost comical opener, the type of thing you know they probably smile or laugh at when they read it; and certainly not the type of introduction they're used to hearing from other solicitors.

See how many potential prospects you can log on your next trip...


To your success,
John Williamson
#driving #interstate #leads #time
  • Profile picture of the author maxrezn
    Great out of the box idea. It's the grown man's "I spy" game while driving.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6797086].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author zoolstra
    Don't internet market and drive at the same time JK

    Great idea, thanks for the post man.
    Signature
    Biz in a Box | Full Website for $860
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6797103].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    A very interesting way to kill some time on the road and gain some prospects
    Signature
    Digital Booked - Appointment Setting Services for Web Designers
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6797129].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author superplatinum
    This idea is a breath of fresh air! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of the forum!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6797140].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Williamson
      Originally Posted by maxrezn View Post

      Great out of the box idea. It's the grown man's "I spy" game while driving.
      It is! Didn't really think of it that way.

      Originally Posted by zoolstra View Post

      Don't internet market and drive at the same time JK

      Great idea, thanks for the post man.
      You're welcome, thanks.

      Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

      A very interesting way to kill some time on the road and gain some prospects
      Indeed. I find myself actively 'checking out' every car that passes.

      Originally Posted by superplatinum View Post

      This idea is a breath of fresh air! Thanks for sharing it with the rest of the forum!
      Thanks, you're welcome.
      Signature
      The Google Adwords Keyword Tool is hiding your valuable keywords!
      OFFLINERS, Start using this simple technique and these 6 "weapons" today to get more clients and skyrocket your conversions! - FREE, no opt-in.
      Make some money by helping me market this idea.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6799628].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Anthem40
    Good ole regrades. You can do this in town at stop lights as well, with even better results in my experience. Some people I know will hang out at Home Depot or Lowe's to go after contractors etc. The same business owner crowd generally puts up a lot of business cards at local bulletin boards too.
    Signature
    95% of IM'ers have great relationships with clients who also advertise offline and with other people. Stop missing out on that cash and leverage into it. PM me if you are an established marketer and want to find out how.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6801679].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Williamson
      Originally Posted by Anthem40 View Post

      Good ole regrades. You can do this in town at stop lights as well, with even better results in my experience. Some people I know will hang out at Home Depot or Lowe's to go after contractors etc. The same business owner crowd generally puts up a lot of business cards at local bulletin boards too.
      Nice! The Home Depot thing sounds like poaching.
      Signature
      The Google Adwords Keyword Tool is hiding your valuable keywords!
      OFFLINERS, Start using this simple technique and these 6 "weapons" today to get more clients and skyrocket your conversions! - FREE, no opt-in.
      Make some money by helping me market this idea.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6803841].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author luke1213
    I do that all the time but instead of calling right away, I just write down the number and lose it! Just figured everybody did that.

    That's great advice! Don't limit it to only vehicles. Look for yard signs, bus benches, sign spinners, etc. When you go into places of business, look for a cork board where people pin up their business cards.

    Another way to get more prospects is put out a card jar at businesses like restaurants, convenient stores, etc. and raffle away a free dinner to whoever you draw out of the jar. You give away a $50 dollar dinner but walk away with 100's of prospects that will more than likely make you 10x what the dinner cost.

    Just a few suggestions.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6803888].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author kylemarvin
    Great idea! Maybe you could even just snap a pic with your phone that has their car and the road in the area, then extract that info later when researching.
    Signature

    kylemarvin.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6804026].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Williamson
      Originally Posted by luke1213 View Post

      I do that all the time but instead of calling right away, I just write down the number and lose it! Just figured everybody did that.

      That's great advice! Don't limit it to only vehicles. Look for yard signs, bus benches, sign spinners, etc. When you go into places of business, look for a cork board where people pin up their business cards.

      Another way to get more prospects is put out a card jar at businesses like restaurants, convenient stores, etc. and raffle away a free dinner to whoever you draw out of the jar. You give away a $50 dollar dinner but walk away with 100's of prospects that will more than likely make you 10x what the dinner cost.

      Just a few suggestions.
      I don't call right away. And I can't write anything down going 80 on the highway.

      Originally Posted by kylemarvin View Post

      Great idea! Maybe you could even just snap a pic with your phone that has their car and the road in the area, then extract that info later when researching.
      Don't think I could snap a phone pic while driving 80 mph on the highway, but perhaps in the city. Though I'm not sure my phone would take a clear enough picture. Easier for me to just do a voice memo.
      Signature
      The Google Adwords Keyword Tool is hiding your valuable keywords!
      OFFLINERS, Start using this simple technique and these 6 "weapons" today to get more clients and skyrocket your conversions! - FREE, no opt-in.
      Make some money by helping me market this idea.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6804709].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author JohnDavid
    Good stuff. I do the same thing. Reminds me I need to go thru my phone post it notes!

    The corner yard signs are awesome too. It shows that they are wanting to get visibility!

    Anyone that is TRYING to market in a spray and pray way is just waiting for a call from a guy or gal like us!

    Grocery and restaurant bulletin boards are also great! Usually have lots of flyers and biz cards waiting for me!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6805115].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Williamson
      Originally Posted by JohnDavid View Post

      Good stuff. I do the same thing. Reminds me I need to go thru my phone post it notes!

      The corner yard signs are awesome too. It shows that they are wanting to get visibility!

      Anyone that is TRYING to market in a spray and pray way is just waiting for a call from a guy or gal like us!

      Grocery and restaurant bulletin boards are also great! Usually have lots of flyers and biz cards waiting for me!
      Good idea, never thought of it that way.
      Signature
      The Google Adwords Keyword Tool is hiding your valuable keywords!
      OFFLINERS, Start using this simple technique and these 6 "weapons" today to get more clients and skyrocket your conversions! - FREE, no opt-in.
      Make some money by helping me market this idea.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[6807375].message }}

Trending Topics