12 replies
Hello Everyone :-)

I have a very serious question that I would like your advice on. I am in a less than ideal situation with my kids right now after having our rental home sold out from under us. We are currently living in two hotel rooms and I am in a city that has a lot of small businesses in it.

I had the idea of approaching these businesses and offering to set up and maintain Facebook pages for them, but I am a little unsure of how to approach them, what to charge, etc. Several that I have checked do NOT have Facebook presences, and a couple have fanpages, but they have not been maintained at all.

I am needing immediate income to keep us going/the kids fed/ and hopefully get back into a home. I have free internet and skills in setting up basic websites, Facebook pages, and Twitter accounts. I have also done content creation for various people for their clients' websites, etc.

I refuse to give up and I really value your opinions and would like to know if you have any advice for me regarding this idea. I felt like it was something I could do from anywhere but just needed some advice with getting it started.

Thank you in advance. I hope it was okay to post this.
#advice #needed
  • Profile picture of the author Jarrod
    In all honesty, given the situation you are in you're best bet would be to go to your friends and family, let them know the predicament you are in, and that you are not afraid to do any work that they could use help with to make a little extra $. Mowing lawns, cleaning, help moving, etc.

    It's a humbling experience (ask me how I know!) but its the best way to get some immediate cash flow.

    You can try the route you're proposing, but for the sake of your kids I kind of hope you put that one on the back burner for just a bit.

    Very sorry you're having to go through this!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jarrod
    If you doubt me though, then by all means give the route you're proposing a try for a couple days and see how it goes. If you have any eye-opening moments that tells you that might not be the best course of action, then come back and consider what I've said.
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  • Profile picture of the author alishaland
    Hi Jarod. :-) Thank you for your response. I understand what you are saying. Unfortunately I do not have family and friends close by to be able to do this. I am on my own down here. That is why I am looking at other avenues. I'm definitely not above working hard, but the opportunities that you mentioned doing for them are not possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Gordon
    Alisha, it sounds like you are in a tough spot. I like the way you are thinking though.

    From your position, it seems like you should be less concerned about the market value of your skills and more concerned about how much you need to keep your family fed and sheltered.

    Figure that out, then work backwards from there. If you need $50/day, then figure out how much hustling and working you need to do to bring that in. As you get a feel for the market in your area, and if you are capable of maintaining your customer relationships, then you will be in a position of strength to begin raising your prices to whatever the market will bear.

    I would put your skills on craigslist and fiverr as well, you never know where the next client will come from.

    Good luck. You can do this.
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    • Profile picture of the author alishaland
      Jack, thank you, that makes complete sense to me. I will start working on that right away. Do you feel that in person contact or over the phone is best for initially contacting these businesses? I am also putting together something to show them in the way of statistics or proof of the benefits of having a social media presence and how it can benefit them.
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  • Profile picture of the author alishaland
    I was/am needing something I can do that doesn't involve leaving them in the hotel room alone as well for any extended amount of time. My older teens can watch them for short bouts, but I am not comfortable for extended amounts of time.
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  • Profile picture of the author DavidTile
    I suggest looking into the social safety net in your area. You'll be a better worker if you're not worrying about meeting basic needs.

    That being said, if you are looking to make a few bucks running a social media profile -- you should have a sample or personal profile already set up to showcase your social media skills. People will be more comfortable turning over the keys to their car if you can show you're a professional driver.
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  • Profile picture of the author prakhargupta2113
    Hi Alisha,

    I was into social media management and this is what I did. I took screenshots of the page one of the biggest businesses in my city. Then I took the screenshot of the page of the business I wanted to approach. Put them side by side in a nicely designed flyer. Sent it to the business who had a crappy business page. When they saw the flyer and compared both the pictures, they gladly called me to discuss my services.

    Needless to say, the two pictures weren't the only thing in the flyer, it had other info too. But you can try this method.
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh Mayers
    Hey Alisha,

    One tip that has worked for me in closing deals with businesses is looking up competitors of the particular business that you want to close a deal with.

    Explaining to the owner that other stores nearby are getting more customers and traffic because of social media presences. In other words, you have to convey the message to them that if they are not up to date with their social media presences, then they are far behind where they should be.

    Also, you'd have a much better chance of closing deals if you have a website showcasing your work and experience.

    Hope this helps!

    -Josh
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  • I am complete agree with Josh Mayers.
    keep searching ....
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  • Profile picture of the author dgui123451
    My advice to you is to see who can provide thousands of facebook likes for a very low price sometimes even $10 US. er and Google take advantage of freelancing websites like Hire Freelancers & Find Freelance Jobs Online - Freelancer.com . You can find a lot of jobs suited for the skills you have, I must warn you however that as a new freelancer it will take some work to get hired at first.
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