Questions - Targeting local businesses

P

PrideSS

New member
My plan is to visit a bunch of local businesses and corporate headquarters in my area in hopes to stir up some business.



I have a couples questions for those of you that have done this before, or those that want to offer their opinion.



1. Who did you talk to? (the secretary, HR department, Owner, etc. etc.)



2. What kind of services did you push? (washes, full details, paint correction, etc.)



3. Off topic - Has anyone used a battery powered vacuum before? If so, did you like it? I saw a DeWalt (i think) that used 18v battery packs.
 
#1 - this depends on what kind of cars you want to work on. If you are going after fleet business, company cars, etc., try to get to the facilities manager or fleet manager, if they have one. IF you are going after the executive-level rides, you'd be better off trying to approach the local car clubs (MB, BMW, Ferrari, Porsche) and ask if you could give a 5 minute presentation at one of their meetings.

#2 - again, it depends. For the fleet business, you'll stress washing and interior cleaning and they will expect a very cheap price. For the high-end cars, stress QUALITY and attention to detail. You have to convince the owners that you know more than they do, which isn't often easy.



For either approach, I would recommend having a business plan in place before you knock on the first door. The first question on your potential customer's mind is "why should I use you?"



#3 - Can't help on the vacuum specifically, but I would think any battery version would be a compromise. If you go that way, get extra batteries and a charger!!



Good luck to you!
 
Simpely put you talk to who actually owns and has say so over the cars. Outside of the dealerships I do fleet work for (mainly winter months) I also have a few doctors offices some dentist, And a few of the local realitors. (can't show a house in a dirty car) My approch was I picked up the phone first and called to see interest. The ones that showed interest I showed up on the spot and talked with them. (what type of cars, what the expectations, are etc etc.) Then out of those few that I got the accounts to I've gotten referals to others in the same feild. (word of mouth is highly contageious)



And no idea on the vacuum. Wonder how good it works and how long the charge last?
 
Security!



Also go to gauto and list your business for free. When someone wants your services gauto will book it call you and pay you. All for free,they do take a percentage. Also check out skillyou.com , craigslist, localads.com. These are all free!
 
Ask directly for the Owner, and be persistent. You could also buy of list of local business and mail a nice post card to them.
 
Whatever you decide to do, create a list of benefits that you can talk about to the businesses. You will increase employee moral, allow them to wrk and make money while you save them the headache of washing their cars, etc... Just a suggestion.
 
There is an organization around us called Smart Circle. They put together a nice glossy color coupon sheet on heavy stock paper that they promote and sell to people at local businesses, hospitals, office complexes, etc. It costs nothing for you, just the discounts you give out. They charge $29.95 per sheet to the people at the local businesses, thats how it works out for them. I found them because I bought a sheet that they produced advertising a local pizzeria that I frequent. It is a good value for thge customer and a pain free way (no leg work!) to get your name out. See if they, or something similar, are in your area.
 
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