General Tips for generating new business?

[WoodsWorking]

Hello,
I'm curious as to any tips people have with regards to generating new business - outside of advertising. I am always looking for tips. To pose a question with a question, if you are in a mid-size city (or any sized city for that matter), what do you do to drum up business, outside of advertising? I'm referring to monument signs, wall signs, etc.

I've gone to the plan centers and networking events and in my experience found them to have limited benefit. I know they do work and are a valuable tool for many people. I've kicked around the idea of driving around town, targeting dilapidated signs and drawing up a new design and proposal. I don't mind putting in the work but that scenario seems full of potential for wasted efforts.

Just looking for any ideas...there are lots of smart people out there and I'm always willing to learn from their experience and knowledge.

Thanks!

 

[Gino]

Welcome from PA..............................

 

[rturner381]

HEY! from not so hotLANTA

 

[the graphics co]

cold calling works, just have to dedicate your time to it, have thick skin and some resolve.

 

[Kottwitz-Graphics]

Welcome to the forum from Maryland.

I know your area well, as I lived in Harrogate, just across the mountain from you ( now through the tunnel ).

The first step is to get people in your shop, and the best way is to advertise. Cold calling can work as well, but it going to require knocking on a lot of doors. Letter your windows, have a nice sign out front. Inside you will want samples...some real eye candy.

 

[Techman]

set up your online presence.
All seven spots.
Send out targeted post cards several times.
Wait and see. It will start to grow.

 

[Billct2]

driving around town, targeting dilapidated signs and drawing up a new design and proposal.

This, except for the design part. Just have a nice portfolio and proposal ready to fill out if they're interested.

 

[Mosh]

Local bar at happy hour. Find one that construction workers go to. Yeah, that will work.

 

[visual800]

Cold calling rocks! When you see someone has leased a building make it your point to walk in while they are moving in and make it known what you do. I dont just stick cards in doors I always thought that was weak.

also check you local planning and building permits. I use that alot. The best one is checking local commerciql real estate companies website where they like to enter who they leased or sold a building to. That is my number one client getter.

networking and chamber of commerce is nothing more than a elitist circle jerk. Wasted time and fake freinds. Neither one has done anything for me in early years

be creative and think real hard of what clients you want and you can get them.

 

[Gino]

Okay, you've been here a day..... anything shaking, yet ??

Ya know, the first thing you need to address before you try marketing yourself by knocking on doors or going to bars is.... are you any good ?? Think to yourself...... if I land a job/contract, can I do it.... and do it well ?? By the industry's standards, not your own.

This is the biggest stumbling block anyone has.... can they cut it ??

So many people here..... old and new alike, plus all the thousands and thousands of shops across the land and in other countries..... are they any good ?? You might be good at marketing yourself, but do you honestly have a product.... worth selling ?? One must be brutally honest with themselves, in order to move further or they will just fizzle out after a year or two. Some last longer, but are only squeaking by. Then wham-O... they wanna grow because something caught their eye and they face reality straight on.

On your mark........... get ready.......................................................................................... go
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