starting up - client list

[matt.leung]

when starting off, how did you advertise to build up ur client list?

many thanks

 

[The Godfather]

Local advertising, in particular free magazines of the Trader variety are a good choice. Usually distributed every fortnight/monthly.

The Boys

 

[Apache]

You could try to identify a gap in your local market. Offer a discount for OAP's, offer to do little jobs - may lead to more work. That type of thing.

Are you listed on the directory here and on google local? Handing out flyers can be a good plan. Under windscreen wipers in B&Q's carpark?

 

[a1]

I think a lot of the Guys on here started off small. By that I mean, doing it Part Time.

A couple of small jobs here and there, friends, family etc - to build up word of mouth while they were still working (to pay the olde bills etc).

 

[a1]

As our "Patch" says - List your business here. It is TOTALLY FREE!!!.

 

[Andy™]

i started working for myself way before i left other company. waited til i had enough work to justify leaving

 

[Evans Electric]

Matt , are you mainly Domestic or Commercial / industrial ?

If domestic you need to advertise in the areas you hope to work in , may not be where you live. Personally I think fliers and screen wiper jobbies go straight in the bin, sorry guys.

Recomendations are the way to go but yes, you have to start somewhere, I know. This is the first time I have advertised ( Yellow Pages) in 16 years.

So lets see, Cards in shop windows, local political fliers ( doesn't matter if you don't vote for them) Church jumble sale fliers, local Yellows , and perhaps the best, local newspaper , free or otherwise. After a while you name starts to sink in with people , specially when they start to notice your sign written van.

Personally I don't like to see adverts harping on about how cheap you are, cheap as chips, will beat any price etc . Makes you sound desperate, or Del Boy and Rodders are coming to take down the chandeliers !!!

Industrial / commecial is a different thing altogether.

Deke

 

[Andy™]

Industrial / commecial is a different thing altogether.

Deke

so... any advice?

 

[sellers]

so... any advice?

well from my experiences a fair few people who go it alone poach the contract from their former employer. Not very moral, but thats business.

 

[Evans Electric]

so... any advice?

I just knew you would come in with that one !! Blushing

I think advertising to interest Industrial/commercial is very difficult TBH.

Regarding the companies that I,ve looked after for some years, I was recomended by the breakdown electrician , who I ,ve known for years also, he's a top geezer on industrial breakdowns but he doesn't do installations, well hardly ever. Then one firm gives your name to another.

So I do new machines, swop arounds, extra power , office / works lighting, simple breakdowns, moving to new premises etc. Bob the Breakdown does the technical stuff.

If they have been going some time many will have their favourite sparkys, others may be the sort who have about ten quotes for everything.

I've been contacted often by a new customer to quote , then you get the feelling they just want it to check against their regular guy.

Returning to the OP , might be worth going all round an industrial estate , a quick introduction of yourself, and present your card " incase anything crops up you'll know where I am" Don't keep them talking , they will be busy!!

I,m working on an industrial park at the moment, must be 50 units there MMMmmm!

Three of them are big outfits and I guess would have their own contractors already.... Volvo... Cadbury Schweppes... Carling but the smaller units may be interested.

 

[matt.leung]

Thanks for all of your advice... it's been really useful...

 

[dougal]

You could try to identify a gap in your local market. Offer a discount for OAP's, offer to do little jobs - may lead to more work. That type of thing.Are you listed on the directory here and on google local? Handing out flyers can be a good plan. Under windscreen wipers in B&Q's carpark?

I would not put flyers under windscreens as you could be done for damaging a persons car or flytiping of any leaflets dropped.

 

[a1]

Had to laugh at the "Leaflet and Windscreen drops" - 'Get chucked in the bin' (I actually agree with that).

The funny bit was 'Advertise in local political fliers' - These are more likely to get thrown away than any leaflet or windscreen drop.

 

[Evans Electric]

Had to laugh at the "Leaflet and Windscreen drops" - 'Get chucked in the bin' (I actually agree with that).The funny bit was 'Advertise in local political fliers' - These are more likely to get thrown away than any leaflet or windscreen drop.

I know what you mean Admin, but I see on the ones we used to get (no election due so no leaflets) there was a local skip hire co. a local sparks/plumber 2 small builders/ plasterer/ local garage, etc. Because it is local council not even city wide I think after a while the names tend to stick. Also ,of course, the leaflets reach most houses in your immediate area and your name goes with them.

I'm in the Yellows for the first time but I don't expect a lot from it TBH. I think folk only read the quarter and half pagers and the first ones alphabetically.

 

[paul b b]

if you are in a rural area, try local parish mags, cheep and all the honest rich people get them!.

I also put a A4 flyer up in my local shop with small finger size tabs cut on the bottom with name and number on, people can rip them of as they choose (had a few call from that) and thats cheep too!.

As for yellow pages they are to expensive and where do you go? in the book or on the web? or both