Generating new business cold calling

[Stuart Miller]

Yep i do flyer drops.

On average about once a year I walk round and drop A5 flyers to all the businesses in my town. Makes people aware and I have always got work from it that I wouldn’t have done otherwise.
There are many small businesses out there who need some sort of signs work, banners A-boards etc who would never get around to it until you prompt them.

I’ve used this company who do good quality flyers at a reasonable price. I’m sure you can get even cheaper with a search.

http://www.facemediagroup.co.uk/?page=standard.flyers

[Graham . Shand]

quote Jason Middleton:

As I’m trying to build up my new business I am going to go round local business tomorrow cold calling, has anybody done this and got any tips to pass on, I’m pretty apprehensive as I’ve never really done this before.

thanks

Jason

I was very surprised how welcome people make you feel, it’s not like you are trying get something for nothing, you are providing them with a valuable service, which they have been "meaning to get around to", I have in the past month probably got about 10 jobs using this method, just poping in or stopping to talk to people, Flyers are a great idea, but the face to face meeting cannot, I think be bettered, give it a whirl you will be surprised the reaction you get. regards Graham Shand

[Peter Mindham]

At both our locations we do leaflet drops every three months. It works very well and we always get business from them. We even get people stopping us as we do the drops asking for information.
If you are cold calling, make sure you try to get a name of the decision maker, even if you cant see them that day. At least if you call later, you know who to talk to. Get the name of the receptionist / Secretary you talk to also. They like to be remembered and they appreciate the extra touch that gives.

Don’t take a refusal personally. After many years selling, I have had many refusals and you have to realise they are not against you but only the product or service.

Finally, persevere, it does work!!

Peter

[Jason Middleton]

Thanks as a new business I am going to explain that I am just doing the rounds introducing myself, hopefully this will help to ensure I wont get to frosty a response.

Forgot to say its not signs I’m doing mainly printed clothing and promotional products.

Jason

[John Harding]

Yep it works – do a search untold threads relating to this very subject already on the boards

John

[Jason Middleton]

Just thought I would post some feedback after going cold calling.

Firstly thanks everyone for all the advice.

I went around my local town today with some flyers, I explained that I was a new start up business and also lived locally, and asked if it was OK to leave them with a flyer. The fact I was a new business and local definitely made them more welcoming, and nobody showed any annoyance at me cold calling and probably about 20% wanted to know more about what I did, and expressed more than polite interest.

Despite having a bag of samples with me I didn’t push to show these, and of 40 or so businesses visited only 3 asked to see some samples.

I have come away with about 4 customers wanting further information or prices emailed to them, and one firm customer order, which from only 40 odd shops or 2 hours I feel is OK.

So all in all I for me it was time well spent, I now have at least 40 people in town who now know about me and what I do, 4 potential customers to follow up on, and one firm order, and importantly a bit more confidence for when I do it again. I was also given details of a local business group of which I can join for a £10 fee, this meets once a month and should be another good way to promote my business further.

Incidentally I was asked 3 times if I do business cards and stupidly I said no, I should have said yes and got somebody of here to do them for me, oh well I will do this next time.

[Graham . Shand]

quote Jason Middleton:

Just thought I would post some feedback after going cold calling.

Firstly thanks everyone for all the advice.

I went around my local town today with some flyers, I explained that I was a new start up business and also lived locally, and asked if it was OK to leave them with a flyer. The fact I was a new business and local definitely made them more welcoming, and nobody showed any annoyance at me cold calling and probably about 20% wanted to know more about what I did, and expressed more than polite interest.

Despite having a bag of samples with me I didn’t push to show these, and of 40 or so businesses visited only 3 asked to see some samples.

I have come away with about 4 customers wanting further information or prices emailed to them, and one firm customer order, which from only 40 odd shops or 2 hours I feel is OK.

So all in all I for me it was time well spent, I now have at least 40 people in town who now know about me and what I do, 4 potential customers to follow up on, and one firm order, and importantly a bit more confidence for when I do it again. I was also given details of a local business group of which I can join for a £10 fee, this meets once a month and should be another good way to promote my business further.

Incidentally I was asked 3 times if I do business cards and stupidly I said no, I should have said yes and got somebody of here to do them for me, oh well I will do this next time.

Well done that man, you will I am sure get more business and more confidence as the years role by, great start !
Regards
Graham Shand

[Martin Pearson]

Jason, as you have already seen this is a good way to promote your business if you have the time to do it. You did it the right way by not being pushy and shoving samples in everyones face. You need to try and keep it up if you can, may seem like a silly idea going back to the same people but if you do every now and again then they will get to know you and because your not pushy will be happy to call you if they need a quote for something.

As for the business cards you probably did the right thing by saying no. If I were you I would find someone who can do them for you to a standard you are happy with BEFORE you start telling people that you do them. Only going to make you look bad if you say yes and then struggle to find someone who can meet your timescales and fits your budget.
The customer isn’t interested in hearing that you are having a problem with a supplier they just remember that you said you could do them.

[Chris Wool]

well done

quote :

Incidentally I was asked 3 times if I do business cards and stupidly I said no, I should have said yes and got somebody of here to do them for me, oh well I will do this next time.

presume you have your own so you know costs and quality ??

[Gert du Preez]

I absolutely hate cold calling, and would never really consider it. It is, however, a good strategy for a small startup to get his face known in the area.

Flyers also end up in the rubbish bin. I find that people are more likely to keep a business card, though. I never pass by an opportunity to hand out a card, even to a client already standing in my reception area. People are lazy, and next time he needs something, he will call the first number at hand.

Also "show face" at places where a lot of people are social. Golf Club, Tennis Club, etc. You’ll be amazed how many people will only use you, or refer a friend to you, because they know you, and thus assume they will get "special" treatment.

The best marketing is word of mouth. No matter how small the job, or difficult the client, you should always deliver "bespoke" service. This is how tons of business ends up on my doorstep.

As a startup you have to get orders on the books. Once you have done a few jobs, clients will become regulars, and you will get referrals as well. (Just keep the service to a high standard)

Good luck! You have some exiting times ahead of you.

[Phill Fenton]

quote Gert du Preez:

Good luck! You have some exiting times ahead of you.

Presumably that’s when you get kicked out of the office for ignoring the sign that says "No Sales Reps without an appointment (or did you mean to say Exciting times?)" 😕

[Gert du Preez]

Phil,

Sorry, mate, but English is a second language to me. Sometimes one forgets what that old hag in 10th grade told you (or, tried to tell you) 20 odd years ago !!

I sometimes feel like giving yet another "labour relations expert" cold calling to sort out labour problems he wishes I had an EXITING time 😀

Right through the 3rd floor office window….