Contacting possible business clients

fredjclaus

I've seen many posts here on what marketing works for you, but I'm testing the market with some business clients. Has anyone done this before?

The Market I'm testing, what's better for business clients? Would you send a post card, or a letter?

Snowgirl

I think I'd send a letter, personally addressed to whomever will be in a position to buy your services - and hand signed in blue ink. It may get past the secretary that way.

Cygnus Studios

Letters work better, but meetings work best.

fredjclaus

Letters to start, but should I ask them to call me to set up an appointment or should I state that I will be calling on such and such a date to set up an appointment?

Cygnus Studios

If you are going to suggest times and dates, you will need to know their general schedules. Different businesses are busy at different times of the day, week and year.
ie: You wouldn't want to deal with a restaurant owner during lunch or dinner rushes.
If you understand your clients business, it will make it easier to show them why you can help them. Personally I want them to make the initial contact for a time to meet. You do not want to come across as someone who takes up time.
You already know that good images will benefit their company. It is your job to show them that. Most business owners are flooded with people selling things. You don't want to be lumped in with that group.
If your name is mentioned along with the yellowpages sales guy, or the cable salesguy you are going to kill your message.
On the other side of this, business people are always networking. Find out where your potential clients are going to network and be there. This way you are offering your services without being a salesguy.

fredjclaus

wonderful point. I know there are a couple business networking groups in the area. I can bet that a lot of my clients network there. Especially the local motel owners.

Cygnus Studios

fredjclaus wrote:

I know there are a couple business networking groups in the area. I can bet that a lot of my clients network there.

This is the best marketing tool that I currently use. Look for creative ways to partner with other businesses so that you both benefit from. A combined effort brings in customers from both businesses and allows cross branding.
Store owners love to see their products in the window. Hotel owners love to see the views (if scenic) from their location. The street view in front of their business is a great selling point. Most (especially small business owners) chose their retail location based on the location. 1st rule of real estate, location, location, location. Use that to your advantage if at all possible.
The easiest way to succeed in the networking group is to be the person offering to help versus the one asking for it. Be the one offering how your services can help the other owners solve their problems.

Nikolai

Cygnus Studios wrote:

The easiest way to succeed in the networking group is to be the person offering to help versus the one asking for it. Be the one offering how your services can help the other owners solve their problems.

So true...