Advertising

[TheTuna]

I agree with Coister, get out there and sell... get one or two, and inevitably, someone else will see you doing the job and want it done for them too. I can't wait to get back into business!

[jroske]

Cure4glass,

Since you notice other service business in the same place, (mobile oil change, detailing etc>) go an talk to them... Network with them, exchange a few business cards. Let them send you business and visa versa.... Just a thought... :-k

[gold star wsr]

Advertising isnt a hunting expidition, it's more like farming. You prep the soil, plant the seeds, then water and tend the crop until it's time to harvest. With this in mind, take advantage of every type of advertising opportunity available to you, especially those that are relatively inexpensive. Keep a high profile, so that when someone needs windshield repair your shop will immediately come into his mind.
Of course, you still have to be doing business while you are waiting for your "harvest". This is where Coister's techniques really pay off, as he shows how to get business now, today, even if you have not advertised at all. I think you need to do both, though, in order to maintain steady, healthy growth.
In my small community I am the only local resident actively persuing windshield repair work. Even so, I dont slack off on marketing myself. I have my posters up on all the bulletin boards in the area, advertise in the local newspaper, have lettering on my truck and our small RV, and I also do direct mail. The bulletin boards are free and the lettering paid for itself many many moons ago. Our local newspaper is very small, home-town, so I use the classified ad page which is always read by all the subscribers. The direct mail is my one really big 'push' each year, but I do it at no cost to myself. I publish a local directory in which I sell advertisments to other local businesses. They all get their information into every household at very reasonable prices, and mine goes out for free. In fact, last year my directory partner (who happens to be the printer) and I had seed money left for this year, and we shared a small profit. I have also done other successful direct mail projects. One netted me 17 percent response. Anything over 5% is considered fantastic.

[cure4glass]

jroske,
I'm glad you mentioned networking with the other service providers that I ran into onsite.I did'nt mention in my previous post but a while back I told about a guy that was connected with the post office fleet manager in my area and he was gonna introduce me to him-Well this is the guy, the one doing the oil changes where I was the other day.He did introduce me to the p.o guy and the rest is history as they say.. And the guy doing the car washing at the office complex came over and was impressed with the WSR process, and we all exchanged cards-I agree with Gold Star, Advertising as well as networking is like planting a crop, needing constant nurturing to get a good harvest.