Start-Up Difficulties

Hey everyone, I hope someone here can provide some sound advice. My brother, wife, and I decided to start-up a local Online Reputation Management company and have everything setup and such so far. I've never done anything like this before, and so when we got to the point of finding clients, I didn't realize how difficult it would be to do so. I've called at least 15 on our cold-call list, and no one has even agreed to a 5 minute in-person meeting.

What are some tips, or good reading material for improving our techniques, and how can we get potential clients to even talk to us?

 

I'm assuming you're targeting locally owned business since you're wanting to meet them in person. I would also look into expanding to online business not owned locally and just meet with them via Skype, email or phone. Also have you tried posting ads in the local paper and get them to try and call you? A lot of people would rather them contact you than for you to be bugging them. Hope this helps!

 

We do want to expand to online businesses, but we'd like to perfect our personality before we try to expand to other states. You've given me something to think about on that end, however, I just figured locally owned businesses would be more open to dealing with other local businesses.

We've got some business cards, and the ads in the paper idea is a great idea, I'll look into that. Unfortunately, we're on a very tight budget and none of us are great at managing that aspect =/.

I appreciate your input, I'll see if it helps!

 

Alright, well I wish you the best of luck and PM me if you have any other questions!

 

If you can't afford to advertise, there are free classified ads online,
Otherwise your best bet is public relations, just talk to people, go to social parties, that sort of thing.

 

Thanks, will do .

We were discussing going to local churches, organizations, and events as well as simply going to the businesses themselves to make a presence for ourselves. If we're reputable in the community, we stand a chance of having more success right?

Seems cold calling was just a bad idea. lol

 

OK question. Have you personally gone to your local businesses and SOLD them on your PLAN? Why do they need you? What problem can you solve for them? Pick your favorite business and GIVE them your service in return you get referrals. I'm sure the bottom line is making a profit. After all that is what is all about

 

My intention was to call the potential clients and see about setting up a 5-10 minute meeting. Rather than trying to pitch the product over the phone, I was just trying to setup appointments and that flopped. lol. But, we're gonna be walking around to the different businesses and engaging them face to face, as well as their customers

 

You need to try harder.

Hire a marketer to make the cold call.

Give them discount , flexible installment plan etc to attract customer.

 

We wanted to do that, hire sales reps to contact potential clients, pay like 40% of commission, etc.