how do you get customers in a self employed buisness?

Question

i am 17 and i just started my own work were me and a close friend offer any kind of service to people in the owings mills and pikesville area... basicly we do anything form babysiting,painting rooms,gardening,walking dogs,running errands for older people, i mean darn near anything anybody can think of we offer to them..but its at a realy low price..we have passed out flyers and even now im making calls to people out of the residential phone book and so far no customers. how do we get people to relize the work we do is legit,we are every thing we say we are,and how do we draw in customers. all we want to do is start to make money i mean every body wants something done to there house and i know nobody wants to pay crazy prices but when you through out what people want they run i just want to get customers

Answer 1

First- I commend you on your willingness to tackle the project and your enthusiasm. In the long run it will serve you well. I've started 5 businesses. I still own two of them, a construction company and a manufacturing company. I started young, and with no money.

Things to consider-

Right now, it sounds like you are looking for anything, and some of these things need a little better skill level than that, or at least a little better representation. Getting hired first depends on how you impress people.

I would make your presentations more focused. By that I'm suggesting that when you make a flyer, make it for a specific field of work, such as lawn maintenance and landscapeing, OR painting/decorating, OR walking dogs and so on. This implies that what you are offering is your business, rather than "I'll try anything". Since you probably print flyers at home on the computer, you can make a variety. When you distribute them, put the painting flyer on the house that looks like it could use paint. Leave the dog walk flyer at the apartment that has a dog, etc.

Next- Don't think price first. Don't sell price first. Think of how to provide what people really want, and how to do it in a very good way. Until they are interested in your product, they aren't interested in your price. Tell them about your product first, then- when they ask, tell them a fair price. Remember that your primary product is yourselves, and that includes your attitude and character as well as your ability. Present yourselves cleanly dressed and with as professional an attitude as you can.

Next- develop a reputation for reliability, honesty and good service. Once you get a customer who is impressed with that, they will call you again, and more important, they will tell their friends to call you.

It's hard to get the first customers, but I assure you; most people think it's nearly impossible to find someone who will show up and do a good job at almost anything, especially home services. I've been hiring for 40 years- and they are right.

Be what they need and want, and you will find jobs.

Answer 2

I live in Owings Mills. Have you tried putting up a flyer in the libraries..(Reisterstown and the Pikesville Branch). Start doing "cheap" work for friends, family and your parent's friends. They'll recommend you!

I'll recommend you to others if you do a paid job for me:

I need flyers distributed in all the apartment complexes on Rt 140 (Reisterstown Road). From Chartley (Reisterstown) all the way down to the Middlebrook apartments in Pikesville. I've done it alone and it usually take me about 45 mins per apartment complex. If there are two of you, it will take you less time.

If you're interested, email me. Let me know how much you think I should pay you per hour. Don't forget, if I'm satisfied, I'll recommend you!

Here is a hint: While your getting paid to put my flyers....you can put yours up too!!!! To help you out and see if I can receive a discounted price from you, I'll print your flyers.

Answer 3

Flyers are a great start. Don't give up on them. If you get 1 phone call from 50 flyers it is working.
If you are able to pass out business cards that is good too. If you get to a place that you can advertise in the phonebook you will drive the calls. Just remember that word of mouth is the BEST source.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

Friends and Family and more importantly friends and family of friends and family.

Simply look at your current clients. A neat way to expand is to ask the question most are unwilling to ask. Ask your current clients face to face, "How satisfied are you with my work for you?" Follow up an affirmative response by telling them that you are always looking for opportunities to expand you business and ask, "Do you know of any other family, friends, or neighbors who might be interested in my services?" Then shut up for a long 10 second count. Follow-up any suggestions by asking, "Can I contact them?" followed by "How can I get a hold of them?"

If your first question receives a negative response, ask, "What can I do to gain your satisfaction?" In this way you will be able to prevent losing a client you would eventually lose and improve your services to others that may have the same concern.

Cold Calling- 'working the books' is one of the least effective ways of marketing needing 100 calls for 10 intersted parties for one sale. Leaflets, if concentrated can be effective- however mass production only worsens the load for local garbage haulers. Relationship or referral marketing as outlined above is much easier and doesn't cost a penny

Answer 5

you should get presentation cards first n then some promo in your car like a sticker for your car.. but presentation cards is the best and cheap promo, plus you should create a facebook account a cheap webpage and the most important things is reference from ur friends and family ;) good luck

Answer 6

Read the book "Guerrilla Marketing"
http://www.amazon.com/Guerrilla-Marketing-Secrets-Profits-Business/dp/0395906253
Check out half.com and ebay and get it used