2.
Re: "No Soliciting" signs. May 28, 2008 12:47 PM
If you're targeting businesses that don't want solicitations, I don't think you'll have much luck either with hand-delivered flyers or by mail.
In the past, I've always personally walked into a business with a story like:
I'm new in the area and I'm meeting my neighbors.
I like your sign - who did it?
I'm interested in your product or service, can you tell me more about it?
I know a guy who might be interested in what you do. Can you tell me more about it?
At no point during the conversation should you mention your business. Don't tell them what you do or who you work with. Ask them lots of questions about what they do, how long they've been there, etc. Don't be annoying and leave at the first sign that they don't want to talk to you.
I've found that 9 times out of 10 if you ask someone about their business they will eventually ask you about yours, and they will be much more receptive to you. If they don't ask, thank them for their time and ask for a business card. When you get back to the office, write them a personal email using their name. Mention something that you talked about. Don't mention your business, but do include a signature at the bottom of your email with your contact information.
After working in some of the strip mall type storefronts, I know first hand how most people will solicit business. 99% of the flyers we received went in the trash unopened. 99% of our junk mail went straight to the shredder. 99% of walk-ins were hustled out because they were there to sell us something or get the "decision makers" contact info.
What separates my technique from the others is that you're not showing up at someone else's business to sell them something. You're there to learn something about their business and that's it. People really respond to that.
