Replies

1. 
   VTNorm | Mar 13, 2007 02:36pm | #1

   I did a mailer to about 40 realtors (individual brokers, not just one to the office) in the 3 towns I wanted to work. A colorful self-mailer with a very specific message that they could glance at and not have to open an envelope.

   I mailed to all and then followed-up with a phone call asking to meet for coffee and then mailed again 2-3 weeks later...got about a dozen meetings and get consistent work from 5-6 brokers.

   I do alot of work for one particular broker; punch list stuff at the 11th hour before the closing, PITA type stuff for short money - a good Friday afternoon job. But they let me leave an info packet for the new buyer and this is where the real jobs come from because typically the buyer is new to area and has no contacts. Between the info packet and realtor referral I look at 2-3 jobs/month.

   New HO always wants to do something; painting, remodeling a bath or kitchen, make over a room, build a deck...even bigger stuff like garages and additions (although that's beyond the scope of my work), lots of great, profitable work but the follow-up and pitch beyond the mailer are the key to making it work.

   I did another mailer & follow-up to all the B&B's in our area (almost 200) and got nothing, zip, squat....turns out they're too cheap. The owner won't spend the $$ unless they have to and then it goes to the cheapest guy they can find.

   -Norm

2. 
   andybuildz | Mar 13, 2007 02:41pm | #2

   How could it hurt?
   Best tip I can give you is to "hand address" all envelopes! Its worth the effort! Sit in front of the TV or whatever and start writing.
   I did notice the other day though some mail that came to me that really looked hand addressed but it was machine generated...I might look into that myself.
   Also keep doing follow ups using newsletter w/business cards. Same logo as well...To me the MOST importand thing is to have your website prominent in the mailing. Thats where you can do all your chitter chatter and photos. Keep the mailer simple but engaging.

    

    

    

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFexyK8J1Iw

   http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

    
3. 
   john7g | Mar 13, 2007 02:46pm | #3

   I'd find a specific audience like VTNorm to target.  Mass mailings generate something like 1% or less new contacts. 

4. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 14, 2007 01:13am | #4

   not direct mailing ...

    

   but I did "target" a specific group last, last winter ... not the one we're still enjoying ... year and a coupla months ago.

   I decided I wanted more sub business thru K and B dealers ... so I wrote a "mass email" ... specific enough, but only had to write it once and send that saved file.

   I also wrote a hard copy letter as a follow up.

   I then went thru the yellow pages and did email searches for high end K and B places.

   Kinda did my own mass mailing, emailed first for a coupla days, then went to the post office. I waited a week and made all the follow up calls in person. Email said I'd mail and call ... letter said U may have recieved my email and I'll call ... when I called I mentioned both the email and letter.

   covered all bases.

   Sent out about 30 letters ... got probably 10 solid leads ...

   so far .. have worked for 3 or 4 of the companies.

    

   get's muddied as I re-contacted places I'd contacted in the past.

    

   I still have places on the list that didn't need anyone at that time ... but have said to keep in touch. I've actually been too busy to reconnect ... on the off chance they do have something waiting ... don't wanna have to turn them down on the first shot.

   I have plans to recontact the most promising at the end of this spring ... and feel them out for work this fall.

   When I spoke to them in person, I was very up front about having an "open schedule" and that for one of the few times in my career ... I actually could "work next week" ... actually found work that way too! Did one job ... couldn't coordinate on their next coupla ... they like to set things up last minute ... but do hope to work with then again. Either they'll learn to schedule in advance .. or I'll slow again and have an open space.

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa

5. 
   JeffBuck | Mar 14, 2007 01:15am | #5

   btw ... if U want real info on direct mailing ... my wife does that as part of her job marketing for a financial planner .... if U have any specific Q's about how it works or the lists ... I'll show her this thread.

    

   Jeff

       Buck Construction

    Artistry In Carpentry

        Pittsburgh Pa