OK, I’m working with a new showroom now that’s about 2 hours away, so I’m basically outside sales covering my area. We can’t afford a satellite showroom here yet, and we’re just working out the best advertising for the area. We don’t have a fall remodeling show, so our first opportunity there will be next spring.
I’m considering putting together a design/remodeling seminar with a local upscale appliance showroom.
Has anyone had any success with this?
How did you advertise, what did you include in your presentation?
Replies
SK,
I used to teach classes at the local County Extension Service office. About one per month on a Saturday. One would be about entire home construction while the other would be about remodeling. Usually had about 35-50 people show up. Did it for about two years until budget cutbacks stopped them from having it.
Had lots of good questions, handed out tons of cards had some followup calls but no real work from them to speak of. I didn't get paid to do it but did it as a volunteer for the community.
Its not 100% similar to what you are talking about but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. Lots of folks are interested in information but it doesn't always seem to lead to jobs.
Thanks for the input, Mike.
I have minimal (read "no") funds for this type of thing right now, so it's good to know you have had no real results from a similar type thing.
I did a one day booth at the local Realtor's Association bazaar a few years back. Spent money on handouts , got one result, which was not worth having.
Would you mind sharing things that did work for you?
SK,
Well, since I did it for free, they were just happy to have me there as no other contractors really wanted to. I think I am pretty good as presenting being I do that alot for other paying gigs and all.
I think folks liked it as it was a good forum for them to ask questions and get honest answers without a sales pitch.
If I would have been more "aggressive" I could have followed up with a call to each attendee but I don't think the County wanted me to use it as a sale pitch so I didn't.
I just handed out a ton of b-cards and stuff like that so the only real thing it cost me was my time.
Mike
I see your point about not truly marketing there.
I'm pretty good at presentation - I've had lots of practice from a former design life presenting to community groups, board members, etc.
If you don't mind my picking your brain for an opinion besides my own, what sorts of info do you think people would be most interested in?
Some of the big questions I used to get were with regards to new products whether it be on demand water heaters or new shingles or whatever they just saw on TV and want for their home.
They also want to know basic construction and contract procedures as the media tells them to put NO money down yet WE all ask for 10, 20 or 30% up front and they want to know WHY?
Is that what you meant or were you thinking of something else?
Yeah, that's exactly what I want. Hadn't thought about the contract stuff much.
Thanks again!
I think that is a great idea.
Thanks, Jim.
Same question as I had for Mike. What d'ya think people would most want to know?
I don't know. All I know is that if you put yourself out there and give something to the people, you will receive something back.
You know Mike Guertin? The FHB writer?
Well he used to post here a lot and one of the things he said worked great for him in attracting clients was scheduling presentations about home improvements, remodeling, building your own place.
Said he'd get several leads every time he did it and made a point of not soliciting for work. Just educating and responding if people requested more info, or business contact info.
Sounds similar to what you are considering, and what Oak River Mike said he has done.
It's not just homeowners who are interested in design and materials classes. I have been building for many years now and whenever I see a demonstration or educational opportunity offered I at least check to see if I might weave it into my schedule. Advertise in lumber yards and with homebuilder's associations - I bet you'll attract some pros. And really, those could be more productive long term relationships. Pros are always referring each other, or calling on each other for help, or advice. At least, the circle of pros I interact with does.
Very good points. I wasn't considering getting much interest from pros, but I'd sure love them to come.
I generally present these things as ways for people to get info, so I don't push the sales or my lines - I just provide some unbiased info that I think people should have.
I'd love more pro contacts, so I'm definitely going to take your advice!
Thanks so much!
I'm in upper Alabama as well. Which upscale appliance showroom? I should own stock in one of them :)
Greg
The ones I'm most familiar with are Appliance Direct and Bob Wallace. Have to say I generally get better response from Appliance Direct, and I've dealt with the owner a few times.
Given what people will pay for appliances, I'm thinking I should probably buy stock in those guys, too.
What do you do up here? I don't know any Greg's, so I don't think I've run into you anywhere.
If I did, I hope I was behaving myself ;)
I'm in Athens, so we probably haven't run into each other. I TRY to stay away from Bob Wallace as much as I can, but if you ever go in there an there is a middle aged pot bellied bald guy crying, it is his wife's fault...
We're remodelers and sometimes new construction. Having a wife that's an architect helps somewhat.
If you're into kitchen design, shoot me an email with your contact info. Seems like I'm always running into someone that is looking for a good one (that won't spend money like my wife). Be more than happy to send them your way.
If you need an in with Bob Wallace, I know a lot of them there, including the guy who owns it. I can try to help with them if you need it.
--GregThe older I get, the better I was....
Actually, my best friend lives in Athens, so I'm there a lot.
I'll send you an email with my info!
Can't speak from experience but I believe that is a good idea.
Can you get in a small display or vignette (sp) somewhere in this or another store?
Best wishes!
[email protected]
or vignette (sp)
I once dated a girl named Augustina Vignette, nicknamed A.U.
BIG girl. Lovely hair and lots of it too. Father was a famous cyclist, in his village. Mother butchered pigs and fought as a middleweight.
Edited 8/28/2008 9:56 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Well; I'm curious to say the least................
You gonna delete that post too?[email protected]
You gonna delete that post too?
Naw, that one isn't likely to offend anyone, unless they take it seriously.
The other could've be taken as Yankee vs Dixie stuff. That's not a game I play, unless I know the person well.
Edited 8/28/2008 9:49 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
A vignette would be a great idea as soon as we can get things rolling better. The showroom hasn't had the grand opening yet, so we're pretty new.
I'd love to put something in my hairdresser's salon. Can't think of a better place to get word around :)
Pretty close to it. Here there is North Alabama and L(ower) A(labama). Lots of difference, since here we have the knowlege of how to blow stuff up (US Army Missile Command) or shoot it to the moon (Marshall Space Flight Center).
Besides... O Brother was in Mizsippi, I think.
Glad you found the humor. I had some second thoughts about that, just before you replied, so I hit the delete.
Hey - if you can't laugh at yourself....
No offense taken :)The older I get, the better I was....
Hey - if you can't laugh at yourself....
BTW, I've used that line before, whenever someone I know says "upper New Jersey".
New Jersey has a long, well documented history of political corruption so my reply is, "UPPER New Jersy? There is no UPPER New Jersey!"