I'm so psyched that I just have to share with someone who would appreciate my story! I had my "debut" this weekend with a booth at our local Food and New Products Show. I went into it not expecting any bookings at all, just the start of educating people to the need for a home (or small business) inventory. But this went beyond my expectations. I handed out close to 500 rack cards and postcards with show specials, AND actually booked an inventory! This woman walked by with a couple of friends, and before I even said a word to them, she said " I want this. I've been intending to do it for years." I told her we had show specials and would she like to select the package she wanted; her reply was "I don't care, whatever it costs I just need everything written down." How's that for a first client? She's going to the Mainland this week, returning Nov. 2, and we're scheduled for Nov. 7. I think our meeting is for an estimate, but given her reaction, we may be doing the actual inventory right then!
Also, and maybe just as importantly, I met two insurance agents, several realtors, an architect and a couple of home security companies that I will be contacting to talk about strategic partnering, and three invitations to networking groups because they were excited to incorporate this new business design.
A big show like this is a terribly expensive way to start out, but I was determined to commit the marketing dollars to get started the right way. In spite of the economy, the show had record attendance, due to the marketing that the promoters did. I would say, based on conversations and interest shown, that most of the attendees can afford, and are willing to consider, my services.
Now I have to continue the marketing by getting out some press releases and introductory letters to insurance agents, etc. The next few weeks are going to be interesting to see whether anything pans out of the show. At least maybe we started people thinking about the need for an inventory. I only met about 20 people who already have inventories, out of over 100 that I personally talked to.
If you get a chance to do something like this, I'd say definitely consider it. Let me know and I can share some of the things we did that I would do again and some that I would change.
