I have put together a powerpoint presentation that I have used to some success. I also bring along a small newsletter that I have put together, that includes, my presentation, in a text format.
For talking to churches try to get in when they are having a regular business meeting. Usually they don't last too long and they may appreciate someone else having something to say or promote.
Home Owner's Associations will have regular monthly or bi-monthly meetings. These are easy to get into also. If you are able to give a discount to those whom schedule an appointment when you are there then do so.
You may want to use a disaster comparison or a what if scenario. Just be prepared for some off the wall comments and do let them take you too far off topic. But, if you like to talk to people then you can have some fun.
-- Edited by caricc on Thursday 5th of November 2009 03:38:21 PM
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Carl Carick Can YOU remember all of YOUR possessions?
Could you layout what your talks encompass? What are the key points you touch on, how long are they, what types of meetings are you speaking? As an example, the church? Are they setting up a meeting specifically for you or are you speaking at an already organized meeting that you are sitting in on? This is a direction I want to pursue and would like to learn what has worked best for you. The do's and definitely the don'ts.
I have been at this for almost a year. Yes, there is a real client base if you know how to aim for the right target market. I average about 3 to 5 a week. I work Monday thru Friday and Saturdays by appointment only. I usually save Saturday's for the larger square footage jobs.
Currently I am scheduled out for about 2 weeks in advance. I have been talking to a lot of groups too. Some neighborhood associations, churches, small business owners, etc.
Just keep at it. It's your business. Work it. Yes, my family is really tired of me talking about this business. Just remember, when you are talking to a prospective client that they will buy when they are ready to buy. Not when you are ready to sell. So patience is the number one key to this or any business.
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Carl Carick Can YOU remember all of YOUR possessions?
Are you able to tell me, in this economy, is there a real client base of people willing to pay for this service? How long have you been doing this? and how many inventories are you performing a week/month?
I know there are no guarantees in business, but I would be an idiot if I didn't look at every aspect of this skeptically, and do my due dilligance, and ask many questions from those already vested in the industry.
I am not sure what HBJ says about the profits you can make. But a good way to see how a math formula will work in this regard:
Service Fee - Expenses = Profits.
A service fee is what you charge for performing the home inventory to each client.
Expenses are all of your costs. Don't forget your cd's, paper (if you print them yourself), binding (also if you provide this), ink, the computer you are using to get all of the information entered, website, business phone number (I have two resources on this: 1- I use magicjack for my landline, 2- I also use ringcentral.com for my 800 number (use me as a referral if you like). Both will send me an email when I have a call or if a message has been left. So I don't have to pay for additional phone line charges for a business line into my home which depending on the local phone company can run up to a 100.00 plus each month.
Profits - my profits are fairly good. But, I still need more, (don't we all). My biggest expense is my printing at this time. Since I have this done at an outside location. They are fair in pricing in this regard so I haven't real taken the step to do this in-house.
Remember that you expenses should be calculated on a monthly basis not a week to week basis, or even daily. My general profit margin is about 250 to 350% each month. So it can be very good. But, I have had to work at it. I have to get out of my comfort zone on a daily basis and bite the bullet, since I am not an outgoing type person. But, I know what I have to do each day. I have learned to set my goals for each day. Past getting out of bed earlier than I really want.
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Carl Carick Can YOU remember all of YOUR possessions?
Thank you for your reply, Can you tell me how many inventories you are performing a week, and if you are getting near the projected profits showing on HJB's website? Also can tell me your overall satisfaction with the software and any other pertinant info would be greatly appreciated.
Really as with any business you get out of it what you are willing to put into it. I have been at this for about a year. I run my home inventory business during the day and I have a full time job at night. I am about ready to tell the full time job bye-bye. But not yet. What is holding me back. Probably fear of the unknown. As with doing anything I want to do do it right.
If you are going into this jointly with your wife then both of you need to be on the same page about what is happening, your needs, and your abilities. You may at first need to get out of yoru comfort zone. But you can reset it as time goes on.
Your success in this or any business will come with time. I could hire additional people right now. But, with healthcare and other concerns the federal gov. are trying to put on small businesses at this time. I would more than likely be letting them go in the near future. Yes, with more people working for you comes more responsibility. But, you also have to get something's go in the process. I am not ready to let things go at this time.
Hope I haven't confused you. But you did ask.
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Carl Carick Can YOU remember all of YOUR possessions?
I am thinking of taking the plunge, but.... I have not seen any real success stories on these boards. Both myself and my wife are unemployed in Michigan, and am looking at other sources for income, and would like to become self employed. My question is how many people here actually were able to break away from a job and do home inventory full time for their income, let alone hire people and start living the American dream? Is anyone getting even remotely close to the earning potential they advertise? Also does anyone know what the terms of the 100% money back guarantee is?
