William, Great job getting out there and speaking to people about the value of this business. It sounds like a very productive meeting which should yield some good business for you.
Again, great job.... I'm sure your efforts will pay off for you! Also, thanks for sharing with the other members of the forum which is very much appreciated!
Just completed the presentation at the "University Park Estates" and I'm glad to have done it and am glad that it is over. When I arrived ahead of time, there was a full-fledged meeting going on. Members had to check each other, and force a few to let someone's else speak. There was an admission that someone had promised to retire from the board, but since he was still there and still talking, that evidently had not gotten done. Since there were no empty chair available I stood at the back of the room until someone, the chairman I believe introduced me to the 15 or 20 members in attendance.
Before the meeting I had prepared a three page print out of a survey by the polling firm, Zogby International which had undertook a Survey for Metropolitan Auto and Life which summarized the numerous misconceptions that the homeowners had about their insurance for their home and it's contents. So they were able to follow along after I had given the group info about my background. I established what I felt was common ground with them, by sharing the info about my mothers water leak and mold problem. Highlighting how my Loss inventory had given her some leverage with GMAC when they processed her claim. Which is still ongoing as I type this update.
My mother originally rejected the help I had got her bringing in the public adjuster, since she had been a loyal customer and didn't think she needed his help. Now she admits to needing to find another insurance company, after having to deal with the company and "Serpro" which some of the workers have stole from her. She did use the pictures and video I took of her basement to threaten them if they didn't take care of her issues with their work. So that taught me that there is certainly value in what we are doing for our customers.
I was able to share that info with the group and at this point I'll be anticipating some calls from individual members. It didn't seem the appropriate time to take appointments, which is what I came prepared to do. But the meeting continued, so It looks promising that we might generate some business from being there. I'll have to make some follow ups at least with my first contact and see where it leads to after that. But it still appears to be worthwhile to contact other block clubs and neighborhood groups, because all too often these people don't even realize how un-protected, and vulnerable they are to taking a loss and having accept it. We're their only chance to receive justice and instead of injustice for just us-them.
I must admit it, that I am rather nervous about Friday evening, because I have a meeting with homeowners in the "University Estates." My city is predominantly high crime ridden and short of new residents. Next to the "Estates" is a very modern and uptodate elementary school. Within the "Estates" the streets are named "Grambling" and "Fisk" but also "Princeton" and "Harvard" and "Yale."
The city of Flint has suffered through a sudden rash of "suspicious" fires, with the recent labor disputes between the local government and the fire department. Since I have equipped my new 2010 Chrysler Minivan with two magnetic signs announcing my business name of Peace Of Mine Inventory Service and it has the phone number included. I generally peruse various neighborhoods trying to drum up business. When I drove into the "Estates" I discovered a house which had been gutted by fire, probably arson. Thankfully, there were no injuries due to the fire and subsequent water damage sprayed to put it out. But a neighbor from across the street noticed me there and she came over and gave me the 411 on what went down with the tragedy. She also admitted to not having and needing to have an inventory completed and I am hopeful of helping her with that service. More important to me and the residents is that I'll make a pitch and presentation about my new service offering, which they didn't know they needed. So Friday evening I have the prospect of gaining valuable new customers. So perhaps other fellow business owners with NAHIP may want to tap into this market, made up of "block clubs," and perhaps there they may drum up some more business at there next meeting.
