Hi, just out of interest has anyone send out flyers to advertise their services? and was it successful? I'm thinking of getting some printed to put out in local paper etc. Although I have no idea where to start in putting them together
I picked up a few going round small industrial estates, and there was a farm where the barns had been converted to small offices. I would recommend when you give them a flyer to put a couple of business cards with it, as people in business always know other people in business.
Kind regards
Nick
__________________
Nick
Nick Craggs FMAAT ACA AAT Distance Learning Manager
I've never done it but I still think the best way is networking. It takes a while to pay off but when it does start to pay off it is really good. Get your foot in the door with an accountant or two.
I use to put postcards up in local shop windows, I did get a few out of it but not much really, not compared to the networking.
I created a tradesmen flyer and left it in the local trade counters.. got away with asking mainly because I am a DIY fruit, and they all know me!! I got one job out of it, and a few leads that say they want to move over to me, but then do nothing about it... also put a advert in two local mags but nothing from those so far... word of mouth is my main source of new leads.. 2 new clients a month just from that... wish I hadnt bothered paying out for the rest but you never know.. one decent job and its broken even.
Three words... Networking, Networking, Networking....
I have nigh on trebled my client base by doing it! I does, as Amanda rightly says, take a while to pay off, but when it does its worth it! Google networking events in your local area and see what's about, If you small and can afford much then stay away from the big ones like 4N, BNI. Try 'Office Drinks' or see what your council does for small businesses. Once you attend one or two you will see the 'Hardcorers' who go to EVERY networking event going, talk to them, ask them the best for new starters; you will find once your in one you will see a whole 'underground world' of business networking that you thought never existed!!
Don't dismiss the flyers though, use them, but you will find you get more work from networking in my experience.