The motor industry used to send out thousands of flyers. But you don't get them anymore for the simple reason that they don't work as they used to and they are expensive to distribute.
Existing customer referrals are an excellent way of building your customer base, but you tend to get business all over the place. This is my experience.
The best customer base we got was a new estate we knocked on at exactly the right time. All the houses together and very compact which is what you want. The only down side is that virtually all the owners work and it's difficult to get money from some of them.
The best advice given on here once was to knock a few doors either side of the house you clean as you clean. Try to work Saturdays as you will get more exposure from those who are at home over the weekend. In the summertime, work later into the evenings for the same reason.
It takes time and a lot of hard work to build your basic business. In time you will spend less and less time canvassing as your customer base grows. In doesn't happen over night.
Still very worried?
The topic of this post suggests someone who lacks self belief and confidence in what he has set out to do.
Why are you worried? Because you have put out 15k of leaflets and the work hasn't come flooding in.
Andy doubt is your worst enemy, and you have to take control and conquer it. The more you think about the lack of response the more your self confidence will be affected.
Your leaflets may not have been appealing for one reason or another. So what?
I would not sit back and wait for the phone to ring, I would get out there and knock some of the doors where your leaflets have been delivered.
Explain to them you are expanding your window cleaning business and ask them if they would like a quote for their property. By actually speaking to people you will be putting a face to your business and will receive a feedback (negative or positive).
Sometimes you just have to get one window clean in a street and others will follow. People will see your van around and feel more confident in you.
I've leafleted some areas 3 times and not got a response. I had one today, they never responded to any of my leaflets but I knocked the door while in the area and introduced myself and hey presto.
Regular 4 weekly cleans, a future upvc roofline clean and they even gave me a tip!
While there another woman passing by gave me the phone number of her friend who wants me to quote for window cleaning.
If you are serious about getting more window cleaning work you should start this evening and tomorrow and sell your service.
Hi AJM
I totally agree. When reading some of Andy's other posts he does seem to make things more complicated they they actually are.
Andy, no disrespect meant but as the Nike advert says "Just do it". Best of luck.
Spruce
