Other Peoples’ Mouths

 

  
  Paid advertising does have its successes, but perhaps you are overlooking an obvious demographic. Next time you are out running errands, picking your kids up from school or participating in a community event- look around you. Everyone you see is a potential client- and a potential ‘advertiser’!

But, when you think of networking- it’s really word of mouth advertising, right? But it’s from your own mouth. However, by building up your own network, you will have people thus doing the networking for you. So, the trick is to get others to do the talking. Just by being aware of you and the quality of their work is enough!

Think about the snowball effect here: You do a deck for a next-door neighbor. Some of his coworkers come over for a barbeque and like what they see. You get a job doing a foundation for that family. That leads to a basement being redone for another. That job transpires into an addition for another. Finally, that small deck job ultimately lands you a new home
project. And, it all started by telling your neighbor that you can do his deck. If your work is great, other will do the talking for you. (Even if it sounds like this- “My cousin’s friend’s sister’s boyfriend’s friend at work’s contractor built our house….!”

You cannot depend on one person alone, however, so after you read this article, make a list of acquaintances make through your involvement with schools, community groups and more.

Here is a list to get you started:

* Realtors
* Property Management Companies (apartment complexes, etc)
* Suppliers
* Small Business Owners
* Schools- public and private
* Youth Sport Leagues
* Government Organizations
* Civic Groups
* Professional Groups
* Classes

All of these groups have the potential to be clients, as all of them may need the work of a variety of contractors. Perhaps a little league teams needs a new concession stand, or maybe a small business you now is becoming, not so small. And, think of all the other members and/or customers these organizations have. If not work for the group itself, you
can get referrals from them for personal jobs.
 
If you are not networking with the people you know, then you should start!

If you are not a member of a professional or community group, if time allows, try to join one. Even being involved with a child’s school can lead to many jobs. So, chaperone that field trip and maybe you’ll find a teacher who needs a paint job. Then, the teacher will give a lesson to all her friends- that you are the company to go to.