TOPIC: Move In Certified

John,
We took baskets ($1/ea at the dollar store) with candy (bought from Sam's) and our printed business cards (done at home) to realtor agencies in the area.  We refilled only a couple but we got about three inspections the first couple weeks from the advertising.  Last week I did four more for another agency that I dropped candy off to--they finally broke and called me.  Hehe--it worked.  I joined the Chamber--expensive at first but we're the ONLY home inspection business in the chamber--exclusive referrals, if people call the chamber asking for a home inspector recommendation.  Good news potentially--the local newspaper is putting a "Green" segment in the paper Sunday and they called me first since I'm a chamber member and asked if I'd like to get some inexpensive advertising in this segment.  Of course!  It cost $200 total but I have two different ads, and I hope the phone begins ringing.  If I get one job from it, it's paid for.  But I'll get referrals from that.  It's name branding.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is the email (no longer Gmail though it dumps into Gmail--thanks Dominic!), the name is on the vehicles, on business cards I leave everywhere, brochures that I need to update, etc...  Name branding--get people to see your name over and over and you'll begin receiving calls.  Dress up just a little when you go to realtors if you're trying to drum up business from them.  And the list goes on--but I have to think about it more.

Hang in there John.  Build it and they will come--really! 

Greg

I've been thinking of doing the candy thing soon.  I have a vending co, so I have all the candy in the world here at the house!!!    I thought about using M&M's and staple my business card to them.    Also I've been rolling the email thing around in my head.  I'm thinking I want to change mine to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., something along those lines.  I haven't really looked into it though.  I want to do that before I get my truck window lettered up!  I've also been looking into the chamber and our local builders association.  I cant afford those right now, but after going to one of the meetings, its going to be GREAT for networking!  It all boils down to money!!!