starting the business

[David Ilvedson]

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That's a great idea about referrals and the $5 off the next=
 service, which would probably keep them up with inflation...;-] =
  I'm going to consider it.   I do ask where they got my name and=
 note it in database but I don't do much with that info...
David I.


----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Greg Newell <gnewell@ameritech.net>
To: Pianotech <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Sun, 28 Nov 2004 10:45:42 -0500
Subject: Re: starting the business

Dave,
        You have some really good ideas here. I hope you take=
 advantage of them. Hang in there, it gets better. I would only=
 ad that I have employed a simple method that still, after 20=
 years, puts smiles on my customers faces. It so simple too. When=
 I get a call from a new customer I ask them how they heard of=
 me. When they mention an existing customers name that existing=
 customer automatically gets a thank you card. On that card they=
 are instructed to save it (the card) and use it for $50 off=
 their next service. For some it just makes them smile but for=
 others it is a catalyst to make them go out and tell every one=
 who will listen about me. Now it's not likely that they would do=
 that if they weren't satisfied with my work so it's sort of a=
 double plus. I really don't do much advertising at all in an=
 area filled with techs. Naturally being around for 20 years has=
 a bit to do with that but really, so does the above mentioned=
 method. Give it a try. The only thing you have to lose is the $5=
 off their NEXT service. That also means that to cash in they=
 have to have you out one more time at least, right.
Good Luck!

Greg Newell



At 09:21 AM 11/28/2004, you wrote:

    Hi Dave:
    I see some great ideas and answers to your question.  Here's=
 what worked for me:
    I sent a letter of introduction to all the churches and=
 schools in the area I wanted to cover, telling about my=
 services, membership in PTG and any introductory offers I wanted=
 to mention.    The same goes for music stores and piano=
 teachers.  You want to spend your time and money where it will=
 do the most good.  I took out small ads in local papers and the=
 free advertiser tabloids.  They don't cost much and keep your=
 name in front of the public.  Some techs report good results=
 with magnetic signs on their vehicle, I also had a small nicely=
 lettered sign at the end of my driveway that was productive.
    I agree with Dave about yellow pages, it works but mainly it=
 keeps your name in everyone's home when needed.  I got almost no=
 play from the web.   Be sure to ask customers if you can check=
 with them in 6 months or a year to see how their piano is doing=
 and does it need tuning.  Also ask each new customer how they=
 found you, that will indicate where your work is coming from. =
 Word of mouth works best, but only after you've been around for=
 awhile.  If you are in an area with  a lot of other technicians,=
 you need to get creative and do things a little differently. =
 Good Luck....
    Mike Kurta
Greg Newell
Greg's piano Fort=E9
mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net 


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