<html> <body> Dave, <x-tab>        </x-tab>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: <blockquote type=cite class=cite cite>&nbs= p;   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</blockquote> <x-sigsep></x-sigsep> Greg Newell Greg's piano Forté <a href="mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net"= eudora="autourl">mailto:gnewell@ameritech.net</a></body> </html>