<WBR>Shawn<br> <br> A basic rule of thumb in the advertising world is the 7 hit rule. Customers need to be hot over the head at least 7 times before they respond to any kind of promotion. Sending a post card to churches will generate some new business, but it has to be done numerous times over a period of a year. The first mailing might produce one or two calls, but if you keep sending them, more will respond later on. <br> <br> Going door knocking might get you a few customers, but it also takes time. Last year I visited about 2 dozen churches and school. I didn't seen one music director. The church/school secretary took my card, and only one church choir director called me, but even that hasn't resulted in a tuning. <br> <br> Building a business takes time. Word of mouth is always the best way, but even that takes time. People have to get to know you. Of course, doing good work, dressing appropriately and smelling nice are forgone conclusions. <br> <br> <div style="CLEAR: both">Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT<br> Piano Tuner/Technician<br> Mililani, Oahu, HI<br> 808-349-2943<br> Author of: <br> The Business of Piano Tuning<br> available from Potter Press<br> www.pianotuning.com</div> <br> <br> -----Original Message-----<br> From: Shawn Brock <shawnbrock@fuse.net><br> To: Pianotech List <pianotech@ptg.org><br> Sent: Mon, 20 Oct 2008 4:53 am<br> Subject: Best approach for acquiring new business.<br> <br> <div id=AOLMsgPart_2_250903dc-3d15-40be-a1f3-e9ed3035b587> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm hoping some of you will way in on what you think the best method for soliciting new business is based on your personal experience.  I am considering a few options for getting new church customers.  1: Sending out postcards to most or all of the churches in my area.  2: Good old fashion cold calls.  I have not tried the cold calls method for a few years, but I recall that it didn't work vary well for me previously.  On the other hand I don't want to waste money on sending out maybe 1000 postcards to get one tuning on a old Baldwin 243.  Why we all know nothing is a sure bet when trying to get new business we know some things work better than others.  So what do you think the best and most profitable approach has been for you?  I appreciate your input as always.  </FONT></div> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </div> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2>Regards,</FONT></div> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2>Shawn Brock, RPT</FONT></div> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2>513-316-0563</FONT></div> <div><FONT face=Arial size=2><A href="http://www.shawnbrock.com/" target=_blank>www.shawnbrock.com</A></FONT></div> </div> <div id='MAILCIAMA018-5bbf48fcde3b2fa' class='aol_ad_footer'><BR/><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px"></HR>McCain or Obama? Stay updated on coverage of the Presidential race while you browse - <a href="http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1211139166x1200680084/aol?redir=http://toolbar.aol.com/elections/download.html?ncid=emlweusdown00000002">Download Now!</a></FONT> </div>