Work Dry Spell

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
Richard

TV is the most expensive forms of self promoting that one can buy. At the level that you will buy into, will not pay for your ad. Think about it, the ones who promote on TV are the big hitters, not the little guy. Call some of these small companies and ask them what the return is. TV promotion is for the long term, meaning over and over and over. You need lots of bucks to play in that game. Has anyone on this bb seen any pw on TV? If so call him, don't take my word.

David
 

Richard R.

New Member
David,

Can you explain a little more? I don't have anyone to call.
What do you mean by "At the level I will buy into, it will not pay your add."
Let me just first give you my plan and tell you what they told me and go from there.
I can buy as many 15 second commercials as I want to starting at 1,2 or however many I may need.

When I first invested into this business, I bought a new digital camera and a very high priced sony digital video camera.
The lady said I could make my own commercial and it would save me a lot of money. She said it would cost an extra one time production charge of about $50.00 to put it on their reel or PC and it becomes $25.00 to $30.00 after that except prime time which is $125.00 per 15 second commercial.
Is there something they are not telling me? I need to know.

Thanks
Richard R.
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
I am not sure about this new digital computer program driven TV commercial as to what it is about. However a $100 production fee is a good deal and the results will way less than you are expecting. I have been told that production cost are one thing, but the direction and idea concept are cost driven. Ask yourself why would people spend thousands when they could get some results at $100.

What I meant by level is the nuber of placements you buy. Your results or lack of will be based on the number and time of placements. For example some cable rates are as low as $5-$10 at 3:30 AM/0330.

I would ask around and get some referrals. Ask the salesperson to grantee the results to cover the cost. He or She will not do this. They will say that the results can't be calculated in the short term.

TV would be the last venue that I would pursue. The salesperson is putting a positive spin on his program, and the person selling the software is making money at the same time. The money is up to you. Take you boy out to dinner and save your money, this is not for any of us.


David
 

Richard R.

New Member
David,

I hope you don't get offended by my inability to understand what your point is, but I think you have totally misunderstood my post.

This is a local TV commercial that will only be shown or viewed in my general area of about 300,000 people, verses the same price I would pay for a Newspaper classified add that is view by 20,000 people, which should air during the Todays Show time frame or early morning news time frame.
As far as your statement, "this is not for any of us," it shouldn't effect anyone but me. It consists of a small video clip of me cleaning a fence, deck, concrete surface, house etc...etc..., and introducing my business name and telephone number.
The only draw back that I can see about this so far is the amount of exposure that I may get that may be more than I can handle.
I learned that draw back from one of the posts here on the network. Someone mentioned that this much coverage or exposure could be more than a small business could handle. As a matter of fact, I read a post several months ago where one of the members tryed this and said it took him 2 or 3 months to catch up to all of the job requests.
If a person is not getting any business at all, wouldn't it be better to get more than he could handle than none at all?
The whole point of this commercial is to let my neighbors know that I'm out here capable to do this type of service for them in my area. This way it cost me about $100.00 instead of $600.00 it cost to buy a mailing list, print 2000 tri-folds or flyers and the stamps it costs to send them. I know it costs this much because I've already done the tri-fold/flyer send out thing in the beginning and was even assisted in bulk mailing by my local Chamber of Commerce at about a .22 cent send out rate.
Once Iv'e made the commercial, I think the cost is about $30.00 each time you want to air it thereafter. What could be any better or more cost effective than that?

Please bear with me David while I comprehend your point because I'm sure once it hits me, I will feel pretty stupid.
I truly respect your advise so please don't let this stand between us. Your much wiser than I and have been in this business much longer than I so hopefully you will consider this while helping me understand your point. I can assure you I don't want to get involved with this if it is a bad idea because there is a lot of work that goes into making a 15 to 30 second commercial.
I haven't had hardly any luck at all with the flyers and newspaper adds so somethings got to give.
Please forgive me for this long message and Thank you all for your patients.

Richard R.
 
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Clean County

New Member
Richard,
I say go for it. Give it a shot. If it works then you will be well rewarded. Maybe in your neck of the woods this could be a great way to go where as somewhere else it may not work at all like lets say for example NY city.

You wont really know untill you try it. I know there is another guy in this industry who has post on this bb and others who swears by this form of advertising.

Sometimes you have to gamble somewhat to find out if things work out and if it fails at least you gave it a shot and its still a write off in the end.
Good luck
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
If people are not responding to your printed media, why would they respond to the TV. Why do you think the rest of us don't us TV? Look if I was in you spot with limited funds, I might give this a try-but don't expect the phone to ring off the hook.

The image of a PW comes on the TV and the customer thinks I need this done! The spot was to short didn't get your phone number-runs to the yellow pages and calls-the other guy.

David
 

Dan Flynn

PWN Founder
I agree with Dave on this one. That's a long term deal. So long people will hum your tune in the car. That cost big big bucks.
 

Mark

Moderator / Sponsor
Richard,

I think you should "go with your gut feelings"

Or better yet if you are a praying man I would ask God for wisdom in this decision.

Best wishes!
 

Richard R.

New Member
David,

I guess all I can say is, How would any normal person respond to a TV Commercial as apposed to a flyer.
I know how I would respond.
I would have to add that TV would be about the best form of cold calling there is.
You are in their home, You have their undivided attention, They can't ask you to leave. You can talk to them without interuption and you can actually give them a demonstration without pulling one piece of equipment from your truck and trailer.
All of this in 15 seconds and of course last but not least, you have one of the biggest audience ever.

But I quess, with all aside, I better contact this lady back and start asking more questions. Sounds like I may have bit off more than I can chew.

Have a Good Day Everyone.


Richard R.
 
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charlie

New Member
Richard

What I did to get on TV was called a TV Station that has a home improvement show on it and asked if they wanted me to talk about and demostrate on how to clean and seal a deck. They said yes i did it twice and got calls. As for doing a commercial, If you don't try it you will always wonder if it would work for you.

Charlie
 

Dan Flynn

PWN Founder
I would think to yourself, how much can I spend on this. I think Dave is right when he says. By the time the prospect see your commercial and then gets a pen your commercial is over.

but if you can spend enough to run it several times a day for a month or so it may work. Just think it out and make the best decision you can.
 

Beth

New Member
Richard,
I can't say this enough.... Don't use just one method of advertising, and don't try it once and stop.

Advertising is only effective if:

1. done repeatedly, so that you build name recognition as well as reach those who do not see you the one time you do run

2. use more than one advertising method. Not everyone will react the same based on an ad. Some read newspapers, some look in phone book, some look for coupon mailers, some like flyers.

On the whole, your percentage that respond to ads of any kind will be low, and can be disheartening. You will not get 500 calls off of one ad, and any sales person who tells you that you will is lying through their teeth. You are building a name. Don't put a dollar value on it. You will spend more on advertising the first few years, until you build a clientele who repeat services.

Is advertising worth it? Absolutely. But use more than one media, and research them. Look at where the competition advertises over and over again....

Beth
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
One problem that we have as members of this bb is that we read a post and conclude a possible solution. Case in point Richard you stated that if your flyer don't work that will be it. I took that as to say my funds are out. With limited funds, TV is not the answer. If I was faced with this situation I would cold call all classes of trade and look for various opportunities to apply my trade.

As Beth stated TV is long term, with well established targets and goals. Take some time and examine TV spots and look for message, target, brand along with time of spot. A 15 second spot would be plenty of time if the spot was well planned and well thought out.

David
 

Jon Fife

New Member
hi Richard,

here is an idea of something that may work. Offer some free/cheap services to one or two customers in a couple of areas that you want to work in. Sure, no one wants to work for free, but i have found that most of my estimates come from people seeing me out working. The way i see it, you can ask people for the perfect advertising solution all you want, but at some point you must become proactive and try a few different things.
This is what i suggest: Find a few subdivisions (high-income) and go to a visible house (front of street, lots of traffic) and offer to do their deck for expenses only (make a little up by adding some money for traveling). In exchange, you only ask to put up a yard sign ($25). When you finish the job, knock on 8 doors surrounding the house.
Say, "hello, i am Richard with X pressure washing, and we are just finishing up restoring Ms. Jones' deck. I just wanted to give you a card and offer you a free estimate, and if you'd like to see our work you can check out Ms. Jones' deck. Do you want me to go ahead and get you that estimate??"
I promise you, 80% of the people will let you give them an estimate. They may just be trying to get you off their back, but many will be serious. Get their phone number and call them once a month until they sign up. They will.
At this point, you've got to give something a shot. If you don't like the idea of doing the free work, then just do the door to door. If i were you, i'd go for the free work. Unless you also have a part-time job, you should have plenty of time for this. I promise it will pay off. The first year i started doing this, i bet 90% of my jobs came from doing door to door. Here is a tip---start by practicing door to door in a subdivision that you may not have as much interest working in. That way, you are getting practice and may get some jobs, but if not, nobody's hurt.
Set yourself a goal. Tell yourself: i am going to start knocking doors at 9 a.m., and i won't stop until i've given 5 estimates. Good luck Richard, i hope you will at least consider trying this.

Jon Fife
Nashville,TN
 

Aplus

New Member
I live andwork in a major automotive region. There are several auto plants and manufacturing facilities. I have witnessed that many people that are working in these places, have experienced sharp income drops. By this I mean they are working less overtime, thus......less disposable income. Just imagine all the people that have been separated from the Big 3 alone this year. Also affected are all the local people who operate businesses that support the auto makers. ie....trucking companies, banks, assorted vendors, etc. All these people are no longer working round the clock shifts. Car production and sales are dropping, future sales increases look dismal.

You can hardly pick up a newspaper and not read about some company cutting employees.

What this adds up to is called reduced consumer confidence.

Let's face it, many of our services are not required services. People got along just fine before entrepreneurs like us began convincing people they need to have their house washed, or their deck refinished.

Discretionary, disposable income is now at a low point in most locations. Add to that the fear of astromical rising energy costs, soaring gasoline costs, and it's no wonder people are clamping their wallets shut! I truly believe a lot of industries are suffering, and it's not just us. I'm aware of rising prices and general spending nervousness myself, and have taken steps to reduce my unneeded spending. Who can really say they haven't?

While I think the video/commercial idea is well thought out, I don't believe at this particular time, it will make any difference in your sales objectives. Only when people start going back to work, and getting overtime again, will this idea fly, with great results.

My two cents.
 

P Austin

New Member
Just three cents for me please!...

Radio is much cheaper than television, and many people listen to the radio at work where they may be sitting at a desk (pen and paper at there disposal).

Also try advertising at special events. Such as fund raisers. If you donate money or time to a fund raiser, many times your company will be mentioned in the news paper, on the radio, tv, etc.

Good luck.
 

Aplus

New Member
Donating time and service is worthwhile. First, you get a nice full price tax deduction. Secondly, you get a good feeling by helping out others.

I washed a large asphalt area at our elementary school that was being readied for basketball court striping. The principle of the school even pitched in, running one of my other machines. Soon, two others "dads" joined in. They all thought it was "cool" to operate a high power washer.

I slept good that night.....feeling good about contributing something for the kids. (not to mention tired, after cleaning a regulation size basketball court.)
 

Schmutz Man

New Member
Donating your services is low-balling ! Your services are viewed by the consumer as worth NOTHING ! They don't regard the wear and tear on your equipment, insurance, fuel nor the fact that you could be working elsewhere and earning ! If you work PWing as a hobby- go for it ! But if you are doing this for a living - you won't be at it long! Your local school would probably have hired a contractor to clean the concrete. Schools have budgets for that kind of work. Don't kid yourself, it's only a tax deduction if you declare the value of the job as income!
Giving away deck jobs in hopes of getting the neighbors to ask for your services, is suicide ! The next time you go back, what will you charge ? All those people in that wealthy area compare prices and how cheap they buy stuff ? That's how they got there.
Buying low and selling high. You better be a super salesman to overcome, "I want what he got."
The best way to deal with wealthy people is to show them the value of what they are paying for. If you want people to see you working in rich neighborhoods, sit in your truck while you eat lunch, they can read your signs.

Schmutzman
 

Aplus

New Member
Schmutz,

What, are you out in left field or something? Schools do not have extra money for setting up playgrounds and stuff. Parents' clubs do most of the work for stuff like that. And I'd rather see extra things like science lab improvements, and extra books for the library.

Maybe you should take some of your personal time, and do good things for the community, and for the children, and see how rewarding it can be. It's called giving something back. It insults me how you run with your assumptions and talk trash.
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
You are open to problem if you let untrained people work with your equipment as you have stated in your last post, referring to school parking lot.

I donate money and work from time to time. I charge schools the same as any business. When sleeping, I rest well knowing that my taxes are at work doing what does not need to be done in most cases.

David
 

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