Dear Sunrider Business Leader,

My son Stephen is a wiz on computers and has decided to start his own computer consulting business. He has spent several months getting the infrastructure set up so he can not only help people locally, but if you have an internet connection, he can fix most people's problems from his office in Mesa, AZ. It is a pretty slick system … one that I find really helpful when I have to call him pleading, "Son, I need help!" Well he was finally ready to launch his business when he found out that the one thing he didn't have was a lot of marketing effort going on. You see Stephen is a delightful soul, but he is a bit on the shy side. This has caused no end of problems in both his business start up … and ironically his social life (which I've been advising him on regardless of his interest in getting said wisdom). [By the way, if you need computer help, Stephen is available. Contact www.pebkacconsulting.com or call 480-512-2223 you will enjoy the experience.]

A few nights ago he called and was a tad depressed because of his lack of progress. I asked how many business cards he had passed out. None. How many people had he talked to? None … but next week he assured me. I told him next week wouldn't do … you need to do it today! I told Stephen when he was out and about, take a business card, walk up to someone and ask them "Can I give you my business card?" Well I got the following email …

So I was at the store last night (not planning to hand out cards), and I saw a couple shopping, and again, I thought "those seem like my target customer" but then just like before I couldn't get myself to do it, in other words, I didn't follow through on the impulse. Instead I thought to myself "this weekend I'll definitely go out and talk to people". Anyway so I continue shopping, and not too much further from them I see another woman who just seems to be the perfect fit for my customer profile. Again I had the thought that this weekend I'd definitely talk to people like that.

Then I had a thought occur to me that was the turning point in all of this.
I realized "I'm never going to make money if I turn away opportunities like this". Those aren't the exact words that I thought, I think the actual thought I had was much more primitive, like "talk + people = money". But the moral of the story is I realized that I'd never make money, much less make back the money I've invested on this, if I didn't just talk to people.

I think in the end I spoke with 6 people, two of them "rejected," the first guy was a computer technician and the second was a lady with a dad or someone who was a computer technician, but she took my card anyway and said she'd give it to someone else.

Aside from a lady who probably thought I was tricking her or something, everyone was very nice and pleasant to talk to. Its funny, its like everyone is in a bubble, and if you poke your head in, you find they are willing to talk and are very nice.

Does this sound familiar, do you find yourself procrastinating like Stephen? If you will stretch yourself you will find success. From this group of cards Stephen got a job fixing a computer, but more importantly he learned an invaluable lesson … he can do it! Initially the bulk of the people you talk to will be from your warm market, people you already know. However, to give your business a serious power start you need to take every opportunity to tap into your cold market … and these opportunities show up everyday … everywhere. Be prepared for them. The biggest problem is the start, so here are some suggestions that are simple … and effective.

Approach People!

If you approach a stranger, look for someone who, as Stephen says "fits the profile." Basically if they are breathing and active, they fit the profile. When you walk up to them, pleasantly ask, "Can I give you my business card?"

A quick note for those who are squeamish about this type of approach because they don't want to offend or seem like a "salesman"… if you are pleasant and smile, most will enjoy the encounter, including yourself.  In other words, get over it and build your business.

Generally they will ask what your business is … then you can use any of the following approachs or come up with your own...

" I help people start their own business. Let me tell you why I love this business." [Then quickly talk about the lifestyle, financial opportunity, franchise comparison, and health benefits.]

" I help women become financially independent." [This is very effectively used by woman to other women.]

" I help people make money!"

" I'm in the wellness industry helping people live healthier while increasing their personal income."

The key is to talk with lots of people.  The more people you talk with, the more comfortable you become in talking with them ... and the more fun this business becomes.

Sincerely,

Paul Jensen 

Offer five people your business card today! If you don't have your cards yet, use the Simply the Best Brochure or other Sunrider literature as your business card