Letter Sending…

An email I received recently:

Steve, how are you?  I know you’re extremely busy so I want make it a habit to ask such questions of you.  Do you have any samples of effective letters you’ve used to target a particular business?   I live in a resort community with a hotel, some cottages and cabins and I’m going to target the property manager regarding my window washing business. 

thanks, alonzo

My Response:

Hi Alonzo:

Sorry for the delayed reply.  We’re working round the clock over here on a bunch of new features for The Customer Factor so it’s taking me a bit longer to reply to emails lately.

But you can ask anytime anywhere.  No probs at all for sure. 

I don’t have any specific letters for specific businesses.  The reason is because I never went after businesses in a big way.  I know this sounds kind of old school, but if I were you I would just pay the property managers a personal visit.  Drop off a business card and give ‘em a brief overview of the fabulous service you provide. 

It’s really pretty simple to get business/commercial customers.  A personal visit giving an overview or even a personal visit with the intent of dropping off a flyer works real well.  Either way will get you customers. 

Direct mail works very well (postcards) when mailing to residential customers.  Your postcard just jumps out at them in the few pieces of mail they might have.  Businesses on the other hand get inundated with all kinds of offers and solicitations through the mail.  So a direct mailing as far as window washing isn’t going to be that effective. It won’t get their attention.  But a personal visit wearing your uniform will definitely do it.

I hope this helps a little bit.  If you feel more comfortable with a letter, no probs.  I can do you one up, but it’ll have to be this weekend, ok?  In the insurance biz, I used to send introductory letters a lot and then followed ‘em up with personal visits.  Now that can be effective because you’re letting them know you’re coming beforehand.  You’re not just relying on the letter to get the phone ringing.   

Take care for now and I’ll talk with you later.

Regards,

Steve