Subscribe Ask the Editors Search Entire site Smallbiz Bookstore Msg. You missed the advertising deadline for your chosen medium. Our Marketing Expert shows you how to develop a plan to attract clients. Unfortunately, I missed the advertising deadline in my local phone book.
Referrals are a terrific way to drum up new business quickly.
The key is to set up an ongoing marketing program to build referrals from related business professionals, such as real estate sales associates and mortgage brokers, who come into direct contact with your prospective customers and often make recommendations concerning home inspection companies. Identify the best referral prospects in your market area and contact them by phone to arrange meetings with specific individuals and to make presentations to groups. Contact the prospects in your database in person or by telephone, fax or mail at least every four to six weeks. Advertising specialties that feature your company name and logo from mugs to calendars are another good way to remind sales associates and brokers of your business. Provide specialized marketing tools.