Building Relationships With New Businesses

[scratchy]

Something just hit me today. I was minding my own business when a guy pulled up to my truck and asked about a chip. I fixed it for him and then he said he was new in town with a new detailing service. He asked if I would refer work to him and he is going to push the chips my way. I have noticed a trend that there is way more cooperation possible with the new guys than the older established businesses. Keeping an eye out for who is just opening up can bring some amazing possibilities.

[gold star wsr]

I really dont think it has much to do with how long a person's been in business, whether they will help others or not. It seems to just come naturally to some people. All astute business people realize the value of networking with other businesses. There are a number of very successul networking organizations. One was discussed in this forum a couple of months ago. But one need not join a group in order to network with others. A word of caution though: Before referring work to anyone, find out a little about him... does he give prompt curteous service? What are his ethics? Does he do good work? How does he handle customer complaints?

[scratchy]

With this type of situation in the past, what I have done is let them do my stuff and I see if it is good. Then I send someone I know but don't tell them they are coming and see how it goes. Then I watch a bit and then start sending more and watching for consistency in quality and repore.

Many of the old timers in my town are what I call old school. They see things a certain way and don't deviate from it. They also have their "circle" they work in. I would much rather build a network with up and comers and just let the old timers "think" they are in control of what is going on in town. Just my opinion. Business envy is a very real element in the market place. Luckily WSR is one of the unique opportunities I see to thumb your nose at the establishment and rise on your own merit. Gotta luv it.