Hello and Thank you

[Philr]

Hello and thank you for this killer resource. I am a member of other forums and know all-too-well how much time these things can consume. So thank you mods and admin for your time. I am sure it is a love/hate thing and your time is appreciated by me.

I have been reading a little at the time now for a year or so and have some basic questions.
Before I begin, it is very refreshing to see posts actually listed with appropriate tittles. Makes for easier and more accurate search functions. Bravo.

I am currently a carpet cleaner with additional services my industry often provides. (tile/grout/upholstery etc)
I do NOT advertise but I do market. I mean to say I ONLY work by referral. I am a member of and participate in my local chamber and a BNI group. I am very very active in these arenas. I do not pass out fliers nor direct mail, no cold calling etc. and although this method is slow, it is very effective at generating the 'A'-Type clients I prefer. They are usually already sold.

I also do some auto upholstery and have the desire to venture further into this market. I am unsure why other than the feeling it seems to generate in a hands-on kind of manner.

So now my questions/ideas:
I an thinking about offering 2-3 very specific services in the 'auto' arena with even more specific goals in mind. Namely WSR and interior repair (cloth only for now) and possibly HLR (headlight restoration)

First interest is WSR and with a finely focused goal in mind. In my networking groups (2) and inside the chamber of which I am a partner (fancy word for member) there are a number of auto fixem up places with one owner/operator. Awesome mechanics with stellar reputations for honest, accurate repair work.

I have spoken with my favorite (BNI member) about my idea. In short, the idea is to offer the service(s) listed above for him to sell or give to his clients. The basic idea behind this is for me to get in front of his clients using the WSR service (for example) and then convert them to MY clients too.

I have sort of planed in my head a 'route' if-you-will of such locations wherein I stop by weekly, bi-weekly, monthly etc. The concept here is to have a cycle of stops that I go into if for no other reason that to say hello and "any chips?" . If they do have chips..I fix em..if not, no harm no foul BUT my face becomes branded and my services are always in front of the potential.

Once I do get on a windshield (hopefully sooner than later) than my goal is to make them aware of the other services I offer. "Mr Miller, your seats and carpet in that Dodge are dirty. Did you know I clean those items and do so very well? Please allow me to put a quote inside your car, you look it over and call me to set an appointment."

Now, I want to stress here that I have all the respect in the world for WSR business and by no means wish to degrade the business. I may even turn my idea into a wonderful enterprise. But the first goal is to use the service as a side entry for my other services.

I want the retail/cash customers first.

My mechanics also tune/work on fleet accounts. He (they) can introduce me to those owners/managers.

I will do the same with my insurance agents, real estate agents, builders, lawyers, Doctors etc.

Now since the idea is mine, obviously I am going to think it is pure genius. But I am wearing my very own rose colored glasses and need some outside, unbiased, no-holds-barred input before i drop one penny.

I await the replies. I will resist the urge to defend my position so do take the gloves off. I am a big boy.
what have I missed?

[Kgobin]

Philr welcome to the forum! As you can see there is a ton information on the forum and it is good to know that it has been helpful to you. It sounds like you are on the right track with the services that you would like to offer, I think that all three compliment each other. Always remember if you ever have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to post it, email it, private message it, or call into Delta Kits.