|
Laid Off (Again)
Well, as most of you probably know I've been working full time while trying to transition into Real Estate - which hasn't been going too well. I have some small income from home with Fearless Graphics and occasional chatteling, but nothing more than a few extra bucks here and there.
Now I guess is the time to dive right in to the deep end. Laid off again, this time I lasted almost 2 years - not too shabby for a print shop job. This time, I really don't want to look for another 'J.O.B.' With a family of 4 to support, this won't be easy, but I've been ready to be my own boss for about 10 years now and I'm WAY behind schedule. So anyway, I'm going to need to generate some quality Real Estate leads really quick. I'll be giving out business cards like crazy, but I'll also be looking for creative ways to reach my target market (first time home buyers). Any ideas will be appreciated, I'll be on a budget, but busting my @ss making contacts and generating leads. Hopefully I'm not back in some dead end J.O.B. in a couple of months waiting for the next layoff. |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Sorry to hear about your job loss, Todd, but you may wish to consider carefully what you choose to do just because of the timing. When real estate is in a nose dive with problems on both the consumer and financing end of things, are you sure this is the right time to give this market a go? Just wondering.
You might consider part timing things temporarily until things start upward again. This would enable you to 'learn the ropes' and get your ducks in a row ready for the big run. In the meantime you could do some part time internet work or get a part time job to help support the family. Sometimes success or failure has more to do with timing than skill, knowledge, backing, or determination. Some ideas for you: Join the local Chamber of Commerce and participate in their activities, especially their get acquainted events. Join Toastmasters and sharpen your communication skills while networking with businessmen and women. Re-consider the first time home buyer market. They're often the most difficult to get financing for, especially when the market is tight as it is now. They have no track record for one thing, are often setup by sharpies because they don't know the ropes, and more often than not have unrealistic ideas of what it takes, financially, to buy a home. They'll get you in the middle and then announce that they can't do it because they don't have enough funds saved yet...and you end up wasting time and spinning your wheels in quicksand. Good luck whatever comes or goes. Sandi Bowman |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Thanks Sandi,
I've been a Realtor for just over 2 years part time, closed 5 deals so far. I've stayed full time in printing for that exact reason - the market has been incredibly rough. A friend of mine started "Own Your Own Home, Inc" over 5 years ago and had been making big big bucks until the last year and a half or so. Things are starting to pick up a bit - homes are actually becoming affordable for first time buyers. Anyway, I hired on with him some time ago because there is no big financial commitment with him like there would be with Remax, Century 21, etc... (hundreds of dollars to join plus $50 - $100/month or more). I think that even in this market there is plenty of money to be made, and having a niche - especially one that caters to a down market is a big advantage. The problem is getting connected to the potential buyers. In the meantime, you are probably right about part-time work as a supplement. I just don't want to get back in the same rut I've been in for several years now, content to "get by" on whatever I'm making and susceptible to layoffs at any time (this is 6 or 7 - and my third just from this company!). I'll be combing the archives for ideas. Maybe I can find another business to work part time that will allow me to meet people, make contacts and feed the Real Estate biz as well. |
Todd, could you read this please?
Quote:
Todd, PLEASE prove me wrong. I'm begging you. Prove me wrong when I say... YOU ARE DOOMED TO FAIL in your real estate venture. I don't want you to fail. I'd like you to succeed, hope that you do and I'll eat crow if and when you do. HOWEVER, Read what you just wrote. YOU now have the time to work your butt off full time in Real Estate and yet you will be searching the archives for "ideas"?!!?? Take Sandi's advice, go tomorrow to a temp agency, see if you can use your graphic skills for 20 hours a week or so and then make a decision about real estate. You will never make anything dabbling in it. NOT if you don't have a steady income. 5 Sales in 24 months comes to not quite one sale every 4 to 5 months, that's dabbling. FOCUS. NOW is the time to do that. You want a business that feeds the real estate business...try... THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS. If you truly intend to make real estate your new career, get serious about it or let us know in two years or so about the next layoff. I'm not being brutal here folks, I think Todd is not alone when it comes to needing a good swift kick in the seat of his pants. I truly hope you prove me wrong Todd...but I'll wager that you won't. Gordon Jay Alexander |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Hi, Todd - I'm certainly with the "Backup Plan" of having some part-time income; there's nothing wrong at all in hedging your bets and keeping a cash flow coming in.
Meantime, to attract the first time buyers, inexpensively and effectively, you're going to have to be really creative ....
Is there one type of first-time buyer who is an easy target for you? eg someone with a shared hobby/interest? For instance, someone with an interest in web graphics - who might also be a prospect for a house? ... Best wishes - I hope that it all works out ok for you. However, don't be too proud to take a job to support you through the learning curve(s) - and don't be afraid of standing out from the crowd when you do get your real estate career under way. Find a way of being memorable. Margaret |
Re: Laid Off (Again) If you're serious...do this...
Hi, Todd,
Why not do what a lot of new licensees do...get on your walking shoes and hit the pavement. Instead of seeking listings (I wouldn't turn one down, however, if I were you), why not leave a brochure asking if they know anyone who might be looking to become a first time home buyer. If there's a predominantly rental homes area, this might be a good starting point to knock, introduce yourself, and ask if they'd like to be a first time home buyer. If not, do they know of someone who is or will be in the market? No harm in asking, right? If you're serious, don't be afraid to try whatever works...or might work even if it hasn't been tried yet. Think about what a prospective new home buyer might want to know, where they might like to go to dream or find info, who they'd contact etc. Then you make the same contacts, go the same places where they go, and just schmooz and share some tips. You might work up a mini-presentation directed to first time home buyers giving them helpful tips for planning and purchasing. Then contact likely spots for them such as hardware and land brokers, even contractors and sub-contractors, and offer your presentation and pick up leads for you and the other party. The local library, tourist bureau, community center are all possibilities. Dig in and go for it! The Toastmasters is still a good idea, Todd. Many of the new families and managers in training will be looking to buy their first home...and there's usually quite a few of them in Toastmasters and other community organizations. You'll find a lot of them there. Even the old-timers have relatives just starting out. Open your eyes and look at opportunity then jump on it! Good luck. Sandi Bowman |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Quote:
Maybe a good idea is to get a job which would help you with the skills you need for selling real estate. That could be a job in ... sales! If possible, you may be able to get a sales job where you get a base salary + commission. The base salary gives you something guaranteed to live on, while a commission structure is good for motivating you to work hard. The sales skills you'll pick up will probably help you with your plans to sell real estate. If you do go for a job in sales, try to sell a product or service that you like and believe in. It will make it a lot easier, and you'll probably be more successful too. Best wishes :) Dien |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
I can understand Gordon's comments...
Gotta use the ideas and Focus to make things Work... :) Newsletter Brainstorm http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=17403 Mailing Lists? http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=15413 Todd, Sorry to hear of your layoff... But... Maybe you're Focusing in the wrong direction and/or demographics due to the current poor economy situation and for other reasons... As most know... The internet gives us all equal Opportunities to Focus on the stronger marketplaces and Locations etc... That will recover much quicker from the poor economy... If you're into Lead type ideas... Search through the SowPub archives to refresh the many possibilities... Keep in mind Google's just fine with us working in Multiple demographics & niches... ;) A couple Quick ideas to consider... Skip's Leads concept... http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=19829 And even though this one may sound a little on the Hype side... Seriously consider the offer... Solid reviews... It just might solve a multitude of Problems for many... Careful reading and taking Action is the key to the many Excellent opportunities in Lead Generation type businesses... Need more ideas on Brainstorming & Trend watching... Definitely some Great affordable Golden opportunities to watchout for on WSO... Offline Gold in Portals: Make 5 Figures in 90 Days http://www.warriorforum.com/forum/to...OPIC_ID=233813 http://www.warriorforum.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=15 Phil |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Thanks everyone for the advice - and the kick in the butt! My head was (maybe still is) spinning from suddenly learning that I won't have a job at the end of the month, but Gordon had a point, I need to focus. I am planning to meet with a couple of friends who are successful Realtors to get some perspective. Maybe joining a more well known brokerage (Keller Williams is a possibility) instead of working with my friend Jason at his "New Buyer" focused business would motivate me and open new doors. Gotta weigh the pros and cons of each.
Also, I am looking into part time evening work to have some income, but leave my days open to FOCUS on full time Real Estate sales. Thanks again for the input - I am going to look into Sandi's networking ideas, and Phil's link to "Skip's Leads Concept" is exactly the kind of archive material that can get me going. If nothing else I have motivation to NOT fail miserably if for no other reason than to save face around here! Although I think that the only failure would be to not try at all. Updating the resume to find another dead end job would be failure in my book, but I can certainly understand how my previous post looks like a recipe for disaster. I should have organized my thoughts better before going off in here. At any rate, I have some time to gather information and really devise a plan before the end of the month and I really REALLY do appreciate everyone who takes the time to chime in with advice, practical information and motivation! Todd Smith http://www.homebargainsaz.com |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Hi Todd,
Even in a downwards market, someone somewhere is making money. If I were into real estate in USA right now, my pitch would be: right nows the best time to buy because the prices are low as supply of properties exceeds demands. Its a buyers market. I would contact people working in medium to big sized companies that still don't have their own house. 1. Mailing list may be one way to contact these people 2. Organizing a free workshop "Buying a House in a Recession Without Getting Ripped Off" or something maybe a good idea and people may be interested in it... I would also: buy Robert Campbells book and see if his system of timing the market can be automated for your region. http://www.realestatetiming.com/ Maybe besides dealing in real estate, you could also come out with your own real estate tips and timing newsletter for other realtors by refining Robert's methods. Not sure if realtors will buy educational material during bad times though. And lastly, I would focus on evergreen markets. College campuses. Where houses always rent out. |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Todd,
Thanks for laying it on the line. Step # 1: Do NOT fear layoff. Easy to say. Maybe not so easy to do - but then again, yes, easy to do. You just need to think about it differently. If you Knew you could get another job Just Like That (snap), would you fear layoff? If the worst that would happen is, you fall behind on a payment, would you fear layoff? Guess what? The above Is the worse that would happen, and jobs can be had Just Like That - but you mustn't have any Standards about the work. And you need to think of it differently too. Do you want a Job or do you want to Work. The two Sound similar but they are worlds apart. If you want to Work, then the Work you do shouldn't matter too much as you will be working. Here is where you do as Gordon suggested... call a Temp Agency and work as a Laborer - our Labor is the most basic thing we have to offer, so offer it. Step # 2: Learn your lesson. Look... "I just don't want to get back in the same rut I've been in for several years now, content to "get by" on whatever I'm making and susceptible to layoffs at any time (this is 6 or 7 - and my third just from this company!)." The same company has laid you off two previous times and you're back with them. Man, you need to go outside and give yourself an uppercut. After the first, you Should have been off like a shot and on to something else. Anything else. Options: Call removal companies and ask if you can be a removalist labor. Call tree loppers and ask if you can be a laborer for ground work. Call a cleaning company and ask if they need any Night Time cleaners - will free you to do other work during the day. Call a scaffold company and ask if they need any Labor. Same with landscapers. Fencing. Precast Concrete (usually a High Turnover of Staff as they cannot Hack the work). Call the local stadium and ask who does their After Game Cleaning then call them for work. Call a car yard and ask if you can sell cars on the weekend. Real Estate Selling and Real Estate Loan Broking have a HIGH Turnover. Massively high. Because people find, after the delusion fog lifts, it's darn Tough to make it in that game. Wannabe salesmen draw on commissions they haven't yet earned. Then when they sell they get nothing as they'd already taken it over time. Brokers don't Process enough loans to make basic wage and quit because... Everyone needs to put food on the table. Consider... TWO part time jobs. As your Business - whatever It is - grows, Then you Jettison one of the PT Jobs. Now A Question... WHY do want to sell real estate? Michael Ross |
Here's a possibility....
Last years (07) a "real estate agent" friend of mine (also with a family) asked me if I knew of a way he could make some money "until the RE market comes back".
I asked him to "put yourself in the mind of someone who has just bought a home"! WHAT do these people NEED! Well...they "need" a telephone....the "need" HEAT in their home. Oooppps! Hold it! Stop right there! If they have gas heat, they can call the local Gas Co who has the franchise for their area HOWEVER....the "Fuel Oil Dealers" are FREE to go where they want and...in my area, there are 3 Fuel Oil Cos VYING for customers. Well...these Fuel Oil Cos are NOT "Marketing" people. Their main way of getting New Customers is by advertising in the Yellow Pages...where none of the 3 give any "reason why" they should be called instead of their competitors. (I call it "Tombstone Marketing"; "Here Lies Company A. We've been in business since 00 and we can fill your fuel oil needs!" Yip! Yip! Yahoo! There's some real reasons for calling them instead of a competitor. Yeah Right!) What if someone were able to...."GET NEW ACCOUNTS FOR AN OIL COMPANY?" Well...I took my buddy to see one of the fuel biz owners and asked him if he'd be willing to "Pay a Commission to a Salesperson who brought them New Clients!" The fuel co. owner agreed he would. So, the deal we worked out was; My friend would get paid $300 for each homeowner client he got for the fuel oil co. My friend would "get a verbal from the homeowner" and the Oil Co driver would stop by and "sign up the homeowner" and fill the tank and the fuel oil co would issue a check for $300 to my friend for each new client. So...I knew that our County Assessor's Office registered each and every home sale on the day the home sale was finalized....and...they listed these sales, along with Names, Addresses and Phones (when available)(If Not available, we could call Information and get the number....or, we found a List Co that got their list from "New Phone Hook Ups" which turned out to be a great source of "Fuel Oil Prospects") So...we "went to work". Remembering the days I sold Storm Windows...I just called people at random (using a Cross-Index Directory) asking 2 questions after introducing myself; 1) Do you own your home or rent? 2) Do you have Storm Windows? If they answered "Yes" to 1 and "No! to 2...I then explained how I could save them money...etc...set an appointment, give them an estimate and close the sale. So...with our "Fuel Oil" program I did the same thing....calling "New Phone Connects" asking them (after introducing myself).... "Do you have Gas or Oil Heat?" If they said, "Gas", I thanked them for their time and went to the next call. If they said "Oil Heat"...I told them about our "Special New Client Fuel Oil Program that could LOCK IN fuel prices and save them money!" With each one who agreed to have us deliver....we got a check for $300. Now...before poo-pooing this idea...my friend made OVER 100 GRAND LAST YEAR with THIS program. He sells 2 to 4 accounts a day...simply by making phone calls...$600 to $1200 a Day! Granted....this is a "grinder on the phone" but...he LOVES it. Allows him to "work" at home and be with his family while earning GOOD money. Now...I have NOT heard of this being done anywhere else in the country so I'm thinking a Fuel Oil Co in YOUR area would be open to this. Ya never know unless ya try. And, with your "Sales Ability" and "Gift of Gab" you should do well with this. I wish you great success, Don Alm |
This business is extremely Profitable and Unique....
And....I'm sorry but, to the folks who've called and emailed me, I'm not offering any more details. I simply provided the "outline" of a unique and different way of earning money. I "may someday" put this program into a Report but, I think I provided enough info for those interested to figure out how YOU can go about this.
First thing is to go talk to a Fuel Oil Co owner or manager and see if they'd be willing to pay a "commission" on any new clients you bring them...and how much they'd be willing to pay. Then.... 1) Get a List of prospects to call (I've found that even existing homeowners can be called and be "sold" on becoming a client for your Oil Co) 2) Get your "Phone Pitch" together. All you need is a "verbal OK" for the delivery guy to stop by and have them order oil and you've made your commision. 3) Start making calls. You'll "get knocked around" in the beginning but after a few "trial runs" you WILL get better. Again....this is worth $300 per Client. 5 a week is $1500....10 a week is $3,000....just for making Phone Calls. Don Alm |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Sorry Don, but there is a HUGE flaw in your idea. My family just sold our Fuel/Oil company biz.
We had the wholesale side for about 30years. Before that my Grandfather had a Service Station selling Gas, Oil, and Auto Service. That was right after WWII. Here is the problem. No matter how you slice it there isn't enough profit in a gallon of gas or oil by the time it reaches the consumer. Trust me. I am talking PENNIES, maybe sometimes, NICKELS per gallon of fuel! Oil is the same way. There just aren't any decent margins that far down on the selling cycle. Only two ways to make money with fuel and oil. Trading Commodity Future Contracts or Owning Stock in those companies that get it out of the ground. |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Phil,
The Mailing List thread you pulled up was exactly for this purpose, I started it to find a way to target renters. The newsletter idea I've had for some time and would still like to get that going to promote my Real Estate business as well as other side projects. BTW, I created a list from MLS and mailed 1,000 postcards some time back with no results - my broker does something similar but with WAY higher numbers so he does pull in a lead or two. I think both of those threads I started are ideas that still have merit as far as generating leads. I like what Sandi suggested also, I found a Toastmasters group near me and will likely be attending a meeting Wednesday. Also looking into other social networking ideas. Michael had the perfect question: Quote:
This was an opportunity that fell into my lap when a friend offered to give me leads if I would get licensed. It's been rough now for some time, so he's struggling to get enough leads for himself (with a very one dimensional marketing scheme - direct mail only). Why do I want to pursue it? • Much higher income opportunity • I actually enjoy driving people around and showing homes • For all practical purposes, I'd be self-employed • And I really do believe that owning is much better than renting (equity, tax breaks, stability and freedom) Thanks again for all of your input. I'll be doing all I can to meet people, market, promote myself starting immediately. And I'm posting Gordon's quote Quote:
Todd Smith http://www.homebargainsaz.com |
Excuse em waa
We deal with Fuel Oil Cos that DELIVER OIL TO HOMES!
We started out at $200 per NEW Account (on a ONE YEAR CONTRACT for their HOME Heating Fuel Oil) We are now up at $300 per NEW Account for a Yearly Contract. The Fuel Oil Co does NOT pay a dime after we get the NEW accounts for him BUT...the Fuel Oil Co keeps delivering oil to the accounts we sold. Don Alm |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Todd,
In case you missed the following Postcard thread... Great ideas from David Frey... http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p=19936 Phil |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Todd, there's a lot of good info here, but if you're looking to work in real estate, look up Craig Proctor and get on his list.
He does a pile of free teleseminars and free (I think) half day seminars all across the US. Craig is a direct response marketer in the Dan Kennedy mode. I'm not in that exact niche but still get a lot of value Larry Foster |
Here's another...
Skip Rosell (I think it's Skip) has a report where he explains how to find FSBO's and compile them into a Report that is SOLD to RE agents.
You scour the classifieds and maybe drive the streets, gathering Names & Addresses. Put these onto a sheet of paper and get Subscribers to your "FSBO Sheet". I'm not sure what you'd charge agents, maybe Skip can tell you. Maybe a one-time setup fee and quarterly (3 mo) or 6 mo payment in advance. This can be done in MANY communities...Saves agents TIME in hunting for these prospects. Don Alm |
Also....
I think it was Skip also who had a program where;
You'd sell Ads in a Pamphlet, to businesses who wanted to reach people Hunting for Houses; Banks, Mortgage Loans, Pest Control, Carpet Cleaners, Painters, Remodelers, Heating & Cooling, Glass, Interior Decorator...etc Doctor, Dentist, Chiropractor, Massage, beauty Salon, Nails. All these would take an Ad in a Pamphlet that was; "HANDED TO HOUSE-HUNTERS AT OPEN HOUSES!" You could get a pretty penny for 1,000 of these handed out over 3 mos by RE Agents. I am hoping you find something. I live in an area of high unemployment and know a lot of people who are barely getting along...and I try to help them as much as I can. Don Alm |
Or....
I just remembered one of my EASIEST "Ad Programs"....where local restaurants JUMP on the chance to give me their money.
I make up "TV Channel Guides" that are placed in EVERY ROOM of a hotel/motel. These are Free to the Hotel/Motel and restaurants LOVE them because they are in EVERY ROOM and seen by people who; 1) Have Money and 2) Are Looking for Places to EAT I get at least $2,200 for every 80 to 150 room hotel/motel....and my cost is about $100. Here's my website; http://www.tvchannelguides.com I'd even be willing to send you some Samples and help you get hotels/motels and restaurants. Don Alm |
Are you sure on the Market you want to target?
Todd,
Thanks for explaining more. More toughies to follow... Quote:
It's been rough for some time. He's struggling. The stuff about his marketing method comes across as an Excuse. As in... "yes I know it looks silly to get into this, specially when the guy that got me interested is doing it so very tough.... but that's because he Insert Excuse Here. And I just know I can do better - even though I have not done better yet." Nothing chews up people and spits them out as fast as real estate - and being an Agent. You've heard it. Know someone going through it. But still believe, even against your own experience, that this won't happen to you. That determination is commendable. Though like Gordon says... you're doomed to fail - Unless - you do things differently. And not just what you Think will work. But if you do what Actually Works. So your mission, Todd, should you decide to accept it, is to use the Bill Myers Method. To find other people who are making a real success out if - not just claims, but genuine - and do likewise. Do As They Do. Now to your answers... Much higher income opportunity. Yes, and much lower income opportunity too. Quick story. Girl on the gold coast gets into RE. Decides the money is in selling High Prices stuff. Why? Because commission is Percentage Based. Why sell a $200k place and make $5k when you can sell a $1,000,000 place and make $50k commission? After all, one sale a year and you'd doing fine. So that's what she does and makes a Killing at 23 years of age. I personally know a couple who've been in the game for decades. They do likewise. Concentrate on the high priced stuff. Might take four months to sell one. But can you imagine the commission on a $3 million dollar place? I think they paid $400k Tax last year. Others I know do like most others... get into the normal housing market. And the numbers of survivors are few and far between. And there are More of those types - earning pathetic money - than earning high money. That's the reality of the income opportunity. And those lower priced houses are the only thing new home buyers can afford. Yes. It's true. The number of Hours Put In Per House doesn't equate to the Commission Generated. Example... agent gets listing papers signed, makes one call to person who contacted them about such a place, shows house, buyer makes offer which agent phones through. One counter offer is accepted. Contract signed and settlement takes place 30 days later. Agent's commission around $6k. Time agent spent... a couple of phone calls, showing the place once and then final walkthrough before settlement. Also being present during building and pest inspection. Maybe five hours all up. Works out to $1,200 an hour. Sure, that's Appealing. But it discounts the hours and hours spent trying to find people to list. To me... the largest sales areas are... higher priced (sometimes slower sales but larger commissions) and investment properties (sold to a list of investment buyers you generate yourself - repeat sales to the same people, less hassle with first timers and their financing and repayment issues, less fastidious as they aren't moving in and will buy even if the carpet is 70s orange shag pile HA!). Enjoying driving people around: Become a bus driver, taxi driver, tour bus driver, limo driver. Enjoy showing homes. Approach a builder who has display homes and ask if you can work in a display home. Self employed. Loads of other ways besides real estate. Now. Before you get yourself into a situation where you become just more fodder to the real estate shredder, have you read Jim Straw's Real Estate work? Has sample ads to generate Leads. And one rule of thumb to always follow if you use the technique he writes about. Anyway. More for you to consider. But of course, if RE satisfies something Inner inside of you. Then you'll go with it even if the income is not higher. And that'd be a good thing. To be internally satisfied. Michael Ross |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Todd:
You might want to investigate this: http://www.83homes8months.com/index.html Bill Quote:
|
Re: Here's another...
Quote:
Hi Don, Thanks for mentioning FSBO's. Yes, I have a report called "The Realtor's Hotsheet". What you do is the leg work (on your computer) for the real estate agents. They are doing this themselves right now, but hate the job, because it takes time away from what makes them their money, getting listings and showing homes. Anytime they have to do other things besides talking to buyers or sellers they believe it is wasted time. If you can do that work for a reasonable fee then they are all for it. Charge a set-up fee of $50 and a monthly fee of $30. You can't get much more then that because their are a lot of companies doing this and it is cut rate. Here is the link to that report for free. http://makemoneyalerts.com/realtor/T...otsheetsl.html A much better way to make money with these leads is to run a leads program for Realtors where you can sell them leads YOU get that will sell for $500 each. That is what my leads for cash program is all about. Best of success, Skip |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
best of luck to you in which ever path you choose.
I appreciate my j-o-b now, working for a fortune 500 company with benefits etc., not having to set up a retirement plan myself. having said that ... you still need a sideline today. why not work part time for the best printing company you can find that allows you to buy into their benefit program. then really hustle your graphics business, even target realtors and mortgage business, try one of skip rosell's programs www.makemoneyalerts.com I'll bet you can still do 10 real estate deals in 12 months even in a down market. remember it's easier to enjoy your job when it's not your only income stream. c.t.coburn |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Great Idea Don. Thanks again for posting these money-makers.
Does your friend acquire accounts for the Oil Delivery company all year round? For instance, is he getting new accounts NOW? Or does this work better only during certain times of the year? I know the largest Oil Delivery company in my area - the one I use - stopped offering contracts because the price of oil went up weekly. They could not afford to offer flat rates anymore. And they are VERY LARGE. They would not likely go for signing up new customers under a fixed contract. Maybe a first order discount certificate - say $50 off or something. Any other ideas here, Don or anyone else? Thanks. John P |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Todd, sorry for your troubles. I hope you and your family
start seeing some good casflow come your way real soon. Um, I just want to send a thought to you that taking on a job isn't such a bad thing and don't feel defeated or down about yourself if you have to take one on. But having said that here are some ideas that may add some extra income can't say i've tested them all. Generally thrift shops are thriving right now you might be able to ride on their success because one area I think they are weak on is seling their stuff on the internet. You could offer set up a internet sales channel for them by selling through Ebay or CL probably for little upfront costs since they are warehousing everything for you. Gordon has talked about chattel a lot so back to craigslist again if you do some recon on CL like a you're Army ranger on the hunt for Osama you could find people giving away stuff that other's will find valuable. Probably though you'll need to plant there for long periods before you find something so yes it'll be like a job at first until you get good at it. Back to jobs. Teaching. Seems most communities can't hire enough of them maybe there is free grant money to help you convert to such a profession. Let's see who else is thriving. Farmers. Commodity Brokers. Might be some ways to hang out with them (the internet) see what's shakin n' bakin in their world's. |
Re: Laid Off (Again)
Hi, This post is very informative, however there are some queries to ask about some specific topic. If someone can help me then please send me a private message. Thanks,
|
Re: Laid Off (Again)
I had a local propane company approach me for leads.
They offered $25/lead and an additional $75 for a lead that converted to a customer. What I'm doing is putting a small classified in a weekly and sending prospects to an 800# recorded message or a website.Both collect the prospects info. I control the leads and submit them to the company. Helps me to see what's going on. "Trust, but verify" Ronald Reagan From early Feb until now, have 87 leads and(as of 2 weeks ago) 8 customers. It's almost autopilot once it's set up. Hope this helps. Here's the site: Here's the ad I'm running Get 100 Gallons of Propane Heat Absolutely Free. Stop paying too much for heat! For more information www.GetCheapPropane.com Or call Toll Free 1-888-XXX-XXXX Only residents of Butler, Armstrong, Allegheny, Lawrence and Venango Counties |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:32 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.6.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.