I was just responding to an email from Michael, and I found myself telling him about what happened. I'll share it with the rest of you too, because well, I wish more people would share their real world personal experiences here and the least I can do is be as forthright.

Do I have $18,000 worth of business lined up?

No. (And I didn't expect it)

(And yes, I already tried a classified, which didn't work as well as it does wherever Don lives - zero responses)

Did I have a good time while getting some business? Amazingly, yes.

And I got some exercise walking up all those steep driveways. Wow, 3 or 4 of those were really doozies.

Here's what ended up happening. I went around with a bunch of hugh's flyers. My only intention was to drop these off and make small talk with anyone who was there.

I got practically dragged into 2 houses to give estimates. I got both jobs and maybe I'll get a few more calls.

I know. Only 2 jobs. Pathetic. You want 15.

Well, so do I. I'm working on it.

I had to call the day off early (shake, rattle, and roll car cruise).

By the time I was done, I had spent about 3 hours driving around.

Well, good luck to anyone else who wants to test the waters. It's super easy if you make it no pressure. Plus you don't have to worry about being slugged in the face (which is nice).

Did I mention how super easy it is? Because I should have.

I plan to take over all the deck business in the entire chicagoland area if I can find the right neighborhoods. (for the right price only, chicago is a little out of the way)

Cha Ching,

Erik Lukas

Oh, yeah, and SUCCESS!