Face to Face Selling

Ok, here's what I wanted to talk about.

For anyone who doesn't know, this forum is absolute gold. I've been going through the archives and running through printer cartridges like nothing. I finally decided I wanted some (ok, almost all of Gordie's) posts added to my personal library.

So, while reading through old posts and new ones, I've been spurred to investigate face to face selling, which I must admit is something I've never done before.

I want in... this is something I want to be able to do.

I've read a lot of advice saying basically you just have to get out there, keep trying, thrive on the no's, assume the sale, etc and it's all great. But does anyone have any ideas for getting a committment that day. I want them to go from just meeting me to having me fill out an estimate sheet, to scheduling a day to start like that (snapping fingers). And yet, I don't want to turn into Don Alm :) Kidding, Don.

Say I'm offering a deck restoration service or a driveway sealing service. Something like that. How would I best get my foot in the door and how would I best get them penned into my appointment book for doing the work?

Simple ideas are best and I'll probably settle on one of these no brainers, but I want more ideas!

1. "Hi, my name is Erik. Would you like a free estimate for restoring your deck to make it look like new again?"

2. "Hi, my name is Erik. I'm going around the neighborhood giving everyone a free estimate for restoring their deck." (What could I say after that? "And it's your turn." ha, how about something more intelligent that doesn't make me seem like a complete moron)

I think #1 isn't forceful enough, while #2 sets up an expectation. It makes it sound like I've done everyone else's and no one else refused, and it also makes it sound like I just expect to give them an estimate and any other course is unacceptable.

But then again, what the heck do I know? I've never done this kinda stuff before!!!

Ok, so does anyone want to take me by the hand and help me out here?

And if you don't want to, you don't even really have to hold my hand. But some written help would be appreciated too.

Success,

Erik Lukas

P.S. Isn't it funny how an online marketer can completely change directions? I like to think I used to halfway know what I was doing online. Truth be told, I've lost my motivation for the internet businesses right now. All of it has just been drained. So I'm exploring other small potatoes brick and mortar businesses out here. Fun stuff. I've got one I'm probably going to pursue for years, and I'm just absolutely in love with the idea (which I will not share, sorry). But that one has nothing to do with these summer scramblings with the decks, the driveways, etc.

P.P.S. This doesn't mean I won't follow along with all of your internet marketing adventures any more. I'm still interested. Just more for you than for me right now.