Where is Don Alm?

Hi I just spent last few hours reading message board posts and let me say everyone has great ideas.
Does Don Alm still post? He has some great suggestions.
Wanted to introduce myself to everyone on the board. Thanks
Becky

Thanks for askin.

Here lately I've been spending much time with OffLine "Advertising" projects....stopping by here for a visit about once a week.

My latest projects are great fun... for me.... "Hotel/Motel Info Boards"..."Fitness Center Info Boards" and my BIGGEE..."Hotel/Motel Restaurant Guides" which bring me $1000 to $2500 per restaurant.

I get a charge out of visiting restaurants...showing my "Samples"....explaining how the restaurant benefits....what the fee is and walking out with a Grand....and doing this 3 or 4 times a day.

Us "extroverts" do NOT enjoy sitting in front of a PC screen....clicking buttons or typing. "We" MUST be OUT...."hunting our prey"..."taking aim" and "going for the kill"!

In "spare" time I'm workin on "NICHE MARKET SCREEN SAVERS" and "AUTORUN SLIDE SHOWS FOR REALTORS".

Good to see you on the Board. You'll gain much knowledge here. Keep comin' back!

The best to you....

Don Alm


Some of my Unique, money-making programs.

Don,

I have been trying to get into the restaurant market and have been having some stumbling blocks.

Due to the nature of their business and a breakfast, lunch, dinner crowd... When is the best time to waltz in the door? Mornings or mid-afternoon?

And how do you get past the guards (gatekeepers) so you can speak with the one who makes the buying decisions?

Some of these guys have protected themselves with employees who could put a football team to shame and they sound like a broken record.. "The owner is not here... What is this in reference to?.. And you are with?..."

I've got a thick skin but I'm a beginnin to wear out. Gots any pointers for us joes on the front line?

- Larry -

> Don,

> I have been trying to get into the
> restaurant market and have been having some
> stumbling blocks.

> Due to the nature of their business and a
> breakfast, lunch, dinner crowd... When is
> the best time to waltz in the door? Mornings
> or mid-afternoon?

A) I contact restaurants 9am to 11am....1:30pm to 4:30pm

> And how do you get past the guards
> (gatekeepers) so you can speak with the one
> who makes the buying decisions?

A) I try to get the OWNERS Name before calling or going in so I can say to the "rejectionists", "Is Joe around?"...instead of "Is the owner in?" which flags you instantly as a "salesman".
If I can't get the owners name I go in and say, "Is the Boss around?"

> Some of these guys have protected themselves
> with employees who could put a football team
> to shame and they sound like a broken
> record.. "The owner is not here... What
> is this in reference to?.. And you are
> with?..."

A) I usually respond with, "I've got a way to bring in more customers"! When they ask, "Who are you with?" I say, "I'm with myself! I just need a QUICK MINUTE to show the boss an idea that will fill this place up!"

> I've got a thick skin but I'm a beginnin to
> wear out. Gots any pointers for us joes on
> the front line?

I am evasive as hell. The name of my business used to be "Impact Advertising". Since I changed it to "Advantage Marketing" I get less of a negative reaction. In never let anyone know I am selling advertising...until I'm in front of da Boss...then I whip out my handy dandy pitch book and Sample of whatever I'm selling and give my "dog n pony" show.

Also...if da boss isn't in I always ask, "What kind of car's he driving today?....what color?"
I then look for his car later as I'm passing by.

I never "spill the beans in the lobby"...I keep hammering on the "bring in new customers" angle.

Don Alm

> - Larry -




Some of my Unique, money-making programs.

Just out of curiosity, Don, do you feel (or have you found) that wearing a suit gives an appropriately "professional" image when presenting to restaurant owners and their DSB "sponsors"? Or, does a more casual look work better? (And would this be the same case when presenting any/all of the programs you've put together?)

The reason I ask is that I remember Bill Myers and one of his friends/clients who was quite successful selling eShowcase sites saying that they felt a more casual, "everyman" appearance worked better for them.

Perhaps part of it has to do with the area one lives in -- e.g., Myers was in Hot Springs, AR (rural & more laid back), whereas I'm in northern NJ (mostly suburban/urban and, um, less laid back).

Any opinions on this, Don? Anyone?