Freebees-

[pianotune05]

Hi Susan,
When I do the practice tuning at the thrift store, I hadn out cards to 
whomever approaches me.  Is there a chance that these people will call? 
Advertising, I can't aford that unfortunately.  I'm just trying like crazy 
to e-mail people, churches, schools, nursing homes funeral homes etc. 
Telemarketing isn't that great either.  Word of mouth is great if you have 
some mouthes to spread the word.  When you're like me in an area with almost 
10 piano techs and only a couple hundred thousand people, what can one do in 
order to get in and stay in?  I figure, once people start calling I'll be 
that much more further along in my training which I'm obtaining more of this 
weekend.
Marshall
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Susan Kline" <skline@peak.org>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Friday, January 13, 2006 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: Freebees-


> Build a good tuning, and repairs which stay repaired -- relax and forget 
> about the rest of it, the fussy charges, the contracts in case of 
> no-shows, the discounts for booking the next tuning on the spot, the 
> reminder cards, the call-backs, the big display ad, the business name 
> starting with AAA, the chatty little newsletter sent to everyone twice a 
> year "it's time for your darling piano's next tuning" <barf> -- just toss 
> all that time-wasting irritating  trivia -- they will come.
>
> Really, think about what message you are sending out. Even just a pen with 
> your name on it -- "This is someone who was short of work for so long that 
> he decided to shell out money for  advertising. Either he is brand new to 
> the trade, or his work is bad enough that he doesn't get much repeat 
> business. He expects me to throw away his card and forget his name." 
> People are naturally polite; they'll respect your professional dignity by 
> taking your freebee and thanking you -- but they'll react to the hidden 
> message just the same, maybe not even realizing why they aren't really 
> sure they want you back.
>
> If you're going to attempt to manipulate customers, try the opposite 
> tack -- "Be sure to call at least three weeks in advance, especially 
> around the holidays ..."
>
> ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssnnnn
>
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