Getting started with the Flood

[Harrison]

HI:

Can anyone help me get started with the flood? I am a bit overwhelmed with the process. I need to get moving. I am new to all this.

Thanks.

[BruceE]

Don't want to jump to conclusions... what do you
think is your problem with getting started?

If you were on the outside, what would you see
yorself doing? What would you think is the block
that is keeping you from getting started?

[SydneyJohnston]

Harrison, it really isn't hard - it just takes persistent effort

1. Review all the possible sources of suppliers in class recordings
2. Choose which ones you'd like to contact
3. Send them:
* email
* postcard
(There are other choices - such as phone calls or letters, but these are the cheapest and easiest)
Repeat, repeat, repeat.

As for what information to include - we went over that in class and all the directions are there

The important thing is to get started, to take action. Set yourself a quota: X number of contacts per day and START!

[SydneyJohnston]

Harrison, this isn't hard. It just takes persistent effort.

1. Review all the possible suppliers sources we discussed in the first classes. They're all on the recordings
2. Choose the ones you would like to hear from
3. Send them:
* postcard
* email
(There are other choices, like a phone call or letter, but these are the cheapest and easiest)

Repeat, repeat, repeat

We went over what info to provide the suppliers in class, so review the recordings.

You might want to set yourself a quota: X number of contacts each day.

The important thing is to TAKE ACTION. Don't build it up in your mind as being a tough assignment, because it isn't. You don't even need to talk to anyone at this point. You simply want to get on their mailing list.

[JessicaJ]

Hi Harrison,

Just do what Sydney told us to do, it works. she gave us a lot of places to go to in the class. (BTW it's probably much easier for you if you are in the US)

Try this, Pick one source, say Wand (I am surprised how responsive these suppliers are) and start there, go by categories (say 10 each)or say contact 100 in total from Wand before sunday.

eg Set a goal, eg Today is Monday, assuming you work 5 days, you contact 20 a day Monday through Friday, by the end of this week, you would have contacted 100

Then next week, you might want to find another 100 from Wand or pick another source (re-visit the lesson for more sources, believe me it will keep you busy for quite a while)and do another hundred, that's 200 in two weeks, so on, so forth.

You WILL MOST DEFINITELY get leads. Don't think too much, just do it ;)

It's pretty easy to do, if you don't want to do postcards, then email, if you don't like to email than call them up. It's really up to you. They will respond.

Someone in this forum (another class) had a 'template' of how he writes to a potential supplier, just copy that and adapt to your own company name, Business ID and contact info. Presto. you don't even have to think about how to write :)

Hope this helps.
Jessica

[JimEdmonds]

If you send me an email I will send you a copy of the post card I use. If you want to copy it that is fine. Just used Publisher but I am told you can do the same thing on Word. Nice thing about this system is as I get more leads I just enter the addresses, then print and send on Friday. Post cards are impersonal and less of a threat to do.

Just do not give out your home phone number or you will be sorry. I used Sydneys suggestion and use Voice to get my calls. I had 6 today and was able to screen them very effectively. It allows you to be prepared before you talk to sales representative. Makes you look like you have your ducks in a row as a regular business. I think it costs me about $4.00 a month. They email you the call which you can listen to on your laptop or cell. Great tool!

Good luck and remember the basic law of physics: An object at rest tends to stay at rest an object in motion tends to stay in motion. All you need to do is just take the first step forward. Just like falling downhill. You can do it.
Just let me know if you want the post card.

[Harrison]

HI:

Thanks to everyone who gave me suggestions. I think all I needed was a show of suppport and a little nudge to get going. I am re-reviewing the cd set and starting the flood today.

Thanks,
Harrisson