Help for the new guy?

What is the best way for me to sell myself to potential new clients. I only started last summer with 7 customers and have limmited expieriencne with other projects other than the basics. I am going to be aggressive in my marketing as I have a great desire to make this work for myself and my family. What is the biggest reason people would switch from who they have now other than price. I am not going to be the local low baller, so how do I convince people to switch to me with my limited expierience. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanx Stuart

[CHEESE2009]

Lawn care business tips

Originally Posted by Savesutime09 What is the best way for me to sell myself to potential new clients. I only started last summer with 7 customers and have limmited expieriencne with other projects other than the basics. I am going to be aggressive in my marketing as I have a great desire to make this work for myself and my family. What is the biggest reason people would switch from who they have now other than price. I am not going to be the local low baller, so how do I convince people to switch to me with my limited expierience. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanx Stuart We are in the same boat Stuart! The advice I have received is to either a) Offer a service that the current company does not provide along with lawn maintenance. Many customers like to hire a well rounded company. Your competition may only provide lawn service, if you provide the same but with gutter cleaning, or garden maintenance, you have a chance. b) My idea was to simply offer them something they will have difficulty refusing. I'm still working on this tactic before I ship the idea out. Basically you get a card made for your customers, each time they make a full payment (example would be if they pay per month), you would stamp the card. If the customer makes all of his/her payments, the fully stamped card will act as a discount or free service. There are only 5 1/2 months of service for me, so my best paying customers will be entitled to a free mowing the following season, something other companies don't offer. This isn't necessarily a "WIN" situation, you will be doing a lot of free work (depending on your offer), though the benefit would be gaining new & LASTING customers. If you can offer this benefit even just for one season & to only new customers, you should be safe. You may lose some money, but seriously gain some in the future. This is my vision. One free mowing to new customers, might just get them to switch & stick with you forever. Regardless if you ever give them an offer like that again. To top it off, your company will offer more services then your competitors. Be the best, be aggressive, NO is not an answer! This season I will do everything I can to grab more customers, I will take a hit, but I know later in time it will have it's benefits. Customers can get used to free work being done, but others take it for what it is, a sample. These people are willing to pay for continued service. So every now & then, don't be afraid to take a hit, give them something & you may possibly get something out of it. If you have to mow a front yard for free, if it doesn't kill you, why not? The customer who wants to see your work might be a pain in the arse, but you have a better chance gaining them as a client then handing out thousands for flyers & receiving no clients. Opportunities can be cloudy, the iffy ones should be considered.

[Steve]

What is the best way for me to sell myself to potential new clients. I only started last summer with 7 customers and have limmited expieriencne with other projects other than the basics.

Well if you were to reflect on getting these 7 customers, why do you feel they went with you over someone else?