Anything happeneing out there?

[Worcester]

We attend local shows as a delegate rather than exhibitor and talk to people looking at other suppliers stands, without pitching and we say stuff like "know someone who's done it - give xxyyzz a call and see what he thinks about it", we are tied up with the local NFU and CLA, we also attend local business forums.

We also work with our suppliers so they send us leads too

As for business, got 2 more leads today that I have to quote for over the christmas break, - referalls from existing clients.

We are already looking at March installs... AND we are not rock bottom on pricing - still good margin, just not quite what it was - however got offered a 4kW kit complete today for £2295..

 

[dansk]

I'm 22

 

[SRE]

I'm 22

Pants on fire!!

 

[SRE]

Chamber of Commerce
Local Green business and consumer groups
Local authority business groups
Twitter
Talking to anyone that will listen about solar not selling it just dropping into the conversation that you do it - it's all about raising awareness.
Also working with local University on green knowledge projects, takes time but builds reputation

 

[Somecamel]

All the peeps that don't say their age must be over 50

 

[SolarCity]

I'm 37 next month!

 

[Energetic]

Ok, so i'm younger than anyone who mentioned networking ;-) and perhaps just more niave than everyone else...

 

[dansk]

lol, I'm 35 mate, networking is a posh word for talking to other business owners and handing out business cards.

 

[Worcester]

Netwroking is a lot more than that. Especially seeing as I don't actually have any business cards.

Let me ask you guys a question - apart form this forum how many of you could call up say 3 people that could help you and give you trustworthy, honest advice on ANY problem you have (for free ) - life, business, or politics

That's MY network..

I speak to each of them once every six months even if I don't have a reason to talk to them.

If you haven't seen it or watched it, search out 'Pay it Forward' now adopt that principle without even doing the asking!

Some of you on this forum will know that if you've rung or emailed, I'll happily give advice, also I've forwarded leads to a number as well, and even helped a few with their structral anaylysis needs, - and I never ask for anything in return.

Networking is not about pushing business cards on people, it's about talking to them and finding out their problems, eventually they might ask what do you do, - and then have your 30 second elevator picth known like the back of your hand. - You've only got one chance to make a first impression. Come over as the guys shoving business cards on everyone and the card goes in the bin, come over as the guy that was able to put them in touch with a good cabinet maker, car repairer, solicitor, estate agent, supplier of xx, and they remember you.

Your christmas light reading:
1) Who moved my cheese; Dr Spencer Johnson, (takes an hour to read in the bath). £4.79 Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life: Amazon.co.uk: Spencer Johnson: Books
2) Meet, Greet and Prosper (Knowledge Nugget Guides) by Roy Sheppard £2.58 from: Meet, Greet and Prosper (Knowledge Nugget Guides): Amazon.co.uk: Roy Sheppard: Books

Hope that helps

 

[SRE]

I love Who Moved My Cheese - one of the easiest management books to read

 

[Worcester]

A snapshot of part of my library...

 

[gr7]

Meet, Greet and Prosper (Knowledge Nugget Guides) by Roy Sheppard​

This book is available as a free download from the Apple iBooks store.

 

[Energetic]

Thanks guys for all the info and guidence. We don't have many shows or exhibitions down our way sadly but have got the free ibook.

One of our quotes has come good so we have our first PV job of 2013 on friday!

Happy New Year to all and here's hoping for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.

 

[SRE]

Well done

Remember networking doesn't just happen at shows and exhibitions, everytime you're talking to someone you're networking, particularly if you're doing as Worcester says and have got your "pitch" down to a couple of minutes. What you have to remember is that the person you're talking to in the queue at the petrol station might not want solar panels, but his Mum, Dad, sister, best friend or best friend's aunty might just be looking for them ....

 

[Energetic]

True enough, i reckon 90% of our work is word of mouth, this customer is a neighbour of someone we did a woodburner for, saw the van on the drive and came over for a chat.