Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am  just starting out with an idea for a small local businuss dealing with  sales and installation and
possiably rental service of my product. My problem is my clients would be major businesses, Hotel Chains, Night Clubs, and maybe Sports Bars.
 I am kinda stuck on how to market and obtain business from this market. Those businesses are so large and most of them would have the decision makers in another city. So, I`m not really sure where I should start. Any advise???

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RDB Electronics
http://www.rdbelectronics.net

Why start with the large chains?  For every large chain business there are often many smaller, individually run ones that love the opportunity to get in on something that the big chains can`t offer.  I`m currently in the travel biz, and we see that all the time.  You`ve got your Marriotts and your Hiltons which set a standard and then do everything the same all around the world -- and then you`ve got your army of Mom and Pop Inns and B&Bs that fight even harder to differentiate themselves and add value that the big guys can`t.

Any reason you can`t start there?

d



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Personal: http://www.morinfamily.com/blog
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The only reason I can see why the smaller chains or Mom and  Pops would not work is becuase they do not bring in the type of clients that would be using my products.
They can be very expensive for the Mom and  Pops to purchase and are better in large crowds like business presentations, seminars,  amd business meetings.
But that does sound like a good idea once things are going to maybe check into and see if things can be worked around to accomidate them.

I do appriciate the responce.
Thanks


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RDB Electronics
http://www.rdbelectronics.net

I would get to know groups like the NRA, no not guns
The National Restaurant Association. (see the trade show)
I don`t really know what your business is about, but this is the type of place your target audience may gather, or this might trigger your mind to find other organizations or trade shows closer to your product catagory.

Thanks Jeff (not Sloan).

I will definatly keep that in mind. Did not even think of that one.

Thanks


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RDB Electronics
http://www.rdbelectronics.net

TWC.

First off, it is a little difficult to offer up any advise based on so little information about the business. If you don`t feel comfortable discussing the business here and would like to talk 1-2-1, send a private email. Being large or being in another city should not be an obstacle that can not be overcome.

Second, I highly recommend dropping the use of the word "problem" when discussing your business idea - even if you`re just pondering the business in your mind. There are no problems - just opportunities. Each target market presents different and varied opportunities. Each opportunity needs a distinct plan of attack. You win the battles and skirmishes before you win the war.

R@

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Richard Arnold · Key Concept Writers · Business Communication: The "Key" To Success· Law of Attraction Blog · Life Ain`t Brain Surgery Blog

If you`re comfortable sharing, it`d help to know what your product is.  Also, do you have any experience with sales?  I think you`d be amazed at the success you could actually have even with the chains.  If you`ve got a good product and there`s demand for it, then the hotels will likely not resist it too much if it adds to their perceived value as well.

- Ryan


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Ryan J StarPointe Marketing Website Development, Hosting & Marketing Consulting

TWC,

First, I would suggest getting some information on anyone of these to sites, www.infousa.com or < anchor_height="19" anchor_width="106" anchor_top="-1878" anchor_left="130" ="" hover="true" pref_url="http://www.idexec.com" ="application/browster-plugin" height="0" width="0">www.idexec.com .  This may cost you a small fee but you will be amazed at the number of contacts for decision makers in any industry you want. Second, I would suggest reading a book called, "Selling to VITO" by Anthony Parinello, it is an awesome book that teaches you how to get appointments with and sell to Top Decision makers. I have a small company and the majority of my sales work is to the Top Decision makers.  This book was and continues to be an awesome tool for us. I hope this helps. Best Wishes!