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  Steve London Stone August 16, 2012 at 9:42am

  cold calling is good, pick up the phone and call as many people as you can.  You'll be surprised!
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  James Macleod August 16, 2012 at 12:12pm

  i HATE cold callers and never give them the time of day. :)

  
  London Stone said:

  cold calling is good, pick up the phone and call as many people as you can.  You'll be surprised!
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  Steve London Stone August 16, 2012 at 12:28pm

  I do it on a daily basis and it brings me lots of new business.  As soon as I've finished my lunch I'm going to pick up the phone :)

  I hear what you are saying but it depends on how you approach it.  For example I will research companies online and find out what sort of natural stone products they use, look at there style of design, see what geographical area they are in.  I will then be in a good position to decide whether we can offer a better product, service, price etc.  Its quite targeted and 9 times out of 10 I will get a positive response.  Its never a hard sell, it doesn't need to be

  If you've got confidence in your product or service cold calling is a great opportunity to speak to a person directly and a chance to put across your personality and passion.

  Give it a try, might work for you
  
  James Macleod said:

  i HATE cold callers and never give them the time of day. :)

  
  London Stone said:

  cold calling is good, pick up the phone and call as many people as you can.  You'll be surprised!
• PRO

  Gary RK August 16, 2012 at 1:24pm

  Just a comment - if you go physical cold calling you need to do it professionally and within law, belonging to the Trading Standards BWC scheme I believe the following applies:
  
  - 'door step' selling regulations are applicable
  - 'no cold calling' zones exists in many areas, underpinned by Neighbourhood Watch schemes.
  
  If prospective client approaches you, I believe rules do not apply.
  
  If transgressed, Trading Standards will 'go' for you.
  
  Happy to be corrected as its not something we have done..
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  Steve London Stone August 16, 2012 at 2:06pm

  I was referring to calling on the telephone.  I think turning up at someones door is a bit much
• PRO

  Gary RK August 16, 2012 at 2:58pm

  Sorry, I did try to differentiate by stating 'physical cold calling' rather than by telephone....
  
  London Stone said:

  I was referring to calling on the telephone.  I think turning up at someones door is a bit much
• PRO

  Gary RK August 16, 2012 at 3:05pm

  Appreciate BWC is not nationwide, but separately thru TS nationwide any area can set up a no cold calling zone :
  
  http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/policy/doorstopperswelcome.cfm
  
  I wasn't implying its wrong if done within law/guidelines, but if we as an industry want to up our game then we need to play fair, square and professionally irrespective of any personal views on legislation. If we ll follow guidelines then clearly there would not be an issue except for perception
  
  BWC schene makes you very aware of what you can/can't do and your memebership depends on it.
  
  I would consider talking at length to existing customers and get some referrals ( perhaps by offering your current client some incentive for referral that gets taken up ?)
  
  Marc ~ Pro-Cut said:

  You will probably find that there are more rules and regulations about calling people on the phone than calling at home. The TPS telephone preference register is just one example that should be followed.

  The Trading standards BWC scheme is not a law and it is not a Nationwide service. If it is active in your area then it is a good idea to take part in the scheme but it is not active where i work.

  If you do undertake work from a neighbour and the value is over £30, then you must give them a right to cancel notice which I carry in my van. You must not pressure anyone into buying anything, be it a service or goods. That is why I simply say, here is my card and I am available should you need me.
• PRO

  Brian www.mibservices.co.uk August 16, 2012 at 7:25pm

  How about a good old advert in your local paper ??!!
  Get a website
  Leaflet drop
  Register on all the free business indexes on the the web
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  Dan Frazer Gardening August 16, 2012 at 8:32pm

  There is a big difference between selling materials to a business who uses materials on a daily basis and is always looking to save some cash, and selling to a client/homeowner a multi-thousand pound project which they do not require.

  Cold calling for landscape services is a non-starter and a complete waste of time in my opinion.

  
  London Stone said:

  I was referring to calling on the telephone.  I think turning up at someones door is a bit much
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  Guy August 16, 2012 at 10:54pm

  I agree that trying to sell a landscaping project by cold calling people is about as likely to work as an ashtray on a motorbike. I would focus on building a simple website, putting out fliers and perhaps an ad or two. The market has tightened up noticeably this year from our perspective so we're focusing more on maintenance to keep the wolf from the door. Diversifying into areas that are less effected by the financial pinch is not a bad thing to think about.