You can also go to a local hardware, paint, electrical or plumbing supply store they would know where the contractors gather. Deli's they eat in, etc. The Pennysaver here in Westchester publishes a "Home Improvement" special edition several times per year, that might be a good time to advertise. You can also post something in the local town halls, contractors need to go there to get building permits. Most Chamber of Commerce, Lions, Clubs, Rotary Clubs will allow non-members to attend events for a fee, I made some good connections at the COC luncheons. Home improvement expos would be good too, you might even be able to take a booth if it was inexpensive, if not you can just walk around and bring loads of cards and a good elevator pitch.

Once you get one or two clients the rest will be all referrals, in that industry just be extra careful that you work for reputable people that will pay you. You can go on the county website to see if there licenses are current and whether there are any complaints against them.

Good luck.

Donna

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Donna Cravotta
Virtual Management Concepts LLC
www.virtualmanagementconceptsllc.com

Excellent ideas Donna!!!

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Sarah
Accurate Office Help

Great ideas Donna,
Thanks for sharing.
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Lily, that a great tip about the business cards. I saw it on a door hanger once but never thought to put it on a postcard. Yea thanks! (10 heads are always better than 1

Mary Harris
iVirtual Services

Go to your local contractor supply stores (not Lowe's and Home Depot) and find out when they are doing their next "open house" and see if you can set up a table there. Contractor supply stores do open houses all the time where they have their suppliers come out and set up tables showing off their new products, and then invite their customers (the contractors) out for a free lunch and they often do giveaway drawings.

If nothing else you could just get on the invite list to attend and just go hand out business cards.

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Rebecka Melson ~ Virtual Business Services

Great idea,
Thanks for sharing,
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

There are some great suggestions in this thread.

I would like to add that another option would be to contact some local accountants and ask for referrals for the types of contractors you're looking for. Accountants are always looking for bookkeepers to refer their clients to so they don't have to deal with huge messes at year end.

Sylvia

I too have worked in the construction industry and agree - they are a diverse bunch. Although I like the postcard idea, all the contractors I have known through the years who would need these services always have trouble keeping up with paperwork, so your card may get lost in the shuffle. You might need to try something that they have to hold on to - say a pen - I know this sounds a little "cliche" but, I have worked with all levels of contractors and the one thing I always loose off my desk is a pen. If they use it once, it's gone, not that I minded, but if your looking at something that might have some staying power - try this.

Also, sometimes face to face is good. They like knowing who they are working with. If you can get a referral from a family member/friend who knows just one person that might be able to use your services, then that person might know of someone else, you are getting more direct target marketing.

Great idea about the pen, although this has happened to me a number of times with the missing pen I hadn't thought of the idea. Thanks,
Kim

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Kim Beckers
Online Business Manager

Try visiting local home and remodeling show. Pass out your cards.