How Do I Promote My Business at My Ft Job

[ted122781]

My FT job is as a secretary for an insurance company, and I see a lot of clients daily. I would like to try and book a show with some of the clients (only the ones I am very comfortable w/), but my boss doesn't want me offering my PC to clients unless they ask first. I'm not allowed to wear logo wear, but I do take my catalog tote w/me everywhere. Unfortunately, the clients never see my tote while in the office. What do I do? Should I just give up and hope for a chance meeting with them outside the office (a little possible)?
I was wondering if you all could give me any suggestions.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Well you don't want to get fired, so I would maybe keep a catalog or something on your desk. (Would clients see it there?) And if they ask you first...then I guess that would be ok.

Also, I would recommend getting your website from http://www.jerisigns.com she has done many PC consultants. She is wonderful too. Its a window cling and goes on the back window of your car. (If you park in the same lot as clients it would be noticed by them there).

When you hit $15,000 in career sales you get a silver whisk charm, I wear mine on my necklace and its a conversation starter.

HTH

 

[ted122781]

Thanks for the website!
I've been thinking about getting a window cling all week.
This is a sign!

 

[redsoxgirl]

What about wearing your Chef Hat pin? Technically, it's "just" a pin
Or can you hang up something near your desk or slyly leave a catalog hanging around?

I have a cube and I hang up the mopnthly special on my wall each month and I always have a catalog sitting on my desk. I also hang something up in the break room.

 

[peichef]

What about a catalog in the waiting area? And your qualifying pin should not be considered logo wear, would it!?!?
I like the idea of the whisk charm as a pendant, too -- I was wondering what to do with mine -- it doesn't quite match my white gold charm bracelet

 

[DebbieSAChef]

FREE gift??Would having a basket of FREE citrus peelers and your business card inside the plastic be ok? It's like having free candy to hand out right?
Then a sign that says "FREE, TAKE ONE!" Maybe that would generate interest and you wouldn't have to say anything, they are there for the taking. If someone asks "Wow citrus peelers, do you sell PC?"
Well then they asked you first and you can go ahead and book them!!

Debbie

 

[ted122781]

Would having a basket of FREE citrus peelers and your business card inside the plastic be ok? It's like having free candy to hand out right?
Then a sign that says "FREE, TAKE ONE!" Maybe that would generate interest and you wouldn't have to say anything, they are there for the taking. If someone asks "Wow citrus peelers, do you sell PC?"
Well then they asked you first and you can go ahead and book them!!

Debbie

Good idea! I'll ask!

 

[Jewel]

I "accidentally" leave a catalog in whatever chair I just vacated. Like the dentist, doctors, insurance office, etc. What about the ribbons that are on some of the Merrill totes? You could use them to tie back your hair or as a belt. I have one that I keep my usb flash drive on around my neck. Just a thought or two.

 

[kearstin]

Would having a basket of FREE citrus peelers and your business card inside the plastic be ok? It's like having free candy to hand out right?
Then a sign that says "FREE, TAKE ONE!" Maybe that would generate interest and you wouldn't have to say anything, they are there for the taking. If someone asks "Wow citrus peelers, do you sell PC?"
Well then they asked you first and you can go ahead and book them!!

Debbie

Love, love, love that idea :thumbup:

 

[ragschef]

I would be very careful with promoting PC on company time and terms. There could be a huge conflict of interest with your employer and you certainly dont want to lose your job (unless of course you're ready to do PC full time!!!)
hen I was in a public job before my child, I was an HR officer and dealt with these situations frequently. So my suggestion would be to wear something like your whisk charm on your necklace or your chef's hat pin daily. Then when clients notice and start a conversation, you could tell them that "Yes, I do sell Pc and would love to give you more info, but I'm very limited to what I can say here, so would love to give you my card. Give me a call after hours and we'll chat more then!" Then when you dont hear from them by the time they come in next, that's when you ask for their phone number and call them. You aren't breaking any rules unless your company has very specific Conflict of Interest guidelines. Check with your handbook about it. I also LOVE the idea of a windowcling. you could just refer your customers to your car!!
One more idea: My director will get the magnetized biz cards and when she goes into walmart or out to eat, she'll put 12-20 on her car and by the time she gets back, they're all gone. She also has big advertising car magnets on either side of her truck. She has actually gotten leads from this as well.

Best of luck!!

 

[ted122781]

Thanks guys!

 

[KellyTheChef]

I would be very careful with promoting PC on company time and terms. There could be a huge conflict of interest with your employer and you certainly dont want to lose your job (unless of course you're ready to do PC full time!!!)
hen I was in a public job before my child, I was an HR officer and dealt with these situations frequently. So my suggestion would be to wear something like your whisk charm on your necklace or your chef's hat pin daily. Then when clients notice and start a conversation, you could tell them that "Yes, I do sell Pc and would love to give you more info, but I'm very limited to what I can say here, so would love to give you my card. Give me a call after hours and we'll chat more then!" Then when you dont hear from them by the time they come in next, that's when you ask for their phone number and call them. You aren't breaking any rules unless your company has very specific Conflict of Interest guidelines. Check with your handbook about it. I also LOVE the idea of a windowcling. you could just refer your customers to your car!!
One more idea: My director will get the magnetized biz cards and when she goes into walmart or out to eat, she'll put 12-20 on her car and by the time she gets back, they're all gone. She also has big advertising car magnets on either side of her truck. She has actually gotten leads from this as well.Best of luck!!

This is a cool idea!!