How do you find customers when moving to a new place?

[andi330]

Hi!
I may be moving soon to an area where I literally don't know anyone. I've never really gotten my business off the ground where I currently live, but I'm likely to have to work at a part-time job, so it's very important that I build the business up when I move. I'm sure that there are folks here who have moved and had to start their business over in a similar manner. How do you find customers when you don't know anyone? I can't afford the fees to most shows and I've tried flea markets with little success. Any other suggestions?

 

[PigletsMom]

where might you be moving to? One of us might be able to help get you on your feet! And my cousins are all over Columbia.

 

[andi330]

I honestly don't know yet. I have job applications in everywhere, all over the country. I just finished graduate school and I'm looking for my first professional job. It could be anywhere and since there are very few entry level jobs in my field, I may have to take something part-time.

 

[PigletsMom]

well congrats on finishing grad school. OK- what field do you want to work in? Im a chemist by training with my professional experience in patent law- but I have sorority sisters who work in just about everything! Lemme know if I can help!

 

[Mitzyz]

You are talkin' my language! I started this business in an area where I knew no one. There are all kinds of things to do to meet people! Just like you will need to make new friends, you will need to make new friends that will become hostessees, or hosts, as the case may be. I joined a business referrals group and made some friends that way. You can visit the Chamber of Commerce several times without joining, or just go to their mixers and network. Join, or start attending a church. Find a group that does something that you enjoy, i.e., a reading group can be found via the local library. Pick up the local paper and look through the 'what's happening around town' section. You may find that there are hiking groups, biking groups, folklore and music societies, volunteer service organizations, etc., etc. All of these places are great ways to make friends. Once you have friends, you have show hosts. I talk to perfect strangers about PC....all the time! I get their email info and am starting to send regular monthly emails. Go door to door and pass out mini's. I did this too...a great way to open conversations with your new neighbors..heck...take them some brownies! There are all kinds of ways to meet people and do this business. You don't have to be a well established resident. I'm living proof...not that I am anyone special, I'm just starting out, but I am doing it....and will continue to do it and grow! Got my first referral last night!

 

[andi330]

I'm hoping to move to Orlando, FL some time in the near future. I've applied for several jobs and am waiting to hear back.

 

[lkhartmann]

I plan to move to Virginia in the next three years. I vacation there already every year and one of things I do while I am there is scope out fairs, bazaars, and other community activities so that I am ready when I get there. It is my retirement plan to retire from my full time job and be a PC consultant, but to also leave NJ... Once you now where you will be going start researching local newspapers, colleges events, and organizations in the area so you can get your name out there. Host an Come meet your new neighborhood Pampered Chef consultant open house passing flyers around to everyone and anyone...

 

[islandgurlchef]

I moved to Fl. (Space Coast) and re-started my PC biz here. Virtually all my hosts can be tracked to a referral who needed a chopper! In my conversation with her, I asked her if she'd like to do a show - her answer was yes and that was my first host other than my dear neighbor! I have an annual fund raiser which was the result of my offering to bring desserts to children's cancer event held every year - the event was advertised on the window of a thrift store! Keep your eyes open, read every flyer on windows, get the local parent magazine, join book clubs, quilt/art groups, rock climbing (oh wait you may be coming to Florida!) or whatever you're interested in and slowly but surely you'll build a business.

 

[Lani]

Hi !
I've had to move to a new place too, where the community is really close knit......so very difficult to get into thier circles. I too have tried everything suggested here...........they are all worth giving a good try to be sure. What I found works best is to do fairs/craft shows and bazaars in the area and small surrounding areas........but don't give up easily ! Sometimes up where I am, they need to see you about 3 times before they trust you enough to even purchase from you ! My goal is to where them down by them seeing me so often they just give in and book !
Best of Luck !