Reaching Out in a Rapidly Growing City: Strategies for Engagement

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various strategies for engaging with potential customers in a rapidly growing city, particularly focusing on methods of distributing promotional materials without resorting to mass mailings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using mailbox flyers but expresses concern about legality, prompting another participant to recommend door hangers instead.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using old catalogs in bags placed on doors, mentioning the effectiveness of getting their name out there.
  • Several users discuss the legality of placing materials in mailboxes, with one participant recounting a personal experience related to mail tampering laws.
  • One participant seeks clarification on what "track homes" are, while another explains that they are modestly priced starter homes.
  • One participant shares a successful strategy of hosting a gathering for new neighbors, leading to bookings for cooking parties.
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of using community bulletin boards or offering cooking classes as engagement strategies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the legality and appropriateness of various distribution methods for promotional materials, with no clear consensus on the best approach. There is also a lack of agreement on the definition of "track homes."

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and local knowledge regarding community engagement in a specific housing context, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly growing neighborhoods.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for creative ways to reach potential customers in new housing developments may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant.

C
Chozengirl
Gold Member
Messages
781
I am in a city where they are building track homes like crazy!!!!
I was wondering about reaching the people in there, but didn't want to necessarily send out a mass mailing.
What do you suggest?
I thought of the mail box fliers that you can tape up on the mail boxes.
There are lots of "ritsie" homes too, and this town is so not upper class
Any suggestions?
 
Flyers are a good idea -- but don't put them anywhere near the mailbox - that's a federal offense. Door hangers might be a better idea.
 
old catalogsget some catalog bags; I ordered mine from Nancy's. Put old catalogs on the doors. If anything you're getting your name out there. You could put a flyer in the bag also or wait for calls about new cattys and send a flier then. Offer a small incentive to call for new catalog and an order. I usually offer 10% off 1st order, but a SB or other door prize is good too.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Sk8Mom209 said:
Flyers are a good idea -- but don't put them anywhere near the mailbox - that's a federal offense. Door hangers might be a better idea.
Click to expand...
There are Box boxes where everyone's mail is put.
People put fliers up on these all the time.
I do a new one once a month to announce the specials, and have never heard anything about it.
 
How do you give the 10% off when you put the order in?
 
I'd be careful . . .
Chozengirl said:
There are Box boxes where everyone's mail is put.
People put fliers up on these all the time.
I do a new one once a month to announce the specials, and have never heard anything about it.
Click to expand...

any box that is intended for US Mail is governed by the federal government and putting anything in those boxes that did not come through the mail - is mail tampering. I know this because in the 90's I was stalked and we were able to expedite a warrant, finally, and keep the stalker in jail without bail until his arraignment, because he left notes in my mailbox and the sheriff's department was able to get a "federal" warrant for mail tampering.

I was told at that time, just opening a mailbox that is not yours and looking in it is considered tampering.

Just my thoughts.
 
?????:confused: ?????WHAT ARE TRACK HOMES?????:confused: ??????
 
Track homes are generally in a housing development with lots of them looking similar to the others. Some might be the reverse or flip flop of the one next to them. I think of them as being modestly priced starter homes. Is that what others understand them to be?

I the Track has a Community Room, perhaps you could inquire about a poster on their Bulletin Board, or offer cooking classes for those who pre-register. If you can meet someone in the track who is recently moved in, perhaps you could offer to do a party FREE, so they can get to meet their neighbors, and ask them to invite those who are already moved in. Suggest it as an easy way to meet new neighbors.

I have had several homes in my neighborhood sold in the last six months. In
August, I invited about 8 neighbors to come and meet the new folks on our block. Six attended, and I got two bookings from the new folks, and now will be doing a repeat for one of them. I'm think it is time to do that again!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Sk8Mom209 said:
any box that is intended for US Mail is governed by the federal government and putting anything in those boxes that did not come through the mail - is mail tampering. I know this because in the 90's I was stalked and we were able to expedite a warrant, finally, and keep the stalker in jail without bail until his arraignment, because he left notes in my mailbox and the sheriff's department was able to get a "federal" warrant for mail tampering.

I was told at that time, just opening a mailbox that is not yours and looking in it is considered tampering.

Just my thoughts.
Click to expand...

This is what we have in the communities (an no "Community Rooms")
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v716/CHOZENGIRL/mailbox.jpg
I would just tape the fliers on the outside, maybe even the grocery store fliers that have the parts that they could take the part w/ my name & number.
 
Are they actually USPS boxes or just locked boxes that their mail is separated into by a third party?? That can make a HUGE difference in the rules!
 
Those metal boxes are our mail boxes. Each home gets a slot assigned to them and all of your mail is placed in that slot. We don't really get to know our mail carrier. They are owned and operated by the USPS.

The homes are tract homes btw, not track. Just thought you might want to know.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Chef Kearns said:
Those metal boxes are our mail boxes. Each home gets a slot assigned to them and all of your mail is placed in that slot. We don't really get to know our mail carrier. They are owned and operated by the USPS.

The homes are tract homes btw, not track. Just thought you might want to know.
Click to expand...
yeah, that & thanks for the correction.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are effective strategies for engaging potential customers in a rapidly growing city?

Effective strategies include leveraging social media platforms to reach a wider audience, hosting local cooking demonstrations or workshops, collaborating with other local businesses for cross-promotions, and utilizing targeted online advertising to attract specific demographics in the area.

How can I build a strong network in a new city?

Building a strong network can be achieved by attending local events, joining community groups or organizations, participating in farmers' markets or fairs, and connecting with other direct sales consultants. Networking online through local Facebook groups or LinkedIn can also be beneficial.

What role does community involvement play in direct sales?

Community involvement helps build trust and credibility. By participating in local events, sponsoring community activities, or donating to local charities, you can establish a positive reputation and create connections that may lead to sales opportunities.

How can I effectively use social media to engage with customers?

To effectively use social media, create engaging content that showcases your products, share customer testimonials, host live cooking demonstrations, and run interactive polls or contests. Regularly engaging with followers through comments and messages also helps build relationships.

What are some common challenges when reaching out in a growing city?

Common challenges include increased competition, difficulty in identifying target demographics, and the need to adapt marketing strategies to fit the local culture. Additionally, establishing a presence in a new area may take time and persistence to gain traction.

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