[drizzay]

I've been in business partime for the last four years I have twenty- seven residential account. In April I plan on going fulltime. I have no problem getting residential account few well placed door hangers and word of mouth usually does the trick. But now that I'm going to be fully committed I would like to have few small commercial accounts. I have cards and signs that says that I do commercial work but I havn't been invited to bid on any jobs. Anyone with any insight on how I should go about this problem I'm looking forward to the advice.

[cutntrim]

Pick the area you want to work in, pick the commercial sites you're interested in (big? small? heavily landscaped? mostly turf? industrial? retail? etc...) and then find out who is in charge of purchasing for each company and give them a call. Or, find out their name and title and send them a professional letter outlining what services you offer, and that you would be interested in providing a quotation. I'd be upfront that you are new to the commercial market, but you can play up the fact that you have a solid list of loyal, demanding residential customers from which you would be glad to provide a couple of references. If you don't call, but instead send a letter, be sure to give a follow-up call after they get your letter.

Basically, go after them. Don't wait for them to come to you. G'luck.

[Matt Kulp]

I look for the sites that I want to maintain, and then flood the right person with a ton of info, calls, and emails if I can. Even if they have signed with someone, be persistent and keep your name fresh in there mind. You will get an opportunity in the future. Commercial managers like to feel sought after, it makes there head swell. You need to show them that you would seriously value there business. Make sure that you have good references before you sit down with the person in charge.

Just a word to the wise. Commercial is not all that different from Residential when it comes to the type of care they give there properties. You will have sites that are all about the $$$, and then you will have sites that truly care about taking the time and spending the money to have it done right. Your job is to pick out the ones that fit your model, because people will take notice and you do not want to be known as just another company. Just my opinion!!