Lets help each other

[G. Lasagne]

I posted this in the north east forum but got no response so thought i would give it a try here.

This is just me thinking aloud really, and expanding on another thread http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/fo...d.php?t=122789 (http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=122789).

We all (or most of us) have websites and we all have access to a customer database, so why not use each other for marketing.

For example me and nepat are in similair industries, he works for landlords as do i, but i dont do electrical work or pat testing and he doesn't do gas work.

So if i put a link on my site e.g "if you require pat testing click here" in return for one on his then we would potentially generate each other work without losing any ourselves, also if i send an invoice out or do a mail shot etc i could pop one of his leaflets in, and he could do the same in return.

It's a win win for both parties.

What do you all think, and who would be interested?

Sorry for using you as an example nepat just noticed you worked for landlords.

:)
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[Kev Jaques]

Good idea, however, one of the dependancies will be about their privacy policies, do they advocate no 3rd parties or are they open to 3rd party mailings. This would of course be in clear view on their sites etc... so potential customers are aware of they could be mailed extra material they might not want.

[matt.chatterley]

Good idea, however, one of the dependancies will be about their privacy policies, do they advocate no 3rd parties or are they open to 3rd party mailings. This would of course be in clear view on their sites etc... so potential customers are aware of they could be mailed extra material they might not want.

And if simply exchanging links, you need to be sure the person you link to/from is someone you know and trust - because your recommendation carries your reputation along with it!

That said and done, cross referring when you do have established trust is clearly a good thing!

[G. Lasagne]

Any tips on how best to approach say a fellow local sparky or builder, and what sort of deal owuld benefit both parties?

[G. Lasagne]

posted by mistake

[Kev Jaques]

I think if you had a flyer of some sort as a services type thing when you handed paper work to a client some or the new local services flyers going round atm which advertise local businesses would be ok.
People are always wanting good local plumbers, electricians so possibly look to some of the groups online in your area http://www.meetup.com/
Possibly even do an offer, x% off each others services if you both offer them to clients.

[Tej]

And if simply exchanging links, you need to be sure the person you link to/from is someone you know and trust - because your recommendation carries your reputation along with it!

That said and done, cross referring when you do have established trust is clearly a good thing!

This is the absolute must "point"

You are only as good as your last job... and if you reccoment someone who is no good ( on the day.. for whatever reason) then you have lost your reputation too... by association

Think carefully...

[matt.chatterley]

This is the absolute must "point"

You are only as good as your last job... and if you reccoment someone who is no good ( on the day.. for whatever reason) then you have lost your reputation too... by association

Think carefully...

This is something which gets underestimated all the time - especially in "small business" circles.

"Oh, yeah, so-and-so-who-is-my-mate can do that for you, no worries.."

Followed by a bit of a clean-up job when so-and-so makes a complete hash of it!

Of course, if there are a few of you who get on well (or can at least work together well), in complementary industries, who all have high standards, it can work the other way - and be very profitable!