I completely understand how you're feeling. I’ve been there myself. In the cleaning industry, I marketed hard and still saw little return at first. What started to shift things for me was developing a personable elevator pitch and putting myself in places where I could genuinely connect with people, like local Chamber of Commerce events, festivals, Wine after Dark, and any setting that allowed for real conversations. Truth be told, when you’re in those types of settings, the first question that usually comes up is “So, what do you do?”
What I learned quickly is that people do business with people they like. Time and time again, I’ve seen clients stick with vendors who were just "okay" because they had built a personal connection. And while you and I both know we provide professional, timely, and top-quality work, at the end of the day, we’re in a service-based industry, which means we’re selling something intangible. At the start, all you have is your word.
So, keep marketing, but make sure you're also selling yourself first, your personality, your integrity, and your dependability. People remember how you made them feel. If they like you, they’ll trust what you offer.
I follow a simple model, not grammatically perfect, but it works: ABS (Always Be Selling). Have a strong elevator pitch and keep networking. That personal connection can open doors that marketing alone can’t.
Keep pushing. Warm Regards
I EMPHATICALLY agree. Coming from a background of sales/ customer service. I feel that I was putplaced at those jobs then, to help me in my own business now. I like to look at it as if, every job and experience that I've gone through in LIFE, was meant for me to apply to being my own boss. Life as DEFINITELY humbled me and made me stronger.
Great energy your way
