Jim, I think you are right !!! At one point in my life I did the same. Books about selling and public relations. Elmer Wheeler, Dale Carnegie, etc.
I was in the printing business years ago. I made myself a card that set me apart from the crowd. It was very simple, shiny white paper like glass, and a logo foil embossed in real gold. Company name, address, phone, and my name without title. I would go out and call on businesses... dressed in working clothes, with a red rag sticking out of my rear pocket, and a printer's rule very visible. I had a few cards in a little envelope, and I would walk in and say very meekly "Hello, my name is Fred and I am a printer" and take one of the cards out of the little envelope, holding it by the edges, and hand it to the prospective customer. Then I would shut up !!!! I just answered any questions. If not, I would simple state "please keep me in mind" and thank them and leave. It worked !!!!!!! I got real fancy printing jobs at very good prices for me. As a matter of fact, I was able to complete a 4 year degree while supporting a family at a decent standard of living.
I guess if I was running a CNC machine shop I would make a card out of SS, with a border, and raised letters and logo, and make it highly polished, etc. Just a beautiful job as a sample, and take it to some business that need machining.
Just an idea ....  |