Posted by Salvador Avalos on 5/1/06 5:20pm
Msg #117013

No Solititation when you go to market yourself

As I go to different title companies to pass out my business cards some are well received. However I have been seeing sign "no solicitation" does this applies to us. I have chosen not to pass them at these establishment. Has anybody else come across this issue? Is it ok to go in?

Reply by John_NorCal on 5/1/06 5:40pm
Msg #117016

In past endeavors, I have never been put off by a "No Solicitation" sign. After all I'm not working the street corner! jk
Seriously, I would just politely introduce myself, tell them what I do and leave a card, and preferably a flyer if possible. If it appears that you are being well received you might try to find out who you can talk to so you can strike up a dialogue with that person. Good luck.

Reply by cyndi_ca on 5/1/06 5:53pm
Msg #117023

I just put on my nicest face ever and don't let it deter me. All they can do is ask you to leave, but probably won't happen. No risk, no reward.

Reply by Pat/IL on 5/1/06 6:03pm
Msg #117026

Try averting your eyes as you approach the door, so you do not see any signs. That way, when they ask you if you saw the "No Solicitors" sign on the door, you can honestly answer "No".

Seriously, as my primary job is selling title services to banks and mortgage brokers, I can say with pretty high confidence that the door that does not have such a sign on it is the exception, not the rule. At least in my local market, this is the case.

Now and then you might come across a sign that seems to mean business. I heeded one last year and found the company's website and email. Rather than doing my usual cold call, I sent the fellow an email explaining my reluctance to disturb him at work, having noted the wording on the sign. He answered back, thanking me for respecting his time, and got the ball rolling toward my eventually gaining the new account. The sign on the door had said something to the effect of, "No Solicitors, Including Lender Reps".

Point is, in such a roundabout way, that if you let those signs stop you in your tracks, the cold calling method may not be for you.

Reply by Anonymous on 5/2/06 9:32am
Msg #117124

I spent 16 years in outside sales and I never payed attention to the signs, afterall I only got thrown out or politely escorted out by security twice. I just told them that I hadn't seen the sign and apologized. Then I quickly tried to get past the "gate keeper" to get to the right person. In this business depending on the size of the company really makes it more of a challenge who to ask for. I've been doing this for 3 yrs now and I'm am just now starting to get around to contacting all of the local title companies in my area. Keep at it, it will pay off and the more you do it the easier it will become.