Expert: John A. Troland - 2/19/2008

Question
hello,
I am a 20 year old student, and i am studying construction management. Along with school i also work full time, and on top of that i decided to start my own painting business to make some extra money on the weekends. I work with an electrician, and my father is an iron worker, and i still can not generate enough business. I printed cards, flyers, and have a nice big decal my truck. i present myself extremely well, i am bright and ambitious but i need ways to generate business. I a not afraid of anything and i am not shy, and with the right ideas i feel i could get the business i want . other than putting up flyers,handing out cards to people and other small businesses, i do not know what else to do. i would appreciate anything you have in mind which may be helpful to me at this point. thank you for your time.

Answer
Charlie: My best advice and this is what I did years ago ( 43 to be exact): join your local Chamber of Commerce.  Every Chamber has a huge membership list available - most Chambers have it listed on their website.  Also Chambers have what are called Business After Hours that are social networking events that many Chamber members attend. You say you are not shy -this is the BEST WAY to be when in business.  Attend these Chamber functions and network with (have a conversation with) the various members in attendance.  Remember everyone knows other people.
Also you could join BNI/Business Network International - they are just a FANTASTIC way to meet other business people.