Sending Letters to local churches, school, ect...

Hey All I looked around the site for a few hours and didn't find anything that answered my questions...so I am gonna ask....do you all have a "letter to Potential Clients" like a cover letter for a press kit? I am horrible about writing such I am artistic with the brush ...but not so much verbally artistic. If ya'll get my drift....Any ideas???? I mean HI my name is (insert name here) and I am a face painter...ahh do you need me for an event?
I know {{stop rolling on the floor laughing your brushes off....}} that is just not gonna cut it....I would appreciate any suggestions to make a nice professional letter. As always I love this fourm!!

I think Shannon Fennell has a few sample things in her stuff? check her blog maybe? I've never had any luck with mailing anything

I dont think it has to be a "formal" letter. My first two big accounts were a result of a phone call and an email simply asking for their business. Just doooo ittt

I sent out about 40 postcards - one side just pictures of my work, name and phone number, the other side a brief message saying I was available to celebrate this holiday season with them by painting at their holiday event. etc etc (or words to that effect.)

I haven't received any calls because of them except one - a chance to go to the local tv station to fill a slot on local businesses when someone else dropped out - had 2 x 5 minute slots to face paint and talk in; fun! (And that led to me body (back) painting one of the presenters too! )

So, as far as advertising working at getting lots of different events for this Christmas, I'd say it was a 'bust' - HOWever, in terms of long term work, I'm still hopeful - the tv slot was good advertising for locals plus the businesses I sent the cards to now know about me and I hope will keep me in mind for future company events.

Better than them not knowing about me, at least

Hi Jobena

Of course it's VERY important to know just how (and when) to approach potential customers (suspects and prospects) and turn strangers into clients.

It's WAY too complex to tell all here now, so here's a few thoughts to get you started:

=> You can be the best artist in the world, but if nobody knows you even exist, they cannot book you. So - your priority should be simply to inform as many as possible that you are 'out there'.

=> Initially, don't try and 'sell' in your contact info. Just 'hook them' (get their interest) by saying what you can do for them ..... and they'll be hungry for more info!

=> Engage with them. This means you should write different things to different markets so you appear an expert in their particular field. Then, ask them to take some action so that they respond.

=> This could be to visit your website, or blog, or to 'like' your fan page on FaceBook, or to return a form or telephone for a pack etc.

=> By getting them to show interest (even when they do not immediately have reason to book you now) you sort out whe is a potential customer (warm prospect) and who is not. There's no point keep chasing no hopers!

=> Then you can develop those who are interested by sending more information, educating them, make offers and keep them informed of the success you have with other clients.

=> In this way, you'll be 'top of their mind' when they DO have reason to book someone like you.

Hope this helps

John

I have a card that I have sent out before, but I'm in the ordering process of something else right now. This is a JPEG file I created on my photo software. I just print it out on card stock (four to a page), cut it up, and mail it.


My email contact goes like this:
Hi!
My name is Diane Thomas, of Fancy Faces by Diane. I am a professional face painter in the Memphis area.
Have you thought about hiring a face painter to make your zoo events extra special?
My hourly rates are super competitive, my designs are always a hit, and I even carry entertainer's insurance, for your peace of mind.
I would love to speak to your event coordinator directly, to discuss the possibility of serving the customers of the Memphis Zoo in the near future.
Please feel free to email me, or contact me via telephone, at (********)or (*********).
Meanwhile, you may click the link below my signature to visit my business facebook page and see samples of my work.

Thank you for your time,
Diane Thomas
Feel free to copy and edit to your needs!

I am happy I found this thread, it's exactly what I needed.

Good advice. I am taking notes so I can revamp and make a new game plan.