I see many times on here people looking for ways to spread the word about having a mill and about offering a service. I've seen much good advice given and here's my little token to add to this.
Farm Machinery dealers are a great place to drum up business.
I went into a local dealer today (that I didn't even know existed, I found it on the way back to work from the DMV). In my quest for a backhoe and the knowledge to purchase one with out getting taken totally to the cleaners I stop and ask about anyone I see... then act seriously dis-interested. The dealership had a great looking Case 580 4x4 EXT out front. I stopped to inquire and it turns out that the dealer and his wife are former owners of an excavation business. I got to hear the entire story of why they stopped excavating (she was more long winded than me *gasp*)
Whodathunkit. I let her know about a bad experience I've had with a local excavator and the reason I'm looking for a backhoe and that my portable sawmill was the first step because he cheated me on some lumber. Her eyes lit up and she said "you have a portable mill?, there's only one guy I know that has one locally and he's been so backed up people are getting frustrated. Do you saw for hire and do you have business cards?"
Cha-ching. I gave her 20 Cards, my phone number and my price sheet. She assured me that I'd be getting some calls within a week or so as she had many regular customers that she'd love to give my information to that were waiting on some custom sawing.
Moral of the story, I stumbled on it but it really looks like a good way to get your message to a little more of the potential audience. Farm machinery dealer may be a great place to get your name known, and in my experience with the ones around here they are just as friendly and nice as the farmers they cater to.
