Is this a strange question to ask my clients?

[MTCInc]

What do you guys think about this, from an image point of view:

I use constant contact to keep in touch with my clients.. Usually to spur business when it gets slow, or to send out holiday greetings or an informational news letter..

My list is pretty big, about 2500 contacts. My question is: I am looking for some new people to take on board, and thought maybe I would send out a letter to my clients to see if they may know anyone who would be interested in learning the trade. At the same point, I am in search of a new parking space for my truck and thought I could tie that in with the first question.

I've never done anything like that before, and I am wondering if that is not a good move on my part.. It seems like a great avenue to possibly find a person, and/or a parking spot.. But, not sure if it makes me look un professional at the same point.

Thoughts?

 

[frashdog]

The looking for new people sounds great. Makes you look like you are growing. People always know some young go getters. Gives people a reason to talk about you with others.

With regards to the parking spot. I would say find areas where you want to park and go for there. Of course it depends on your area.

I recently found a dream spot/yard in the city where I do most of my work, 30 minutes from our shop. Super busy road. Old farmer lets me dump everything there. He loves the chips for compost and wanted to split the wood and give me half, I said no thanks all yours. Gives me fresh eggs whenever he sees me. Let's me plug my trucks in when cold, has offered me his shop and tools if I ever need. To think I once paid $500/month for a summer to park my trucks in the same city, and I could not dump there.

 

[1adkarborist]

MTI, I suggest thinking twice about asking clients if they know anyone. Over the years I have had several clients - from all walks of life- ask me if I would hire their kid or nephew or whoever. I tried it a few times, without success. Issues with your new employee can soon become issues with your old client. I like to keep things separate. Have you tried asking your professional contacts like at your chainsaw shop or garden center if they know anyone looking for work?
For the truck space, I think that would be a good issue to bring up to clients; real estate is not as much of a potential firestorm as family.
Good luck and let us know what you decide to do....

 

[treehumper]

MTI, I suggest thinking twice about asking clients if they know anyone.

I tend to agree but would add it's all in the wording. You could include it in your newsletter as an announcement. Something like, we're growing and in the market for a good employee and some space for your equipment. We will be setting up interviews by xx/xx/xx.

It's all about maintaining the image you're trying to cultivate.

 

[macswan]

The looking for new people sounds great. Makes you look like you are growing. People always know some young go getters. Gives people a reason to talk about you with others.

With regards to the parking spot. I would say find areas where you want to park and go for there. Of course it depends on your area.

I recently found a dream spot/yard in the city where I do most of my work, 30 minutes from our shop. Super busy road. Old farmer lets me dump everything there. He loves the chips for compost and wanted to split the wood and give me half, I said no thanks all yours. Gives me fresh eggs whenever he sees me. Let's me plug my trucks in when cold, has offered me his shop and tools if I ever need. To think I once paid $500/month for a summer to park my trucks in the same city, and I could not dump there.

Any time I am desperate to dump chips, find a dairy farm, problem solved. Wood for the most part too. I LOVE FARMERS