Hi all, As I'm sure many of you are aware, there has recently been a huge episode of flooding in Australia (Brisbane and South-East QLD) that has left thousands of homes and businesses debilitated. The government has now officially put out the word that it's time to enter the "rebuilding" phase, with an incredible number of insurance claims filed as the city tries to recover. This has put me in a bit of a moral bind, as a result of this our company could stand to gain a LOT of business as we specialise in full office IT fit-outs and disaster recovery and deal with a lot of existing customers in Brisbane as well. HOWEVER I am obviously reluctant to approach these businesses as I don't want to appear to be "preying on the weak" when people have gone through such a terrible time. What are all of your thoughts of acceptable ways to approach some of these businesses, and what sort of time frame is courteous enough to allow them to recover both mentally and physically from their deal beforehand? I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice, cheers.
I believe it's just your mentality blocking you from getting more business. We are in business to help people. If you truly believe your products will be able to help other people, why stay with the mindset of "preying on the weak"? If you truly want to be seen as a very helpful business, you could donate a number of products to those who need help, get some news coverage on it. Then naturally, people will come to you too if they need your products. Once again, you don't need to wait for them to recover. You should be in the position to help them recover. Isn't that what your company specializes in? Disaster recovery?
I think if you wouldn't be too brash about your approach to them, they won't really mind. You could follow Mohawker's suggestion of giving out some help and have this published in the local paper or broadcast in TV or radio, so you will be able to position yourself in front of the people who might be needing your services or products.
This would seem a good idea, many companies do this type of 'marketing' in charitable situations similar to this.
We must give careful consideration to this post. Shall we say that gaining profits in a manner from exploitation of the affected individuals is what disturbing the peace of your mind, then you might reconsider what MOHAWKER has shared that if you truly believe that your products will be able to help, why think of reasons in order to make inferences at a solution or judgments which are having no positive features at all? You are in the position this time to help the needy.