approaching local businesses

Most groups start by approaching the businesses they know already - it's much easier to get chatting when the business owner already knows you.

Try to start with at least 4 businesses before advertising them to the community, e.g. 1 take-away, 1 restaurant, 1 bar and 1 grocery shop. The pilot study of 9carrots successfully got over 20 completely different business types to sign up including carpenters, opticians, bicycle shops, beauticians, clothing stores, furniture, bathroom designers, etc. etc. so there is no need to restrict yourself in the long run.

Don't be worried if you have to explain it a couple of times before it sinks in.  When it does, they always ask how they will recognise the extra custom. This is a good sign! See our explainations section for guidance and an example pitch.

• it's absolutely free (it's volunteer-driven and grant funded)
• you'll get more customers
• there's no risk: if you don't get more customers then you don't need to do anything
• you make an extra £1000 sales before you invest £100 in reducing your energy bills
• don't have to fix an exact target value now, we can just estimate
• you only have to commit to invest 10%
• energy prices are always going up, so it makes sense to protect yourself from that
• we know some good suppliers and installers who can organise the whole installation process for you
• the receipt book system means you don't even have to monitor or think about anything extra
• [x] businesses in this area have already signed up
• [Bill] next door has signed up

• too busy to talk at the moment
  • common point, they are running a shop after all. Don't be dis-heartened because many a business has signed up after saying this
• no time / head space for the extra administration
  
  • explain that they will have nothing to do. The receipt book system does all the administration for them and 9carrots can arrange the entire installation (via a 9carrots supplier)
• won't work / nothing will happen
  • tell them about previous examples of how it worked elsewhere
  • point out that, if nothing happens, then they have paid nothing and do nothing!

If they are sounding like they might sign up, show them the contract.  Don't be disappointed if they don't sign straight away - usually they'll want to give it some thought just so they're really sure there's no catch. You may have to pop back 4 or 5 times before they actually sign. Here are some follow emails that groups are using after the initial visit.

It's a good idea to ask them to tell their friends.  Business owners always talk to each other locally, so if they're keen, get them to spread the word.  Or do it for them: just ask who they know and go approach these businesses, mentioning the name of the business owner who sent you.