Trying to Land New Business It’s a Lot Like Fishing
Andrew Corman • October 19, 2021

Fish Where The Fish Are

Sea Fish — Noblesville, IN — AC Trash Hauling & More

I was at a recent networking meeting in which the group was discussing prospecting methods to use, especially when business is slow, when the pipeline seems empty. The answers were as diverse as the businesses and the personalities of the people participating. Regardless of the specifics, everyone was trying to catch fish. Some were looking for Moby Dick, others for “Jaws”, and others for a little nibble on the bait.

Have you ever watched the TV series, “The Deadliest Catch”? The storyline is about crab fishermen in Alaska attempting to catch their season quota. The show follows several crews as they put out to sea. Each ship heads off to the fishing grounds with experience as their best guide. There are no promises that what was successful last season will be successful this season. These hi-tech ships are laden with GPS, sonar, and whatever technological advancement is available. Regardless, they drop their traps into the deep laden with bait and hope and pray that they were successful. Sometimes they win, others, they lose.

This is a lot like networking. There is no clear division between success and failure. Success comes by continued effort. It comes by changing tactics and strategies. It comes by changing your location. It comes with patience and perseverance.  It comes with ACTION. It also comes with EXPERIENCE.

I want to look at a few of the suggestions my colleagues in the room suggested as actions they take to fill their pipeline.

Social Media

A few people said that they increase their outreach via Social Media. They then listed increased activity on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Their objective was to blindly reach out to people in their current sphere of influence and network. It is founded on the hope that people they “know” or are connected to see the message concurrent with a need.

Direct Mail

Some suggested a direct mail campaign, either snail mail or electronic. The purpose is to place your name in front of as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. Once again, hoping to find the “Honey Hole”, the place where fish are biting. This is somewhat in line with the fishermen on “The Deadliest Catch”. History and experience suggest that this is a good place to fish, usually. It comes with no guarantees. How often do the nets come up empty? How do you measure success?

Research

This was suggested as a means to refine the contact list. With this approach, the person is not seeking the masses, but only looking for the Great White Shark, JAWS. It sounded as if the business would seek as much information about demographics, needs, perspective customers/clients/businesses. When “sufficient” data was collected and analyzed, some form of contact would be made. This is a slow and arduous process with an extremely specific target. This approach suggests that the business is fishing for Moby Dick, the big fish. It may not fill the void in the immediate pipeline, yet can ultimately yield great results. It is an obvious question to ask, “Do you have the ability to wait for the big fish?”

Previous Customers

Touching base with previous customers makes a lot of sense. There are great systems available to simplify this action. There are untold numbers of CRMs, Customer Relationship Management systems that help organize and establish consistent routines to “Touch” your past clients. A very positive aspect of this is the ability to touch the masses quickly.


Networking Events

Formal or at least organized events allow businesses to be in front of others. It’s an opportunity for face to face interaction with others. A downside is that the success of these events is limited to the number of people/businesses you can meet at any particular event. Additionally, these events become the first step in a lengthy process of developing a relationship. Instantaneous results should never be expected. Alas, it takes us back to the challenge, how do you fill the pipeline?


The Cop Out

Each approach has its pros and cons. Each method can and will yield results. There is no “Right” or “Wrong” solution. The ultimate challenge rests in the question, “How long will it take?”.

It all takes me back to fishing. 

·        What kind of bait are using?

·        Are you fishing in the right pond?

·        Are you using the right tool to catch the fish? Are you using a hook to catch one fish at a time, or a net to catch a large quantity all at once?

·        How many fish do you have to throw back because they don’t meet the requirements?

·        How patient are you?

·        How adaptable are you to change my tactics?

·        When is the right time to change tactics?

If you are looking for the definitive answer from me, you are fishing in the wrong location or using the wrong bait.

FYI, you need a license to go fishing. You need energy to go networking.

Good luck with your networking!!!.

Please share you fishing stories with us.

#Fishing  #Networking



Trash Talking With AC Trash Hauling & More

By Andy Corman • September 6, 2026
You'd Be Surprised At What Isn't Really Junk
By Andrew Corman • August 31, 2026
If you search for junk removal in Hamilton County, IN , or junk removal in Noblesville , you’ll find plenty of options. On a screen, many companies can look pretty similar. But choosing a junk removal company is about more than finding someone with a truck. You’re inviting people onto your property and trusting them with your home, belongings, and time. You want a crew that shows up when they say they will, knows how to handle the job, and leaves things in good shape when they’re finished. After serving Hamilton County neighbors since 2008, we’ve learned there are a few things worth checking before you schedule. 1. Make Sure They Handle Your Job Not every junk removal company handles every type of project. Some companies are set up primarily for single-item pickups. Others regularly take on garage cleanouts, basement and attic cleanouts, estate cleanouts, furniture removal, appliances, construction debris, and large or heavy items. The size of the job matters, too. Removing an old couch is one thing. Taking apart and removing a large playset, clearing out an entire garage, or hauling away years of accumulated belongings requires different equipment, experience, and planning. Before scheduling, describe the job as accurately as you can. If you have photos, even better. Ask whether the company has experience with the specific type of work you need done. It’s also worth asking about items that require special handling. Some materials can’t simply be tossed in with everything else and hauled to the landfill. A few minutes of conversation up front can prevent surprises later. 2. Get a Clear Price Nobody likes getting a bill that is higher than expected. A good junk removal estimate should be straightforward and should explain what you’re paying for. Depending on the job, that may include: Labor and loading Transportation Disposal or recycling fees Disassembly or deconstruction Special handling Cleanup after the removal Junk removal pricing can be difficult to compare from one company to another because jobs aren't always the same. One customer may have a few items sitting beside the garage. Another may have a packed basement that requires everything to be carried up a flight of stairs. That’s why a simple price-per-item comparison doesn’t always tell the whole story. Ask how the company determines its price and whether the estimate includes the work required to actually remove the items. Most importantly, make sure you understand the price before the work begins . If something about the estimate isn't clear, ask. A reputable company should be comfortable explaining it. 3. Read the Reviews Don’t stop at the star rating. Read what customers actually say. Five-star reviews are great, but the details are often more useful than the number of stars. Look for comments about: Showing up on time Communication Professionalism Taking care around the property Handling difficult or heavy items Cleaning up when the job is finished Whether the final price matched the estimate You’re looking for patterns. One unhappy review doesn't necessarily tell you much. Every business eventually encounters a customer or situation that doesn't go perfectly. But if you see consistent comments about crews being punctual, courteous, careful, and easy to work with, that's useful information. And if customers repeatedly mention poor communication, damaged property, unexpected charges, or crews not showing up, pay attention to that, too. Reviews give you a glimpse of what it may actually be like to work with a company. 4. Ask Where Your Junk Goes Junk removal doesn't always have to mean landfill. When practical, usable furniture, household goods, appliances, and other items may have another life. Some things can be donated. Others can be recycled or taken to facilities that handle specific materials. That doesn't mean everything can or should be recycled. Sometimes an item has simply reached the end of its useful life. Still, it's reasonable to ask what a junk removal company does with the things it hauls away. A responsible local hauler should care about what happens after your items leave the property. They should also know how to properly handle materials that require special disposal. You don't need to turn your junk removal appointment into an environmental audit. Just ask the question. The answer can tell you something about the company you're considering. 5. Don't Automatically Choose the Cheapest Bid Price matters. Nobody wants to overpay. But the lowest number on the page isn't necessarily the best value. Consider what you're getting for the price. Is the company insured? Does the crew have experience with your type of project? Does the estimate include labor, loading, transportation, and disposal? Will they protect your home while they're working? There's also the value of your time. If a crew is late, doesn't communicate, leaves a mess, or arrives without the equipment needed to complete the job, a cheap estimate can become expensive in other ways. The goal isn't to find the most expensive company, either. It's to find a company that provides a fair price for the work and then delivers what was promised. 6. Consider a Local Junk Removal Company When you choose a local company for junk removal in Noblesville or throughout Hamilton County , reputation matters. A local business has a different relationship with the community than a large national operation. Local companies build their names one customer at a time. Their customers aren't just names on a work order. They're neighbors. In a community like Hamilton County, that matters. People talk. They recommend businesses to friends, family members, Realtors, property managers, and neighbors. A company that intends to be around for years has a reason to take care of its reputation. That doesn't mean every local company is automatically the right choice. Do your homework just as you would with anyone else. Check the reviews. Ask questions. Understand the estimate. Make sure they can handle your job. Then consider whether you'd rather deal with a local crew that knows the area and stands behind its work. 7. Pay Attention to How They Treat Your Property This one can be easy to overlook. Junk removal often means carrying heavy, awkward items through places you don't want damaged. Furniture may have to come through a doorway, appliances may need to be maneuvered around corners, and large items sometimes have to be disassembled before they can be removed. The work should be done with care. Look for a crew that respects your home, driveway, landscaping, garage, floors, walls, and anything else around the work area. Professionalism isn't complicated. It means being careful, communicating with you, doing the work you agreed to do, and cleaning up afterward. You should be able to look at the area when the truck leaves and feel like the job was handled properly. 8. Make Sure They're Easy to Work With Communication starts before the crew arrives. Can you get a straight answer to your questions? Do they communicate about scheduling? Do they confirm the appointment? Do they explain anything that changes? These may sound like small things, but they make a difference. Nobody wants to spend a morning waiting around for a truck that may or may not show up. And if the scope of the job changes once the crew arrives, you should know what that means before additional work is performed. Good communication doesn't have to be complicated. A phone call, text, or email that tells you what to expect can go a long way. Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Junk Removal Company? You don't need a twenty-question checklist. A few simple questions can tell you most of what you need to know: Can you handle this type of job? What is included in the price? Will I know the price before the work begins? Are you insured? What happens to the items after you haul them away? When can you get the job done? And perhaps the most important question: Will you treat my property with care? The answers, along with the company's reviews and reputation, should give you a pretty good idea of who you're dealing with. The Right Junk Removal Crew Makes a Difference Whether you need to clear a garage, clean out a basement, remove a few large items, get rid of old furniture, or tackle a much bigger project, the right junk removal company can make the process a whole lot easier. You don't need to become an expert in junk removal before hiring someone. Just take a little time to look beyond the truck and the advertised price. Ask questions. Understand the price. Read the reviews. Make sure they can handle your job. And choose a crew you feel comfortable having around your home or business. At AC Trash Hauling & More , we believe that's what being a local junk removal company is all about: doing the work, treating your property with respect, and serving our neighbors. We've been doing that throughout Hamilton County since 2008. If you've got something that needs to go, W e Haul ALMOST Everything. Just a reminder, we provide our trash hauling services to the following communities and surrounding areas. Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, Cicero, Castleton, Lawrence, Tipton, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, and more upon request
DIY, but When?
By Andy Corman • April 18, 2026
The True Cost of “I Can Do It Myself” At a craft fair years ago, I watched a father and his son looking at a simple, handmade wooden toy. The boy wanted it badly. The father said: “Not today.” “It’s too expensive.” “I can make one of those.” And maybe he could. Let’s take a closer look at that. Do you already have the wood? The hardware? The tools? Does that mean a trip to the store? Now factor in: • Gas • Time • The cost of materials • The project you weren’t planning to do That “simple toy” just got more expensive. And then there’s the biggest cost of all… When are you actually going to make it? Between work, family, obligations, and everything else on your calendar—when does it get done? Meanwhile, that boy is still waiting. Change of topic. Let’s Talk About Your Trash You can haul it yourself. But let’s be honest: Do you have a truck? Will you need to borrow one? How many trips will it take? What are the dump fees? And again… When are you going to do it? Next weekend? Next month? Or is it just going to sit there? Here’s the Reality What seems “expensive” up front is often the most affordable option when you factor in your time, effort, and hassle. You don’t just pay for removal. You’re paying for: • Time back in your day • No heavy lifting • No multiple trips • No headaches And best of all… It’s gone. So Ask Yourself One Question If you can do it yourself…Why is it still sitting there? AC Trash Hauling & More gets it done—fast, simple, no hassle. We’ll Take Care of It 📞 Call or text: 317-690-6810
By Andrew Corman • March 20, 2026
LOCAL vs. CORPORATE / FRANCHISE I won’t beat around the bush—I’ll choose a Local Business over a Corporate/Franchise every time when given the opportunity. Most businesses in America are small, often single-owner operations. Built from the ground up with long hours, risk, sacrifice, and grit. These aren’t just businesses—they’re your neighbors. These neighbors: Live in your community Send their kids to your schools Support your local events and charities Now consider this… Corporate/Franchise operations come with massive advertising budgets, call centers, and layered systems—all funded by you, the customer. Local businesses operate differently. They offer flexibility. They treat every job as unique. They solve problems—not follow scripts. A Local Business doesn’t answer to a boardroom—they answer to you. Your satisfaction isn’t a number… it’s their reputation. And when you spend money locally, it stays local. It strengthens your community, supports families, and fuels opportunity right where you live. Corporate/Franchise systems are built for scale and consistency. Local businesses are built for people for customer loyalty, and satisfaction. So the question is simple: Do you want to support a system… or support your neighbor? Because when you choose local, you’re not just buying a service— you’re investing in a family, a dream, and a community. And that choice matters more than most people realize. #ForourNeighbor #JunkRemovalNearMe #ShopLocal #TrashHauling Just a reminder, we provide our trash hauling services to OUR NEIGHBORS in the following communities and surrounding areas. Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, Cicero, Castleton, Lawrence, Tipton, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, and more upon request
By Andrew Corman • February 18, 2026
We Exist For Our Neighbors AC Trash Hauling & More has been servicing Hamilton County and other surrounding communities since 2008. That my friends is a long time, especially while small businesses have a short life span. Here are some vital statistics. General Small Business Survival Rates About 20% failed within the first year Roughly 50% close within 5 years Around 30–35% make it to 10 years Only about 15–25% last 20+ years How did we do it? What is our secret sauce? Simple, we have always been committed to our customers, OUR NEIGHBORS. We live in the heart of the many communities we serve. We experience the same ebbs and flows of the economy as OUR NEIGHBORS. We understand the day-to-day challenges of OUR NEIGHBORS. Chew on these facts for a moment. Please don’t choke.  Several of the largest franchises sport annual revenues of more than $200 million, yes MILLION.  Several require $170 thousand to $250 thousand investment.  An undisclosed amount of revenues are returned to the FRANCHISE, estimated at 10 to 15%. AC Trash Hauling & More started with an old pick-up truck and $85 on June 30th, 2008, in the middle of a horrific economic downturn. Call it a recession or a depression. WE have beat the odds of small business failures and remain faithful to providing top notch trash and junk removal services For OUR NEIGHBORS. We look forward to serving you, our neighbors, and keeping your money active in your community. Just a reminder, we provide our trash hauling services to OUR NEIGHBORS in the following communities and surrounding areas. Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, Cicero, Castleton, Lawrence, Tipton, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, and more upon request #ForOurNeighbor #JunkRemoval #TrashRemoval #trashpickupnearme
By Andrew Corman • January 20, 2026
Surcharges, Convenience Fees… and Why We Don’t Use Them You’ve probably seen them before: surcharges, convenience fees, service charges. They show up on bills and receipts everywhere these days. While they may go by different names, they all boil down to the same thing—extra charges added after the fact. A surcharge is usually a percentage added to your bill, most often when you pay with a credit card. It’s meant to cover the processing fees charged by card companies. A convenience fee is typically a flat amount charged for using a certain payment option or service—like paying online instead of in person. Here’s the thing… Let’s Be Honest We’re moving fast toward a cashless world . Most of us pay for almost everything with a debit or credit card. Groceries, gas, coffee, trash service—you name it. Do you really think businesses haven’t already built card processing costs into their prices? Of course they have. Processing fees usually run around 3%. From a business standpoint, we’d rather take a $100 payment and pay a few dollars in processing fees than not make the sale at all. Those costs are part of doing business—and yes, they’ve already been factored in. On top of that, many customers are paying far more in credit card interest than the processing fee itself. And About “Service Charges”… Once they show up, they almost never go away. Fuel surcharges are a great example. Fuel goes up, the charge increases. Fuel comes down… but the charge stays. That just doesn’t sit right with us. Our Approach at AC Trash Hauling We don’t add surcharges. We don’t charge convenience fees. And we don’t tack on service charges. If our costs go up, we’re upfront about it. We adjust our prices instead of sneaking in extra fees. No fine print. No surprises. That’s how we believe business should be done. We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your comments—we’re always open to the conversation. Just a reminder, we provide our trash hauling services to the following communities and surrounding areas. Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, Cicero, Castleton, Lawrence, Tipton, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, and more upon request.
By Andy Corman • January 11, 2026
Illegal dumping includes mattresses, furniture, TVs, construction debris, and household junk dumped where it doesn’t belong. It creates health hazards, attracts pests, damages property, and leaves owners stuck with the mess. 👉 If you manage or own a commercial property and are dealing with illegal dumping, don’t wait. Call AC Trash Hauling & More for fast, professional cleanup: ✔ Retail dumpster areas ✔ Commercial properties ✔ Illegal dump site removal ✔ Responsible disposal 📞 Contact us today (317-690-6810)and let us take care of the mess — safely, legally, and efficiently. Illegal dumping is a crime. We’re here to clean it up Just a reminder, we provide our trash hauling services to the following communities and surrounding areas. Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Sheridan, Zionsville, Broad Ripple, Cicero, Castleton, Lawrence, Tipton, McCordsville, Fortville, Greenfield, and more upon request #CommercialProperty #illegalDumping #Trashhauling #JunkREmoval #TVDisposal #MattressDisposal
By Andrew Corman • November 15, 2024
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Proper Disposal of Prescription drugs
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