How to reach small business owners

I'm developing an application on my free time targeting small business owners: plumbers, locksmiths, etc.

However, as much as I (and other people I speak to about this idea) think it's a great idea, I'm somewhat discouraged. I KNOW that I can make it work -- the technology is there, and a technological proof of concept worked. The only issue for me is getting to those small business owners.

I COULD try to market it by going one store at a time, in my neighborhood, and speaking to each store owner individually. But that's not scaleable. I could also try to put fliers on their doorsteps, hoping they're sign up for my product. But that seems unlikely -- they'd just throw them out. Then, I was thinking maybe I could use US Postal Office, hoping they may have mailing lists one could buy and send targeted postcards. But I haven't found anything like that.

I'm only an individual (a mere programmer), not a company, and "self funded" (ie, living off of a salary), so a $3M campaign won't work either. :-)

Does anybody have any advice as to how to reach those people in a smart way? An alliance with some existing service (lead fees)? Maybe mining yellow pages on line?

Thanks in advance for your insights!

2) Call up a few and offer a free copy in advice for marketing advice.

3) Talk to plumbing supply houses in the area about carrying it and offer them a cut of sales.

1. Pay (commission only) to people to sell for you, your time is money, so if you pay a "fair" commission you'll all end up winners.

2. Put together a point of sale promotion which can be displayed at plumber, locksmith etc suppliers' counters. Of course, you may have to incentivate them as well.

3. Do some paid internet marketing with keywords for common problems that they might be searching for. Of course, that will only capture the internet savvy ones.