How do you start a Outdoor Advertising company?

So I had this idea of selling advertising in a certain space (which doesn't belong to me) to a certain company. I think it's the perfect fit to advertise their products. I haven't contacted anyone yet. Where should I start? What's my next step?

• I've never sold advertising before, but I really think this is a great idea and makes all the sense for this company to advertise there... and if I don't act, nothing will happen. The only problem is... I don't know how I should proceed... I don't know if I should try to set a meeting with the company, or call them. Also, I don't know if I should secure the space before I sell it, or if I should try to sell it first and then get it.

• Answer:

  There are some reasons why advertising is not everywhere. Some are regulatory so check out what the rules are in the area you are thinking about. Another reason may be that no one wants to sell/rent that space for advertising. For example the building I work it would never put up advertising unless it was for the company itself. I think you will find resistance from whoever owns the space and they will probably expect the majority of the payment as well as editorial control (keeping in good taste I'd assume). If you sell it first before having an agreement and understanding that you can actually deliver it you will be in a bad place so this should be worked out before you contact the company that you think should do the advertising. On the other hand, the company that you are approaching about advertising is not interested, then your efforts and any financial commitments you make will be lost, so be careful about investing too much before you assess the interest, and craft any agreement with the owner of the space so you can back out without penalty.