So you’ve bought the business and everything is going smoothly.
Now you want to start building – what do you do?
Don't be embarrassed about getting the word out about your business
Marketing is generally an expensive tool to acquire and can also be very time-consuming, especially for a small or medium business. However, it doesn’t have to be.
I have an anecdote to prove it. “I once met a builder in the Accident and Emergency Department after I put a knife through my hand trying to take an avocado stone out,” he recalls.
“This builder was there because someone had dropped a breeze block on his foot. By the end of the conversation we had arranged for him to come round to my house and quote for some small building work! Why? Because we talked.”
The best form of marketing
Word of mouth is the best form of marketing. Talking is free and your mouth is the best form of free marketing you have access to.
Talk to everyone you know about what you do. Sure, you may bore the hell out of them but when they need their drains cleaned they'll know exactly who to call!
Don't be embarrassed about getting the word out. Have a small party at your house to celebrate the launch of your business.
Let people know what you are doing. Tell everyone you meet what you do, whether you're sitting on the bus, standing in a queue, or down the pub.
Tell all your family and friends about your venture and ask them to ask the people they know if anyone has a drain problem. Put the word out.
The fact is this: someone will know someone that needs services you can provide – that's two degrees of separation.
If you have absolutely no funds, then a smart way to drum up work is to contact the competition that exists in your area and offer yourself as a sub-contractor resource. Talking to your competitors is no bad thing when you are starting out.
These companies will have occasions when they simply cannot take on the work and will have to recommend other people. If you can get on that list then work will be put your way.
So... talk to everyone you know, everyone you meet, and now talk to the competition!
