Do You Marketing a Product or a Service?
We are advisors and so market a business service
Explain Your Product or Service
I run a small practice supporting new and small businesses setting up and managing Health & Safety. We work mainly in the construction CDM / Sub-contractor industry.
How Did You Start Marketing Your Small Business?
I fell in to the trap initially of printing some cards and waiting for the phone to ring. Marketing is a skill in its self and boy does it take time.
I hate cold calling and couldn't do it. I got around this by wrghting to the company first then calling to follow up (just introdusing myself) then where possible sent more infomation by E-mail and then called them back a few weeks later to see if I could be of use and work together. This cost me about 30p/person but found the payback Vgood.
I also use car magnets (discrete on the rear of the car but enough to be seen), Lefelet drops (not effective but a few leads)
How Did It Work?
We have a maximum client count of 10 subscribing and 3 CDM projects at any one time. (to keep quality of service). Mprince.co.uk currently have 6 subscribers and 1 CDM project so without knowing it we are running along at a good pace.
I think contacting businesses a few times in small ways before asking for work has worked well for me and the smaller your target client the further money and adverts will go.
I work now closly with customer satisfaction and word of mouth. It takes years to build reputation and minutes to distroy it.
Advice
- Advertising doesnt have to be expensive. It might take some time up but calling, providing talks at venues and just doing something different that stands out works well.
- Have a uneque selling point I work with small businesses in the construction game, I brag about my simple, practical systems and fixed prices whare as alot of my compatition is general, over the top and charge by the hour.
- Enjoy what your doing - I know its a cliche but it will come across to clients people hire you as a person they like.
