Murphy Small Business

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8 Comments

Comment by John Dilbeck on August 20, 2009 at 6:57am

Good morning, Frank.

It occurred to me that a carpet cleaning business is perfect for before and after photos, if your customers will permit them (always ask first). Not only will it show them the effectiveness of your work, it's a great way to show others, too.

All the best,

JD

Comment by Frank Daly on August 20, 2009 at 12:01am

Again, more great advice! I know that the only way for me to get established and sustain my business here is to have repeat customers and good references in order to get new ones. I will do this immediately. Thanks John.

Comment by John Dilbeck on August 19, 2009 at 9:28am

Good morning, Frank.

Another thing to consider is getting referrals from your current customers, no matter how few they are. When you do a good job for someone, try to get it in writing, and then ask for the names of people they know who may also need your service. It would be even better if your current client would call them and introduce you.

Even if they don't need your service right now, they may in the future, and they may know someone else who needs what you offer.

Word of mouth is effective and inexpensive and works well, if you do it in a systematic manner.

Don't forget that more and more people are going online to search for what they want, even local services. That's one of the reasons I started this site. You have a blog here that you can use to talk about what you do. Murphy Connections is spidered by Google every day and it doesn't take long for information posted here to show up there in searches.

Just be sure to follow the guidelines in the right column, under my photo.

Best of luck to you.

JD

Comment by Frank Daly on August 17, 2009 at 2:02pm

Audrey, John, Thanks for the advice... I am putting together a mailer and hope that with my phone book ad it will generate something. I also have a billboard on my property that I can get a sign put on with my company logo, but not sure if I can afford to have the sign made... I am not sure how good highway signs are, but it would keep my name out there in the public. I am cautiously optimistic too, but have been doing anything for work in order to pay the bills... I would like to strictly be doing carpet and area rug cleaning and office cleaning, but have had to mow yards and clean vacation rentals to just keep something coming in. I guess it will take some time to get established. Thanks again!

Frank

Comment by John Dilbeck on August 17, 2009 at 2:01am

Good morning, Frank.

I agree with Audrey. Consistency and repetition in advertising will establish "top of mind" consciousness of your business so your name, and the name of your business, will be thought of when someone needs the services you offer.

The local economy is much worse that it was a year ago, but I think I'm seeing some small signs of improvement. I'm wondering, too, what the winter months may bring, but I'm "cautiously optimistic."

All the best,

JD

Comment by Audrey Henderson on August 16, 2009 at 1:11pm

One more time after spell check :)

Frank,
Being in the Marketing and Advertising business in Murphy, I have been hearing that a lot from many of my clients. I believe if you keep the name of your business out in the community by creative advertisement you will be ok.. There are a couple of great local Newspapers, a Shopper and a Direct Mail piece in our local area, all offering a different nitch. Like everyone, advertising budgets are small these days, my suggestion is to spread your ad dollars out. It's not the size of your ad, Its the consistency and repetition that will get you results ... Good Luck , Audrey

Comment by Frank Daly on August 16, 2009 at 12:14pm

Hi Everyone! Being a new start up company is a challenge right now in the Murphy area... When I first started to sell my last business in Wilmington, the economy in Murphy was still pretty good... By the time I got here last December, a lot had appeared to change here. Now with Summer almost over, I am concerned on how I will make it through the winter months... How does the economy here look to you? Is there any advice on how to reach clients in Murphy? What has worked for you?

Comment by John Dilbeck on February 18, 2009 at 7:17pm

This is a group for local business owners to network with each other so we can get to know you as real people, and not just a business name.

What can we do to promote our area better online and to attract and please our clients and customers?