Posted by Valerie on August 21, 2000 at 11:28:12:
In Reply to: Customer Base posted by Hope on August 18, 2000 at 14:21:57:
: Hello Everyone!
: Things are starting to pick up around here. I have had two customers in the last week. It isn't much but at least it is a start.
: I need to know:
: 1. What sex are most of your customers?
Most of mine have been female.
: 2. What is the majority of the size are the businesses that use your services?
Small and Large
: 3. Which advertising you find to be effective.
I've heard the yellow pages were the best. I haven't put my business in there yet. I think its the best form of advertising for your dollar.
: I have just learned that men should be targeted for our services. Small businesses and or homebased businesses should be our target market and direct marketing letters seem to be the way to go with advertising. Does anyone out there agree with these statements?
: Having only been in business for two months, I have learned a lot about small business ownership.
: Give me your feedback when everyone gets time. Thanks :)
: Hope
It is great that you got 2 customers in one week.
My best success with getting customers is by networking and also my husband does some networking for me.
My first official client was working on a local schools accredidation. It was a huge typing job that involved woking with teachers, with their surveys. I got that job because I worked on the Clinton campaign in 1992. Someone who was the head of the campaign in Maine was on a school board and they needed it typist. My business started there. Working for a campaign was a very rewarding experience and you meet all kinds of people. People always want to know what you do for a living. I would suggest that if you are interested in Politics, try working for your local headquarters. Bush or Gore or Nader, etc.
One of my biggest clients my husband found in the Sunday Classified ads.
Being involved in your commmunity is another way to get the word out. I volunteer at my sons school. All the teachers and principal know what I do and they remember....
Another thing to remember is not to blow to much money in the beginning. Get clients first, (this is the hart part) and then after getting paid you can invest in your business. My first job I didn't even have a computer.
Good luck and let me know how things turn out.
Valerie Forsyth