Sunday, October 22, 2006

Help! My Business is not going well!? -

I m 14, and I just started my own christmas lighting business called Easy Christmas Lighting Services. I did this because I want to be my own boss, can t get better than that! I decided on this because start up costs are cheap, and once it gets big I could sell a few franchises to get the company known for it s quality lighting skills. All I did was pass out flyer s in my neighborhood which is ok advertising. I only got about 2 calls which concerns me! I live in a wealthy neighborhood where people should love to have someone put their lights up for them! The other professionals charge about $500 to $2000 to hang lights in my neighborhood I was thinking of about $50 to 250 a job depending on how much clients wanted done. I know business is slow at first, but this is not what I thought would happen. Please give me some great advertising tips, so next year this can be a success. business people tell me what I need to do to get this business running steadily! Thank you

First of all, I congratulate you for starting your own business at such a young age! Excellent!Now, the first thing that hit me after I read your post was your price. I think it s too low. If others are charging the higher rates and getting work, you need to streamline yourself into doing what they are doing, perhaps only a smaller discount than they are offering, but keep yourself in the flow so that clients will take you seriously. The key here is to BE as professional as the professionals if at all possible.You will want to brand yourself as well, so you might want to consider a shorter name for your company, something catchy that people will remember. Be sure to design a logo as well so that people associate the name to the logo to what you do. Once people see your logo and recognize your brand, when they need your services, you will be the one they will think of and call.For this season, there is still time for you to ring a few doorbells and offer your services. This is when people are really thinking they should have had it done already, so you might get a few smaller jobs which is something you can build on for next year.When people are considering hiring someone, they always respond to visuals so it would be a good idea for you to have a picture of a home you have decorated so they can see your work.I ve never been big on flyers unless they REALLY stand out. Put a lot of thought and effort into making something different from every other flyer people get in the mail and I think you ll be in business! Hope this helps.... wishing you all the very best!

hi jake,my husband s.q.farshori is running a software business,you can contact him to make a web site for you,then you can promote it,i am sure your business will grow smoothly,dont be dis hearted,it takes time,i will ask my husband not to charge anything for your site,contact him on mabadaulats@gmail.comall the best.

Passing out flyers isn t enough for you to get clients. Things to consider: First, consider that many people who don t know you would question whether a person your age is up to this kind of job - and how reliable you would be - that is, if your flyer indicated you were a teenager. How was your flyer designed - did it look professional enough? Redesign it if it is not.Did you define clearly what services you offer?When did you drop off the flyers? I d suggest in the future going on Saturday mornings door-to-door in your neighborhood and ring the bell to identify yourself, or walk up to anyone standing outside and introduce yourself. If you go walking, get some candy canes to give with a flyer. Put flyers in a local coffee shop or market, local doctor offices, dentist, beauty shop, nail shop, dry cleaners - talk to the people in local stores and see if they will let you leave flyers. And churches/church bulletin notices are an excellent place to advertise.Get referrals - ask your present clients if they would refer you - and offer a small discount if you get another job because of their referral.If you ve done this before, or have someone who you have done work for, ask them if you can use them as a reference. One of the best ways to get new business is when someone passes the word on about you - it is called word-of-mouth, and it beats advertising by a mile. Be memorable, do good work, make flyers that people notice, be friendly, make your mark on people s minds and they will think of you.Good luck! Some of these things you can do now, you still have time.

How many fliers did you make? Did you pass them out or post them?On most websites for every 100 new people who visit the website, they get 1 sale. Getting 2 calls, is pretty good!!When did you start advertising? I think people in my area (Los Angeles) start around Nov 1st.I think you should try to see if you can post fliers or hang out at the Christmas tree lots.Does your price include the lights? Or do the customers provide them? Your price is way to low if you are providing decorations.Good luck

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