Help! Started my own business

[A2ZMainfence]

Hi,

I need help, how do I get my business of the ground? What is the easiest way of advertising and getting business in with very little cash flow?

I specialize in all sorts of fencing, from electric fencing to palisades to game fencing. I have printed some business cards and have done a website but have no idea how to get it recognized?

Please help. Any suggestions?

[Just Gone]

Welcome A2Z :-) . What is your website called?

[Blurock]

Welcome to the Forum SA.

Start by completing your profile so that members can see who they are dealing with. Do as much networking as possible as this can be a possible source of referrals once people get to know you and what you do. Join your local chamber of commerce, networking groups or business forums.

Approach businesses and private households where there is a likelihood of erecting a fence or replacing an existing fence. A website and business pamphlets are useful, but you need to do some spade work as well.

Good luck with your venture!

[Mike C]

Welcome to the forum a2Z - all the best in your new business.

We have just had an interesting advertising situation with our electric gate. It started to give trouble and when we went to open the motor, some enterprising businessman had (stuck his hand through the gate and) put his sticker on the motor-housing of our gate. He supplied a business name, the fact that they installed and repaired electric fences and gates and a telephone number for quick and easy reference. We didn't use that person as we preferred our own service provider, but if we had need of one, I certainly would have given them a try.

[A2ZMainfence]

@Kevinb: our website is www.a2zmainfence.wozaonline.co.za, I wouldn't mind you having a look and letting me know what you think.
@Blurock: Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I will start by doing up my profile. Excuse my ignorance, but when you say networking do you mean joining forums such as this? I have had a look around at the fences around my area and have put that in my to do list. I have also been going to auctions as farmers would also be a huge market, or am i wrong?
How would one go about getting into complexes?
@Mike, that is actually quite a fantastic idea. One thought goes through my mind is what if the potential client thinks that I cut his fence because i want the business? hee hee, murphys law...

[vieome]

A few cheap Ideas off the top of my head.
Simple poster(small) at your local supermarket advert board. Setup a Facebook page. Drop flyers(or business cards) in letter boxes of target area. Set up a referal system, as in you do a job for someone you give them a discount voucher to give to friends. You may have limited cash flow to advertise, so invest your time, give an opening offer discount. Come up with a good slogan for your product- security is equal to piece of mind,. Advertise on places like Gum-tree etc making sure you add your web site address.

[robinsonwang]

A large number of ads will be helpful.

[A2ZMainfence]

Hi All,

Sorry iv been so quiet. Iv been quite busy.

Just a bit of an update

I start by handing out pamphlets in post boxes and it works very well if you put the pamphlet inbetween the local news paper. Quite a few enquiries have come through and I have sent out a few quotations, now just to be patient and pray the work flows in. In the mean time I have been doing some work for a company.

Here's a question though: Out of 1000 pamphlets, how much work should I expect to come in?

Thank you all for your kind advice, it really goes a long way!!

Chat soon

[Dave A]

Sorry iv been so quiet. Iv been quite busy.

A case of no news is good news - you've been head down

Thanks for the feedback on what has been working for you

Unfortunately I haven't pamphleted for... at least 15 years - so can't help you there.

[Chrisjan B]

If you get better than a 1% response on pamphlets you should be happy....

[Blurock]

Excuse my ignorance, but when you say networking do you mean joining forums such as this? I have had a look around at the fences around my area and have put that in my to do list. I have also been going to auctions as farmers would also be a huge market, or am i wrong?

With networking I mean actually meeting with people so that you can tell them about your wonderful product and so that they can start referring prospects to you. Going to auctions and joining business forums is fine.

You may also join your chamber of commerce. They arrange for networking events and you get onto the member's list. Business forums such as BNI, Action Coach and others may also be helpful.

Just make sure that you get something out of it. No use going to regular meetings if you are wasting your time. My experience is that once you have given a referral, people feel obliged to return the favour. Add good service and your name gets around.