Looking to take a fresh new approach at business

[john1]

Hey guys, I have recently had some very hard times and i'm finally realizing i need to make a change and take a different approach and make this "sign thing" work.

I currently have a website built on word press that portrays my services done by a company which i am a company but really the company is myself only. I am thinking of re-vamping everything and coming out and saying it's me, myself and i for a more personal approach. My only concern is if this would scare off customers or attract them even more to work with a more personal business.

Another thing I'd like to mention is take all the success your current shop has had and what would you do to get business if you were home based like myself? How would you market, what would you market etc

I really appreciate it guys, Thank you!

 

[SignManiac]

There are probably a hundred threads on the subject that have been covered before. Use the search function first. Should keep you busy reading all day.

 

[iSign]

You could get quite a bit of valid un-used advice just reading your own old threads

 

[Marlene]

I currently have a website built on word press that portrays my services done by a company which i am a company but really the company is myself only.

your website says it was designed by a company but that company is really you??? what was your reason for that? what do you hope to gain by coming out now? not sure what it is that you are asking. do you want to include web design as a service? if so what's the problem with that? a lot of sign shops offer print serivces and other things besides signs

 

[John Butto]

Genghis Khan

My business model:
I send a small group of my cavalry in to start a skirmish at the enemy's walls. Then when the enemy thinks they have beaten me I retreat and the enemy follows leaving there confines thinking they have won. That is when my main force is waiting in ambush to devour and destroy them.

 

[signswi]

I catapult livestock and insult mothers.


If you're a sole proprietor you should be honest about it. If you're a sole proprietor that works with a team you contract to handle things you don't do, then you can say "we" and such. Be forthright in business online and it will pay you back. People like to buy from people they like, so use your personality, don't hide it.

Books to read:

ReWork
Trust Agents
UnMarketing

 

[Gino]

I agree.... there is more than enough old threads on this kinda information, but if you want a little piece of advice..... be yourself, be good at what you do and be humble.

No one likes a know-it-all that has to make up stories about him/herself and then belly-ache about being a dolt.

 

[James Burke]

Before you do any more planning, read this book: http://businessmodelgeneration.com/

You can click the link above and download a free 72 page .pdf preview of the book.

A business plan won't make much sense until you completely understand your business model.

If you like visuals, this is the book for you. It's been a wonderful help to me.


"What would I market?"...I would market my strentghs. Learn to know yours...along with your weaknesses.


JB

 

[surf city]

No one likes a know-it-all that has to make up stories about him/herself and then belly-ache about being a dolt.

+1

 

[John L]

Since I hold the ability to quickly and creatively (IMO) market the advantages of many different types of businesses, money making ideas, political sides, or what have you.... I feel pretty certain that I would survive even in your area, wherever that may be. In other threads you have made your area seem pretty depressed. Like its a place that folks would want to escape. ...so, even if thats all you have to work with, leverage that in creative ways.

Partner with an auctioneer and sell "asset liquidation services" (auction signs)
Partner with a realtor or property manager and offer "real estate marketing services" (for rent/sale signs)
Partner with a travel agency and provide the marketing tools that are effective for reaching those looking to escape.

I am pressed for time so I'm not going to go on and on but try to think outside the normal way. As a sign shop you might hold a distinct advantage over some others. A piece of coroplast with "For Sale" or whatever scribbled on it is worth only a few bucks... so maybe you should become a specialist, a consultant, etc that happens to make the tools you use to do your thing.

What did you do before you were a sign guy? I dont care if it was flipping burgers.. you are a Restaurant Marketing consultant now specializing in putting the butts in the seats for any restauranteur that takes his business seriously.

Not intended to be a complete business plan for you.. just look around and think man.

 

[Rooster]

Just put the word "boutique" into your current description.

It's like when real estate agents need to say small, but they know it's going to hurt the sale, so they call it "cozy"

Same crap, different pile.

 

[signswi]

Well that's just double talk. There are real advantages to being small, work them (flexibility, responsiveness, etc.).

 

[Techman]

develop a real marketing plan
use a professional to do it.
Then and only then will you grow your income.