For me, it is all about marketing. I started my small business because I left full-time work to raise our kids. Now, I cannot get full-time employment, so I started a small business. Marketing and social media are hieroglyphics to me; never had to deal with either in any of my past roles. It is the catch-22 personified; If I understood it, or hired someone to do it, I would have more business. But I have no money to hire anyone.
I provide an intimate, one on one service tailored to the need of each client. I don't have a cookie-cutter, corporate approach. My approach is cut-to-the-chase direct and, although gently honest and coached in humor, may not be for everyone. And, I don't market. Folks find me from their friends' referrals, and my google mentions and websites. Hence, the right folks find me at their right time, not mine.
Many people may say they don't have time to market their business more and reach out to new clients. That may be true, but I think it's important to pay attention to the feelings and motivation that underlie this. Some of us may be afraid of failure or afraid we're "just not ready yet" to make a bigger sales/marketing push. I think it's important to make a list (a big list!) of people we want to contact, learn all we can about them, and start contacting them with the goal of easing one or more of their business pain points. Just get started and keep the ball rolling!
This is a loaded question, as it could go in so many different directions... I'm sure everyone would agree that direct word of mouth referrals is the best way to get new business. But as the internet continues to swallow peoples time and attention, it seems that people aren't networking in person as much. Everyone is forced to go faster and look for an easier way, so people hit the internet, only to be inundated with banners, links, videos, ads, pop-ups, etc. PPC costs are OBSCENE, SEO is like rocket science and being found is a total nightmare. Experts say inbound content marketing is the way to go, but who can continue paying $100 per blog post for decent writing, when nobody sees the blog posts? Even if someone is looking for your particular business online, Google diverts that persons attention elsewhere with all those paid ads. Consumers have become frantic, constantly searching for something better - regardless if it exists or not. There is just too much out there, too much competition, and too many options. It's information overload, and most of what people are reading these days is fake anyway. I think the cost to bring in more business online, is often offset with the higher cost of customer acquisition. Small business owners are now forced to sell products on zero (sometimes negative) margin just to sell something. I know I know, it's all about value. But there's only so much "value" a small business can really offer.
It's become a real challenge in every industry across the board. I think being found (and all that entails) is the biggest road block for most small businesses right now.
I think the the climate of out industry (office supplies) is probably the biggest hurdle. With Big Box Stores like Staples, etc. we have to compete with the rise of people working from home getting their supplies personally instead of using a local supply and delivery company like Us.
The biggest block in getting new clients for us is being able to actually talk to the client. Once we have a one on one conversation to show what we can do and to instill trust and take away the anxiety they have about Home Care, we can usually can close the deal.
Answers (1-10)
For me, it is all about marketing. I started my small business because I left full-time work to raise our kids. Now, I cannot get full-time employment, so I started a small business. Marketing and social media are hieroglyphics to me; never had to deal with either in any of my past roles. It is the catch-22 personified; If I understood it, or hired someone to do it, I would have more business. But I have no money to hire anyone.
I provide an intimate, one on one service tailored to the need of each client. I don't have a cookie-cutter, corporate approach. My approach is cut-to-the-chase direct and, although gently honest and coached in humor, may not be for everyone. And, I don't market. Folks find me from their friends' referrals, and my google mentions and websites. Hence, the right folks find me at their right time, not mine.
Many people may say they don't have time to market their business more and reach out to new clients. That may be true, but I think it's important to pay attention to the feelings and motivation that underlie this. Some of us may be afraid of failure or afraid we're "just not ready yet" to make a bigger sales/marketing push. I think it's important to make a list (a big list!) of people we want to contact, learn all we can about them, and start contacting them with the goal of easing one or more of their business pain points. Just get started and keep the ball rolling!
I would say that there is too many people that do my kind of work without licenses. They under cut your prices.
The biggest block in getting new clients for us is being able to actually talk to the client. Once we have a one on one conversation to show what we can do and to instill trust and take away the anxiety they have about Home Care, we can usually can close the deal.
Costs that clients are not willing to pay.
the right connections