My Local Services UK
My Local Services USA
Business Discussion
Marketing Advice & Assistance
and some business banter...


Go Back   My Local Business Forum > The Business Forums > General Business News, Help and Discussion

General Business News, Help and Discussion General business news, discussion, help, advice and information.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 24-09-10, 10:17 AM
bowen solihull's Avatar
Growing Business
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Solihull
Posts: 19
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dracoitsystems View Post
Why not get a virtual office with a receptionist answering the phone and taking messages for you.

This will allow you to keep your business mobile, but also have a fixed contact point.

Most companies that offer virtual offices also offer use of their boardroom, which is great if you have to have the odd meeting.
Hi,
I have to be honest I never heard of virtual offices, had to look over wikipedia , but hey, we always learn new things.
Thank you for your reply. It is a good idea but this is to be used after my business grows up so much that I will not be able to take my client's calls and make bookings nor give informations and advice.
My problem is as I said above (money wise) and I will not afford to hire smb if I do not have enough income form this business yet.
My question is how can i grow it up and bring more customers to me?

Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 27-09-10, 08:37 AM
experience's Avatar
Business Start Up
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 7
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default Starting a business

Hi Racula,

I will probably be barred for recommending something, but quite a while ago I bought a little advertising guide online and it was so practical for people like you and me. I can't find my copy now but I think the name of the guide was small biz advertising guide or maybe it was secrets, not guide. Probably all written as one name with no spaces, but worth a search.

Regards,
Experience

Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 27-09-10, 12:17 PM
sjr4x4's Avatar
Professional Waffler
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Bills Town, Wark's, UK
Age: 43
Posts: 5,131
Thanks: 1,076
Thanked 486 Times in 405 Posts
Facebook Profile LinkedIN Profile Twitter Profile
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by experience View Post
I will probably be barred for recommending something...
Blimey, we're not that bad are we? Recommend away, it's shameless self promo's that will all get tired of
__________________
cheers Steve
Forum Admin - teaboy and general gofer...

Forum Rules and FAQ's at a glance | Find me on Google+ | or even Facebook!

My Local Services - The UK and US Online Business Directory | JobsVitae - Recruitment Help and CV Creation

If you're here to spam, then expect a ban

Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 27-09-10, 09:55 PM
experience's Avatar
Business Start Up
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 7
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sjr4x4 View Post
Blimey, we're not that bad are we? Recommend away, it's shameless self promo's that will all get tired of
Thanks sjr4x4, I just think everyone should play by the rules and I did not want to overstep the mark. Being new to this forum I was being very cautious.

Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 28-09-10, 12:19 PM
rooftruss's Avatar
Growing Business
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Spennymoor, Co. Durham
Posts: 11
Thanks: 2
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

I think what your doing sounds like good marketing, I also have sent leaflets out and had a good response from them. I'd say the webiste and free online directories are another way to go although I'd be careful with the printed directories as we have done them in the past and had no response. For business advice, I went to Business Enterprise and as well as getting a new start grant, I also have the services of a very helpful advisor who thinks nothing of e-mailing us on a Sunday or evening (lets face it, when you work for yourself, it's not a 9 to 5 job is it). Hope some of this helps.

Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 28-09-10, 01:29 PM
sjr4x4's Avatar
Professional Waffler
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Bills Town, Wark's, UK
Age: 43
Posts: 5,131
Thanks: 1,076
Thanked 486 Times in 405 Posts
Facebook Profile LinkedIN Profile Twitter Profile
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sjr4x4 View Post
I've got a friend who has set up a massage practice, and offers different techniques like sports massage, but also does bowens.
Hi Raluca

In one of lifes odd coincidences, my mate popped in to our office this morning for a chat and a catch up, turns out you know him, as you trained together, Steve Newman

So I'm sure Steve's giving you some pointers, (and get him to join the forum!)
__________________
cheers Steve
Forum Admin - teaboy and general gofer...

Forum Rules and FAQ's at a glance | Find me on Google+ | or even Facebook!

My Local Services - The UK and US Online Business Directory | JobsVitae - Recruitment Help and CV Creation

If you're here to spam, then expect a ban

Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 28-09-10, 08:36 PM
mrb's Avatar
mrb mrb is offline
MLF Moderator
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Stamford, UK
Posts: 709
Thanks: 26
Thanked 83 Times in 78 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sjr4x4 View Post
...turns out you know him, as you trained together, Steve Newman

So I'm sure Steve's giving you some pointers, (and get him to join the forum!)
Surely not the legend that is... ...Newmanator!
__________________
Web: mrb design
Twitter: mrbdesign

Forum Rules and FAQ's at a glance

Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to mrb For This Useful Post:
sjr4x4 (29-09-10)
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 29-09-10, 09:06 AM
simplybusiness's Avatar
Business Start Up
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: London
Posts: 3
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I would recommend you to do some research of setting up your own website, but even better, market your business online.

There are some nice books around such as "SEO & relationship building for local businesses" from Brendan Cunningham.

In my previous job I've worked on getting local businesses online. Your product/service is perfect of getting some attention from customers online.

Jasper
Siimplybusiness.co.uk

Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
starting a business



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Which is better for starting a business? jasmin03 General Business News, Help and Discussion 13 03-10-10 05:57 PM
Starting a new business? Don't use the word "book" in your name or else!! sjr4x4 General Business News, Help and Discussion 0 27-08-10 12:58 PM
Starting a new business? What next then? bonsai passion HR, H&S, Insurance and all things Legal 0 29-04-10 11:27 AM
Even the big boys are starting to reconise the value! sjr4x4 My Local Services Features, Best Practice, Examples 5 18-03-10 08:11 PM
Starting with me!! sjr4x4 Introductions - Come and Say Hello! 2 16-09-09 12:25 AM

PublicLiabilityInsurance.org - Public Liability Insurance    List your business for free with Qype  Try KashFlow accounts for free


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
This Business Forum is owned and run by Lowi Ltd | Minerva Mill | Station Road | Alcester | Warwickshire | B49 5ET | UK | Reg: 5542028 | VAT: 871389294