Introduction

Are you writing the plan for any specific purpose, such as attracting outside investment?
------------------------
AsMustard

Hi Ask your Business Link office where the local Business Advice Centre is that they use for start ups. They should have someone there whom will be able to point you in the right direction with training programmes for the filling in of the Business Plan. Where abouts are you in the country? Maybe I could find out for you and let you know? Good Luck with your venture Gail

I have been to the Business Link and they have sent me on a course 1 night a week to do my business plan. I am starting the financial bits and finding it really hard. Also, I worry about marketing my business as there is so much competition. The work I get at the moment is all word of mouth, and I am very happy with this, but I want to start advertising and write my marketing plan, but don't know which is best. I live in Lytham St Annes near to Blackpool and the paper here is full of tradesmen. Are there any other sparkies on here who can offer me some tips?

Re: Electrician Hi, Yes there are a lot of tradesmen but as what we find when we make appoinments with tradesmen is that they are extremely unreliable, they don't turn up to appointment or if they do will be late without informing the customer of the situation. Work quality isn't there, prices, well they seem to make up their prices as soon as they turn up to your property ie: if you live in an exclusive neighbourhood, decent place then the price they charge is higher. Ridiculous. If your service is reliable, quality work, reasonable charges, treat your customers professionally then you'll always have an upperhand over them all. Market your service on these basis and actually operate on these basis and I think you'll be on the right track. I always hear friends looking for reliable electrician, gardener and so on..

Hi, Do you know of other tradesman offering complimentary services such as plastering etc. If you know that they are reliable and of a high standard then maybe you should try and organise a group who recommend each other to existing clients. You could produce some joint marketing materials which would be much cheaper. I know I'd be more likely to keep a leaflet with a full set of contact info for reliable plumbers, sparks, builders? Maybe think of doing a laminated business card which people will keep in their wallets or a magnet for people to stick on their fridge? Hope this helps Chris www.yourgifthorse.com - presents horse in art and gifts

Re: Advertising/Marketing I would recommend visiting a local BNI (Business Network International) meeting. I checked on the BNI website (www.bni-europe.com) and there are several in your area. The best form of advertising, and most cost effective is word of mouth. I am confident that you would pick up a great deal of business this way, the electrician in my local chapter certainly does. If you would like further information please let me know, I'll get you some contact details for the chapter directors in your area. Mark Repro Grafix Speciality Advertising Freephone 0800 2983109 Fax: 01829 271789 http://www.advertiseonagift.com
------------------------

Repro Grafix Speciality Advertising - Promotional Items and Corporate Gifts  1000s of products at the BEST prices
Freephone 0800 2983109 Fax: 01829 271789  www.advertiseonagift.com">href="http://www.advertiseonagift.com">www.advertiseonagift.com
For Golf Gifts visit our Golf Gift Shop