I am starting a new business called Blue Dog Home Solutions “Teaching Old Home New Tricks” what medium should I look at to begin draggin in work?
man found sitting on toilet is said to be high on pot!
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Speaking from the point of view of a homeowner who contracts for work at times, I have no idea what your business does from the name; to figure out where to go for your market, you need to let evryone know what you do
I'd have to agree....the name doesn't say much about what you do. Though some will find it "catchy", others will find it "corny" and shy away from you.
As far as where to find business though, give us more info- what part of the country? Rural, suburban, or urban? Who's your "ideal client"? (besides one with lots of money....lol)
Bob
Did you check out the "Advertising methods" thread? Lotsa good suggestions there.
Dave
"Teaching Old Home New Tricks"
Teaching -- so the services that you will be performing, include instruction to the residents/owners?
Old Homes -- are we talking about houses that are REALLY old, or are we talking about residents that are REALLY old, or just about any existing house?
New Tricks -- ya mean kinda like that c r a p that MTV put in the halftime show at the Superbowl?
I agree with the other replies -- although your chosen name might be catchy, it doesn't describe who you are or what you do. You might want to rethink it.
My signs and business cards introduce me as:
Dave Thompson -- The "Yes Ma'am" Handyman
Still catchy, but there's little confusion about what business I want.
I will do home theatres, closet systems, all kinds of remodeling, restoration, new homes, concrete, roofing, flooring, decks, you name it. The town I reside in is Aberdeen SD about 25,000 people. this is a link to the area, http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=US&countryid=250&addtohistory=&address=&city=&state=&zipcode=57401&submit=Get+Map
"teaching old homes new tricks" making the old house you live in our home. man found sitting on toilet is said to be high on pot!
I think that's too many things to do. Might be better to choose a few types of work as your main focus and stick to that. Then you can advertise more easily and clearly. People need to know exactly what you do, or they'll go with someone else who is more clear in their marketing. You go to McDonalds when you want... McDonalds. You know exactly what you're going to get.
Now this is an area in which I'll agree with BluesHound. If he's located in a town of only 25000 people, the specializing could mean that he gets a job once every 6 years.
On the other hand, if his scope stays wide, he can make a go of it.
In my town (11000 people) I have the choice of wide scope, or rush hour(-and-a-half) to the big city. I HATE rush hour, but stay busy. My jobs have ranged from fixing a stuck light bulb, to major kitchen and bath remodels.
Vast projects should not be founded on half vast ideas.
Now this is an area in which I'll agree with BluesHound. If he's located in a town of only 25000 people, the specializing could mean that he gets a job once every 6 years.
On the other hand, if his scope stays wide, he can make a go of it.
I only advertise a couple things at a time, if I don't try to do everything my business will dry up and blow away.man found sitting on toilet is said to be high on pot!
Blue,
I don't want to insult you----but I would strongly recommend that you re-think your business name and slogan.
To me ,it seems ,that you have tried too hard to come up with something cutsie----but to me it isn't remotely appealing-----and given your slogan---I don't have the slightest idea what you do.
I think you are in love with a concept---but you are to close or to commited to the "plan" to see the downside.-------for Example--------------there is a business I drive past several times each week.It's been there for about a year now and has a really nice commercially made sign hung outside the building. The sign is really attractive and has a nice logo centrally located.--------the problem is-------as many times as I have driven past this business-----I STILL don't have the slightest idea what the name of the business is or WHAT THEY DO. I only see the sign at 35 miles per hour-----and the sign is artsy---but illegible.
I suspect the business in question may be some kind of graphic arts studio-----but why would I ever do business with them? they can't even produce a legible sign!------I bet it looked good on a drawingboard----but the fact that it was supposed to be read at 35mph was never considered.
also----i think in the small business arena people are really trying to do business with specific individuals. I would suggest incorporating your actual name in the name of the business along with a CLEAR indication of what you primarily do. John Smith Interior Carpentry Inc.,or John Smith Home Remodeling, or John Smith Cabinet Making &Home Theater Installations LTD.
just My opinions---and good luck.
BTW----I am never really on board with guys using Home Solutions in their business name----to me it sounds like a visiting nurse operation.When did professional tradesmen become ashamed of presenting themselves to the world as tradesmen?
there are different ways of looking at this. I have my company name on my truck and trailor and nothing else! since I get all my business word of mouth, all I want to do is give a prospective client a sense of legitimate reassurance. I dont look like a novice looking for a weekend job.
That's an intersting idea--if I understand right, you suggest screening out a certain type of client by designing your logo to _not_ be read while driving by. Sort of like not advertising in the yellow pages?
actually ... a buddy just said my job site sign isn't readable from the street .. while driving by ...
I said ... if they're too damn stupid to pull over and get out a pen and paper ... trust me ... I don't want to deal with them!
that's worth a little "prequalifing" right there ... they're a little serious about their next project if they've taken the time to slow to 5 miles per hour .....
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
Actually Jeff---you are blowing smoke and you know it.
As a former salesman you know full well that when selling to the general public name recognition is a big deal. You know that statistically people have to see or hear your name something like 5 times before it registers.
People will repeatedly see a legible sign---even though they are not in the market for those services and know nothing of the business. Later ,when they ARE in the market for those services and your name comes up---they think they already know you.
by the way----as a potential customer---why the heck should I pull over to decipher the sign of a contractor that's too stupid to put up a legible sign? Pre-qualifying is a 2 way street!
that sign is supposed to be an ADVERTISEMENT----- what have you got without legibility? might as well pay for dead air time on the radio!
uh, oh,jeff... i think stephen's got there.... a sign that can't be read from the curb is ng..
and (beating my favorite dead horse )....you either want name recognition ( which is easier with buck than smith ) or you want logo recognition..
ie: you want branding...
you want the 7 blips on the potential customer's radar....
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
uhh both ya Mr Professors ...
which part of pull over and write it down did ya miss?
Plenty readable from the curb ....
he was talking about driving by at 35 mph and missing it ...
which is what he did that day.
Drive the speed limit ... see the sign ...
see .. easy.
It's the same size as a "for sale" sign ... realestate company style ...
plenty of houses get bought and sold .... probably a good size?
Jeff
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
yeah , yeah ,yeah.. what ever....
i still like ........"Show me the Money"Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
what's the name of that book or author you've mentioned about a gazzion times here about marketing?
hmmm... must be " Guerilla Marketing " .... i think it was Levine.. but you could google Guerilla Marketing...
bet you can get it cheap , used, on amazonMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
12 bucks new...
pretty cheap imo
thanks
Regaurding yard signs----I will 'fess up here guys.
I am shockingly bad about actually getting around to putting them up.I have actually had customers politely berate me for NOT putting them up.
Another customer( I have done 2 different houses for him over the years) politely told me I was insane for NOT leaving a sign up a week and a half after his job was done to catch the 4th of july parade crowd that goes in front of his house.
and a number of times during pleasant weather I have had customers remark on the neighborhood crowd that gathered in the evening to watch the days progress of their roof.( An excellent reason to leave the customers yard immaculate each day)
It's just hard to remember to get around to actually putting up the sign when I am only going to be on a job for a day or two. And---I am a little shy about asking for permission. Maybe I should just put them up untill some one tells me to take it down?
so Jeff---I ain't perfect----but you were never in doubt about that were you?
Stephen.
Jeff - I've thought of getting yard signs before, but haven't yet. Any idea of how many new customers you get from them?
Mike
none yet ..
just got the new one's about 3 months ago ...
from Kinko's ... printed on vinyl banner material ... with grommets ...
$7/sq ft rings a bell ....
got 3 .. each at 3x2.
They match the van lettering ... which matches the biz card ... and letter head.
I'll have a better idea after I blanket the neighborhood with mailers.
Just rooting thru some reciepts ... found the street and house number list I wrote down a month or so ago .....
Went all thru the subdivision ... hit each house I thought would drive past my van/sign.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
If you want branding, I can't think of a better place to start than "blue dog"; you can use that in so many ways - a blue dog silhouette on the back of the truck, trailer, etc; jobsite signs in the shape of a blue dog....if you're looking for name recognition, I think Blue Dog is a good place to start. All you have to do is tie in the notion of the work you want to do, with the blue dog.
ten...i don't have any problem with bluedog as a logo..
not even the phrase "home solutions"..
as long as he gets into the repetition, repetition, repetition...
letter head, business cards, job signs , truck signs, shirts, hats....
pretty soon everyone in town thinks they know you...
i just went a different route with our company name.....Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
hi guys,
Not a builder, but I am a homeowner who is spending a fortune redoing a house that I bought a year ago. I work daily with sub-contractors. I am the kind of customer that you are trying to attract. I know what I want and I don't mind paying for superior work.
A logo like Mike Smith's is the type that attracts me. It is straight forward, honest and clear. I understand who he is, what he does and how I can get in touch with him. It is no- nonsense. I know that when I ask to speak with Mike Smith, I am talking to the person in charge. I know that what he says is what the company line will be.
I appreciate Blue Dog's enthusiasm and excitement for his novel idea, but your customers aren't looking for novel ideas. They are looking for people who will do things according to code. I am not looking for creativity. I am looking for solid, hardworking people who will be straight forward, honest and clear with me. Your logo should reflect that.
Consider using the phrase as a logo- not a company name. Its just too long and confusing. Good luck to you and your project. I am not trying to be negitive. I am just trying to give you another perspective.
Like I said, all of my business is by referral. When you open your doors to the general public you can expect a lot of undesirable business and your estimate will land in a pile with ten others. When someone says "you do nice work, my neighbor would like to talk to you about a project...." chances are you are gonna get the job.
The sign on the truck door only serves to reinforce the fact you are a legitimate presence. No need for a grocery list of sevices I can provide. Just my name and state reg.#
Blue,
"I don't want to insult you----but I would strongly recommend that you re-think your business name and slogan."
I want name recognition. I can tell you most of the businesses doing business in town but I would be hard pressed to name 1/100 of the owners. I also want to retire someday and would like to sell my business. Shane Jung Home solutions sells for 50$ Blue Dog Home Solutions sells for thousands. I would never consider buying Joe blow construction because some one calls and says is Joe there. No - - - "CLICK". Businesses always change hands but the name changes to represent you. Unless it is a name like AT&T MCI Sprint Microsoft Macintosh...
This is a catchy logo and slogan all I get is amazed compliments, like Wow how did you come up with that. That is an in for me the customers really connect with you when they learn how the name came in to being and get to know you on a deeper level. Which and this almost always leads to closing a sale.
Blues
If the Price is too high then the story is too short.
This is how I help sell myself
Edited 2/24/2004 1:23:38 PM ET by blues_hound75
That is a logo that will stand out. A eye-catching It should make a lasting impressionNo good deed goes unpunished
Everybody has their own tastes. I am pretty conservative about these things---------so to me, your sign looks gimmicky. It wouldn't appeal to me at all.
Lucky for you---i ain't your targeted customer base! LOL
but a little bit of experience tells me that for every person your logo attracts----you are probably subtley repelling another.
just my opinion
and for the folks you have tried out your logo on-------are they family,friends,& neighbors blowing smoke up your wazoo---telling you what they think you want to hear?
Or are they happy,enthusiastic,satisfied customers busily refering you to plenty of people?
now------as far as selling your business someday and retiring to live happily ever after-----don't hold your breath.
A little research will tell you that something like 4 out of 5 start-ups are gonna go belly up.Probably only restaraunts have a higher failure rate.If you are one of the fortuneate 1 out of 5 who survive-------chances are your retirement will be largely funded by investments you made along the way by operating a profitable business.Selling a home improvement business isn't impossible----but it is a statistical rarity.
BTW----if you doubt me on this----go to the library and look up some phonebooks from 5 or 10 years ago------see who is still in business.
I wish you the very best of luck-----to tell you the truth ,I think a form of your logo would look great for a business like a coffee house or something-----i just don't see it as a contractor.
but I have been wrong plenty of times before.
I agree also. I live in a county with about 30,000 people. Diversity is what keeps me in business in a market this small. I once put in a laminate floor for a customer; I'm not a big fan of the product, or the installation, but it paid my wage for the day. A year later, I was asked to build their 4000 sf dream house, complete with custom stairway, cabinets, built-ins etc.(The stuff I really like to do.) Was hired by another couple to hang a large clock on the wall for them, and a few months later they called me back to trim out a room with solid hickory on the walls & ceilings, made some 8' tall hickory doors & a bunch of other 'cool stuff'. Seems to me that if people are happy with your work, they'll call next time they have another project just to see if your interested, or do that sort of thing. I've never advertized as being a do-it-all type of guy, only as providing 'custom carpentry'. I'm also a firm believer in the power of word-of-mouth advertising - When people compliment my work, I say thanks and then say 'tell your friends'. There is no substitute for a good personal reference, and you can't beat the price.
Mike
Blue,
I may be naive but I think that the best advertising start involves putting a sign on every vehicle you own including trailer. Next, use your self....have shirts made and give them out without thought/regret to all contractors, clients, and friends. Also, talk your clients into putting a sign in their yard. I use a large handmade wooden sign for current projects and plant simple plastic/metal signs when I move on. Don't hesitate to offer finder's clients if they recommend you (and it works out). I offer 1% it's not much but it provides motivation.
good luck.
BTW...I like your slogan.
gk
Blue Dog Home Solutions "Teaching Old Home New Tricks"
Here in Ohio 90% of the people reading your add won't know what your talking about......they'll think you teach dogs not to #### in the house.
Forget the clever.....keep it simple and use your own name.......save the other stuff for naming your boat.
Your slogan and graphics are fine - Get them out there. In a town your size it's a snap.
At first, stick to the tried and true:
Yellow pages
Business cards
Vehicle signs
Yard signs wherever you do work
Identify all of the potential people who will likely hire you and get in front of them as often as possible. Devote a set amount of time every week to marketing yourself to prospective clients in person. Contact homeowner's associations and anyone else you think might have a pool of potential clients. Do not call individuals at their home in the evening. :-)>
As you develop your business you may want to add a website with plenty of photos of your finest work. Add the web address to all of the above. If you have enough material to do the web site now go ahead and set it up. It is a great form of advertising but only if you find other means to get the web address in front of people who are shopping for your services.
Good luck!
Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -