Finding customers is absolutely crucial…

Most people, at some point, have dreamt about starting their own business. So what prevents many from getting any further than just dreaming?

One of the biggest challenges that people think they may face is selling - finding customers for their products or services.

They are right - this is vitally important. It’s the difference between success and failure.

And the answer lies in creative thinking and planning.

Single mum, Michelle Woodley has just started her hand painted signmaking business “Signs of the times”.

The signs are fantastic and look great on any house. But distributing leaflets door-to-door sounded like hard work, and a bit hit-or-miss.

As we developed her sales plan, though, Michelle realised that animal owners would love the signs for their kennels or stables.

Soon she was finding customers among her dog and horse owning friends, at local stables and at riding schools.

And this week she has been at Crufts showing people her work. she has also set up display stands at local garden centres and other retailers.

There’s still a long way to go, but a bit of planning has set Michelle’s business off in the right direction.

*If you live in Derbyshire and want free advice on setting up your own business, contact Paul on 07973 522772 or paul@clowne-enterprise.org.uk. Contact Michelle at sign of the times on 07970 697279.

Paul Davies from Clowne Business Forum
Printed in: Worksop Guardian, Friday, March 25, 2011