Today Chad talks about the basics of starting a local business. 

Assuming you have already checked laws and regulations...and you have met the requirements,

Understand what your job is. It is actually being punctual, it is having a quality service, product and treating people with kindness, it is being able to deal with people and problems… there are a lot of things, all of which you can get great at with practice, however, you can be the best at all of these things, and still not get any business.

Pricing has a direct effect on whether or not you get business. If your prices are too high and people don’t see the value then you won’t get customers, if your prices are too low, you’ll get tons of people who haggle and complain because you can’t afford to put the right amount of time into whatever product or service your offering.

First when you start landing clients from the stuff we are getting ready to talk about, don’t guess or let people haggle you on the pricing. Have set prices based on something. If you’re a painter that is painting animal portraits, have a price per square inch based on what type it is. If you’re a cleaner, have a price based on square foot or based on how many beds how many baths plus what services you’re providing.

What is a good price? Search the businesses that are similar to yours…that are closest to you and make sure you are not the cheapest. Here’s a secret. Create a package during the week or on the weekend based on what days your industry slows down. This package is cheaper than all of your competitors at that particular time but it has stipulations to make sure it’s well worth your time.

Foundational Setup (in order of importance)

Google Listing (over 3.5 billion searches per day on Google) if you're not on Google somewhere, you’re missing out on business.

• Get a google my business account and listing. You will sign up and they will send you a postcard to verify. Then your business will show up on Google Maps when someone is searching for an officiant in your area.

Networking if you are a wedding photographer (Rental Companies, Wedding Venues, Bridal Stores, DJ’s, Catering Companies, Wedding Bakers, Venues) 

•  Networking doesn’t mean selling yourself, it means getting to know them. Asking if you might be able to suggest them to your clients and if they would consider doing the same. Even Competition...Get to know them and let them know that if they are fully booked you’d be happy to assist and you will do the same if you’re booked and you get a call.

Facebook Page

• 1.62 billion users are on Facebook everyday. Create a business page with your logo and the packages you offer.
• Make sure you respond to messages and comments on the stuff you post.
• Post stuff from your page on the groups in your town that will allow it. I’ve gotten many customers from this.

Facebook Groups in your town and around your town

• Facebook Groups are an incredible way to network with businesses, customers, and people who know people who are looking for your services. Groups in the towns that you are willing to drive to will let you join most of the time and these are incredible places to meet people. Comment often on posts that position you as an expert. Answer questions that experts in your industry would answer.

Website

• Squarespace, Wix, Fiverr.com. 
• Get a one-page webpage up with an intro to you, services & pricing, and contact info...the rest can come later. and make sure it is on your Facebook, Google listing, and anywhere else that will allow you to put it.

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