Now that you have started up your very own business, how do you get those senior concierge jobs I know are out there waiting for you? I have a total of five ‘insider’ tips that will not only get you the exposure you need to reach your potential customer/client base…it will get you work that will get your business moving quickly.
Tip #1 – Newspaper Coverage
Remember how I’ve talked about the branding of your business and how important that will become later on? Here is one place where your business image will get a giant boost. When you first launch your senior concierge service contact the local media. That can include newspapers, radio and television depending on the size of the market you are in. Don’t expect all of them to cover the start of your new business but there will be some interest. A good way to capitalize on that interest is to do something big in conjunction with your grand opening. Tying your service to a senior’s charity, for example, can help build your image and become part of the branding of your business. Whatever you choose to do, any kind of media coverage is good as it will be free.
Tip #2 – Word Of Mouth
There is a lot to be said about the power of referrals. The seniors in your client/customer base will no doubt talk about your business. Ultimately you want that discussion to be positive as that will win you additional business. This is where the way in which you conduct business will prove to be a benefit to your success. Happy customers will recommend your services. You can even ‘coach’ some of your client base to help with the addition of new business by offering a discount or incentive of some kind for each new client you pick up from a referral. It is a regular marketing ploy, so don’t worry about it. Every business sees growth through referrals and recommendations and yours should not be any different.
Tip #3 – Advertise For Free
Once the media coverage from your grand opening has died down, you will want to build some momentum in your marketing. In fact, you should be running regular marketing/advertising campaigns at all times but that can get costly if you use traditional means. If you look for free advertising opportunities you will be able to spread the word about your services and do so without spending a dime. There are multiple free advertising platforms available ranging from online – craigslist.org, for example – to printed newspaper and advertising sites. Posters, business cards and flyers can also get the job done at a fraction of the cost of newspaper, radio or television advertising.
Tip #4 – Moving Billboard
A magnetic sign or any kind of large signage that can be attached to your vehicle will serve you in many different ways. In additional to becoming a business vehicle, the signage becomes a mobile piece of advertising. That is, if the signage clearly states your business name, what your service is and has contact phone/cell numbers or an e-mail address so you can be reached. The power of a four-wheeled visual marketing tool cannot be ignored as it can also tell people what you do without you having to get out of the vehicle to explain it. Consider entering your mobile billboard in local parades and parking it in high traffic locations for additional free exposure.
Tip #5 – Senior Publications
I am a huge fan of target marketing and one way to reach the demographic that is the basis of your senior concierge business is to reach seniors where they are. This can take many forms and can become very creative as well. Probably the most sensible thing to do is to advertise or have a listing in local senior’s publications. Depending on your market this can be a newsletter or several different magazines. Also get the word into local senior’s activity centers, care facilities and anywhere else seniors tend to congregate where you live. See if these places will let you post a business card or poster somewhere to promote your business. Consider sponsoring seniors activities to get your name in front of those who can benefit most from your service.
It is not hard to find yourself busy with a lot of senior concierge jobs but in order to get there you must put some effort into reaching out to those places within your market. Once doors open allowing you to market yourself and your services, you will see a steady flow of business coming your way.