could any body help, starting new business

[catsgotthecream]

hello, this is new to me, so apologies if i sound like a total newbie. I am trying to start up a new business as an elderly companion, I have had all the appropriate checks done, got insurance, set up a web site, delivered 1000's off flyers left business cards in local shops, even been in touch with hmrc, and signed up for self assesment, but don't seem to be getting anywhere, has anyone got any ideas?

Where are you not getting?

Do you have no clients?

What is it that you do? Are you a carer?

I'm affraid I'm floundering to see where you are going to make your money, there are lots of voulenteers who offer companionship to the elderly for free. You just have to ring help the aged and they put you in touch with the people in your area.

If I'm off the mark I'm sorry, I'm not trying to rubbish what you are doing, I just can't see it yet!

I appreciate your honesty and yes i am a carer/cleaner, i have pitched my ideas round the local community spoken to the chamber of commerce and also talked the the local council new business set up scheme and age concern, before i plowed a lot of time, energy and money into this, all said great idea. I thought as you did, why are people going to pay when as you can get this service for free, but it's not a simple as that, continuity of care is required, paying someone almost feels like a contract, which gives peace of mind, knowing that someone is calling round say every monday 10-12, is a relief to either the client or their families, some voulenteers can't offer this continuity, which in turn creates insecurity. My problem is i'm struggling for new ways to promote, my business is only in its infancy, and just wondered if anybody had fresh ideas.

childminders get their faces known through toddler groups so maybe you need to access places where old people meet regularly - lunch clubs/bingo sessions etc?

My former elderly neighbour had a girl who lived in with her during the last few months of her life.I'm pretty sure she was obtained through an agency.

I'd not thought about going in to churches, i've left flyers and business cards, in them, but not met people in person. I do understand it is a difficult area to work in, as people are quiet rightly nervous, so face to face might well be a good idea.

Have you tried advertising on your local radio - I'm not sure how much this costs but I think that does work.

Have you contacted your local paper, not just to place adverts but to get a puece written about your business - I do this alot. If we have an event coming up we contact them and they write a small piece. It gets your name, image and idea out there.

Do you have a website? When we were looking into services for my DGF the web was our first port of call most of the time as we were all working, hence the need for help to look after him. You would need to speak to someone more clued in than me, but if you can find out how you get to be near the top of the list when you google elderly care in xxx that might help. (I have no idea if thats even possible, me and technology get by on a need to know basis!!)

I think it helps to break things down.

Who are you looking for? -
Where will you find these people? -
What media will they best understand? -

I don't know what the NHS' protocol is, but as you are registered and insured, have you asked if you are allowed to advertise in the doctors surgery, pharmacy etc.

Have you asked age concern/SS/community nurses if they can pass on your details (as in to recomend the website, not directly source clients).

Other than that I would think word of mouth is usuallt the best advertising tool there is. Do you have any clients at the moment? If so you need to get talking to people, and get people recomending you.

Good luck

I do have a web site, it's high up on google places, and on local serch engines, also on facebook and twitter. I have my CRB check and insurance, i spoke to SS, but due to government guidelines they arn't allowed to pass on details, could try community nurses tho, good idea thank you.

I agree that word of mouth looks like the most effective way of getting new clients. Because you have difficulty getting the very first clients in, I would make an introductory offer that's very tempting - i.e. three no-obligation care sessions or similar. This way you can start to build up your reputation, and hopefully retain some clients on a more permanent basis at the same time.

I can advise on the website if you PM me the link.

Thanks for helping, i've sent you a message.

What about volunteering at something eg church meeting giving out drinks and chatting, rather than just going with the intention of promoting your business? While you've not got many clients, it gives you something to do with your time, and once you have built a relationship with the people there they may feel more inclined to pay as they already know you. This would in turn hopefully lead to them recommending friends.