Thinking about starting up a Hot Shot service business based out of El Paso, TX.
Serving mostly the oil business. I have no idea how to accumulate potential clients,
access the need for the service or build a business plan. Can someone provide pointers
and or advise as to what my first action should be.
Thanks.
Answers
Hi Dionicio,
Looks like you have your target customers identified. How to gain customers? Try answering these questions:
-Do you know anyone in any oil company?
-Who are the transportation companies currently working with the oil companies? Do they sub-contract?
-Look up from referenceUSA (from your local library website), how many target companies can you find?
Now, go after them by contacting them with a strategy, & be persistent
Do you have ready a truck, insurance, incorporation & other legal aspect to run your business? CDL traffic tickets are very expensive, do you have good attorney who handle them nationwide (or region wide if you are going to be regional).
Hope these questions will spark up some direction for you. Let me know if I can be of any help.
be blessed!!!!
Perry
build that biz plan first - and socialize to test your viability - plenty of great templates and resources online
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5067-free-business-templates-word-pdf.html
or bplan.com
Dionicia,
If you are starting from scratch, looking into a franchise might be an option. They would help you with those base-questions you have about business. Contact Alex at alex@stonefran.com. He would be able to help you in that area.
If a franchise is not for you (and there is no "one size fits all") then I would suggest doing some research into the field you are wanting to enter.
Where would your potential customers be? Why do they need this service? Who is providing it now? How can you provide it better, quicker or with added value. You probably don't want to try and compete on price being a new business...that would be difficult. But you do need a way to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Read as much as you can get your hands on regarding that industry and their pain points so you can provide a quality service.
If I can be of further help, feel free to contact me.
Brian Richardson
www.VetLaunched.com
brian@VetLaunched.com
Dionicio,
First you will want to put together a business plan with a financial overview. This will help you understand what is needed financially and what the business projections will be, hence allowing you to see if it will be profitable. There are numerous templates online and you could always go to you local chamber of commerce and have a conversation with them. Once you have the business plan done start having conversations with local businesses that would utilize your service. The most important piece is building your brand and while doing so, being clear, concise and focused on what area your clients are struggling with the most, the ability that your company has to help with that specific area, should be your marketing and discussion points. Hope that helps.
Best,
Robert
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