Do your customers know you exist?
A few months ago a local small business closed. Not long after that we saw a construction crew in there remodeling for a new business to open in the same building. After a period a time there was new signage out front. It was a tiny pet grooming salon. Yay! My hound dog always needs her nails trimmed.
Every time we drove past there was never any cars in the lot, nor did we see any lights on. It was a small corner building, so it appeared it could have easily been owned by a sole proprietor who worked limited hours. That’s not terribly uncommon with start-ups. At some point a paper “Open” sign appeared in the window.
I’ll cut to the chase – it’s been months. Literally months, and I have never once seen the lights on or anyone inside and certainly no cars outside. This building is right up the street from me so I drive past it frequently. There aren’t any posted hours on the door either – just the paper OPEN sign. Yet it is never open. I have also never seen any kind advertising or marketing about the place.
This made me think about some independent consultants with their direct sales businesses.
People have to know you exist and know how and when to contact you before they’ll consider doing business with you. You can’t just sign up, get a website and hope the customers will flock to you. [Read more…] about Are You Open for Business?
