You won't need much to start off with. You'll, of course, need a reliable
car or, better yet, a van.
The only real expenses at the start are: business cards and business
stationery; a pager; and postage.
Make a list of large businesses in your area, ones with large numbers
of well-paid executives, such as banks, headquarters of large manufacturers, etc.
You should then compose a letter detailing your services. List as
many timesaving services as you can think of: grocery pickup, dry-cleaning delivery and pickup, post office errands, gift-shopping
services, food pickup and delivery, etc.
Note: Don't transport people or children unless you have the proper
licenses. Also, if you deliver messages, there may be state utility regulations you'll need to check into. Emphasize to these
people how they will BENEFIT from your service: more time, less worries, less stress.
Be competitive with your pricing. Call other delivery services in
the area and find out what they charge, whether hourly or by the job. Make your prices competitive and your services personal,
and you'll get the edge.
Four other good ideas for publicizing your services: advertise in
charity event publications that are read by executives; get permission to post your business card at dry cleaners, grocery
stores, bakeries, upscale food stores and delis, etc.; produce press releases about your services showcasing a unique aspect
of your business, i.e. you specialize in delivering wedding cakes, for example, and get them to all the newspapers and local
magazines in the area; and notify senior citizen organizations about the services you offer.
Hints: Know your way around your area extremely well so you can plan
the quickest route to efficiently accomplish all your errands. Be assertive, both with potential clients and with places you
are visiting for a client. Be friendly, and you'll get more return business. Also, be confidential in respect for your clients.
If you're willing to hustle, you can make it in the errand business.
Once you get that first steady client, if you're good, you can count on word-of- mouth business. Then you'll really be rolling!
