Message from @Papa Pizzagate

Discord ID: 532708435393773568


2019-01-09 23:00:43 UTC  

I am in the process of starting a business, and I believe it can be done without a loan or on credit. While remaining vague, I'll say that it's a service oriented business. I will initially be filing as a dba but plan to hire people if things manage to go well. Anyone have tips on how to launch something whilst keeping costs down?

2019-01-09 23:24:33 UTC  

You’ll need to be more specific in what you’re working on in order to have helpful input @Papa Pizzagate

2019-01-09 23:25:38 UTC  

Keep us posted on your status. One day I’d like to start a business(es) and well and I’d like to learn from others

2019-01-09 23:36:08 UTC  

I'm in the process of taking over the company I for.

2019-01-09 23:42:37 UTC  

@Papa Pizzagate I own a home inspection company with 2 (part time) contract employees.

I also have another venture that I'm invested in, but isn't yet off the ground.

2019-01-09 23:47:41 UTC  

What specifically are you trying to organize?

2019-01-09 23:49:30 UTC  

Man Power, Tax structuring,... etc

2019-01-09 23:52:02 UTC  

Appreciate the response, guys. I'll admit I'm being a bit purposefully vague - The service I will be operating will be running out of a work vehicle, which I already own until I am (hopefully) able to bring on a second crew. At which point a small garage or something of the sort would be required. I can build a website myself and there are others in IE willing to do some small graphic design work below market rate as a favor... what I am after is the most cost effective ways to advertise and promote getting my business off the ground. Naturally I am not going in blind... I have a few ideas on how to attract customers, but I was hoping others who've been down that road could be of some assistance.

2019-01-09 23:52:57 UTC  

Additionally I will need a phone line - I am thinking that a second SIM card connected to my phone would suffice for the startup period.

2019-01-09 23:53:08 UTC  

Things of this nature, hidden startup costs -etc.

2019-01-10 00:11:25 UTC  

Marketing:
I have only done 2 marketing campaigns in my 2.5 yrs in business.

1st Campaign) I asked local dry cleaners if they would give me "Bring 3 items, get one free" promotion. They all agreed.
On a set of custom business cards hand delivered to Realtors offices.
"Bring 3 Items, Get 1 FREE!!!"
Courtesy of Tyler0317's Company!!

2nd Campaign) I hired bodybuilders to dress like Rambo, with red bandanas and to hold my company signs at an intersection in front of Realtors offices. They flexed and posed for the crowd and put on a show.

-I need local Realtors to funnel business to me, so I cater myself to them as a demographic.
-The Realtors in my area are 65% Female, and largely between 30-60 yrs old

2019-01-10 00:12:26 UTC  
2019-01-10 00:14:12 UTC  

hahaha okay, that second one is epic.

2019-01-10 00:14:22 UTC  

For a phone, I use this service, it's worked OK so far,https://grasshopper.com/

2019-01-10 00:17:49 UTC  

Yeah so both men and women would be interested in my service. The sort of women who would be interested are the same sort who don't mind paying 300+ per month at hair/nail salons (it's not a beauty service, guys...lol). Once I have business cards, I intend to go to the better salons in the three countys that I intend to serve and set up either a referral program with them or simply offer to buy their staff lunch once a month if they keep a tiny business card holder with my company stocked at the front counter.

2019-01-10 00:17:58 UTC  

Not sure how to reach the fellas but I'll get there.

2019-01-10 00:19:14 UTC  

I will check out Grasshopper. thanks @Tyler0317. not exactly parallel industries but some good stuff none-the-less.

2019-01-10 00:21:28 UTC  

I hear you. There is never really a template to follow. Take bits and pieces from others as you go.

Also, join a business group/guild. If one doesn't exist, make one.

2019-01-10 00:21:50 UTC  
2019-01-10 00:23:08 UTC  

Yeah, way ahead of you there, my friend.

2019-01-10 00:23:26 UTC  

I joined real estate meetup groups, then started one of my own, where I could invite only heavy hitters. Those connections later paid off with house flipping, I just finished my second one after Xmas.

2019-01-10 00:23:40 UTC  

I have a lunch meeting tomorrow with a gentleman who runs the largest Entrepreneurs group in the main county I want to serve.

2019-01-10 00:25:09 UTC  

@Tyler0317 Yeah Louis indicated that was your line of work before, so I kinda-sorta knew what you were up to. That's awesome.

2019-01-10 00:31:14 UTC  

@Tyler0317 have you been on biggerpockets.com? Lots of good info/potential contacts there

2019-01-10 03:51:35 UTC  

If anybody needs a website or digital marketing for their business, just reach out 😃

2019-01-10 19:59:46 UTC  

Hey everyone. I have expertise in running startups. My MBA concentration is entrepreneurship. I’m here to help.

2019-01-10 20:12:14 UTC  

@Papa Pizzagate have you done market research for your potential endeavor? Have an ideal consumer in mind? How do others in your particular industry acquire and retain customers? Feel free to keep it as vague as you need.

2019-01-10 20:20:10 UTC  

@Ryan -NJ I've done a good amount of research, yes. Youre coming to Philly this weekend, right? Let's talk about that as well as that other thing you dmed me about in person

2019-01-10 20:20:48 UTC  

@Papa Pizzagate Sounds good. Looking forward to it.

2019-01-12 23:37:16 UTC  

has anyone here got into trucking as a lease or owner operator? Just got my doubles/triples after a few years non-CDL work and may buy a tractor after a few months as a company driver on a local route.

I'd like to get a second truck and start putting IE members through trucking school here in northwestern Montana. The goal is to be OTR for just three or four days a week. There seems to be no shortage of loads to and from northwestern Montana on load app I'm looking at.