On conducting business - a few (unrelated) points i've noted

I had a PM recently which I answered as follows. Though some other people may be interested so here is an edited version:

On business formation:

I have had no negative responses with regards to the fact the my business is not ltd. A lot of businesses start as sole traders. People will judge based on what you can offer them/delivery on result rather than the legal formation of your business.

That said if you are approaching PLCs you probably want to be LTD. (To cover your back as much as anything!)

On presenting yourself to sell advetising space offline:

Selling advertising space on a website to non-webmaster is relatively easy and the margins are higher.

Selling advertising space depends on the type of business you approach. I tend to get my suit on (or t-shirt/jeans/jacket for bars) and just go in and ask to speak to the manager.

Always have a little portfolio to show them. Not too much - just the basics.

**Know your stats** and be prepared to have to answer questions without havieng to look stuff up.

If contacting firms online I would just follow a business like, Courteous approach. For emails use formal language, be forward and to the point. Leave a number of different contact points for them.

Advertising advertising space online for contact offline:

With regards to putting them "at ease" - this is more difficult online than in person. Have a professional interface on your website, and make sure they can contact you by phone. Personally i dont have a problem with putting my mobile no. online. If you don't then i would do that.

One way to differentiate yourself from other websites:

There are lots of websites out there, so how do you differentiate yourself from the others? Firstly results count, if you've got the visitors then you are in with a chance. However this is not always possible - if you can capture the imagination of the person you are trying to sell to you should be able to sell without needing to go on results alone. Get creative and get selling!!

On getting an address(?):

Having a professional sounding address can do a lot for your web business. If you can get an address on an industrial estate or the equivalent for your industry you will be able to give off a good impression. I have managed to get a very professional sounding address (not domain!) at a science park near my uni. You may be able to find a forwarding service so that you can have a professional sounding address rather than you home address.

On following up emails:

Always follow up an email sent if you have not had a reply within 3 days. Often they are just busy, sometimes they are not interested - whatever the cause you can easily still get business out of them


This isn't the best structure post because its been edited from a PM, but hopefully you can pick up a few useful hints!


Good luck in Business!
Notting

 

I have a couple of questions,
First one is what are the most common questions you recieve or might expect?
Second one is if you work with contracts or something regarding any possible requirements that needs to be uphold?

Other peoples experiences i would as well very much like to hear.