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Defining The Distribution Channels For Your Business Startup

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Whether you are still developing your business idea or already know exactly what you want to do, it is important to define the best distribution channels for your product, for your customers, and for you. The distribution channel is the way your product gets to your customer. Traditionally, businesses relied on a single distribution channel. These days, the most successful startups use multiple routes to reach a broader customer base.

For some products, the route to getting it into customers’ hands is self-evident. For specialized, service-only ventures, you or your employees will personally deliver to the client, either on-site or at your place of business. Examples of these types of businesses are cleaning services, auto detailing, personal coaching, consulting, personal training, and training. Restaurants and other food service ventures also fall into this category.

Selling retail products, on the other hand, allows multiple options for distribution — online sales, brick-and-mortar storefront, direct sales through sales reps, festivals or shows, etc. Consider the distribution routes used by your closest competitors. Are they using the most effective channels? Is there any way to modify or improve on the standard methods that will still be appropriate for your product? Will you start with one channel, such as brick-and-mortar and then move into other channels, such as online?

Your target customers also play an important role in the distribution channels you select. If you are selling directly to the end user, you probably have more options than if you are targeting distributors to market your product. Think about it from your target market’s perspective. What is the easiest way for them to access your product? Under what circumstances are they most likely to be looking for what you offer? If your product is new to the market, consider where your target market currently purchases similar products. If it is easier for your customers to buy from you than your competitors, they will come.

Your own work style and personality are also relevant in considering distribution channels for your product. If the idea of spending your days chatting up strangers is distressing to you, then a brick and mortar storefront is probably not the best option. If spending countless hours in front of your computer sounds agonizing, avoid any wholly web-based options. Be honest about your preferences — one of the greatest advantages of starting your own business is the freedom to choose how you get work done. Don’t sabotage yourself by choosing a business that requires you to be out of your comfort zone for every sale.

No matter what your business idea is, there is usually a way to adapt your idea to a distribution channel that works for you and for your target customer. Take a chef that loves to prepare fine dining food but doesn’t want the large crowds of a restaurant. This chef could base their business on a catering model or a personal chef model.

Many modern startups have a broad range of choices about how to distribution their products. Consider all three factors — your product, your customers, and yourself — before deciding the best routes for your business. If possible, consider developing multiple distribution channels within your startup, even if you only start with one initially. The more ways your product can get to your customers, the bigger your potential market.

How To Start A Window Washing Business

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Washing windows is one of the best service businesses to start, because it requires no lengthy instruction, has low startup costs and is always in demand. Residential windows require cleaning every 3-4 months, commercial windows more routinely.

There are two main markets for a window washing service – residential and commercial. Most window washers focus on a particular niche market – storefronts, for example – and target potential customers and prospects in that niche. Others, mainly in smaller communities, can handle both commercial and residential work easily.

Before you jump into the window washing business, it’s essential that you look at it clearly, warts and all. It is still a low-tech business, although technology has had a big impact in some areas. As an example, a water-fed pole system allows an operator to clean two, three and even four story windows from the ground, saving the time and trouble of climbing up and down a ladder. Another innovation, the Tucker pole system, also allows one person, standing safely on the ground, to wash and rinse windows up to 45′ high.

Technology aside, washing windows is not a glamorous business, like writing apps for a iPad or working on Wall Street. It can get demanding when the weather turns nasty too. So when you reveal to your friends that you plan to start a window washing business, don’t expect a round of applause.

The upside is that you will have a very profitable business that will generate income very quickly – particularly when you consider that most residential and small commercial jobs are paid on the spot when you complete the work. Moreover, you can operate a window washing business on a part-time or full-time basis. This flexibility makes window washing an attractive business to a wide variety of people.

Do you have what it takes?

Window washing is a service business, so you’ll need a willingness to please customers and the desire to perform a thorough job so each window sparkles and customers call back for more.

The business skills needed to launch and run this business are quite basic. You’ll will need to be able to manage your time efficiently and have the ability to build relationships with your customers.

Most window washers are home-based businesses, which makes sense. After all, your customers have no reason to visit your shop, since all work is done at their location, not yours. Although operating out of your home makes perfect sense for most, your town may have regulations that control commercial activities in residential areas. So before you obtain a business license, determine what regulations govern home-based businesses and adjust your business operations to be in compliance.

Startup expenses for a window washing service are reasonable. You’ll need to purchase a window cleaning bucket, squeegees in several sizes, rags, cleaning solution and a basic ladder for two-story work.

To advertise your business around town, order a pair of magnetic signs for your vehicle. Magnetic signs can be easily removed if your vehicle is used for business and personal use. However, you’ll find many prospects will approach you when you’re “off-duty,” in a grocer’s parking lot, for example, so consider leaving your signage on at all times. There are hundreds of web-based businesses that make economical magnetic sighs for vehicles – just do a web search for “magnetic signs for vehicles.”

Pricing your window washing service could be a challenge initially, without experience. If your price is too low, you’re robbing yourself of income and profits that you ought to get. If you price too high, you may lose the job to someone else, or even to the customer, who may decide, “If it’s that expensive, I should do it myself.” To get a feel for pricing, practice washing windows for friends and neighbors at no charge.

Time yourself for each window and take notes. Is it a first or second story window, does it have multiple panes, and so on. Then, multiply the time per window by the hourly rate you expect to earn to reach a price. For example, if a window takes 6 minutes, and you expect to earn $ 50 an hour, then 60 minutes (one hour) divided by 6 equals $ 5. Make sure to add enough to cover your overhead costs, including vehicle costs, materials, administrative expenses such as bookkeeping, taxes, et cetera. After a few months, you’ll have it down.

How’s your image?

The image you project is an important marketing tool. Take into account how your look to others. Here are some areas to consider:

*Because your work is all done on site at the customer’s home or business, the appearance of your vehicle is very important. Your vehicle represents your company on wheels, which communicates to others a lot about your company. A clean, well-maintained vehicle, regardless of it’s years, tells others you take pride in your work.
* Are you neat and clean, wearing clothing that identifies your business, like a hat or golf shirt with your company name?
* Do your documents look professional? It costs next to nothing to have professional estimate and invoice forms printed, which will do wonders for your professional image.

Your customers also form an impression about your image, positive or negative, in how you do on the job and in following up. Here are some tips to help you enhance your business image so it sparkles as brightly as the windows you’ve washed:

* Show up on time. If you show up when you promised, your customers will appreciate it, especially if they have to be home so you can wash the interior windows.
* Be organized. Consider the most efficient way to handle each job so you don’t waste time. Carry extra squeegees and other items that wear so you will always have the right tool for every window. If you’re doing second story windows, make sure you have the right sized ladder with you.
* Return phone calls quickly. Most window washers find a business cellular phone is best for always being available, even while on the job. Make things easy for your customers to reach you – it’s expected in today’s connected world.
* Always say thanks. Thank your customers when the job is done and they hand you a check. Send a basic thank you card to customers after finishing a job, with a note mentioning that you’ve got them on the calendar for the next cleaning in XX days, and you’ll call to confirm about a week before it’s scheduled. A holiday card to each customer works the same way to build a relationship. Time the holiday card to arrive around the first of December – so your card will be distinct and be not forgotten. Always include a business card to make it easier for customers to reach you.

Anyone can wash windows. To turn it into a successful business requires much more than just a good squeegee technique. Professionalism will help you get there, so use the ideas within this article to polish your own image and build a legion of loyal customers for your new window washing business.

Limousines Can Help You Close our Business Deals n Style

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A bun person wh wnt t l a dl sure nd t rjt a successful image even f he/she hn’t hvd tht level f u. Just mgn a CEO f a Fnnng company arriving t a business dnnr n a taxi cab!, you nd I knw we wuldn’t do bun wth a person lk tht, because a uful rn wuld rrv ung rr transportation such a limousine r elegant sedan.

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Blv t or nt, ll f th mll t gnfnt details mk a big dffrn t the tm a bun dl is being thd and closed. Th becomes mwht f a rqurmnt if u have business lnt ltd in mrtnt areas such Bvrl Hll, Las Vg, Sn Frn, Hnlulu, New Yrk, Washington DC, t.

Lt tk Washington DC an xml. n th Brntwd DC area there r properties vlud vr $800,000 dllr. It lmt rtn tht rltr nd ln officers trng t mr nd buld a relationship wth thr client wuld rnt a limousines in Whngtn DC or limo rental services in VA t give them a grnd tur rund these rtgu neighborhoods. It only mk n tht mn wh willing to pay n $800 thund r 1 million + mrtgg wuld b ntrtd n tl.

Signing a bg bun deal n a lmun or limousine rentals washington dc while tkng a tur rund the Washington DC r is sure to make a mrn n ur lnt, ftr ll, t bt ttng down n a boring ff!. Th rdu a sense of wnrh and mk th lnt mgn wht t wuld b lk t tull live n this great Whngtn DC area. As a business owner u might b interested t knw tht ll f these Washington DC limousine rides or or tull tax ddutbl u dn’t have t worry but incurring in great xn.

This w u n mk a grt mrn n ur lnt, project a successful mg, nd tll gt the benefits f tx deductions. By the w, ml, hmgn bttl, etc can l b wrttn ff business xn to qulf for tx deductions, ftr all you used ll of these resources to l a business dl.

How To Start A Successful Caramel Popcorn Business

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Starting a caramel popcorn business is a great way to make extra money, no matter what the economic climate is like! If you would like to start a caramel popcorn concession business, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. You can also request a free copy of the complete guide to caramel corn profits, How to Succeed in the Caramel Corn Business.

Begin by evaluating the current caramel popcorn market. Take a look at what concession stands, popcorn vendors, concession businesses and local stores are doing. Request brochures from as many caramel popcorn businesses as you can; either call or email, and request the latest brochure or insert that the company sends with gift packs of flavored popcorn. These brochures will give good ideas to generate your own brochures and promotional items, as well as the current price points for caramel popcorn and gourmet popcorn in your area. Remember, use the brochures as starter points onlynever copy something, as you do not know what falls under copyright.

Now, its time to do some recon work! Jump in your car and visit successful caramel popcorn businesses in your area and out of town. See what makes each shop popular and try to find a common thread among all the stores or concession businesses you visit. Look at the dcor, location, available products and more. This will give you a clear picture of what it takes to make caramel corn and turn a profit in your market. While you are out, note the displays, workers uniforms and other things that stand out to you. You will be able to take the ideas you like and put your own spin on them, tailoring them to your market and location.

When you return from the trip, you need to make an important decision how will you sell your product? There are four ways to sell caramel corn:
1.Over-the-Counter: You can put the product in popcorn bags, cans or glassware and sell it directly to the customer.
2.Local Gift Pack Sales: Using a parcel service, you can send caramel corn orders in popcorn bags or cans. This is also a great, local moneymaker during the holidays and for business gifts.
3.Wholesale: This would be considered any bulk caramel corn that is sold as a case good or Super Saver item.
4.Your Website: You can make money outside your neighborhood by shipping your delicious products. Gift tins and specialty flavors are some of the most popular items Internet customers are looking for.

Your caramel popcorn recipe is another important part of your business. You may choose to use an old family recipe the way your grandmother taught you how to make caramel popcorn, but you should consider using a mix. Caramel popcorn mixes produce a consistent end product that has uniform quality. Mixes allow other employees to make the caramel popcorn without you having to worry about it tasting the same as when you make it. You can still make a custom product by adding toffee, nuts, raisins, coconut, or dried fruit. Consider mixing caramel corn with cheese popcorn, or drizzling chocolate, yogurt and other tasty topping on it for an extra sweet treat.

Marketing is a key aspect for any small business, including your caramel popcorn shop! Experts like Gold Medal have cost-efficient suggestions for any size business. For example, try to speak in front of a school districts PTA meeting, or target local fundraising organizations through direct mail. Also, dont forget to gather your customers information. Contests, e-mail sign up sheets, and referral programs are great ways to collect data. Be sure to include reorder sheets with every shipment and sale! This way your customers can easily reorder and enjoy the treats, or give it to a friend who will then be a new customer.

You could consider asking a small ad agency or freelance designer to help you create promotional materials. Give yourself time to be the caramel popcorn expert and ask for marketing help from the ad or industry experts. Make sure to plan for a marketing budget based on your initial sales volume.

You now know the basics of how to start a caramel popcorn business. Your first goal should be to find a high traffic location that is not overly priced, and then create a store that fits your area and incorporates the best ideas from your research. Then, after you perfect your recipe and purchase concession equipment, you are ready to start bringing in extra money. Caramel popcorn is a fun food item and a fair favorite. Do your research, ask the experts for help and develop a plan. You will quickly see profits popping in no time!

Palestine Travel Information for Business

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Palestine Travel Information for Business Language The official language of Palestine is Arabic, but English is widely spoken – especially in the major towns and cities. Hebrew, French, German and Spanish are also spoken by many Palestinians but to a lesser extent.

Currency & money Currencies used in Palestine include the Jordanian Dinar and the US Dollar, but the most popular is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Visitors are advised to take dollars and Euros, but any other major European currency can also be freely changed at banks and money changers. Major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American express are all accepted in banks, hotels and restaurants as well as with many ATMs.

Climate & attire The weather in Palestine is usually moderate but July and August are typically the hottest during the year. However, evening hours experience cooler temperatures. Summer highs typically reach 35 Celsius and in the winter they can drop as low as 0 Celsius. In the workplace, the dress code varies amongst the different types of companies; however the majority of organizations dress business casual.

Time & hours Business hours of operations for different organizations across Palestine are not standardized; therefore it’s important to check the opening hours of the specific businesses you wish to visit during your stay. The opening hours of retail and corporate businesses are as diverse as Palestine itself. . In areas such as East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank you will find that the majority of businesses close all day on Friday to observe the Muslim holy day. In addition, larger companies also close on Saturday for an additional time off of work while smaller retail shops and businesses open and thus operate six days/week. It is also important to keep in mind that many businesses drastically change their hours of operations during the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset. Ramadan follows the lunar calendar therefore it falls at a different time every year, business is typically slow during this time. Christian owned businesses, which are mainly concentrated in Jerusalem’s Old City, Bethlehem, and in some parts of Ramallah officially close on Sundays to observe their day of worship.. Some of these businesses also close an additional day (Saturday) to observe a longer weekend. Furthermore, many retail shops typically operate extended hours and tend to close later at night when traffic in the city dies down, which makes for a convenient shopping experience. Palestine Standard time: Two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2).

Telecommunication Many countries around the world have upgraded their networks from 3G to 4G while Palestine is still unable to access 3G. Palestinian telecommunication companies are unable to provide 3G services due to the occupation from the Israeli government. Israeli authorities control cellular networks throughout the West Bank and Gaza strip making it harder to do business and access important information on the go. There are ongoing political debates and discussions around the issue and the Palestinian Authority (PA) is trying its best to resolve this issue in the upcoming years. This could be somewhat of an obstacle to some business travelers, however the majority of Palestinians have put forth great efforts to offer customers and clients free WIFI connectivity in office buildings, retail shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. In addition, make sure you electrical equipment is suitable for the voltage specifications in Palestine. The power supply in Palestine is a single phase 220 volts at 50 Hertz, which is comparable to many European countries. Another tip is to remember to let your cell phone provider aware of your travel plans in order to ensure that your devise operates in Palestine. Currently there are two Palestinian mobile operators working in Palestine, Jawwal & Wataniya so be sure to check which operators give you better rates with your local mobile operator.

Food We recommend you make use of the concierge service within your hotel for making dining reservations. Your hotel concierge will be able to recommend the best restaurants in the area for you, and may even be able to get you reservations in a restaurant that is fully booked. Chain restaurants are not typically found in Palestine. Most people dine at local and independent restaurants, which are known to offer delicious authentic dishes. Unfortunately, not all restaurants have websites, however a list of restaurants by city can be found by clicking on www.visitpalestine.ps

Lodging & transportation Finding the right hotel can sometimes be a difficult process. If you plan to stay in East Jerusalem, you will have a number of options to choose from like the Ambassador Hotel, Jerusalem Hotel, and National Hotel. If you plan to stay in Ramallah, the Mvenpick, Royal Court Suites, and Grand Park are a great choice. To see a list of all hotels in Palestine www.visitpalestine.ps can provide you with a full list of lodging options.

In order for you to get to all of your meetings on time, we recommend you use a private taxi. Private taxies are plentiful and surprisingly inexpensive across the country, and are a great way to travel within the bigger cities. Public transport however, is difficult and fairly complicated for visitors to navigate, so it’s best avoided if possible. If you plan on conducting several meetings in different areas during your time in Palestine you might want to consider renting a car from a Palestinian owned and East Jerusalem based car Rental Company. This will allow you to drive through both Palestine and inside Israel, meaning your travels won’t be restricted at any point. If you choose to hire a car from an Israeli based company, then changes to insurance policy regulations means you won’t be covered if you drive in the West Bank. Finally to help you find your way once you’ve hired your car, a new GPS navigation system has just been launched which is called -Igo Palestine-. This will help you locate towns, villages, check points and everything else you’ll need.

Other information For more information on preparing for your trip please visit www.visitpalestine.ps