starting a new business

[typer0612]

here goes, i am hearing impaired, this does not affect my employabilty as i have proven so far... however it does affect my ability to use a mobile phone (i cannot use one at all)

i have wanted to set up my own business for a good long time now although im only 21 years old... the area id do it in is carpet fitting...

would you set up a completly new business or buy a existing one and use the contacts there in regards of mobile phone useage

any advice would be good...

Patrick

[LooneyTunes]

typer0612 said:

here goes, i am hearing impaired, this does not affect my employabilty as i have proven so far... however it does affect my ability to use a mobile phone (i cannot use one at all)

Don't rule out the mobile too soon... best plumber we know is stone deaf: he uses text messages and email on his phone (and, on his business card, asks people to contact him via these routes) when out and about.

His OH responds to any answering machine messages on his behalf - but no reason you couldn't get staff to do this as things grow.

[typer0612]

LooneyTunes said:

Don't rule out the mobile too soon... best plumber we know is stone deaf: he uses text messages and email on his phone (and, on his business card, asks people to contact him via these routes) when out and about.

His OH responds to any answering machine messages on his behalf - but no reason you couldn't get staff to do this as things grow.

hmm yeah, however i dont have a OH technically that could do it - she works as a teacher unfortunaley...

i suppose thats true but in a way purchasing a business will enable the staff power to do this str8 away?

[Kudos]

Use an answering service who type the message up and email it to you?

[typer0612]

Kudos said:

Use an answering service who type the message up and email it to you?

takes up too much time and hassle in my opinon?

[Stevenj214]

typer0612 said:

takes up too much time and hassle in my opinon?

less hassle than employing (or buying a business with) 'staff' to do the same thing.

[Mr POD]

typer0612 said:

would you set up a completly new business or buy a existing one and use the contacts there in regards of mobile phone useage



Patrick

I'd set up a new business. I know nothing about the carpet fitting business, but every carpet I've had fitted was done by a self employed associate.

Contact EVERY single Carpet retailer in a 50 mile radius and make sure you take the MD out for Dinner, offer refural fee to sales men etc.

Why give someone else your money.

[fergywales]

Can I ask, as you state you are hearing impaired, why you cannot use a mobile? Do you use or can you use a hearing aid? If yes, PM me and I will put you in touch with someone I know he may have something to suit your needs.

Reason I ask, friend of mine has the implant thingy (I've had a vino or three and cannot remember the name) and has a way of using some modern tech to basically plug it in via the headphone jack. Works fine, just advises people he speaks to for the first time to speak clearly and loudly. He is over 90% deaf in lower, mid and high ranges.

Also, not knocking you for a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, but, I would concentrate on finding out what skills you have and what industries you could/would like to work in before getting to the nitty gritty of buying a going concern or setting up a new business.

[typer0612]

fergywales said:

Can I ask, as you state you are hearing impaired, why you cannot use a mobile? Do you use or can you use a hearing aid? If yes, PM me and I will put you in touch with someone I know he may have something to suit your needs.

Reason I ask, friend of mine has the implant thingy (I've had a vino or three and cannot remember the name) and has a way of using some modern tech to basically plug it in via the headphone jack. Works fine, just advises people he speaks to for the first time to speak clearly and loudly. He is over 90% deaf in lower, mid and high ranges.

Also, not knocking you for a bit of entrepreneurial spirit, but, I would concentrate on finding out what skills you have and what industries you could/would like to work in before getting to the nitty gritty of buying a going concern or setting up a new business.

im stone deaf. the implant thing wouldnt work on me to be honest i suspect... and i know but iv been saving up for a business and have £20k ready at 21years old along with grants i suspect as im technically a student... i just want to make something of myself lol

[m3jappa]

I would go at it yourself for various reasons.

Good luck either way.

[wizzbilly]

Good on you for giving it a go as suggested use text message facilty no text speak trhough dont want them to judge you before you even meet them .

Maybe worth looking at getting a business partner who can take care of the day to day running and make the business grow on your own work rather than someone elses .

having worked in building trade for last ten years some self employed some as as a employee dont take on more than what you can manage or try grow to quick this is where a lot fail where can get the work but get others to contract the work to which they soon get bad reputation money maybe good but wont last long without the right team and when buying a business you are not sure your going to get the right team .

all the best on what route you go but persnoaly if was me would look at partner in crime as am sure they will be needed in carrying etc not sure if you can drive or not but maybe them also as a driver work from your van keep costs low , if i am a customer i never look at big flashy shop fronts etc as there is only one person paying for all that and thats the customer and joe blogs in back of his van will probably be the contractor for the main firm .

there is moeny in carpets not had much dealings but a good freind of mine owns a 3 story shop and does quite well it would seam .

[LooneyTunes]

wizzbilly said:

dont take on more than what you can manage or try grow to quick this is where a lot fail where can get the work but get others to contract the work to which they soon get bad reputation money maybe good but wont last long without the right team and when buying a business you are not sure your going to get the right team .

Sound advice there ^^^.

Like the idea about buttering up the carpet sales people - makes a lot of sense as if you can get them onside your need to advertise will simply evaporate. Make sure that you give them plenty of business cards to hand out.

Consider asking all customers to give you feedback regarding levels of satisfaction with work - simple survey form (online or paper) will suffice, but gives you more ammunition when it comes to answering the question "why should we recommend you rather than Bob?".

If it were me, I'd probably also think carefully about the business name (and get domain name to match) and the merits of sign writing a relatively nice, but not necessarily expensive, van (shows you care enough about image and suggests you're making a little cash - so probably competent - and won't leave my house in a state!).

[therealpigdog]

Get yourself insured, and make a point of it to the carpet dealers/customers. Not everyone has proper insurance in place, and it gives great piece of mind to customers. Also shows that you are going about your business in a professional way.

[typer0612]

yh i already know about all of the little details required e.g van and so on... i have another partner already however he is also deaf (deafer than i am, although he is the experienced one in the carpeting industry holding 7years experience since the age of 16 working for someone else)

il be doing more research but from what i have gathered, there are ways around the mobile phone issue! and this issue is not the be and end all, i think starting a new business would be better now as it will be 'mine' not someone else's and id just be giving another person a easy way out of their business

p.s thank u for the good advice PHers once again, this will need more research and more research ! il keep you all posted.

might even sell my civic type r to downgrade for a while due to the business cars arent everything! lol

Edited by typer0612 on Tuesday 29th March 13:57

[Simpo Two]

typer0612 said:

i have another partner already however he is also deaf (deafer than i am

Apologies for flippancy but this could develop into a 'Harry and Paul' sketch!

[Wayney]

Use Social Media to engage with customers, ie Twitter & Facebook

[Mr POD]

Wayney said:

Use anti-Social Media to enrage potential customers, ie tt-a & Farcebook

EFA

[qureshia]

Kudos said:

Use an answering service who type the message up and email it to you?

is spinvox still around ?? - voice to text service

[typer0612]

iv put the idea on hold for now, as i am undergoing revision for exams at uni this may currently. after may i shall be looking further into this. if i cant make a business i might aswell use my savings for a E46 M3 ! and go travelling aswell

there are plenty of options although id rather a business.

[QuackHandle]

There's a small sign-writing company locally that is run by a deaf bloke, he lip reads when he is talking face-to-face with customers! Good luck anyway if you give it a go.