Just My Two Cents Talkfest

I am excited to announce a new event I have added to my calendar for June 29, 2012. It is the Just My Two Cents Talkfest! The cost of the event is $125 until May 31, 2012. After that date, the cost of the event goes up to $150. Lunch is included in the cost of the event.

This event is not your typical event with the standard set agenda because this event is all about you! I will be providing information about the errand and concierge industry, but this will be an interactive event because I will be directing the majority of this talkfest at you with questions for each attendee to help you find out where you are in your business, regardless of whether it is just an idea in your head or you have been in business for a while, and where you want to take your business.

I know from experience that you need the support of others to bounce ideas off of, get feedback, get sound advice, vent, and a whole laundry list of other helpful things that they can offer you. It’s what motivates you, inspires you, puts you in check, and gets you excited to push forward with your ideas and dreams. I am here to give you my two cents. I have been in the industry since 1998, so I have learned the ups and downs of running my own business. I want to share with you so you don’t have to make as many mistakes as I did.

Your success depends on your participation and your implementing the information your learn at this event, so don’t let this event pass you by!

 

Where’s My Broom?

Well, it is that time of year again. I am sweeping out my closet of products and making room for new ones. In addition, I have decided that it is time to raise my prices. I know! I know! You are saying, “What? Why?” The short of it is that my products have remained very low for many years. It’s time to add to my “Mad Money” account. Hmmm….not sure what I am going to spend the money on, but I will find something. So, I am discontinuing a number of products and will be replacing them over the next few months with new ones. Not saying the the discontinued products aren’t any good anymore, but my product wall is screaming at me to limit myself, so that’s just what I am doing. The new prices will go into effect on June 1, 2012.

If you want to take advantage of this sale, then type in the code BROOM2012 in the Coupon Code box during checkout and you will receive a 40% discount. And why wouldn’t you want to save 40%? Beats me. Oh, one last thing. This sale ends May 26. So what are you waiting for?

Pet Owners Independence Day

On Pet Owners Independence Day, which is April 18, you can tout your pet sitting or dog walking services for that day. Place flyers in vet offices or animal clinics with a discount for people that schedule services on that day. When you are out walking dogs during the week, you can have dog bones with a card attached advertising a special for that day that you hand out to people who may stop you and ask about your services.

Husband Appreciation Day

Get a small basket and fill it with male themed chocolates, such as footballs, golf balls, etc., and attach a card to the candy with the following teaser: “XYZ Errand Service would ‘appreciate’ you letting us help you find the perfect gift to show your husband how much you ‘appreciate’ him.”

Pricing got you stumped?

Are you having trouble figuring out your pricing? Here is a quick tip to get you started.

Create a list of your top twenty services you plan on offering. From there you can group them into similar types of services based on factors such as the amount of labor involved or the amount of time spent on the task.

For example, for my pet sits, house sits, and dog walks I am usually there about a half hour to an hour so they would be in the same group whereas something more labor intensive like organizing or party planning would go into another group.

Once you have grouped your services, you can then start doing some research, both locally and nationally, to decide on the pricing method you want to use as well as what to charge for your services.

One thing I would recommend is that you review your pricing on an annual basis. There may be circumstances involved that require you to raise your fees, such as higher gas prices, higher overhead, or inflation, and there may be circumstances which allow you to keep your prices the same.

It is always better to start lower and raise your prices, especially once you have shown the value of your services, versus starting higher and then having to lower your prices, which can cause some people to perceive that there are problems with your business or services you offer if you have to go down in your prices rather than going up.