Around the traps - Christchurch
It's about being a small business person in Christchurch - the stuff you hear, see and the things you wish others knew.
In the beginning . . About 6 years ago my employer franchised his business.
Unless I wanted to pay $50,000 to buy back my job, I was unemployed.
Who's got fifty grand to flash around, especially on those wages?
Even if I had it (which of course I didn't!) was my job worth fifty grand cash?
After heaps of applications, I could only land a part time job for 15 hours a week.
I was either too old or over qualified.
Undaunted, I scribbled a note on a card and put it up on the community notice board in the local supermarket.
That got me 3 replies which lead to 3 jobs. Those people were so pleased with my work, they referred me to others.
Those others referred me to others, they knew and so on.
Today I have a full time business. I'm debt free. I don't even own a credit card.
Sometimes life gives us the kick in the bum we need.
It's about the people
Why did my business do so well when so many others failed?
I started asking my customers this question. Several reasons became obvious:
Personal touch - they felt they could talk to me. I listened, asked clarifying questions and made suggestions that provided alternatives.
Honesty - I passed on trade discounts without marking up the price. If I didn't know, I said so.
Reliable - often I wasn't the first person they called but I was the one who showed up. If I was running late, I'd call and let them know.
Price - oddly this wasn't the most frequent answer. I wasn't always cheapest but they felt more confident dealing with me.