November 18, 2009
As with anything, there is a learning curve that applies. When getting started, you have to learn the business.
Make yourself aware of other competitors in your field. Build clientele. Learn if that business has an up and down marketplace or if it remains steady throughout the year. For example, in the moving business, the summer and holidays are the busiest times. In retail, holidays are also a busy time so business hours may increase and sales may apply accordingly.
Items needed for the business you are starting. This depends on the type of business: office building or equipment needed. 
Study the annual income and net worth of this? High demand equals successful business. Research: successes and failures of past companies in that business. Cost of what it will be to start and run the business. All these are factors that need to be learned about the business.
You want to stand out and be unique. Need something that will set you apart from the other companies. I don’t think you can be fully prepared for every situation. Unexpected things comes up that you didn’t anticipate.
The better you understand the business, the better the outcome will be. You don’t want to go into something with a blind fold on. That will lead to running into objects and a lot of unnecessary bruises along the way. While preparation is necessary, you will also learn much from experience after starting your business. Some things may be trial and error. For example, one phone system doesn’t work well so you try a different one.
Its takes a lot to start a company but with hard work and dedication, it can be done.
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Posted by nicoleives
October 21, 2009
Starting a moving company may be difficult at first, but once you get started it can be very successful. Building clientele and a reputable company are key. Decide on a company name. When it comes to moving company names, you want something that shows the strength of the business. This is the name that is going to represent your company.
Need to purchase all necessary equipment. Does your company offer full service moves or labor only? What services are you are going to provide such as pack/load/unload/unpack? You can either have your own trucks or rent trucks, although it is easier to have you own truck. Having the ability to provide packing supplies may also be a good addition.
Purchase all the necessary license and insurance. This is different from state to state. Check with your local departments on the permits you will be needing. This is also based on if you drive the truck and whether you are local or long distances movers.
Then you will hire movers: strong people that will be able to handle lifting boxes and furniture all day. When you are on the job site, it is difficult to return customer phone calls and sometimes you are out till late. Having a secretary in the office taking care of all the paperwork could be beneficial.
Advertise-that is were Hire A Helper comes into play. Hire A Helper handles the booking and advertising for moving companies which is a way to get clientele and get your company name out there. From there, you can build up customer reviews. Remember, word of mouth is a powerful source.
As with any business you have to do research and learn the business. Moving does have an off season. The summer and holidays are the busiest times so you have to plan accordingly. A bigger crew may be necessary. The winter months are going to be slower.
People move for several reasons: employment, retirement, new environment. Starting a Moving Company does require planning and hard work, but once you have build it up, then you could have a very successful company.
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Posted by nicoleives
July 1, 2009
Sample for Licensed/Insured Companies
Here, at Los Angeles Movers, Inc., we are a Professional moving labor company with 20 years experience servicing the Los Angeles area. We can load, unload, and even help pack your items if needed. We are licensed and insured and can unload or load anything you throw at us. We also have a 17′ and 24′ truck available for full service moves for an additional fee, rates include use of all moving equipment. We are here to make your move as easy as possible, providing professional movers with outstanding quality to ensure the protection of your personal belongings. Satisfied customers and cheap rates is our philosophy, and we stick to it. We take pride in our work and do it to the best of our ability. No job is too small or too big.
Sample for Non-Licensed/Non-Insured Companies
We are dependable guys who have been doing this for 4 years and are well familiar with what it takes to handle a move in New York. We started providing moving labor service in college as a side job for extra cash and now work full time. From apartment buildings with several flights of stairs to four bedroom houses, we cover it all. Reliable, trustworthy, and hard working. You provide the truck, and we provide the loading and unloading. Cover a 60 miles radius. Same day or next day is usually no problem. We go the extra mile to make sure you are satisfied. Check out our reviews; you won’t regret it!
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Posted by nicoleives
April 11, 2008
A congratulations is in order for the people of PlumberSurplus.com, they managed to make the next step in successful entrepreneurship – taking what works on a small scale and mirroring it for a new market.
Someone once told me that getting to $1million in sales isn’t nearly as hard as getting to $1.00.
Having surpass the $1 (and I’m assuming the $1million) mark a long time ago – the people at PS have made what I think has to be the next most difficult step – taking a business model designed for one industry (plumbing supplies) and apply it to a new industry outdoor gear (things like backpacks, gerber knives, and tents)
Take a look at the two sites: PlumberSurplus.com and OutDoorPros.com – they did a really good job – congrats guys!
1 Comment | Business Development, Startups | Permalink
Posted by mikeglanz
September 6, 2007
There has been a lot of coverage in the news about the new controversial site TheFunded.com, so like any good natured up-and-coming e-commerce entrepreneur I decided to check it out. The results of me merely checking out the site have been astounding.
Here’s a timeline/overview:
Saturday - I recieved email from “The Founding Member” (ambiguously referred to as “Ted”) inviting me to join. I went through the site reading the reviews of the few VC/Angels groups that we have talked to and gained lot of insight. I saw there was a section to write “Letters” to VC’s… so I decided to try it out. I posted: How Do I Get Out Of The Catch 22 Of The Vc Process? and the next thing I know its on the homepage, and over 15 people have commented and offered feedback on my dilemma. Awesome right? It gets better.
Monday - “Ted” emails me alluding that he enjoyed the post and would like to help – I’m curious how he’s going to help since no one knows who “Ted” is (part of the reason for the publicity of the site). Soon thereafter this post shows up: Interesting Post, Feedback, and Response, and my iPhone lights up emails from VC’s, Angels, and sympathetic entrepreneurs (even one Investment Bank in LA).
Wait did you read that last article? – If you didn’t, this is my favorite part:
“The “Catch 22″ post has also been picked up by mainstream media, such as this reference in the blogs for Entrepreneur magazine”
Entrepreneur Magazine! Sure enough Tim Berry picked up the story and wrote about it, not once, but twice on the blog. He also did a piece on his personal blog.
I’m sure the whole ordeal is not over yet… but just in case you wanted some numbers to back up how much response that 1 little post got, here’s what it has landed us so far.
Before this weekend we had:
- 1 interested Angel Group (TechCoastAngels)
- A lawyer who was interested in possibly introducing us to a couple VC firms in San Diego.
And now, as of Thursday we have:
- 2 successful entrepreneurs (with 4+ startups, and at least 1 successful acquisition under their belts) willing to meet and possible make introductions to a few VC firms.
- 1 Investment Bank in LA interested in hearing our pitch at a lunch meeting, and if it’s not a hit with them, they would be willing to make introductions to other big VC firms in LA.
- 1 VC interested in at least having a phone conversation about the our idea.
- 1 Angels group interested in having us present.
- At least 2 other entrepreneurs in similar situations wanting to talk and swap ideas.
2 Comments | Startups, Venture Capital | Permalink
Posted by mikeglanz
