Andrew Davis posted a new question on 12/6/2009
I live in Jacksonville Florida, I have access to funds up to approx. $20,000. I currently work in a University warehouse that deals with couriers all the time. I am eager and ready.
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Alice Nadin Responded on 12/6/2009
Andrew
The place to start on your new business is w/research on what it takes to be successful in your business AND the potential for a new business of this type to obtain customers, enough to be profitable over time. A written business plan is an excellent means to step by step learn and answer all the questions you need to know. So start digging for answers:
1. See this Trade Association: http://www.mcaa.com/ see their resources section.
2. Study the competition and see what, how, how much, when, costs, etc ... all aspects of this business. Start by studying the services you see come where you work. Perhaps they have a website where you can learn more. Are they bonded? Insured? Hours of operation? Communication tools with clients/couriers/shippers/ more??? Employee drug/security checks? Payment methods? Collections? Privacy Issues? Every, everything you can learn about them. Make charts and compare and contrast. Then expand your learning outside your market to see more about the competitors --- see what NEW you can bring to your local market for you will need to 'steal' business from one of your local firms ...
.... answer the questions of WHY will companies choose my new business over these existing companies? AND HOW will I get them aware of my service?
3. AND as you learn, pull all of this together into a written business plan. See good sample of courier plans here:
http://www.bplans.com/bicycle_courier_business_plan/executive_summary_fc.cfm
Alice, SCORE Pi
