The present trend in the world of removing trade barriers and expand global trade give advantage to small and medium trade. Small business plays a crucial role in the country’s economy in creating job opportunity. The opportunity is easily achieved through selling of more products to end-user in the process. This can be achieved through contracted distributors and contractors. Some industries move faster than others depending on the market daily demand. The dynamics of the business especially in the focus of networking aspect is extremely beneficial. Innovation plays a vital role for competitiveness in the market.
Verdict
Among the most promising businesses with high market demands are virtual administrative assistant, senior’s errand-running service, event planning, janitorial/cleaning services and dinning business with a food cart. The best choice in the market presently is errand –running service for seniors. This business is easy to manage and requires a lot of honesty in delivering services. It targets on the elderly who are above 55yrs of age. They have a lot of duties and require assistance. The number of elderly increases to the present 20 percent and still grows. “This reveals the increase in the demand for these services” (Lyle 235)
It requires a low investment in the initial startup. The total national average time required for services is twenty five percent per hour. The services offered are wide which includes shopping, picking up the dry cleaning and taking the client’s pet to the groomer. Some may include transport services, arranging for domestic workers, beauticians and other office works. The number of services for delivery of errand business is wide and cuts across the human duties. It may be in the line of business such as mail delivery, messenger or office work assistance. It may also be house related chores include looking for house workers, delivery of products and services which are essential.
Prototype
An errand service business does not require any formal training or experience in business. It only needs common sense, fuel efficient vehicle and brochures to help you market your services. The provider should enjoy running errands and shopping because it will be the largest part of his work. “There is an immense need of measure for sensitivity during the service” (Calmes 17). Brochures and business cards help so much in marketing. It is necessary to cultivate the internet marketing strategies such as construction of a website for the company. The local regulations are essential to be adhered to especially those that pertain to the running of errand service business.
The workable procedure for starting an errand service business includes; description of the type of services planned for clients. The daily services may include dropping off and picking up of dry cleaning, grocery shopping, supplies replenishing to retailers, picking up and dropping off school children and on-call services provision. Create a strategic marketing plan to attract clients to satisfy all the clients’ needs in relation to the services. Determine the required business licenses and permits to run the business. These include business papers, plan documents, tax documents and permits. Determine the startup cost for the errand business which may include clothing, transportation, auto and business insurance, software and marketing.
The Cycle of events
For the business to pick up there is a need to understand the cycle of events in the business structure model. This gives out the pictorial structure of events from the start of the business to end in each and every session. It helps in creating assurance to the client on time delivery; eases workload and progress, create exploration options in service duty and ease in determining the required items for each service in a sequential order. “The system also enforces commitment and reveals service conclusion point and time” (Gerald 213).
The business cycle includes production as the first phase. Production has external which involves vendor goods and service delivery and interior which includes screening potential supplies and call centers. Location of product delivery and pick off places is essential. Model of services includes referral services, premium home delivery services and human resources. The geographical expansion of the services plays a pivotal role for delivery range. There is a need for accounts which includes supplier and provider accounts and home delivery service accounts.
Technology helps in imparting trust to the customers especially on the web site and service delivery. The information portrayed in the website entail of the exact time for the whole process whenever the client accepts to use the services. The contact information on the site should be prompt and accessible so that when the client takes a chance he is not disappointed.
Appraising
When a customer gives in for the company services, there is a need for strategic order of activities to be taken and how to deliver the required service. The company needs to know the availability of the required service. If the required service is in line with the companies services, then the prompt execution of service and time that will be needed so that the service can be delivered. This will allow for blocking of loopholes that lead to failures. It will assist in modification of items required for work and calculation of program cost in time. However much the required service by the client is lucrative, it must lie in the company’s priority list. “It must be part of the company’s services to effect the legal documentation in case of any eventualities” (352).
In some cases, the clients maybe misinformed of the services provided by the company and require a wrong service which relates to the available services. The human recourse department has to come up with a solution in line with the available structure of the company. This will assist convenience the services to available ways and reduce chances of loss to the company. The basic things required to start the business include business cards, invoices, fliers, brochures, revenue ledger, cell phones, automobile, DBA, insurance and Vendor license. It is necessary to know the type of insurance required for the business and how to get the first client in the Errand business. How to advertise the business creates an immense impact on the perception of its performance.
System
When planning for errand service, it is essential to consider scheduling of tasks, marketing or advertising profile and profit or pricing margin. This will relate indirectly to the business growth and expansion. “It is necessary to prioritize tasks and organize a convenient schedule that allows carrying out a maximum number of errands in a short span of time” (Maramba 47). It is necessary to publicize the enterprise at a minimal cost by using resources available within the society. Quoting of price will be based on services offered. This can be charges hourly or per call or errand. There are options of monthly or weekly packages. It is essential to have vendors license and insurance. Create fliers and distribute them to cars and homes around the estimated business area.
Execution of service is essential in the whole process. As the start of the process gives hope of convincing services to the client, the end of the process affirms the earlier. This process needs constant programming and systematic execution that does not need movement back and forth in the same areas thereby consuming a lot of time. Setting up of schedule for daily errand plays a vital role in the running of the business. This should be done at every close of business and start in case of any changes needed. The system should have a defined flow without hitches to help in time management and prompt delivery.
Conclusion
Errand business services are a growing enterprise in the business world. The growth of elderly generation at a high rate gives the increase in demands of the service. The elderly require trust and honesty from then to sustain clients. This can be achieved in adhering to contract timings and honesty on service delivery. Good work performance undoubtedly increases market due to favorable connection which is available among the elderly hence network distribution of information on the best service by the clients.
Service delivery requires proper timing and quality services. It needs to develop honesty and trust by the way the services are delivered in time and without any additional expenses to the client. It may involve fragile commodities yet they should be delivered in excellent shape. The business requires someone who can multitask for even and prompt service performance. “Spontaneous planning and fixing of area related products for a specific time delivery eases the work and creates ample time to work on other duties” (Ferry 154).
Generally errand service delivery is categorized as the second most promising business in America. Therefore, there are high chances for any individual who jumps into the business world in this business venture. A promising field that has a promising future endeavors to the community in the world. This service is required substantially by busy individuals who need a little help in getting their day to day errands done. Small business owners too need these services in their tight schedules. The busy lifestyle in the world today makes it difficult to run a lot of simple errands giving an opportunity to this kind of business to thrive.
Work Cited.
Calmes L, Jere. Start your own senior services business. Canada: Entrepreneur press, 2010.
Print.
Estill Lyle. Small Possible: life in a Local Economy. Canada: New Society Publishers, 2008.
Print.
Ferry L, James. How to start a home-based senior care business: Develop a winning business.
Ohio: Globe Pequot Press, 2003. Print.
Maramba Jane. Senior services business: Entrepreneur Magazine’s step by step start up guide.
United States of America: Entrepreneur Press, 2012. Print.
Susman I, Gerald. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and the Global Economy.
Massachusetts: Edward Elgar Publishing limited, 2007. Print.
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