Business Plan Consulting FREE

DISCLAIMER

I am not a professional. I will make a good faith effort to assist you in developing a business plan. While this will be free of charge my time is valuable, at least to me. I will work with you to define your goals. We will then develop strategies to achieve those goals. It will be up to you to implement those strategies.

I propose we work from this thread and discuss it out in the open. I will send a plan and forms, help with logo's, branding, marketing and advertising, anything we can come up with that will help you.

I went to University of Pittsburgh. Studied Comp Sci. and Business. I have been self employed most of my life. I think I have something to offer and hope to help.

If anyone wants to give this a try post and I will post the questions we need to answer to get started.

aright geiser it's go time. first thing her I spell really bad and need to post read lol

Look for the first post in the AM.

????

cause the good works pays off on the end.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AdmiralAluminum

Geezer says what? If your time is valuable why volunteer it??

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Hope I didn't offend with the comment all I meant was if we are going to work out a business plan and I spend the hours to put it together and suggest strategies I would only hope that the person will commit to take advantage and implement what we decide is the best course of action for them.

Money makes the world go round. It should not be the sole source of happiness. Although I never seem sad when I have money to blow.

When I was willing to work hard it always seemed as though someone smarter, more successful, with greater experience seemed willing to help me. For this I am grateful. The best way to show my gratitude is to pay it forward. Yes I could use the time to make cash. I believe the payoff of helping someone over a hump will be more satisfying at this point in my life than the money.

Sorry, I didn't write that. Kids....

Thank you for offering it to the forum. I hope that it'll really help someone!

Simple Goal:Earn enough from scrapping to focus full time solely on business.
(We can decide on what that number is later)

Time Available:40 hours minimum next 2 weeks.
What is the most profitable way to spend this time?

Break down current stockpile. (estimated time)
Keep track of hours spent and resulting breakdowns.

? Maybe we cold create a breakdown paper form to record daily results. Perhaps other users reading this have forms or spreadsheets they would like to share. Moderator is there any chance we could start a section to post downloadable forms or templates. The real estate forum I use has a section for this and it is very useful. Look for a post to see if there is an interest among users to do so. This will give you an idea of the Return On Investment, (ROI) of the time you dedicate to breakdowns. This will enable you to set benchmarks for performance and to estimate time for future breakdowns. The end result will be you will see how you made the money and if the time is worth the effort or better spent pursuing some other work. For example I personally don't see a huge ROI for the time it takes to get the boards off hard drives. I just sell them as is however if you are willing and can market all the pieces the ROI may improve. You have to really look at all the angles. Boards, Alum, Magnets, Platters, etc. then decide for yourself. Find out what works best for you. Keeping a record or journal will give you a reference.

Network with current clients:
Keep track time spent and results.

Are you waiting for calls? Perhaps a proactive approach may work better. If my phone doesn't ring I make calls. Often you will hear "I've been meaning to call you." Mostly I simply tell them I am just touching base anything I can do for you? You will want to manage these contacts in some manner. What method you use is up to you. The best method to start may be a phone list, you paper database. Go down the page as time allows and check each name as you call. A cheap calendar or date book will help you keep track of when you last called and allow you to note specifics. You can also schedule future calls if they request a call in two weeks. When looking at the results you achieve they may not be as immediate as breaking down stock. The ROI will be measured of the life of the relationship. I would review this after say 3 months.

Prospect for new clients:
Keep track of time spent, area worked, and results.

In an effort to achieve scrap independence you will need to generate new leads for scrap. You may decide to devote a certain amount of time to different areas. Finding new ways to get e-scrap, cars, or whatever scrap niche you want to focus on. Since we talked about e-scrap who generates it in your area. Computer repair shops, IT departments, Schools whatever you can come up with will work. As you go will hopefully continue to identify new targets. I came up with paper maps. Local cities have them, or you can buy a cheap one. Use it target area for maximum saturation and increase efficiency. Google the target play with search terms and make lists. The phone works best for me it allows the greatest number of contacts in the shortest period of time. Keep track of contacts and you will see your Law of Averages which will clearly define the number of contacts you have to make in order to achieve a new customer. If you make 15 contacts and get one new client the 150 contacts equals 10 new clients. It may be higher 25, 40, whatever it is if you make the effort over time the results will build. 40 calls a week for one year could potentially provide 52 new clients.

Work Area: You said your shop is 120-150 Sq. Ft. with the option to expand.

Vehicle:Chevy S-10

Do not neglect maintenance. Check fluids, tire pressure, lights etc. Five minutes could save you a few bucks for a turn signal ticket or get you extra mileage before you have to repair or replace something. I know this is obvious but easy to overlook. Any professional driver walks around the truck before leaving so I got in the habit of doing so. This might not seem like part of the business plan but the trucks the business without no way to execute on the plan.

Tools and Equipment:Scale, Sawzall, Hand tools

What you need to do is decide what you enjoy the most and what you do the best. Then focus on doing that. Eventually you will see a clear picture of where your efforts are best spent. If you can generate the material the time will come when you will have to decide how to maximize your potential. If you can pay $10 an hour for a breakdown guy and generate $30 an hour in material then you should focus on generating material. For now you are the CEO and Janitor as well as everything in between.

I believe that finding ways to generate enough material to bury you in that work area is the most important thing you can do. Balance that with breaking down stock to keep the cash flowing and you will have the resources to grow in whatever direction suites you best. If you can get a 30 yd. dumpster delivered for $50 for steel I don't see how you could pass that up. No way could I haul 30 yards of steel to the yard for that money considering the time. Every trip you don't have to make to the yard is time spent marketing.

TAKE SOME TIME TO CONSIDER THE ABOVE. What question do you have?

The Next Step:Marketing Plan

Take a little time and think of all the ways you currently market yourself. All of your advertising, print, internet, and social media to name a few. Once we identify what you are currently doing we will decide what is the best way for you to proceed. Also what can you afford to devote to your marketing budget?

this is great. I could never of for all this on paper. I'm just washing up now. I'm going to be heading to warehouse prob within the hour. first thing on going to do is build that budget list.

so here's a budget....

rent $700 month
gas $400 month
auto insurance $350 month
works space $60 month
lights power $100 month
gas heat $100 month.
daily coffee, $350 month
smokes, extras

so I rounded this number up $2100 this total number I have it's $1,930
I included my daily habits in this list also. I did this because I feel that in order to get an HONEST number NOW need to use a list that included yesterdays.

Our first goal is to gather the resources to met your budget demands. Secondly we will look for ways to expand past there to provide the means to support growth. A nice round number to shoot for could be $2500. This will give you an extra $100 per week to devote to marketing in the short term. I tend to break things down into smaller parts in order to better gauge progress.

$2500 per month income
$625 per week x 4 weeks
$130 per day x 5 days
$15.00 per hour x 40 hours

This is a very realistic number to achieve. No matter where you are now it is an obtainable goal. What we have to focus on is getting all of our efforts to meet that baseline figure of $15 per hour. We make sure your efforts are concentrated on activities that create that much income or profit. This is why w want to keep some form of record of what we are doing. We do not want to look up and see we are short and not know why. Failing short of this goal is not a problem in the short term. It will simply allow us to look back and see where we fell short. By refining your daily activities you can home in on the things that are working and do more of them. It will also allow you to eliminate those things that work and do less of them. Maximum efficiency.

A journey of a thousand miles starts with just one step.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Savannahsworld

daily coffee, $350 month

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Good Lord Man...get yourself a coffee maker and buy a nice truck with the savings.

I do attempt to bring my coffee cup in every night. so I can bring a cup with me. that $350 is for what I call my daily extras. things I can weed out by need to plan for now.
don't think I can build a real budget if I don't include them.
every time I think about that number I yet to make it smaller. but that a different thread. lol

If I average 2 energy drinks and one pack of smokes per day that's $235......Consumption usually goes over that LOL

ads up quick

marketing umm well curbo and word of mouth. I also shop cl. I haven't spent time advertising at all.

Just so I am clear you have no marketing or advertising in any form. No business card, no printed flyer. If I were to meet you in person you would give me your number on paper or verbal?

If this is the case our job will be very easy. There are a bunch of simple things we can do to get started.

Good thread, I look forward to following it.

Its kinda funny. The things that will eventually kill us all, are on all of our budget lists.
Smokes, chew, energy drinks, Alcohol, etc

Mine is about 200 a month for chew and beer.

that it's correct to be honest.

I'm honored to build this thread with guesier for all those who have helped me learn how to do this, now time how to learn how to create the business it self nor just the work.

Let's focus on the basic necessities for now. As your business grows and your marketing knowledge and budget expands the tools at your disposal will grow. For now we will focus on free and low cost methods. Before we talk about how we will market lets define what we are marketing. As a scrapper we want to get metals and take them to the yard. As the owner of a scrap metal business we have to focus on customer service. We will only get what we want when our customer gets what they want. The level of customer satisfaction we create is paramount to our success. To ensure long term profitable relationships we have to generate repeat customers and referals. Otherwise we just have to keep generating new leads.


The Basics


Business Name

You need a name to work with for customers to identify you. YourName Recycling

Phone Number

You need an easy way for customers to contact you.

Email

Again the more contact options your provide the better chance you have of offering an individuals preferred method.


List Of Services


What is your niche? What do you do?

Electronics Recycling, Metals Removal, Debris Removal, Clean Outs, Hauling.

The only suggestion I would make is to keep everything logically complimentary. A business that provides porta johns should not look to increase revenue by towing a hamburger trailer behind their trucks. As such stick within one well defined market segment and set yourself apart as the best. While you maybe be capable of processing scrap, installing windows and babysitting but if your card says all that who in their right mind will call you?

Now what know who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.

Basic Promotional Materials

Business Card

I may be a business card snob. I like a really good quality card. Heavy stock, glossy finish, and designed the way I want. I have experimented with many designs and have come to the conclusion the simple is best.


Front side: Who, what, where, and how.


YourName Recycling
Computer and Metals Recycling
We Pick Up At Your Location
412-555-1212
gotscrap@gmail.com


Back side: List of all services.

Computers Electronics
Cell Phones Wires
Batteries Motors

Anything Metal From Your Location

You can buy business cards in a million places. Prices vary widely. I have bought similar cards to the ones listed in the link below and have been blown away by the quality. IMO they are the best option. 1000 business cards for $30.00. Full Color, glossy stock, and free design. The whole process takes one email to tell the the above needs. A second email gives you a picture of design for your approval. Then it is just watch the mail box. At a price of $0.03 per card it is a no brainer. I couldn't write my name and number down 1000 times on napkins for $30.00 in time and materials. Not to mention the professional image these cards project.

1000 Full Color Custom Business Card Printing on A 16PT Gloss or Matte Finish | eBay


Flyer

8.5" x 11" Standard Size Paper

I prefer a color paper. However I buy my own paper at the office supply store and take it to a self service printer, copy machine. UPS or Fed Ex Kinkos. For under $15.00 a ream(500 sheets) it is cheaper than paying the color paper surcharge in store. Also if I am not mistaken the last time I printed flyers I took printer cartridges into Staples and got an in store credit for future purchases that was equal to almost the cost of paper.

Vulcan Green Paper $13.49

Neenah Paper Astrobrights® 24 lbs. Colored Paper, 8 1/2" x 11", Vulcan Green, 500 Sheets/Ream | Staples®

Flyer Design

Use whatever word processing program you have access to. I like Google Docs. Start a new doc and just start typing. Getting used to changing fonts, sizes, and layout can be a pain. It takes some playing around to get it right. If you have trouble PM me and I will help design it for you, that goes for all SMF Members. Once you get the hang it takes ten minutes. It's not the Constitution so just get a good working layout and go. Either print it out at home or save it and have one printed at the copy store. Use that one and make your copies.

Printing

I got to the UPS Store because they have good deals. I just called and the going rate is $0.11 per copy. However all month they have had a $0.03 cent special, so shop around. Ask for a discount for bringing your own paper. At eleven cents these little advertising pieces are great. I hand them out, tape them up, pin them to bulletin boards and give them out with cards. Once you have the paper even expensive copies of $0.11 will only be $11.00 per hundred. Print what you can afford hand them out and print more. ALSO remember to ask for the complimentary cardboard box to hold your new copies.This will keep them unwrinkled and safe under the seat of the truck.


This is a basic marketing package and will get you started for around $50.00. Good Luck

I will be posting the next topics as soon as possible. Free Internet Marketing and Telephone Marketing.

Mind if i add this?

Not sure how much, if any traffic I am getting from this, but I put a QR code on my flyers which directs people to my scrap Facebook page. On the same flyers I add tear off tabs, and also a # on the flyer should the tabs run out. On a side note, I was at a stop light awhile back and noticed the van in front of me had a QR code. I was able to scan it from where I was sitting. It was for a copy/print shop.

For those interested, Google QR code generator.

Great thread!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Mind if i add this?

Not sure how much, if any traffic I am getting from this, but I put a QR code on my flyers which directs people to my scrap Facebook page. On the same flyers I add tear off tabs, and also a # on the flyer should the tabs run out. On a side note, I was at a stop light awhile back and noticed the van in front of me had a QR code. I was able to scan it from where I was sitting. It was for a copy/print shop.

For those interested, Google QR code generator.

Great thread!

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Nice Idea. I like it a lot and will be using it. The more ways you can be contacted the more people will contact you. Thanks for your input. The more ideas we can share the better our marketing will become.

For the sake of simplicity lets just keep this real simple. I went around and spent hours registering for free business listings. It is nice to have your name out there but I saw very little payoff for the time. The best results I have had have been by using these methods. If anyone wants to chime in and add theirs please do.

Facebook Business Page

Go to your Facebook Page and along the left there is a Pages category. Create a page and then allow the site to walk you through setting it up.


LinkedIn

Register for a free LinkedIn account it is a powerful business version of Facebook.


Google+

Google's version of Facebook. Not as widely used but will produce results. Same as Facebook set up. Go to your Gmail or get Gmail and set up a page.

Ebay

If your not selling on here your are just missing out on money as a scrapper. Anytime you can get more than scrap value it is a plus. Easy to use after listing a few items. Plus it is exciting to check and see what your auctions are doing. Take some time to really learn to post items. Check the completed auctions for similar items to see how others listed there items THAT SOLD. Unsold items can give you an idea of what not to do.


Thumbtack

Lead Generating Service

Thumbtack - Accomplish your personal projects

You can set up an account for your business and they will text or email you leads. There are some costs involved. I used it for the construction and did well. Hauling, Clean Outs, Cleaning, Etc. Take time to really narrow your leads to what you do best. Follow up om leads IMMEDIATELY after they come in. In most instances the early bird gets the work.



I would keep in mind that with any marketing you need to keep pounding away at your message. The more times people see your name the better they will remember and recognize it. I think I read somewhere your ad needs to been seen 7 times to be remembered. Update the pages. Network with others. Ask for business.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IdahoScrapper

Mind if i add this?

Not sure how much, if any traffic I am getting from this, but I put a QR code on my flyers which directs people to my scrap Facebook page. On the same flyers I add tear off tabs, and also a # on the flyer should the tabs run out. On a side note, I was at a stop light awhile back and noticed the van in front of me had a QR code. I was able to scan it from where I was sitting. It was for a copy/print shop.

For those interested, Google QR code generator.

Great thread!

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I also put the same on my business card that takes you to my website.