[mark mann]

hi guys

please would you give me an idea of how you developed your multi operator wc business - im happy with just myself but as i build my business i wouldnt mind taking a leaf out of your book re growing the business - as i may be able to help accelerate my own growth.

for example did u mass leaflet drop canvass if so how much hoq quick?

im in essex nr colchester so im just looking to hear general advice on how to build the business fast  - thanks in advance for any replies, mark. 

[Lee Pryor]

you have to spend money to make money, I do large leaflet drops in the arear we cover each year of around 100,000 at a cost of around £8000 of course theres alot more to it that needs to be learnt along the way.

[Ian Lancaster]

4 years from a one man band to a team of 8.  Lots of legwork canvassing.  No outlay

[Crystal-clear]

4 years from a one man band to a team of 8.  Lots of legwork canvassing.  No outlay

Getting the work is not a problem, where did you find those 8 polite, honest, hard working people?

that have driving licences can window clean and are happy to work for good money
my van my insurance and fuel £80 per day im thinking of offering.

thanks for advice based around london

[Clive McDonald]

4 years from a one man band to a team of 8.  Lots of legwork canvassing.  No outlay

Untrue.

Forty years of training, failing and starting again, gave you this- in 'just' four years.

[Ian Lancaster]

4 years from a one man band to a team of 8.  Lots of legwork canvassing.  No outlay

Untrue.

Forty years of training, failing and starting again, gave you this- in 'just' four years.

With respect to both of you (Ewan and Slumpbuster).  I did say "from a one man band" - from the day I placed the advert for my first chap to the day the 8th one reached his target was a little over 4 years.  I certainly spent 40 years trading as a one man band (and I don't believe I 'failed' at any time - all my businesses were successful and I sold one for £30,000) but Mark is a one man band, in the same position I was 4 years ago - he has created a viable business which he is contemplating expanding and wants to know how long it might take him - he obviously has learned how to do it, all he needs to do is repeat the steps he took to get where he is now - I just offer my experience as an example in reply to his question.

[Ian Lancaster]

Sorry! Just re-read the above and it sounds a bit pompous!!

Didn't mean to, what I'm really saying is get stuck in and do it!!

Write yourself a business plan and stick to it - make sure it's realistic and if you mean it you will succeed