I'm thinking of starting my own Controls Company called Keating Controls. I'm looking for info and ideas on developing contacts and a customer base.

What’s some ways to get your company’s name out there?
What ways do you let them know what services you can provide?
Thanks for any advice you can give.

Michael Keating
[email protected]
NY, USA

 

Hi Michael,

The main way to get a company name is by applying to companies house this has every registered name and so enables you to see if the name is free and register it.

As for getting clients/contacts I have just recently been going through the same process. I feel a good way to do this is by asking old employers and colleagues about work and if they know of any people who could use your service.

You could also partner up with consultancies to get leads and work together in filling the roles you win.

Hope this helps,

Simon

 

Michael,

A website is the best place to start. On there you can detail all of the services you offer. After that is done, I suggest you contact your suppliers
and see if they will recommend you to their customers.

In the UK several manufacturers can team up with you as a specialist partner or approved supplier when you specify their equipment in panels. This can often result in work coming from them. Hope this helps.

Tom

 

I started by designing a website,
http://www.eciautosys.com

Haven't yet registered the name, got all tax forms all that good stuff... but started anyway.

One thing I do is talk to vendors. My AB vendors go to A LOT of different shops... and those shops are always looking for odd jobs to be done. You can't really expect to just jump in and grab huge jobs. Getting your name out there and then treating those customers you do get VERY well will spread the word even quicker.

Word of mouth is great advertisement... but can also be your demise if you don't do quality work and treat the customer properly.