BLOG.ACTRASHHAULING.COM

Shredding of Greenwaste Material

2012-05-22T12:30:00Z

How often have you been faced with disposing of tree limbs and yard waste? Who do you call to get rid of that stuff?

AC Trash Hauling & More, Indianapolis, routinely hauls away these items for customers. They are typically disposed of at a site where they are shredded and recycled. This is fast becoming a booming business.

It is not our typical format to include a lot of detailed and technical information within this blog, however sustainability and green applications are in such high demand. Here is a detailed article about "Sustainable Shredding"

Recycling Styrofoam

2012-05-21T13:00:00Z

Expanded polystyrene foam, commonly referred to as styrofoam, has long presented disposal challenges. To say the least, it is slow to decompose, thus is troublesome for landfills. The lack of reuse opportunities have hindered the recycling process. Finally a recycling use has been identified. It is being used to make surfboards.

What follows is an interesting article about the recycling of "Styrofoam".

http://waste360.com/blog/heap

We hope you enjoy this tale.

About the Author:

Andy Corman is the Owner of AC Trash Hauling & More a Metro-Indianapolis trash hauling and junk removal company (www.ACTrashhauling.com). He is a structural engineer by education with 30 years of construction management experience and an entrepreneur by necessity, educated in the school of hard knocks.

Trash By the Numbers and Recycling Facts

2012-05-03T07:35:34Z

In an attempt to wrap our arms around the magnitude of STUFF we throw away, I thought I'd share a few numbers about trash. Hopefully these simple "Facts" will give you a good visual.

Trash Facts

The average American throws away 4.5 pounds of trash a day.
To give you an idea of how much trash we generate here in the United States, imagine a hole the size of a football field, including the end zones. If we bury all of the trash we produce in just one year, that hole would be 100 miles deep!
Every year we fill enough garbage trucks to form a line that would stretch from the earth, halfway to the moon.
Each day the United States throws away enough trash to fill 63,000 garbage trucks.
Almost 1/3 of the waste generated in America is packaging.
In 1986, the United States generated almost 160 million tons of paper, glass, metals, plastics, rubber, food and yard waste. This was an increase of 80% over the figures in 1960.
In 1996 13.3 million tons of waste were generated in Indiana including 1.9 tons from out of state.
In 1995 27% of the United States' food supply spoiled or went unused (48,000,000 tons).
Man-made rubbish in orbit includes 8,500 objects and 100,000 pieces of space litter.
74,200 fans at Super Bowl XXX generated 75 tons of trash in Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix, while 72,000 fans at Super Bowl XXXI generated 68 tons at the Superdome in New Orleans. At Super Bowl XXXII in Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, 70 tons of trash was generated by 68,000 fan

Switching gears, here is an interesting link to some facts about recycling.

http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html

How well do you recycle? Think about how you can improve your efforts and reduce the amount of waste that makes its way into our landfills.

About the Author:

My Definition of Quality

2012-04-25T11:24:58Z

Quality, it's something we all look for in products, goods, and services. It is something that seems elusive. It's so diverse. It is not universal. Sometimes it is easier to describe in terms of what it is not, instead of what it is.

OK, how do we wrap our arms around "Quality"? Some of our answers lie in the field of Total Quality Management (TQM) or even in today's Six Sigma. It's got to be easier than that. Who needs to go t a series of workshops, seminars, etc. to recognize quality. Don't you already know it when you see it or experience it?

Here is a quiz....

Which pen is a quality pen, a Bic or a Montblanc?

Before you answer, consider the following thoughts.

Gee, I can buy a Bic for about $1.00 or I can buy the Montblanc for $300.00. Does price affect "Quality"?

Wait a minute, I use the pen to take notes in class, maybe write a check, or even leave a note to my wife and kids. That Bic pen sounds good to me.
Can you imagine a coffee cup full of Bic pens sitting on the president's desk in the Oval Office? Ah, does prestige have a bearing on "Quality"? That Montblanc is looking better.
I go to write something and every now and then the ink doesn't flow evenly out of the pen. The words I write look a little spotty. What will the reader think about how this looks? How does perception affect "Quality"?

By now you should be getting my point. There are many factors that potentially affect "Quality". Wrapping your arms around "Quality" becomes a bit more difficult. Does it have to be this way? I say "NO".

I have come to the conclusion "Quality" can be defined in three simple words. This definition can be used to measure any item you choose. Here is my definition;

"Meets The Requirements"

Let's go back to our quiz.

If the requirements for the pen are:

In expensive
Ink flow and line weight is not a concern
Utilitarian
OK to misplace or loose

Then the Bic pen "Meets the Requirements" and is a quality pen.

Only you know what "Quality" is. It is your expectations and requirements that matter most when defining "Quality".

Now the twist...

If you are selling something, how do your customers know what they are buying? Are they buying the same QUALITY that you are selling?

About the Author:

AC Trash Hauling & More Serves Commercial Clients

2012-04-24T10:21:15Z

Since our humble beginnings in 2008, AC Trash Hauling has been very successful in serving the residential customer. Four years later, this remains our bread and butter. Did you know that we have a growing number of commercial clients as well?

Here are a few examples of our work in the commercial sector.

Construction Companies and Contractors

We work with numerous contractors with their site cleanup challenges. We not only haul away their piles of construction debris, we also clean up the project site. We have proven to be a very cost effective solution to the clean up needs.

Property Managers

We have responded to the needs of property managers to clean out vacant lease spaces. We have been asked to haul away old furniture, unwanted shipping crates, remove outdated materials, haul away display cases, and much more.

Business Owners

We have been instrumental in the final clean out of several offices. We have been asked to clean out warehouse space, storage units, relocate equipment and files, move furniture, and remove storage shelves.

Commercial Realtors

We have completed several projects for commercial realtors. A common job is to clean the property of unoccupied buildings. Unfortunately some of these properties are subject to illegal dumping of waste and debris. We have also cleaned out the remnants left behind by tenants that have moved out.

Our goal is to expand the services we provide to commercial customers. Our pledge is to provide the same high level of quality and professionalism that we are known for by all of our customers. What challenges do you and your associates have for us? Call us today at 317-776-7025

About the Author:

Increase Your Sales..Educate Your Strategic Partners

2012-04-22T06:22:16Z

Are you a small emerging business? Challenged to find time to devote to Operations, Sales/Marketing, Accounting, Social Media et al? This friends is a common problem. How do you replenish the pipeline for prospective business while performing some many different necessary functions?

Some people may tell that the answer lies in networking, followed by more networking. While there is a modicum of truth in that statement, it is also misleading. Networking alone will not yield teh results fast enough.

My personal goal is to strengthen my network connections. I want to take them beyond "people I know" to a position of empowerment. I want to turn some network connections into strategic partners. I want (need) to educate my strategic partners in some of the intimate knowledge of my operation. I want to transform them from simply aware into highly educated partners.

Allow me to share an example:

Swing Set Removal

I made a good connection with a landscaping company. We had a great one on one meeting, shared information and knowledge. We started to develop a good relationship.

Two events happened almost simultaneously after our meeting. I had a customer in need of a large quantity of landscaping. Immediately I introduced my customer to the landscaper. About the same time, the landscaper had a customer that wanted to have a swing set removed. The landscaper brought us into the discussion. Ultimately we were hired to remove the swing set.

This is how we expect networking to work. This is also where the tale kicks into overdrive. We removed the swing set, called the landscaper to let them know that the work was complete. We were immediately handed another swing set removal project by the landscaper. We never met the property owner. We did not have to bid the job. Our landscaping partner did all of that work for us.

The bottom line to the story is that the landscaper was educated in our process and pricing for swing set removals. he was empowered to make a sales decision on our behalf. In essence, the landscaper became a salesperson for us. Wow, he sold not one but two swing set removals and we never met the customer.

Epilogue

Our story doesn't end there. We have a housekeeping service that routinely prices jobs for us. We have several Realtors that are empowered to sell our services, we have a carpet cleaning company that is our eyes and ears in the community, and we have the Director of a senior living center that sells our services to their inbound and outbound clients.

Do you want to develop these types of relationships? Want to learn more? We are willing to talk with you. Give us a call 317-776-7025.

About the Author:

Bartering Alive and Well in 2012

2012-04-18T05:45:58Z

Years ago, it was common place. I'll give you a bushel basket of produce if you will give me 5 gallons of paint. Goods and services were items we exchanged in lieu of money. We helped each other. We traded needed items. It was typically an exchange between two people with needs. The system worked.

Bartering still exists today. We see it in many forms. My wife belonged to a babysitting co-op. The women in our neighborhood In this situation the women "banked" hours. Instead of an exchange between two people, you were allowed to accrue hours within the group. It was a great opportunity for someone to get out of the house for an appointment, or some much needed time away.

Believe it or not you can witness informal forms of battering on street corners. How often have you seen an individual holding up a sign "Will Work for Food!". Isn't this a form of bartering?

There are companies/organizations that have formalized bartering. Thousands of people participate around the US providing a full array of goods and services. You can get vacation condos, medical services, legal services, clothing, housekeeping, food, advertising and much more via bartering.

The concept remains the same as it did years ago. However things have become for formalized. You pay a membership to a bartering organization. You also pay the organization some form of "transaction fee" for the exchange. And, yes the IRS wants in on the action as well. You receive a 1099 for the services you received as a form of income.

AC Trash Hauling & More participates in a bartering organization. We have used our "earnings" to purchase advertising, get our trucks repaired, buy business lunches, pay annual dues for business organizations and more. It has been beneficial to us.

We do offer a cautionary note. Money still makes the world go around. We cannot operate exclusively via bartering. At times we must inform our bartering partners that due to cash flow requirements that we may not be able to accept every bartering request. People understand.

To learn more about bartering we suggest that you visit Itex, a well established bartering organization. It may be a good opportunity for you and your business.

About the Author:

AC Trash Hauling & More in the Community

2012-04-12T08:43:31Z

"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business."

Henry Ford

AC Trash Hauling & More is not all about making money. Yes, we do charge for our services. Of course we have a goal to turn a profit at the end of the year. That however doesn't make us all about money.

We are proud of our business accomplishments from our humble beginnings in 2008 to having served more than 1200 customers in less than 4 years of business. During the preceding four years we have touched and have been touched by individuals, ministries, charities and organizations that serve our community, our home.

People

Some of the people we have encountered include:

Tiara, a wife and mother of 2 small children. It was Tiara's dream to raise her children in a nice home. She and her husband made a major financial decision and leased a house. The money was extremely tight. In order to pay their monthly lease, they sold the vast majority of their furniture.

Their family situation was brought to our attention. Within in days, we were able to find some much needed furniture.

Jimmy, is retires and faced with the tremendous burden, financial and emotional, of caring for his ailing wife. The family is negotiating the uncharted waters of Alzheimer's. We helped Jimmy move some furniture out of his home. More than that, we provided an outlet for Jimmy to share some of his concerns. While we worked, Jimmy shared stories of his life in Chicago and happy memories of the many years he spent with his lovely bride.

Ministries and Charities

Through our customers and Strategic relationships we have been fortunate enough to work with several ministries and charities.

KIVA

We have made several small loans to KIVA which have assisted small businesses around the globe to expand their services. It is a great pleasure to help others in need. It is also amazing to appreciate what a small infusion of money can do to help an emerging business.

3rd Phase

Not everything our customers want to get rid of is junk. We have redirected large quantities of household goods, clothing, furniture, and appliances to 3rd Phase. They in turn either place the goods in their thrift store or give items away to the most needy individuals and families.

Recycle Force

Throughout the year, we collect electronics from our customers. These items are then given to Re cycle Force for the purpose of demanufacturing the equipment. This process allows for the recycling of metals, plastics, and much more. In addition to that, RecycleForce is able to provide employment to a very specific sector of the community.

The Big Day of Serving

We provided our truck, tools and labor to assist hundreds of teens while they engaged in a community service project. The project helped clean up a blighted neighborhood in Indianapolis.

Meals on Wheels ( Hamilton County, Indiana)

We have been involved with fund raisers, have moved furniture for their office, and made routine pick up and deliveries for this organization.

Organizations

Boomers and Beyond is a networking group affiliated with Rainmakers. As a group we have helped several families in Indianapolis with property clean up.

Indian Transportation Museum

Christmas is a large event for the museum. They run a series of train rides with Santa Claus during the holiday season. Andy Corman, Owner of AC Trash Hauling, played a pivotal role in sharing the holiday spirit with families on the train.

These are a few ways that AC Trash Hauling & More have been involved in the community. We agree with Henry Ford about being more than the money. It is our pleasure to help others in their time of need.

About the Author:

Repurposing Old Items

2012-04-09T10:10:32Z

My personal creativity is highly limited. With a straight edge, I can draw a straight line almost every time. Drawing a goo d stick figure stretches my artistic skills to their limits.

I am amazed at the creative minds that can transform what seems to be a useless and broken piece of furniture into something beautiful and functional. Please enjoy the attached article that shows what has been done with "junk"

WAYS TO REPURPOSE OLD FURNITURE

About the Author:

Swing Set Removal..AC Trash Hauling Will Do That

2012-04-01T23:00:00Z

Once upon a time it was the centerpiece of the back yard. Your kids and the neighbor kids spent hours playing on the swing, letting their imagination run wild on the tower. It was well worth the investment.

Now, it is seldom if ever used. Weeds grow up around it. It is in the way when you mow the lawn. The boards are slowly rotting. Neighbors don't want to take it off of your hands.

What do you do with an old swing set?

AC Trash Hauling & More can help you out. They are well schooled in the safe removal and legal disposal of unwanted play equipment. Their crews will methodically "disassemble" the swing, load it onto their trucks and legally dispose of the items.

Many of these swings are made from treated lumber. The wood therefore must go to a landfill. Some of the sets have a "tire swing". The tires require special handling at landfills for environmental reasons. AC Trash hauling & More will take care of these handling needs for you.

Let us know how we can help you.

About the Author:

Sofa Removal The AC Trash hauling Way

2012-04-01T20:41:01Z

It's time to retire the old sofa. It's too awkward and heavy for you to move by yourself. You don't have a truck to haul it in. Your weekly trash company will not take it. You can't sell it in a yard sale. It is no longer suitable to donate. What do you do?

The best answer is to call AC Trash Hauling & More. They will do all of the heavy work associated with moving the furniture out of your home, haul it away and legally dispose of it.

Our crews will come into your home and do all of the heavy lifting and hauling. The crews will move and replace furniture, photos etc to assure that nothing is broken. We have even removed doors from their hinges because of tight spaces. Our job is to make the removal process a quick and easy as possible for you.

Over time we have had some unique challenges. Once we had to cut the sofa into pieces to get it up the stairs. Apparently it renovations were made and the sofa was built into the house. We have carried sofa out of basements, down stairs, and around the back of apartment buildings.

When you have an old sofa that is ready for retirement, give us a call.

About the Author:

Dumpsters...Not Always a Good Junk Removal Solution

2012-03-22T13:30:00Z

The challenge looks large. What are you going to do with all of that "STUFF"? How are you going to haul it all away? The Bagster is impractical and not very cost effective. Is a dumpster the best solution?

Let's understand a little bit more about dumpsters.

Size

Dumpsters come in a variety of sizes; typically 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yards. The prices range from about $250-$500 (Indianapolis, IN) and are based upon a flat rate. That simply means that you will pay a fixed price based upon its size regardless of the volume or weight you load into it. There are some exceptions that may apply when hauling concrete, brick, dirt, or roofing products.

Price

Let's attempt to quantify this a bit more. If you were to load a 20cy dumpster 3/4 full with clothing, old furniture, and other miscellaneous items from your home, you would pay the same price if it were full with construction debris consisting of wood, drywall, plaster, flooring etc. In terms of volume and weight the construction products will outweigh the household items.

This is not a very equitable solution.

Duration

Most dumpster companies place a limit on the time you can use their equipment. A typical duration is about 1 week long. Beyond that time you may be charged additional rental on the dumpster. Will this allow you sufficient time to complete your task?

Labor

Ok, you have decided to use a dumpster. You have accepted the burden of loading all of the stuff into the dumpster. How valuable is your time? How have you calculated this cost into your equation?

Dumpster Summary

Price
Typically a flat fee. Can you find a more economical solution?
Size
Over estimated the volume? You are paying for the unused capacity.
Under estimated the volume? You are now face with the dilemma of getting rid of the balance of your junk.
Duration
Can you or will you finish in the time allowed for the dumpster? How much extra are you willing to pay?

Conclusion

Dumpsters on the surface may be an appealing solution, but not always the best. Consider the use of a trash hauling or junk removal company. In doing so, you are placing the responsibility on their shoulders (no pun intended) to haul away the trash and junk.

These companies, at least the credible ones, will give you a lump sum quote for doing the job. You no longer have to be concerned with additional fees, charges, or rentals. Better yet, you do not have to invest your time to do the heavy lifting.

Yes, dumpsters are appealing, but trash hauling and junk removal services may be the better solution. To learn more, contact AC Trashhauling & More, www.actrashhaulimg.com

class="MsoNormal">

About the Author:

Deep Discounts..Are They Real?

2012-03-19T14:15:00Z

One of our competitors recently posted on LinkedIn that they were offering a "Deep Discount" in response to several of the national firms discounts. This has prompted me to look at "Deep Discounts" and some of the red flags that they raise in my mind.

Let's look at this question from a couple of different angles.

Why Discounts

Here are a few reasons for discounts

Reduce Stock/Inventory
Obsolete Products
Store Closing/Relocating
Grand Opening Incentives
Bankruptcy

Discount From What

OK, you are being offered 10, 20 , 30% or more "OFF". It always seems that "Off What" remains the unanswered question. Do you really know what the baseline or true price of the product/good/service really is? Lacking that information, you have no true sense of receiving a discount.

Conditions & Stipulations

Has the seller clearly detailed any conditions and stipulations with he offer? Have they told you that there is a limited supply, a minimum purchase, or an expiration date?

It's through the combination of conditions and stipulations that allow the seller to offer a different, unpublished deal. Have you ever thought about buying a new computer? You are enticed into the store because of the a. You were "too late", the limited supply ran out. Alas you are shown a different computer, a different price...

Now tell me, how great of a deal was that "deep discount"? Some people refer to this tactic as the classic bait and switch. Admit it, you have been down this road.

Too Good To Be True

Your internal alarm system warns you that the deal is "too good to be true". How can a seller discount the price so deeply? Was the price jacked up prior to being put on sale? Was the pre-sale price so unrealistic that it would never sell without the "Discount"? To me that makes the discount an illusion.

AC Trash Hauling and Discounts

In the trash hauling and junk removal business, there is no need to reduce stock/inventory, no new and improved products are being introduced, Grand Openings & relocations do not affect daily operations. So I ask again, exactly why is there a discount and what is it discounted from?

As I stated in the opening paragraph, there are (or have been) numerous deep discounts offered in the trash and junk removal business. The leaders behind the discounts are the national firms. These are the companies that show you a pictorial representation of quantities of junk, describe it in terms of the volume of their truck, and offer a no obligation meeting in which the driver will give you a firm estimate. In this process, exactly where does the discount fit in? You have already committed your time to the process and the driver is trying to close the deal. Exactly how is the discount being calculated? What is the baseline price?

At AC Trash Hauling & More, we offer our best and most competitive pricing up front. First time, every time. Do we offer seasonal specials? Indeed we do. We do not and will not use "Deep Discounts" as a bait and switch, or limited quantity offer. We want your business because we are reliable, honest, and professional company.

About the Author:

True or False Pizza Boxes Can Be Recycled?

2012-03-11T19:03:51Z

It's quiz time. Can you recycle pizza boxes?

Most pizza boxes have the recycle logo stamped on them. Must mean they are recyclable, right? Most people would agree.

Wait a minute. What about all the grease and melted cheese, and other food items? Can they be recycled with the pizza box?

Take a few minutes, follow these links and learn more about pizza boxes.

Enjoy.

http://greenandcleanmom.org/pizza-facts-recycling-pizza-boxes/

http://earth911.com/news/2009/03/02/the-pizza-box-mystery/

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/08/is_it_ok_to_recycle_pizza_boxe.html

About the Author:

More Space Means More Stuff

2012-03-05T20:07:39Z

There is no doubt in my mind. We are a society of collectors. We get too emotionally attached to things, useless outdated things. Just take a look in your closet, drawers, bookshelves, and attic. How many outdated AAA maps and tour guides do you have? What about the trinkets and trash you bought on that vacation 5 to 10 years ago. Still think you can fit into that 3 piece suit from some by gone era?

I recently met a Realtor that passed along an interesting statistic. I must confess, I have not been able to verify the information, yet I find it interesting. Since 2000, new homes have increased in size by approximately 15%. Of that increase, 75% of the footage was dedicated to storage or non-livable space, This excludes garages.

Assuming this is true, let's put some real numbers behind this stat. A typical 2500-3000 square foot home would have grown by about 400 square feet. That means that storage increased by about 300 square feet. That is the size of a large storage unit.

Think about it. We are increasing our non-livable space to store more things, more "STUFF". Oh yeah, we are a society of collectors.

When you finally decide that you need to clean up, throw away your junk and trash, give us a call.

About the Author:

Andy Corman is the Owner of AC Trash Hauling & More a Metro-Indianapolis trash hauling and junk removal company (www.ACTrashHauling.com). He is a structural engineer by education with 30 years of construction management experience and an entrepreneur by necessity, educated in the school of hard knocks.

Mattress Recycling Kansas Style

2012-02-28T21:03:20Z

In the past we have shared information about recycling:

Today we are sharing a story about recycling mattresses. Mattresses are a difficult item to dispose of at the local transfer station/landfill. By their nature, they do not compact, thus take up an inordinate amount of space relative to their size and weight.

I hope you enjoy this article about recycling in Hutchinson, Kansas.

When Hard Times Meets Soft Mattresses

About the Author:

Andy Corman is the Owner of, AC Trash Hauling& More, a Metro-Indianapolis trash hauling and junk removal company (www.ACTrashhauling.com). He is a structural engineer by education with 30 years of construction management experience and an entrepreneur by necessity, educated in the school of hard knocks.

The Family Estate

2012-02-24T13:00:00Z

You have just received the challenge to clean out the Family Estate. Where do you begin? Who do you call? What do you do?

Fortunately you have many options. Ultimately, you will want to hire a professional company to haul away the unwanted treasures, aka junk.

Let's look at some of the options available.

Family

There are always items that a family member has always been attached to. It could be the old desk, a dresser, tools, or that old table. Unfortunately, dividing property up among family members only scratched the surface of the project in front of you.

Auctions

The use of a reputable action company is a great option. Their experience will help you sell many items and return a profit for the family. This solution again does not solve the entire puzzle. There will always be items that the auctioneer cannot sell. You still have items to get rid of.

Yard Sale

This is a time consuming endeavor. It will be met with varying degrees of success, yet still leaving you with unsold items.

Donations

There are numerous ministries and charities that could use gently used house wares, furniture, clothing, and miscellaneous items. Some of these organizations may be willing to pick the items up at the home. Once again, this does not complete the task at hand. Invariably there will be those items that are destined to go to the nearest landfill.

Trash Hauling and Junk Removal Company

In your community you can find a professional and experienced company that will haul away your unwanted treasures. The better companies will do all of the work, including removing the items from garages, basements, attics, storage sheds, and crawl spaces. The best of these companies will also recycle as many of the items as possible.

AC Trash Hauling, www.ACTrashHauling.com, located in Metro-Indianapolis is one of these companies. Upon completion of a project, the rooms are left clean and ready for a final cleaning by a team of housekeepers.

At AC Trash Hauling, our goal is to take the stress and anxiety away from the family. We want to leave you in comfort knowing that the family estate has been taken care of in a timely and professional manner.

Good Luck.

About the Author:

Andy Corman is the Owner of AC Trash Hauling a Metro-Indianapolis trash hauling and junk removal company (www.ACTrashhauling.com). He is a structural engineer by education with 30 years of construction management experience and an entrepreneur by necessity, educated in the school of hard knocks.

Why I Use Social Media

2012-02-12T21:21:54Z

I have been doing a lot of reading about Social Media. I have been using it as a marketing tool for AC Trash Hauling. I also use it to keep in touch with "friends".

I started to write this blog about why I use social media. I went web surfing to learn more about some of the numbers behind social media.

My research took me to this website a site called Social Media Examiner. here I found the information I was looking for. As you read this article you may discover your why.

I have reduced my list to just a handful of reasons:

It's Free
It's Immediate
It Continues to grow in scope
It's here to stay
My competition uses it
It is user friendly

Did I say.... It's Free

We all have our reasons. Social Media is another tool in my business marketing plan.

Good luck in finding your why.

About the Author:

We Haul ALMOST Everything...A Tale of 2 Drivers

2012-02-09T23:00:00Z

Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction. At a recent networking event I was telling people that we have undergone a slight name change this year. we added "AND MORE" to the AC Trash Hauling name. The explanation was simple. Our customers have always asked us to do some unique and interesting jobs. We have long said that we like challenges and phone calls that begin, "I don't know if you can do this but.."

We received not one but two calls with a very similar request.

Apparently these two individuals were summoned to the local court house. Following a brief meeting with officials these folks left the court with a "Driving Citation". The citation is definitely not one to be framed and placed in your office .

My phone rings and the conversation goes something like this.

"Andy, your company tag line says that you haul "ALMOST" everything. I have a challenge in front of me. I know that your schedule has some flexibility, especially early in the morning. Well, I made a bad mistake and well, well... do you think you could haul my sorry butt to work? I just got notified that my license has been suspended."

The challenge was laid before us. We wanted to practice truth in advertising. The negotiations began. We aim to please our customers.

When we say we haul ALMOST everything, we mean it. Yes, our customers have surely asked us to become AC Trash Hauling AND MORE.

What challenge do you have for us?

How do you Define IT

2012-02-09T16:52:30Z

We are all guilty of not doing "IT ". All of us can improve on"IT". But "IT" takes work.

So, exactly what is "IT"?

"IT" is defining your ideal customer. "IT" is clearly identifying the characteristics of our customers. "IT" is understanding the buying habits of our customers. "IT" is knowledge and understanding.

Let's face it, without a clear a understanding of "IT" your marketing efforts could resemble being blindfolded, spun in circles, given a stick, and trying to hit the piñata. Every now and then you may hit something, but it may not be the right target.

OK-- the challenge-- Clearly define your ideal customer. What is the profile of the customer that account for the majority of your business? What is your sweet spot?

I suggest that the answer lies in your answer to six simple and basic questions. These are the questions you were taught in elementary school

Who
What
When
Where
Why
How

WHO

Define your customer in terms of:

Age
Sex
Marital Status
Income
Education
Race
Religion
etc..

WHAT

What goods/services/products are most frequently purchased?

WHEN

When do your customers buy your goods/services/products? Think in terms of:

Season
Holiday
Time of day
Day of week
Special event
etc..

WHY

Why do customers buy?

Impulse
Sale
Crisis
Routine purchase
Celebration
Other

Is there a trigger event that spawns the purchase? Think in terms of:

Wedding
House warming gift
Birthday
Graduation

HOW

How do your customers buy?

Internet
Walk in
By appointment
In home demonstration
Mail Order

How do your customers pay?

Cash
Credit
Finance
Bank Authorization
etc.

Challenge yourself to add to these suggestions. The more questions and answers you generate, your "Ideal Customer" will be better defined.

It's not time to sit down and relax yet. Your final step is to verify your results and definition. This is an ongoing process. You need to track your sales. Are they consistent with your definition? Do you need to tweak your definition? Periodically repeat the question and answer process.

I leave you with one last tidbit.

"KNOWLEDGE IS POWER"

Increase your knowledge about your customers. Your results will be improved.

About the Author: