A StartUP Columbus Blog from a Local Entrepreneur
Nickolas Folmar is the owner and operator of Jet Stream Clean. Jet Stream Clean offers the “Hottest Steam in the Chattahoochee Valley” with its state-of-the-art carpet, tile, and upholstery cleaning systems. Opening a small family business during the heart of the COVID-19 Pandemic was no easy task. In its first year of business Jet Stream Clean Won Ledger Enquirer’s Readers Choice Awards for #1 Carpet Cleaning Service in the Chattahoochee Valley. Nickolas’s entrepreneurial spirit even led CBS World News to cover his story during “The Great Resignation” movement.
Earlier this week, StartUP Columbus spoke with Nickolas on Instagram Live, and the conversation was awesome! If you missed it, tune in here. In addition to our chat with Nickolas, he shared his list of the Top 5 Tips for Starting a New Business in A Post-Covid World.
Think of a skill that you have now and develop a way to monetize it.
Think about something that you have a lot of experience with or enjoy doing. Then think, would someone pay for this service? Take that thought and develop a service that you could offer to potential customers. Even if this type of business already exists, think about how you could put your own spin on it.
Perfect your skill.
Once you pick your skill, perfect it. Luckily, we are in a digital age, where you can find most information on the internet. Research certifications in your Industry and apply for them. Join social networks in your industry so that you can find a mentor. Grow relationships with your product vendors, they ultimately want you to succeed and offer helpful industry advice.
Develop your own Customer Culture.
Anyone can research and provide a service. Even if you have your craft completely perfected if you lack communication with your customer and market you will fail. Develop an open and honest line of communication with your customer. You want to be as transparent as possible and let them know your process and possible outcomes. Think about other businesses that you patronize. Does your customer experience lead you to visit them more often?
Invest in your business.
Investing in your business is essentially investing yourself. The biggest investment you can give your business is your time. Financially, you will need to develop your cost of doing business. Research your options before buying the equipment that you need to perform your skill. Make sure that you can get your return on investment. Know what you need to survive.
Research your potential customer.
Research the type of people that would need your service, and network with them. In previous years business survived on word of mouth. While word of mouth is still important, we are in the digital age. Think about how you communicated with people during the Pandemic, it was in some form of digital communication. How do you find the services that you need now? That is where you want to list your business.
You can hire and learn more about Nickolas and Jet Stream Clean by visiting their website at thejetstreamclean.com, and give them a follow on Facebook and Instagram!
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