Start A Home Steno Service
(Page 2 of 5)
November/December 1971
By Suzette Haden Elgin
For example, you might start with routine letters just to customers who are "old friends" and with whom your client is on an intimate basis. Then if you goof, he can always call the customers, explain that his secretary is an idiot . . . and no harm will be done.
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With this beginning, of course, it's up to you to prove that you are trustworthy and dependable. If—indeed—you are good, you'll quickly become indispensable to your client even if he continues to hold his really important correspondence for another secretary "in the home office". On the other hand—if you're not good—you'll lose the client, he'll tell his friends and you've had it . . . so be sure of your ability before you try.
If you don't happen to fall over a potential client for your home steno service at a party (as I did), there are several ways to find customer number one. I do not recommend that you advertise, however. If my experience is any indication, your biggest problem is going to be keeping your business small enough . . . not making it bigger.
I was only looking for supplemental income when I operated my service, I had just three clients . . . and that was too many. They kept recommending me to others and I kept turning those others down. Even if you want your home business to earn you a full-time living, I still recommend that you let word of mouth do your advertising for you.
There are several ways to locate that first customer. First, find out if there is a motel or hotel near you that specializes in putting up salesmen. There usually is. Explain your service nicely to the owner and ask him to refer the next salesman desperate for a secretary to you. If you're determined to advertise "just a little", get permission to put up a sign (a very small one) in the motel lobby and then take it down the instant you have your first client.
If this doesn't work or if you don't want to try such an approach, just inquire around. Ask the people who run the stores where you shop. Ask the neighbors. Ask your doctor. Ask the barber or the lady who does your hair . . . if somebody does your hair.
Some of these people are sure to know a traveling salesman, or have a friend who knows one . . . and even if the man you finally get in touch with can't use your services, you're in business. Because he will know other salesmen, and lots of them (by the way, be prepared to ignore a lot of very bad salesman jokes).
And once you've found that first potential client . . . how do you convince him to try your service? I just offered mine two free letters and told him he didn't have to pay me for any work that wasn't satisfactory . . . ever. (I think this is important. It's possible that your customer will take advantage of such a deal because there are stinkers in any line of business . . . but if he does, just refuse to work for him any longer. And if your client is honest with you—which is much more likely—he's certain to be impressed by the fairness of the satisfaction-guaranteed-or-no-charge arrangement.)
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