Looking for a Mentor for the Limo Business

[Marc C.]

Hi everyone! I am in the very early stages of setting up a limo business. Right now my days consist of research and stress http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I am looking for someone who enjoys mentoring and is famliar with the business to help me out. As of now money is not an option. Maybe someone who is passionate about working with people and enjoys planting a seed and watching it grow?

[gunny]

I think the "money is not an option" statement just sunk you.

Local businesses are not too inclined to train a compeititor & the pofessional industry trainers have to put food on the table.

Suggest that you turn to lowers cost options as the numerous courses offered & study the skills of chauffeuring. Also invest in some sales & marketing literature.

[Marc C.]

Gunny,
I am actually looking for someone out of the area for this. I wouldnt expect someone to train me to take their business. Which I entirely plan to do http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I think someone with un bias outlook, out of the area to bounce ideas off is what I need.



Originally posted by gunny:
I think the "money is not an option" statement just sunk you.

Local businesses are not too inclined to train a compeititor & the pofessional industry trainers have to put food on the table.

Suggest that you turn to lowers cost options as the numerous courses offered & study the skills of chauffeuring. Also invest in some sales & marketing literature.

[Steve W.]

I think someone with un bias outlook, out of the area to bounce ideas off is what I need.
Hate to state the obvious but do you not have that sort of thing in this very message board? No shortage of people willing to give thier opinion on things. Best part is you can get both sides of an issue and every other angle usually. Down fall is the typing takes longer thatn a chat on the phone but I think I have seen conversations on here go in that direction also.

Listen this business is not really rocket science, tricks, pitfalls, yes but any person with some common sence can get going in the business. Your going thorough a stressfull start up time, many on the board have done it but there are not to many more obstacales to your success that you cannot get over yourself with a little perseverence. Trust in your own ability right now. If you are having a hard time doing that then that is the real first problem you have to solve to make it in any business. Becase no mentor, message board, guru, tape, DVD, book will help you if you do not belive in your own ability to make things happen.

Don't know why I went off on that tangent but it seemed to fit. Excuse me if I was off base with those comments.

Good luck with you business and welcome to the forum!! Great to have you!

[Marc C.]

REPLY FOR STEVE W.
I am not 100% sure where your comments came from? I didnt think my question looking for someone to bounce ideas off of in a private setting is not all that off the wall. This may be my 1st start up but I am certainly not someone who lacks common sense. I have mentored 3 people in my life time in the telecomm business and have a network of friends who do as well. For free... Its about building relationships, rapport and helping out. It just so happens within my group there is no one that knows this business. Now I could certainly understand you not wanting to give up your time( time = money) but I certainly dont think you should discourage or give your opinion on the matter. My request was to find some who could help out.... not belittle people on line. Thanks for reading my post. I will just assume your "tangent" was the result of a very long hard day.




Originally posted by Steve W.:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I think someone with un bias outlook, out of the area to bounce ideas off is what I need.
Hate to state the obvious but do you not have that sort of thing in this very message board? No shortage of people willing to give thier opinion on things. Best part is you can get both sides of an issue and every other angle usually. Down fall is the typing takes longer thatn a chat on the phone but I think I have seen conversations on here go in that direction also.

Listen this business is not really rocket science, tricks, pitfalls, yes but any person with some common sence can get going in the business. Your going thorough a stressfull start up time, many on the board have done it but there are not to many more obstacales to your success that you cannot get over yourself with a little perseverence. Trust in your own ability right now. If you are having a hard time doing that then that is the real first problem you have to solve to make it in any business. Becase no mentor, message board, guru, tape, DVD, book will help you if you do not belive in your own ability to make things happen.

Don't know why I went off on that tangent but it seemed to fit. Excuse me if I was off base with those comments.

Good luck with you business and welcome to the forum!! Great to have you! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Salicete]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought that Steve said:

a. This was a great place to get the info that you were seeking.

b. Conversations on the boards often lead to persons exchanging info via the phone or in person.

c. Good luck and welcome to the business.

I don't see any belittling. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

Thin skin won't get you far in this business. Anyway, welcome to the limousine business, and good luck. http://limos.com/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[David Merrill]

I think what you really need to do is just get a job as a Chauffeur at an already established Limo service in your area. If you are good the owner will probably bring you along, give you a lot of work and share information with you. If you suck and find you don't like the business, they just won't call you any more. Nothing ventured but your time. Like any other business, most people in this business fail after a couple of years. I was a Chauffeur for five years before I made the move, my business lasted 4 years but the Michigan economy and being in a marginal area killed my business. I am now in Pupil Transportation (yes school bus driver and assistant Director) and charter Bus on week ends as an Employee and find it suites me just fine.

[Marc C.]

David, Thanks!!! That's a great idea. Get in with the company, keep my mouth shut and eyes open.




Originally posted by David Merrill:
I think what you really need to do is just get a job as a Chauffeur at an already established Limo service in your area. If you are good the owner will probably bring you along, give you a lot of work and share information with you. If you suck and find you don't like the business, they just won't call you any more. Nothing ventured but your time. Like any other business, most people in this business fail after a couple of years. I was a Chauffeur for five years before I made the move, my business lasted 4 years but the Michigan economy and being in a marginal area killed my business. I am now in Pupil Transportation (yes school bus driver and assistant Director) and charter Bus on week ends as an Employee and find it suites me just fine.

[Steve W.]

Marc Did not mean to imply that you had no common scence, on the contrary your actions so far (researching, asking good questions) shows you have an abundance. Was just saying this business is not complicated enough to justify a mentor in many respects. But by all means if that is the style you like operate under please do not let me stop you. I know it wont.

I just realized however I already replied to you on another thread (operating without any vehicles). That was a great question and a topic that is perfect for a board like this. Maybe relpying to my answer and getting more in detail of what you are thinking about the topic would generate more interest in it from other members. This is a discussion board and the best discussions come when both parties participate in the discussion.

And while time = money for sure, I am happy to give my time freely to anyone. I just prefer to do it in a way where many people (now and in the future) can benifit from it. That's the beauty of the internet.

No hard feelings!!! lifes to short!

[Kirk]

Originally posted by Marc C.:
Hi everyone! I am in the very early stages of setting up a limo business. Right now my days consist of research and stress http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I am looking for someone who enjoys mentoring and is famliar with the business to help me out. As of now money is not an option. Maybe someone who is passionate about working with people and enjoys planting a seed and watching it grow?

You can check this site. They have a lot of tips on how to start your own Limo Business (http://www.limoquoter.com/articles/2_Starting_Your_Own_Limo_Business). Hope this will help you.

[Blue Diamond]

Marc- As you've seen, there is no easy answer. Many of these folks started out with little or no experience. They got on the job training and said "I could do this so much better!"

I did the same thing. I scraped together the money and jumped in with both feet. My experiences will not be the same for you. Advertising, setting up accounts, ect. will greatly depend on where your at and what type of opportunities you have in you market place.

Even people within 50 miles of me all treat their companies different and have their own ideas. Yes, you will learn from others, but you'll learn even more going out on a limb by yourself. Sink or swim.

Please don't take this as negative comments, on the contrary. It's reality. Many in this business started up quick, made money quick, then wondered why the phone stopped ringing. Of 10 area companies, I'm one of 3 left. Don't know the exact reason, we're all in the same market place pool, but it seems that those who took pride in their own business and how it reflected on them, are still going.

I spent one full year researching, talking with DOT inspectors, insurance agents, business owners, potential customers. I LISTENED. I took into consideration the truths, lies and comments about what was wrong with the business and what people wanted.

You have to find your own nitch that's different than the other guy. Please re-read through the past postings on here. You will get all the business advise one needs. But, take it as that... Advise. You need to decide whats best for your business, not what the other guy is doing.

Best of luck to you!! If you truely want it, IT WILL HAPPEN!!

[Limo Scene]

Marc,

There are so many tools available to help you succeed and may willing to hold your hand for a fee. I am an operator in Bakersfield, CA operating for 17 years. I am also a feature writer for LCT Magazine. There are primarily two magazines in the industry. They are Limousine Digest and Limousine and Chauffeured Transportation. Subscribe to both! Both put on trade shows that are tremendous opportunities in many arenas. The Digest show comes to an end today. The next show is in Vegas and produced by LCT Magazine. It starts on March 17th.

Here you can network with vendors, other operators and consultants. I myself am a consultant to many operators across the United States but am not taking on any new clients as this time. My friend Matt Harrison is though. His website is http://www.goodwillguy.com
and his pricing is reasonable. Tom Mazza is by far the leading expert in the industry but will cost you a very pretty penny.

The shows I speak of offer seminars on landing corporate accounts, preparing corporate proposals, management informations, marketing techniques, do's and dont's of hiring and training, vehicle maintenance and the like.

The show floor offers vendors ranging from software to marketing products, insurance and of course the opportunity to touch and sit in almost every type of vehicle imaginable in the industry.

While I cannot take you on as a client, I would be more than happy to speak to you one-on-one by phone (661) 831-7955 or e-mail at Jluff@limousinescene.com

I wish you the best of luck! It is a fabulous business to be in.

Best wishes,


Jim Luff