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Introductory Video
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Chapter 1
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Welcome
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Chapter 2
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Your Business Plan
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When entering any new business venture, a well designed business plan is essential. The business plan serves as the foundation by which
your company will be built upon, and must be well defined to start, grow and manage your business. We'll provide you with both an outline
to create your own business plan, and the original Aquatech Tropical Fish Environments business plan. Now that's a plan you can
take-to-the-bank! Simply put, if you don't 'PLAN FOR SUCCESS'....you will fail!
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Chapter 3
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Let's Talk Money
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Aquarium maintenance businesses use a variety of methods to charge for their services.....some are flat rate shops, others are hourly,
and some use a service fee plus a certain charge per gallon. Our business plan package will detail our proven financial system that has
worked quite well since our inception in 1993. You'll receive complete financial information including profit and loss income statement
with full explanations. Learn how you can start part-time with only 40 customers and gross over $51,000.00 just for the maintenance
PLUS you'll be selling those 40 customers new fish, food, parts, upgrades, new equipment, etc. every month for additional revenue and profits.
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Chapter 4
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Setting Up The Business
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This chapter is dedicated to the essential elements to start your new business: Business Licenses and Permits, Business Checking Account,
Business Insurance, Telecommunications, Company Logo, Filing System, Transportation and if space permits - Holding Tanks.
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Chapter 5
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Advertising
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Keep in mind - Advertising is not a business expense...it's an investment! Successful advertising will greatly influence the start-up, success and growth of
your business. Advertising can take many forms and in many cases, the most effective forms may be the LEAST expensive. The plan covers all forms that
work well for the aquarium maintenance industry including newspaper, outdoor advertising, direct mail and an incentive based customer referral program.
Copies of OUR ACTUAL ADS ARE INCLUDED for you to use for your new business.
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Chapter 6
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Marketing and Image Enhancement
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Effective marketing is neither expensive or complicated. You will create the professional image you want every prospect and customer to identify with your
business. Show your customers you are serious about you business, Project a "big" business image on a small budget. Learn about the value of satisfied
customer testimonials and how to use them to your advantage to expand your business quickly with very little investment.
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Chapter 7
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What To Do When The Phone Starts Ringing
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Now it's time to SELL! Prospects are calling and you need to be prepared. The difference between success and failure is "salesmanship."
We'll give you the complete and simple "Sales Cycle" breakdown so you'll be prepared and professional for each and every sales call. The
ultimate objective is to Close-the-Deal!
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Chapter 8
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The Sales Call
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Going on the sales call and personally meeting with your prospective client is your opportunity to establish a mutually rewarding
business relationship right from the start. We'll give you tips for initial contacts either by phone or in person.
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Chapter 9
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Preparing and Submitting Proposals and Contracts
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Often times clients, usually larger companies, hospitals and government agencies, require written professional proposals.
Proposals are helpful to define the expectations of both you and the client. An actual Aquatech TFE proposal is included in
our business plan kit for you to use as a guide to submitting your own proposals. Included in the proposal should also be the
maintenance contract for the on-going maintenance to follow the initial installation. Aqauriums can also be rented or leased
which involves a separate contract to protect your investment in rented/leased equipment while in the possession of the client.
There is no need to go to a lawyer to draw up these documents....THESE MAINTENANCE AND RENTAL CONTRACTS ARE INCLUDED
for your use in our complete business plan package.
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Chapter 10
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Costing Out Aquarium Set-Up
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Creating a detailed list of components and costs from which you will derive your final proposal cost. A sample cost sheet is included
with the plan. This also allows you to add you mark-up (profit) directly to your selling price.
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Chapter 11
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Selecting Equipment
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Selecting the proper equipment for a particular client’s aquarium requires a number of considerations. Some things to consider are efficiency,
reliability and practicality of each individual application. Some of the reasons outlined in our program take into consideration the health and
well being of the specific animal species within the tropical environment, and also the maintenance and serviceability of the selected equipment.
This chapter explains this in greater detail.
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Chapter 12
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Installation and Set-up
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Now is your time to shine....you've heard the old expression about "first impressions." Time to show off your professionalism and do your new installation.
A complete installation checklist is included for you to provide an organized, efficient and professional installation. You'll receive our 16 step plan to the
perfect installation.
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Chapter 13
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Aquascaping
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Aquascaping is probably the most noticeable aspect of the entire aquarium set-up. The plan covers all the different aspects of fresh
water, salt water and reef tank aquascaping and the related maintenance requirements of each type.
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Chapter 14
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Enrollment Kits
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Now that your new client’s tank is installed, it's time to enroll them in your regularly scheduled maintenance program. We'll show you exactly how to send
out a very professional, inexpensive and easy to prepare enrollment kit. It conveys a serious, professional approach to your new business.
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Chapter 15
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New Customer
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After you've sent out the enrollment kit and received a signed contract with the first payment, you officially have a new customer.
Organizational skills now play an important role in the future success of your business. By following the outlined procedures in the
business plan package, your office will run smoothly and efficiently. Remember, your objective here is to spend as little time in the office
as possible, and more time focusing on serving your customers' aquarium maintenance needs.
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Chapter 16
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Aquarium Maintenance
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We are in the SERVICE business. Our clients pay for professionalism, knowledge and respect to the fish and clientele.
This section of the business plan is about awareness and perspective regarding your tropical fish abilities and the quality of
each and every service call you perform.
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Chapter 17
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Routine Maintenance Equipment
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Every service call will require certain maintenance equipment. If you have a tank at home, you probably have most of the
basics to start servicing tanks. Some other jobs may require some special equipment but that should be purchased only on
an as-needed basis. A complete list of everything we use on our trucks is included in the plan. Complete descriptions and
explanations of equipment and their respective uses are in the business plan.
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Chapter 18
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The Service Call and Maintenance Checklist
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To reduce and/or eliminate the unexpected we've developed a 30 point check list and tracking system of every service call you perform.
You may not immediately see the importance of this right away, but when you start dealing with 50 to 100 clients every month, there is virtually
no way for you to remember everything you need to do for the upcoming month. Tracking and making some notes are very important for long term
success.
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Chapter 19
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Conclusion
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My name is Roy Regensburger, President of Aquatech Tropical Fish Environments, Inc. I began developing the original concept and business plan in 1993 with my primary focus of becoming the most serious, the most professional, and the most profitable aquarium maintenance company in my area.
In 1994, I was ready to start applying my plans and concepts. Within one week, I had my first customer–I was now servicing 1 tank per month. Shortly thereafter, 1 tank per month became 5 tanks per month. Then those 5 tanks a month quickly became 25 and on and on! Well many of those original 25 are still customers and we now service over 300 tanks per month! This is a plan for success that really works.