Convert Local Business into Global

From Judd Burdon, asphaltkingdom.com...

The Net offers an unprecedented opportunity for any small business to increase market share and expand its business, even if that business is constrained to a relatively small geographic area (i.e., within a reasonable driving radius). For example, the "local" landscaper could offer to his "global" clients landscape-related products that generate affiliate commissions -- perhaps lawn care do-it-yourself manuals and videos, or tools. Or, if he's feeling particularly adventurous, that landscaper could write an e-book of his own, and sell it directly via the Net.

For a concrete ("asphalt," actually) example of just how one can leverage any local business, check out Judd Burdon's wonderful story...

"I own and operate a small asphalt business in Montreal, Canada (only 30 miles from your town of Hudson, Ken!). My business was focused locally until I started to use Site Build It! to promote my business.

As you can understand, treating and sealing driveways and making repairs to asphalt is really something that has to be done physically and therefore the local focus.

However when I started working on my SBI! site I realized that I could take my business to a new level and reach out on a much broader basis. My knowledge and understanding of my business allowed me to create very interesting content that would be relevant to consumers and do it yourselfers as well as small contractors. It didn't take me long to realize that I could develop my own affiliate referral program where folks that were looking for a reference on someone in their area would come to me for that reference.

Also, I saw the opportunity to apply all my learning around the kinds of equipment and supplies that it takes to run a small asphalt business by offering the equipment for sale on my site. So I packaged up my knowledge with some excellent equipment and now I market it as a "business in a box" solution where someone interested in starting up their own asphalt treatment business could come to me for a turnkey step by step solution, from the equipment and supplies through to the business plan and spread sheet pro formas.

There is no question that SBI! has changed the way I look at my business and my future. I now understand how I can take my knowledge and package it up and reach a world wide audience. A great example of this is the recent inquiry that I received from the Contracting Officer of the Contracting Squadron of the U.S. Armed Forces in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan...

"We are looking for commercial items to take care of the runway here in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. An asphalt router/saw and a hot pour crackfill applicator. As you might imagine it is in poor shape so these machines will be getting a lot of use. Thanks in advance for your assistance."

Yes, the U.S. Army! All the way from a third world country that I've never heard of. What amazing reach! (My site beats many much bigger companies at the engines, scoring in the top 150,000 at Alexa.)

Site Build It! allows me to take my local business, repackage it, and sell it to the world. It has added an entirely new angle and revenue base."

Leveraging success is just plain smart marketing. Judd builds upon what he already has in order to expand his business. He offers...

• consulting sessions (how to improve the efficiency of your driveway sealing business).
  
  
• sealing and paving equipment and tools.
  
  
• "a business in a box" package deal.

Bottom line?

Use Site Build It! to grow locally. Or create new global revenue streams. Or do both!