Vicky Stokes of BuzzMyBiz runs us through her business in 60
seconds.
0-5 seconds: Sum up your business in one
sentence
A website providing small businesses with web presence via a
self-created minisite, within the main buzzmybiz site, with
customer contact, business search facility and community
forums.
5-10 seconds: What's the business model?
To give small businesses web presence, a key marketing tool,
marketing advice and supporting them to really take charge and
drive their businesses as well as encouraging people to support
their local businesses.
10-15 seconds: Who are your competitors?
None that I know of are providing the whole service that we
are.
15-20 seconds: What's your USP?
Providing simple, affordable web presence with customer contact,
marketing advice and on-going support. Our free bizcards are also
pretty unique and will help spread the word.
20-25 seconds: How have you funded it so
far?
A brief encounter with `critical illness' gave me the drive and
finance to start my own business. I'm now seeking investment
to develop the business.
25-30 seconds: What were you doing before?
I worked for a professional body in many roles including event
management, marketing, account management, customer service and
more recently worked with my husband to set up an online estate
agency.
30-35 seconds: Where did the idea come
from?
Several ideas coming together - our own experience of looking
for a website designer - where to start, who to trust, the high
cost etc; the ongoing challenge of keeping in touch with customers
and also wanting more details about local businesses than the
endless online directories provide.
35-40 seconds: What's the smartest thing you've done
so far?
Seeking advice and input from lots of different people.
40-45 seconds: What's the stupidest?
Underestimating the time it takes to build a website! - thank
goodness we've done all the hard work for small businesses now and
created a very simple to use site.
45-50 seconds: If your business was a biscuit, what
type would it be?
A Twix as it has a bit of everything and really is more than
just a biscuit - and we are only charging for custard
creams!
50-55 seconds: Which idea are you a bit jealous
of?
Facebook and Google, obviously, and sites like Photobox and
LOVEFILM as they are such simple ideas.
55-60 seconds: Where are you going to be in 12
months' time?
A really key and valued part of a small business'
marketing mix, and THE place to look for and support local
businesses.
In association with