How to Turn a Fun Idea into a Franchise

In the December issue of Octane, EO’s award-winning member magazine, we spotlighted Nick Friedman, an EO Central Florida member and co-founder/president of College Hunks Hauling Junk, the largest junk-removal and moving service in the U.S. In two years, Nick turned a fun business idea into a national brand, thanks to his innovative approach to marketing and willingness to try new things.

Watch a special video that highlights Nick’s entrepreneurial journey, read his Octane cover story and see below for Nick’s marketing tips that can help you put your business on the map:

What Worked for Us:

  1. Adopt a unique name, image, or  tagline; standing out in a crowded industry is essential, and it will make your products or services that much more memorable.
  2. Pick bright color schemes for branding; we looked to college sports teams for inspiration. A company mascot isn’t a bad idea either.
  3. Get in front of people by being aggressive with your guerilla marketing tactics; seek forgiveness rather than permission.
  4. Get in the habit of asking your customers for feedback; it can lead to referrals. Create a client advisory board of your best customers and meet with them quarterly.
  5. Leverage your uniqueness; don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on your core customers.

Marketing Lessons We Learned:

  1. Don’t just throw things on the wall to see what sticks; start with a plan, then adjust accordingly.
  2. Be wary of burning money on the “next big thing.” Try to evaluate what works for people in similarly adjacent and non-competitive industries, and then place your bets conservatively.
  3. Don’t assume that branding is the same thing as advertising; they are two very different animals, and attention should be paid to both. Branding should create awareness. Advertising should initiate a response.
  4. Don’t just copy your competition— evaluate what they’re doing and then take a slightly different path around them.
  5. Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket; diversify your marketing portfolio. There is no magic pill.

To learn more about Nick’s marketing approach for College Hunks Hauling Junk or for franchise information, please visit www.collegehunkshaulingjunk.com or contact him at [email protected].

Categories: Inspirational PR/MARKETING

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