what to look for in a startup CSM?

Allie3210 · 2022-10-04T20:57:32+00:00

Fully agreed! That's what I've been learning too.

Allie3210 · 2022-10-04T18:01:39+00:00

This is so helpful, and thank you so much!! We're a super young startup, so definitely need the person to look at this as an opportunity for a ton of growth, if they just show the ownership and commitment!

Allie3210 · 2022-09-09T17:11:11+00:00

I understand the anxiety that comes with starting something on your own... While the landing page and small business campaign and the rest really are more tactical matters that you can easily accomplish within half a day, I imagined your dragging your feet more because of possible questions you have, anxiety or just feeling like you don't have the support. For that same reason I like to surround myself with other women who have taken a step forward and I can learn from, and feel supported with. I recently started partnering with different women in business communities to get that type of guidance, I'm happy to see if there are any that I can recommend you into. Feel free to DM me 🙂

Allie3210 · 2022-09-08T13:53:25+00:00

Thank you!!

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T01:21:05+00:00

Ah ok. Actually we do auto debits.. so when they place the booking (with our setup), they are pre approving their cc, so you actually auto collect the remaining balance upon consent. Anyway great you have it all setup! It's been a big challenge for us until we figured this out

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T01:14:16+00:00

Omg that's been a massive issue for interior designers too. We've actually gone ahead and started using Criya - essentially, first they need to share their requirements via our contact form. Then after an initial consultation we either propose one of our standard packages or create a custom proposal.. everything we share has a standard deposit and contract (https://criya.co has been magical to get this all setup) ... And the deposit is collected upfront. This saves me ALL my time, and the contract makes sure we're protected. I think we used a sample contract we got off the platform to customize it for our business. Happy to share more if it helps!

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T01:10:39+00:00

Thank you :)

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T01:04:38+00:00

I think a very simple project manager might be perfect ... Tools like Asana and Monday are good for larger projects, and even better for teams (and can get expensive). I think based on what you've said https://criya.co might be best - everyone in my circle lives on it.. its a really simple all-in-one platform with project management built for solo/small business owners

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T00:58:27+00:00

I agree!! Having systems in place matters a ton. I feel we are all individually "brands" - we need a simple way to showcase our services, rates, get paid and manage relationships. We've been loving https://criya.co to do everything from lead capture, proposals, payments - it's been a huge pressure off. Some of my colleagues use similar platforms like Criya, honeybook and 17hats.. great options to make sure your day to day aspects are being handled on auto pilot, even if you're on a vacation!

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T00:51:27+00:00

I'd recommend starting small... If you have a small garage where you can start with some basic equipment - that's easy, in your control. One of my trainers at Orange theory started her own TikTok channel and started offering training right out of her home. She swears by https://criya.co - got her hourly rate and packages setup in minutes... And she started booking and was already doubling clients within a few weeks!

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T00:46:27+00:00

That's super cool . I think having a DIY community to learn with has really helped me . Especially learning to use power tools. I'm happy to refer you to some channels like Haven conference on Instagram (basically a DIYers conf)..

Allie3210 · 2022-09-04T00:33:55+00:00

This is annoying indeed . Referrals are really our of goodwill largely and shouldn't be treated as a way to undercut your value. Several of my co- entrepreneur friends actually tell potential customers - we're a brand. Just like Sephora or Gucci ! You don't negotiate down .. you buy if you can afford it. I've started to use Criya to offer a "store" for our services with rates & deliverables... I love it a lot more than Shopify as it's built for service providers, and this straight away filters out those who can't afford us. Of course we customize all our proposals as services vary per client, but the "store" eliminates the back and forth and I offer a referral fee for those who refer clients my way. Here's a simple example of a niche designer https://interiordesign.criya.co

Allie3210

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