Q: My new mobile car detailing business offers wash, wax, polish and full clean services to customers at their work or home. I plan to start off with an advertising budget of $1,000 initially, and will contribute $100 per month thereafter. 

What would be the most effective means of advertising on this limited budget?

A: The three questions that must be answered are these: 

1.How powerful is your message? 

2.Is your ad budget sufficient for the size of marketplace you're attempting to reach?

3.How committed are you to the success of your venture?

The idea of having one's car washed and cleaned without having to make a special trip, or spend half of the weekend doing it yourself, has always had some appeal, especially to busy business owners and their staff . But since the idea is not new, most people are going to have some serious questions they need answered before they're going to be willing to dial your number.

The answer to question one, "How powerful is your message?" ultimately comes down to this: How well can you tell your story? How persuasive are you?

Once you've sold your product or service to a client, don't toss his or her name out the window. To build a strong relationship with your customers, develop a database and stay in contact. Of course, you should notify them when you're having a special or introducing something new.

But you should also alert customers to the referral system and reward system that you should be introducing for your valued customers. And whenever you think of a way to save clients money or enhance their productivity, let them know. This will help position you as an invaluable resource. You're making them feel they can't do it without you.