We talk to Norman Goodwin, franchisee for Stoke-on-Trent. When Norman took the franchise in July 2006, both he and his colleagues became ‘tanned and taught’ whilst they climbed hilly terrain, delivering leaflets in the summer heat wave. Now, using his considerable businessexperience Norman wants to hot things up in 2007and increase his client base and his profits. Here,Norman talks to us about what he has learnt about running a business.

So, how did you hear about the franchise?

“I ceased trading in my previous business, and whilst I was looking for something else I came across DOR-2-DOR on the Internet.”

What attracted you to DOR-2-DOR?

“The head office support, the internet site and the affordability of the franchise. I saw the potential for the franchise to have nationwide coverage and I liked the fact that clients pay upfront for the leaflet delivery. We get leaflets through our door and our local free newspaper includes about a dozen leaflet inserts, so I saw the opportunity to provide the service.

How has your employment background helped you?

“My background is in mechanical engineering and I worked in the pottery industry, providing machine maintenance, until I got to a point when I no longer enjoyed it and took redundancy. My wife also worked in the pottery industry which at the time had surplus production. We decided to rent a unit and set up a recycling and repair business, correcting small faults in pottery and sending it back to the manufacturer. After 7 years the boom time ended and we shut up shop. Through this venture I gained valuable business experience, learned about managing people and most importantly, being multi skilled. To run a business you have to have the ability to do everything, be flexible and be committed to your clients. Once you get your foot through the door and they have faith in you and your service, business will come and keep on coming.”

Describe your business past and present

“Prior to taking the franchise I spoke to 20 different businesses about leaflet distribution, 50% of whom had a positive response. When I went back to those companies initially I did not secure orders, largely due to competition from one man bands forcing prices down. Then I got my first good client Dominos Pizzas and started delivering 10k a week, walking the beat and calling on friends and family to help out until I got some deliverers in place. Other clients include Estate agents, Residential Lettings, Taxi fi rms and Appliance manufacturers. Although I have found turnover of deliverers is high, I have found some lean; mean leafleting machines that fly through the deliveries. Some use the work as part of their fitness regime.”

And the future is….?

“I want to sit down with my colleague Bill and look at our strategy. My focus is bunching rounds. At the moment we have single leaflets going out in some areas and we need to make the rounds more profitable by attracting more customers. Grouping more leaflets is my main aim, plus I want to explore the market for solus delivery and ‘print and deliver’ packages.