I own a small company that provides tutoring and other supports for children with special needs. I have been running my butt off for months going from place to place, but have seen little in the way of real business. I know from the feedback that I get from every professional in my industry that my business will be amazing "at some point" – unfortunately my funds are making that some point someone else’s point. I need to drum up business, but obviously am having no success. I have 7 employees who cover the gamut of services for special needs and we provide services in the home & at our (really expensive & really empty- sigh) office. I have visited guidance counselors at schools, administrators, local organizations and networking groups. In addition, I work very hard to make sure my clients are happy & that they know that we hope that if they like our services they will pass our name. I guess I am just tapped and getting frustrated with running all over town and getting no results. Any advice would really be appreciated!

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Jay’s Answer: It’s time to listen to what people need, not just push what you’re selling.

If I were in need of your services, who would tell me about you? Do you have competitors? If so, why would I choose you over them? What are the strengths of your competitors (you need to perform a SWOT analysis)? Has the school system itself provided similar services to yours in-house? Do you take any forms of insurance to ease the cost of your services?

Are there fewer numbers of special-needs children in your area?

Do you have great stories to share about children who "graduated", and the results of their learning (both for them and their family)?

Would your services be appropriate for non-special needs children as well (i.e., general tutoring)? Why or why not?