Business owner has tips for success

Asphalt can only be sealed; only concrete is resurfaced
10:43 a.m.
Dollar stores get wider range of customers
10:32 a.m.
Honda gets a double-shot of good consumer news
10:30 a.m.
Anthem puts emphasis on quality
10:29 a.m.
UD researcher uses know-how to photograph local eagles
5/25/12
> More headlines

By Arundi Venkayya Cox, Business Editor 11:33 PM Saturday, February 6, 2010

Ron Muzechuk, franchise owner of ProForma CNR Marketing, had a big 2009.

Unusual to hear in this economy, I know.

ProForma’s business is printing and promotional products — not necessarily what you would consider a growth industry when many companies are struggling to keep their doors open.

But Muzechuk, who bought his franchise in April 1998, said sales in 2009 grew by 20 percent over 2008 despite a 25 percent drop in the industry. And in January, the company moved to a new, larger space. The company’s new office in Butler Twp. at 8565 N. Dixie Drive has more room, a display area and conference rooms.

“I started out with nothing, but I knew how to sell,” Muzechuk said. “Customers I had 10 years ago are still my customers today. Our business has actually grown and done quite well.”

The way the company has grown has been looking in a different way at customers, Muzechuk said.

“We have loyal customers. They didn’t go away, they just slowed down a little bit. They were buying less. At that point, we looked at our current customers and asked what were we selling to them,” he said.

“We looked for more customers who needed those kinds of things and increased our (business). Our best prospects became our best customers.”

Muzechuk offered these tips for growing business:

• Think about who you are selling to right now. Really evaluate what you are selling to that customer. If you take a good look, you may realize that you have a lot more ability to sell more to the same customer.

• Work on relationships. Developing strong relationships can get you in to see other potential customers. Once you cultivate a relationship, take care of your customer by anticipating their needs. Once you do that, they come to depend on you.

• Get involved in the community. ProForma sponsors several events throughout the year. And while the company doesn’t make money from those sponsorships, Muzechuk said the events have allowed him to meet “a heck of a lot of people who refer me all over the place.”

Share this article