Hot on the heels of their successful August in-person breakfast meeting, the Illinois Limousine (ILLBA) held another installment of their Coffee With ILLBA webinar series on September 15. Open to all operators, these sessions offer free online education and networking eight times a year. This month’s topic, Building a Bonus Book of Business, came courtesy of ILLBA member Tim Wiegman of Boulevard Limousine.
Tim Wiegman of Boulevard Limousine
Before the session began, ILLBA Executive Director Paula DeBiasi of Chicago Coachworks welcomed attendees and reminded them that each of the webinars is recorded and offered for download on YouTube. Then, recently elected ILLBA President Chris Smith of The Transportation Consultants introduced the board of directors and commented that he and the new board have been “off on a good foot over the last couple of months.” Smith then introduced Wiegman.
ILLBA President Chris Smith of The Transportation Consultants
Designed to help operators fill open dates during the typically slow period that lasts from September to February, Wiegman’s session offered simple, easy-to-implement ways to foster repeatable business. Using his popular holiday light tour program as a case study, Wiegman said that even one-SUV operators can curate work to get their vehicle(s). One recommendation was talking to the lifestyle director at local high-end retirement communities about providing transportation outside of their shuttles’ schedule or access area. Non-emergency medical transportation is a particularly profitable way to increase business.
Wiegman also suggested providing packages to local festivals, food tours, breweries, and more as easy-to-market solutions. Two options that are often overlooked by operators, particularly for weekday work, are home and executive relocation tours. These would allow you to partner with realtors to show available properties in your vicinity.
Typical tours can be developed in 30 days, said Wiegman, and he suggested running a pilot tour to make sure that everything is priced appropriately and runs smoothly. He also recommended doing a basic online search for local charity galas, as these high-ticket events attract high-income clientele who are likely to use luxury ground transportation.
DeBiasi stated that Wiegman’s slides would be made available to ILLBA members or interested operators, while the session is available here for viewing.
ILLBA’s next meeting is another breakfast meeting in Des Plaines, Ill. Details will be provided soon.
Visit illba.org for more information.
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