Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

When a business does what it says on the tin, you know you’re in for a strong, clear proposition, and when we spoke to Bedford-based business owner Nathan Jacobs recently, he proved the point admirably.

At a mere 19 years old, Nathan is at the helm of Doorstep Promotions, which specialises in leaflet distribution and design, enabling local businesses to reach potential prospects in their own homes.

But this is leaflet distribution with some clever twists that bring it bang up to date, as we discovered in this member interview.

Starting early - and doing the homework

Nathan started developing the idea for his business when he was only 16, based on a concept suggested by his father.

He paused it whilst he devoted himself to his Sixth Form studies at Samuel Whitbread Academy, but he also read up on learning methods to find out which approaches would enable him to retain information more readily - a skill he knew would be important for running a business.

Combining this with detailed research he had previously carried out into local population densities and housing volumes, he found himself both with valuable data, and the capability to analyse it for business use.

Initially, managing and promoting the business was challenging. “I had a ‘scarcity mentality’,” he says, “a bit scared to spend money or move it around, and learning how to talk to prospects was also hard.”

But Nathan continued his business reading, learning more about the language of persuasion - knowledge that has served him well in acquiring and retaining clients.

Leaflets, legwork, and trackers

Nathan’s core business is distributing marketing leaflets for local clients of all types, whether they have them already, or need to have them designed and printed as well.

For the deliveries, Nathan hit on the idea of working with local schools to recruit Sixth Form students, who could deliver to a local area they knew well, and would welcome the extra cash.

But the work also suits many older and retired people looking for a way to supplement their income (the oldest delivery person is an octogenarian!) and he now has over 80 active delivery people.

But the legwork’s not all theirs! As part of a rigorous quality control process that also uses tracking devices to record his people’s delivery movements, Nathan regularly visits the delivery neighbourhoods, checking that householders have received his clients’ leaflets.

From paper to data

The added value Nathan brings to his clients comes through the digital extensions he offers.

He builds landing pages or even entire websites, so when a recipient interacts with a leaflet (by scanning a QR code on it, for example), Nathan can gather the contact data and also gain insights into how the respondents view the website content, enabling him to improve it.

“This helps to accelerate conversion,” he explains, “and it also provides insights into campaign response rates through unique QR codes assigned to each business’s leaflet campaign.”

The value in being a Chamber member

Of his membership of the Chamber, Nathan says: “The networking events are great – and so is the food! – and they’ve helped my business to become more established.”

“I’m gradually becoming known as ‘The Leaflet Guy’ in this area, and that suits me fine.”

Nathan is also keen to make his mark at our SME Bedfordshire Business Awards, and is currently finalising his entry – so it’s all fingers crossed for this inspiring young entrepreneur! 

For more information on how to join Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chamber-business.com, or call our friendly team on 01582 522448.