I need an opinion on Elderly Solutions company marketing

**Independent1** · 01-11-2009, 12:21 PM

I don't know if this is the proper place for this but I'd like an opinion?

For months I'd been advertising; Brouchures, Flyers, Radio, Internet, ect... No response, no calls, no work?

Someone recently told me that they didn't like the reference "ELDERLY" and that might be the problem?

So the opinion is: Should I keep it "Elderly" Solutions, or change it to "Family" Solutions?

All I want to do is take care of people, why does that have too be so hard?

Thanks for the input.

**SHELLY** · 01-11-2009, 12:33 PM

The first time you advertised, I was going to recommend that you not use the term "Elderly" -- but figured you've already put out a bunch of coin on advertising, etc. so I just let it slide.

Should you change it? Yes, by all means.

Something along the lines "family" "help" "assist" "aid" "attend" "care"-- it's not just for senior, right?

DD · 01-11-2009, 01:03 PM

I1, I, like Shelly, thought maybe "Elderly" wasn't the best word to use. I was thinking along the lines of "Senior Solutions"--kinda has a ring to it. But, if your service is not just for seniors, then obviously, you'd want to use a word that aims at your entire target demographic.

**Independent1** · 01-11-2009, 01:04 PM

It is specifically for people over 70 who need help to remain independent at home without having to go to a nursing home to live. Who need help enjoying traveling and being social?

DD · 01-11-2009, 01:12 PM

Then, I would go with Senior Solutions. Alliteration is always good.

**SHELLY** · 01-11-2009, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Independent1

It is specifically for people over 70 who need help to remain independent at home without having to go to a nursing home to live. Who need help enjoying traveling and being social?

Then maybe something like "Independent Senior Solutions" if your target is seniors footing the bill for your servcies.

Otherwise, if your target is family members footing the bill, you might go with something like "U Care Services"... with a slogan like "We'll be there, because you care."

Or if your target is servicing everyone in need of some help (including singles who are temporarily laid up with a disability, etc) then simply "Independent Solutions."

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DD · 01-11-2009, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by SHELLY

Then maybe something like "Independent Senior Solutions" if your target is seniors footing the bill for your servcies.

Otherwise, if your target is family members footing the bill, you might go with something like "U Care Services"... with a slogan like "We'll be there, because you care."

.

yep, i likey.

**GoodWitch58** · 01-11-2009, 03:59 PM

why the age requirement? there are probably lots of people who are not 70 who could occasionally use some help.

Maybe you need to do a little market research to see who in the community would be willing to pay for the service. A survey, focus group, just a telephone interview, or a post here and in the local newspaper might help you focus the business toward income producing....

I would recommend sticking with an upbeat name that emphsizes the independence aspect rather than the age...lots of people dislike "elderly", many even are put off by "senior".

maybe you could team up with a marketing Sowaler and barter some services.

Good luck!

**Snerd** · 01-11-2009, 04:16 PM

Independant1, This doesn't have anything to do with your company name, but curiosity got me to your website last week and I thought it seemed almost too generic. If I were in the position of trying to find a service like yours, I'd be more inclined to go with a company that felt more personal. The owners name and maybe photo on the website and an "about me" or small bio listing your qualifications or experience would make me more comfortable in calling.

Best of luck to you!

**tscallan** · 01-11-2009, 05:16 PM

The name Elderly Solutions is specifically what made me interested. That is what I needed.

**SWGB** · 01-11-2009, 06:01 PM

Something like "Home Helpers" or the like might work better. Offsetting the actual intent of the service slightly is a good idea. Payless shoes may have started as cheap crap shoes, but someone in marketing probably frowned on it.

Independence Solutions
Mature Solutions

Something along those lines. The term Elderly conjures up a frail old lady that can't move on her own.

**scooterbug44** · 01-11-2009, 06:06 PM

I don't like the word "solution" - makes it sound like the elderly/infirm are a problem and you have the way for people to deal with them.

More warm & fuzzy IMO. Help, care, family, friendly etc.

**SHELLY** · 01-11-2009, 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I don't like the word "solution" - makes it sound like the elderly/infirm are a problem and you have the way for people to deal with them.

More warm & fuzzy IMO. Help, care, family, friendly etc.

Caring Companions

Friends In Deed

Granny Nannies

.

**Independent1** · 01-12-2009, 01:29 AM

While working at the hospital we'd get the same elderly patients who would come back because they didn't have help at home. I'd say "boy I wish I could find a solution to this problem". This is how Elderly Solutions got started. I thought I'd give some background to how I came up with the name.

The definition of Elderly is Somewhat old; past middle age.

I have looked into the other names "Caring Companions" "Senior Solutions" "Independent Solutions" ect. there all taken?

I so appreciate the input, I hope they keep coming.

**SHELLY** · 01-12-2009, 02:27 AM

Originally Posted by Independent1

While working at the hospital we'd get the same elderly patients who would come back because they didn't have help at home. I'd say "boy I wish I could find a solution to this problem". This is how Elderly Solutions got started. I thought I'd give some background to how I came up with the name.

The definition of Elderly is Somewhat old; past middle age.

I have looked into the other names "Caring Companions" "Senior Solutions" "Independent Solutions" ect. there all taken?

I so appreciate the input, I hope they keep coming.

HERE'S MORE INPUT:

If I Google information about your Incorporation with the State of Florida...what type of information will I find?

How many other senior care service givers are in the area? (Who is your competition?)

What areas do you cover?

How are you getting the word out about your services?

Who are your local contacts? Doctors? Clinics? Hospital? Senior Centers?

Where are you placing your advertisements? What type of radio stations and what time of day are you advertising?

Have you ever been contacted to perform services? What type of questions do they ask you? Do they choke when you give them a price quote?

Your website is way too sterile to win the trust of anyone checking it out. There are dead links that contain no information at all. You need to put your name and FACE up there along with your credentials and insurance/bonding information. Also include information about your medical background and qualifications (first aid, education, etc.)

---------------------------

I do think that using "Elderly" in the title is a liability.

Are you aware that they've scheduled several "Snowbird" welcoming conventions in the Panhandle--that would be an excellent venue for you to get the word out--or at least schmooze among your target audience to pick up some ideas for expanding your services. You could set up a table with some denture-friendly snacks (snacks work--right Realtors?) and a free drawing for a food basket (remember, no toffee, no nuts!)--you'll get all kinds of names and can grease the skids by giving out "cute beachy fridge magnet business cards" or little bottles of hand lotion with your information on the label--this keeps your name front and center with them. BUT I CAUTION...at that type of venue, your "Elderly" moniker will go down like flatulence in an elevator.

**SWGB** · 01-12-2009, 08:34 PM

Snowbirds love freebies. Get pens, hats, post-its, etc. and you won't be able to beat them off with a stick.

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

I don't like the word "solution" - makes it sound like the elderly/infirm are a problem and you have the way for people to deal with them.

More warm & fuzzy IMO. Help, care, family, friendly etc.

It's "Elderly Solutions", not "Elderly Final Solution".

It sounds more to me like a solution for the elderly not a solution to the elderly.

**GoodWitch58** · 01-12-2009, 08:43 PM

...but it doesn't work: the adjective, elderly, modifies the noun, solutions, and you get solutions that are old. Subliminal, but important in advertising.

This sounds like an excellent idea for service, and it may be a needed one. Just needs some marketing help to match the willingness to provide a service to those who are in need of the help.

Think Geek Squad...how it caught on for computer help

Think Geico Insurance and the Gecko....

What you need is the sizzle to sell your steak.

**BeachSiO2** · 01-12-2009, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

...but it doesn't work: the adjective, elderly, modifies the noun, solutions, and you get solutions that are old. Subliminal, but important in advertising.

This sounds like an excellent idea for service, and it may be a needed one. Just needs some marketing help to match the willingness to provide a service to those who are in need of the help.

Think Geek Squad...how it caught on for computer help

Think Geico Insurance and the Gecko....

What you need is the sizzle to sell your steak.

I grew up eating steaks at a Western Sizzlin....

**SWGB** · 01-12-2009, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by goodwitch58

...but it doesn't work: the adjective, elderly, modifies the noun, solutions, and you get solutions that are old. Subliminal, but important in advertising.

This sounds like an excellent idea for service, and it may be a needed one. Just needs some marketing help to match the willingness to provide a service to those who are in need of the help.

Think Geek Squad...how it caught on for computer help

Think Geico Insurance and the Gecko....

What you need is the sizzle to sell your steak.

She knows her stuff, and she only failed me once in Macro Econ.