Hi Jason;
Jason, you do great work if the photo on your page is any indication. I do believe that with a little strategizing on your part, you could turn it into a full time business as quickly as you want. : )
In 22 years working with small and mid-sized businesses, I've seen small mistakes prevent business growth time and time again. I've seen small mistakes kill businesses that 'could have' succeeded.
I've also worked with business owners to help them double and triple their profit. I've helped small "home" businesses become companies that need to hire employees.
Whether you grow or not will be determined by the decisions you make right now. While it's still a part time business that you'd like to turn into a full time business.
I'd be happy to offer some feedback, since you asked, and hope you find it helpful. : )
1) Your motel idea will not work.
Firstly, it would be creating work for the owners, which they are not going to go for. Secondly, it may even be in violation of the regulations for running a motel/hotel. (Is it called the Innkeeper's Act there, too?)
Thirdly - and worst of all - it makes you look desperate for business. When you look desperate for business, you don't get any.
A better idea would be to offer a free ceiling job to ONE small (perhaps small, family owned) motel - in return for being able to take professional photographs of it. If you already have high quality photos, you can skip that step.
Then, create a VERY high class brochure highlighting the exotica of a "starlight" room. Don't cut corners on the design of the brochure.
Quadruple the price of a job. Hit the $799 to $999 range. Include touch ups for six months.
Heck, at that price, you can even offer to give the hotel a framed poster for the lobby to help "sell" the room(s).
Send the brochure to hotels and motels.
Did you know that in the West Edmonton Mall, which is the world's largest shopping & entertainment center, they have "theme" rooms. Arabian Nights, etc. Those rooms cost WAY more than a regular room SIMPLY because of the themed decorations. There are posters showing photos of the "theme" rooms in the lobby and in elevators through the mall. The first time I went there, I didn't stay in a theme room... once I saw the posters, you can bet I booked one for the next visit.
Some other food for thought....
2) Professionalism;
People will judge your company by little things that you won't even think of. Things like the quality of your business cards and brochures, and even the appearance of your website. If you want to do business with professionals, you must look like one.
No one ever hires "down" - if you look amateur, you are only going to attract people that are less professional than you LOOK. Not than you "are" but than you "appear to be" by your business presentation materials.
Home owners might pay you a couple of hundred if you look amateur. Get a more professional look, and home owners will pay you more. Get a highly professional look and businesses will be knocking on your door.
3) Your website.
In all honesty - your website needs serious help. It does not look professional, and will not do anything to help you grow your business.
If anyone found you through your website, they "might" be willing to pay you a couple of hundred. Maybe. But I'd bet as many would just leave. With professional design, you could command a much higher price - and get it. You could promote the url to hotels and have chains contacting you. But not with the site you have now.
4) International Sales.
I have an idea for making sales internationally, too... without you needing to travel to do the work. If you're interested, drop me an email and I'll explain my thoughts to see if you could make it work for you. If you can, there is HUGE potential for what you do.
In reading all of this, feel welcome to check out my site and see 'what I do'..... the link is below.
Jason, I do see a lot of potential for you... but you need a little help to get there. Feel welcome to email me to discuss your business in greater detail.
: )
Linda Caroll
http://www.lindacaroll.com