Name of business: Tattoo Magic
Business location: Southampton
 
John Williams is the owner of ‘Tattoo Magic’ a tattoo studio in Southampton which has been established for over 30 years. He has been described as “a sound bloke, who loves his job - and it shows in his work.” We caught up with John to ask him a few questions about running this small but successful business. 
 
How many people are employed at Tattoo Magic?
Two artists work each day ... seven days a week. A total of four artists cover the studio, but only two a day can work there - we only have the two work stations!
 
What have been some of the challenges in running your own business?
You can't be a 'clock watcher' with your own business! Setting it up and keeping it running are quite a job, but the most important thing is to reverse rolls from time to time! Walk into the studio as a customer would and evaluate it from there. It MUST be welcoming, interesting and business-like. We keep the answerphone on all the time, so if we are too busy to answer an incoming call, people get details of opening times etc. We were only one of two studios in the area, but over the years, more studios have opened, so we have to keep our wits about us to remain 'top dog'!!!
 
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
We do have an 'end product' and the really rewarding thing is to see a happy and satisfied customer!
 
How do you use Phone & Broadband in the daily running of your business?
Phones are on at all times, and if we can't answer it personally (working with sterile gloves etc.) the answer-phone gives the opening hours etc.  We are setting up a web site at this moment, and it should be live in a week or so!
 
Do you use the internet to promote your business?
See above ... we will shortly!
 
Are there any professional websites which you use and would recommend to other small businesses?
Google's illustrations are invaluable for ideas and design inspiration!
 
How long have you been with XLN?
We joined XLN a couple of years ago, mainly because BT prices seemed to be goind mad!
 
Is there any advice you would give to others starting/running their own business?
 You will never work as hard as one does with one's own business, always try and see it from the customer's point of view, and always aim to keep the customers happy - so they recommend you and come back!!!
 
 
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