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Discussion Forum

Okay Okay already I’m going…

MisterT | Posted in Business on June 23, 2006 02:18am

Into business for myself!!!!

I have finally gotten tired of working for jerks, so I’m gonna work for the BIG JERK…

Me!!!

SOOOOO……….

I need advice, lots of it!!!

First off : Books to read on Biznes….

Running as successful Const.co.

Some about forms (the paperwork kind)…

Taxes

Financials

and anything else you guy/gals can come up with…

A link to Jerrald Hayes’ site…

I gotta find/figger out my username/password @ JLC so I can start hanging there more…

Been getting so many calls from people that find out I am no longer with the old boss….

Thanx all, in advance for the knowledge and for all the advice and encouragement I have gotten in the past!!!

With friends like you-all, who needs ….

A BOSS!!!

 

“All right. You’ve covered your

now.”
— George W. Bush to the CIA briefer who on Aug 6, 2001 warned him about an imminent Bin Laden strike

War is hell,&

#160;Shrub Lied to get us into war, so he is the devil. 

Repeal article XXII, re-elect Shrub & Co.

If we make it thru twelve years of this $HIT we can survive anything!!!

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    CloudHidden | Jun 23, 2006 02:28pm | #1

    Good luck T. Keep your sense of humor.

  2. User avater
    BossHog | Jun 23, 2006 02:47pm | #2

    Good luck on the new gig.

    Hope that big jerk of a boss treats ya well.

    (-:

    Prior to capitalism, the way people amassed great wealth was by looting, plundering, and enslaving their fellow man. Capitalism made it possible to become wealthy by serving your fellow man." [Walter Williams]
  3. andybuildz | Jun 23, 2006 03:13pm | #3

    Mazol Tov T...you won't need luck so I'm not wishing such foolishness on you. You gotz what it takes bro...Go kick some azz now and don't take no shid from anyone!!

    BE well

    andy...

    If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!

    TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]

  4. User avater
    bobl | Jun 23, 2006 03:45pm | #4

    "I gotta find/figger out my username/password @ JLC so I can start hanging there more..."

    "start hanging there more..."

    ????

     

    bobl          Volo, non valeo

    Baloney detecter

  5. CAGIV | Jun 23, 2006 09:00pm | #5

    I was going to be make some smartasz comment about using the search function since you're not new, you know this has been discussed a bunch... then i realized that because you're not new, you know the search function blows ;)

    Seriously though, good luck.

    Thought I'm not in business for myself, a few books I've read and thought worth while

    JLC Contractors Legal Kit

    "How much should I charge"  (can't recall the author and do not have in front of me)

    "Managing the emotional homeowner" by David Lupberger---- that book is more then dealing with nut-jobs, more about managing expectations etc.

    and a half dozen or so different sales books I've made it though so far.

     

    Team Logo

  6. jackplane | Jun 23, 2006 09:08pm | #6

    get the JLC book, Running a Small Construction Business. And don't just use it to put coffee and donuts on...

     

    1. calvin | Jun 23, 2006 09:26pm | #7

      Tony.

      Get a day minder book for the dashboard.  Enter the start time/finish time and what you did.  Include LF of trim, no.'s of doors windows, sq ft of floor and other essentials so you have a daily record. 

      I keep a folder for each job.  In it are the material deliv. slips and all the estimating papers.  Spec sheets, etc...........all the paperwork on the job.  Later on, a breeze to find a certain material, grout color, whatever..............also a certain place for the faucet number you'll need for the new cartridge........the homo lost the install info.

      And Quickbooks.  I've got the regular quickbooks.  Indespensible.  Will keep your books for you to give to the tax guy.  If you go QB Pro because of all the bells and whistles, all the better.  But, I've made the reg. one work for me.  Estimates I use the invoice but call it Proposal.  All you have to do is write in the body of the proposal the numbers you are listing.  The total that the computer keeps as an invoice can remain zero so it doesn't go in the mix at tax time.

      Be prompt, don't lie and don't over extend yourself.  Prompt billing and good credit.  Treat your subs like partners, they'll return the favor if they're not #### holes.

      Best of luck.

      Send me one of your company t-shirts if you get 'em, XL.

      thanks.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

      Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      Quittin' Time

       

      1. CAGIV | Jun 23, 2006 11:49pm | #8

        Job-site signs, don't forget the job-site signs.

        I'm amazed how much business we get off of them and they cost next to nothing.

        1. calvin | Jun 24, 2006 12:02am | #9

          And if you get too busy and end up on referral only, you can stick em in the back of the garage, pull it out when you host a fest.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

          Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

           

  7. User avater
    dieselpig | Jun 24, 2006 12:33am | #10

    If you're anything like me, you're now working for a real SOB slave driver.  Keep him in his place.

    I could tell you all the books I've read, but the truth of it all is that hanging out here has probably done the most to help my business.

    Fall in love with your business, not the work.  Front load your payment schedules as much as possible, but keep it legal and keep it ethical.  And always remember that it's your name on whatever your build.  Don't do it if it's gonna keep you up at night.

    Find a great accountant.  Find a great insurance guy.  Find an even better lawyer. 

    Oh... and they're supposed to have sticker shock.  It ain't a hobby.

    View Image
    1. Snort | Jun 24, 2006 01:02am | #11

      'Bout danged time...incorporate, pay your taxes quarterly...you know what to , and like somebody else said, crack your clients up occasionally...they'll need it<G>Go get 'em, and I'll take a large<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

  8. User avater
    txlandlord | Jun 24, 2006 01:24am | #12

    Now that you own your own business, you only ahve to work a 1/2 day....you just need to gifure out which 12 hours of it you want to work.

    1. Stilletto | Jun 24, 2006 01:35am | #13

      Great way of putting it,  12 hours isn't enough sometimes either.

       Can't you hear the violin playing your song.

  9. RW | Jun 24, 2006 01:44am | #14

    Take risks

    trust your gut instinct over just about everything else

    Decide from the start if you're going to compete on price or quality and stick to it.

    Let your niche find you.

     

    "Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton

  10. User avater
    intrepidcat | Jun 24, 2006 02:00am | #15

    Good luck! Hope you do very well for yourself!

     

     

     

     

    If having a low wage work force was good for a country's economy then why hasn't Mexico built a fence? 

     

  11. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Jun 24, 2006 02:04am | #16

    Good luck on your new business.  Quality begets more clients.

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

    1. Snort | Jun 24, 2006 02:23am | #17

      ...but now you're gonna have to learn to cope with a jigsaw, ha! I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

    2. experienced | Jun 24, 2006 02:40am | #18

      Couple of things I didn't learn from two small business courses:

      (1) Do credit checks on clients.

      (2) Learn how to collect money. Set some personal rules on how you will proceed when a "payment due date" is missed. Call or visit the client immediately!! If they give you a storey about some delays from the lender, bank, etc., check with said party to make sure you're not being mislead. How long past the due date will you wait -7, 10, 15 days- before you send it out to collection or will another call be made to client?  The longer a bill goes unpaid, the harder it is to collect. If you're not that organized a person, it's better to show up at the accountants/bookkeepers office with monthly invoices/payment records in labelled shoe boxes and money in the bank; if you show up with no money in the bank, they ain't gonna straighten things out for nothing!!

      DO NOT try to get business by undercutting the competition; this drags every one down to your level of pricing!! Win the business by selling yourself, your work quality, your extensive knowledge, etc. If you're winning more than 1 in 4 or 5 bids, your prices are probably too low. Get yourself established in the mid to high range and move your prices up as you start to get known for your work, attention to customer's concerns, questions, etc.

      1. User avater
        NickNukeEm | Jun 24, 2006 03:00am | #19

        Redirected:

        Couple of things I didn't learn from two small business courses:

        (1) Do credit checks on clients.

        (2) Learn how to collect money. Set some personal rules on how you will proceed when a "payment due date" is missed. Call or visit the client immediately!! If they give you a storey about some delays from the lender, bank, etc., check with said party to make sure you're not being mislead. How long past the due date will you wait -7, 10, 15 days- before you send it out to collection or will another call be made to client?  The longer a bill goes unpaid, the harder it is to collect. If you're not that organized a person, it's better to show up at the accountants/bookkeepers office with monthly invoices/payment records in labelled shoe boxes and money in the bank; if you show up with no money in the bank, they ain't gonna straighten things out for nothing!!

        DO NOT try to get business by undercutting the competition; this drags every one down to your level of pricing!! Win the business by selling yourself, your work quality, your extensive knowledge, etc. If you're winning more than 1 in 4 or 5 bids, your prices are probably too low. Get yourself established in the mid to high range and move your prices up as you start to get known for your work, attention to customer's concerns, questions, etc.

        Edit, misspelled the only stinking word I typed.  Ain't that just the way.

        "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

        Edited 6/23/2006 8:02 pm ET by NickNukeEm

        1. rwjiudice | Jul 28, 2006 08:18pm | #58

          The very FIRST BOOK you MUST read is "The E-Myth". (Don't remember the author but it's in the business section of any book store).

          It explains very clearly why many self run businesses fail, but reading it will help you NOT fail.

          Great book - MUST reading for any business owner.

          Dick J

          1. CAGIV | Jul 29, 2006 12:20am | #60

            And there is also the E-myth contractor.

            I'd recommend both.

  12. User avater
    Gunner | Jun 24, 2006 05:02am | #20

      Good. It'll be more entertaining now when you bitch about the boss. :)

    Good luck and don't give anything away.

     

     

    Rock the Tipi!

  13. Jer | Jun 24, 2006 05:16am | #21

    Figure out what you want to do.

    Figure out your capabilities.

    Is there a market for what you want to do?

    Set your sights on who you want to work for.

    Start small. 

    Don't let the green foul up any real ambitions of yours.

    Return all phone calls on a timely basis.

    Keep the overhead low.

    Afford only what you can afford to pay back.

    Build conservatively.

    At the end of the day if there is profit, return it to the business.

    As quickly as possible, build up a rainy day fund.  It's not a question of if you'll ever need it, it's just a matter of when.

    Be presentable, personable, and polite.

    Use your bestest grammar.

    Network yourself with others.

     Follow up on all leads.

    Get business cards and use them.

    Get a logo and advertise if you feel you want to but remember, word of mouth is better than any of that.

    Become a people person.

    Learn how the sell a job. 

    Learn the local ordinances.

    As a self employed business person you should make an effort to become involved in community affairs, even if it's just singing in the community choir.

    There will be no where for you to pass the buck. Your word and your honesty are more precious than Soloman and all his gold.  Fiercely protect them.

    Read and learn.

    Have a beer & have fun on the journey.

    Good luck.

  14. Bowz | Jun 24, 2006 06:51am | #22

    Good Luck, Mister T.

    Since the search engine sucks, here are a few numbers from threads that were helpful. I printed some stuff from these threads that I keep in my notes. Click on "Advanced Search", and scroll down to enter the thread number:

    54954   "Advice"  RichFromColumbus has a good list at post #3

    46799    "Professional Image"

    52423    "Sales Call Scheduling"  

    68790     "Qualifying Leads"   Gotta look past SamT and Frenchy spittin' at and slappin each other.

    73370    "I'm a Bad Salesman"

    The book someone else recommended was "How Much Should I Charge" by Ellen Rohr. Her website is http://www.barebonesbiz.com

    Have fun!

    Bowz

    1. User avater
      SamT | Jun 24, 2006 05:44pm | #29

      Hey, I resemble that remark!

      LOL

      Actually, I think Frenchy and I both had some good stuff in that thread.

       SamT

  15. huddledmass | Jun 24, 2006 08:31am | #23

    i watched a great "documentary" called 'Truth and Lies of 9-11' and it goes into some serious detail about the U.S. government being responsible for the terror attacks as an excuse to get into the middle east for the oil...very interesting and hey...why not?

     

     

    "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson
    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Jun 24, 2006 01:44pm | #24

      And you figured that this would be the appropriate thread to share that information?!?!  Take that crap to the tavern...... where it belongs.View Image

      1. User avater
        Sphere | Jun 24, 2006 02:40pm | #26

        In the defense of the confused poster, T's TAGLINE is what he was responding to I'd wager.

        Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

        There is no cure for stupid. R. White.

        1. User avater
          dieselpig | Jun 24, 2006 02:44pm | #27

          Great.

          That's what email is for.View Image

          1. jimblodgett | Jun 24, 2006 05:06pm | #28

            Try not to schedule any work for Saturdays or holidays.  Enjoy them, you only have so many days to live.  Give your business 5 hard ones, then take a couple to recuperate, reenergize, ponder.Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!

            http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com

          2. User avater
            jonblakemore | Jun 25, 2006 03:06am | #30

            Try not to schedule any work for Saturdays or holidays. Enjoy them, you only have so many days to live.

            And you may need those days open to get back on track from your project when everything seems to go wrong.

            T, read all that you can, set up Quickbooks and STICK TO IT (the financial stuff isn't that bad if you do it every business day), network like your next meal depends on it (it very well may), control your overhead, always be professional. 

            Jon Blakemore RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

          3. jimblodgett | Jun 25, 2006 04:39am | #31

            "And you may need those days open to get back on track from your project when everything seems to go wrong."

            Oh yeah.  There will be plenty of things to do on Saturday without scheduling anything.  Every time I try to "squeeze" something in Saturday morning, I end up doing all those catch up things Sunday.  Come Monday I feel like I need a day off instead of rip snortin' and rarin' to go.

            Hey T, I came back with another one that really helped me.  Make sure to schedule enough slack time between jobs so you're not busting butt to finish one job so you can start the next on time.  That really helps me, the idea that if I bust my butt I can have two weeks before I start the next job instead of one.  Now THAT'S worth busting your butt for!

            Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!

            http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com

            Edited 6/24/2006 9:42 pm ET by jimblodgett

      2. huddledmass | Jun 25, 2006 07:34am | #32

        why not...he brought up some other interesting points in his end quotes.  And do you think that your attitude and language are appropriate...take it to where it belongs..and don't forget to kizz my azz when you get there.

         

         "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson

        1. User avater
          dieselpig | Jun 25, 2006 05:06pm | #39

          His end quotes?  That's his tagline, smart guy.  Just keep it in the Tavern, would you?  That's what it's there for.  It's a good thread, no need to clutter it up with more asinine political banter.  Kiss your azz?  Hey look..... there's places for that too if that's what floats your boat.  Personally, I don't swing that way.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          View Image

          Edited 6/25/2006 10:40 am ET by dieselpig

          1. MikeSmith | Jun 25, 2006 10:13pm | #40

            tony, tony, tony...

             best thing is , now you can write off the seminar at TipiFest...

            hey, youse guys quit pickin on huddledmass

            what's with all this love ? Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          2. huddledmass | Jun 26, 2006 03:59am | #42

            "Personally, I don't swing that way.  Not that there's anything wrong with that."

            There's lots wrong with it...i lost my wife because of it.

             

             

             "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson

          3. User avater
            dieselpig | Jun 26, 2006 04:03am | #43

            I'm not even sure how to respond to that man.  I'm sorry to hear that.View Image

          4. MikeSmith | Jun 26, 2006 04:10am | #44

            ok.... group hug ... let's goMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          5. User avater
            dieselpig | Jun 26, 2006 04:12am | #45

            LOL.... for once in my life, I didn't know what to say!!View Image

    2. DanT | Jun 24, 2006 01:52pm | #25

      Wow, that is usueful advice.  And here I thought you would go into a tirade about marketing, sales or something he could really use and asked for.  Read Diesels response again.  DanT

      1. huddledmass | Jun 25, 2006 07:36am | #33

        read my response to diesel and you'll find some more useful advice..as useful as the advice you give anyway

         

         

         

         "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson

        1. DanT | Jun 25, 2006 10:25am | #35

          Ok, here is some more of my advice you say you like.  Move the curser up to file,  bring it down to print.  When the print screen comes up select print.  When you have printed this out roll into a small tube and jamb it directly up your ####!  Should be a familier feeling.  DanT

          1. User avater
            JeffBuck | Jun 25, 2006 10:34am | #36

            glad to see U back so soon.

             

            and as usual ... full of useful information!

            Very well put ... so to speak ...

             

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          2. DanT | Jun 25, 2006 02:58pm | #37

            Little emotional release during insominia lol.  DanT

          3. huddledmass | Jun 26, 2006 03:58am | #41

            thanks...i'm always looking for new ways to get my rocks off!

             

             "I hate quotations.  Tell me what you know"  Ralph Waldo Emerson

  16. User avater
    JeffBuck | Jun 25, 2006 07:38am | #34

    'bout time!

    Welcome to the real word ...

     

    and let the real bitching begin!

     

    anyways ... I'm thinking you'll do fine ... just sell yerself as well as U are at bitching and crying about yer boss(es) ...

    and seeing as how I'm met U in person ... I do think you'll do just fine at selling yourself. Just remember ... push/push/push ... life is a stage ... and it's all about the sales. Sell yourself 24/7. Each and every day ... each and every person.

    develop your own style ... but sell/sell/sell all the same.

    Yer not exactly a quiet/shy type ... use that to your advantage. Make them laugh all the way to the close ...

    and T ... now that you've finally grown a set ... email me for any specifics ...

    I actually know of the crap I spout. Just don't always feel like expounding on the internet, ya know ... but for U ... yer my friend ... I'll make a special one time deal ...

    trust me!

    and hey ... Good Luck!

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

  17. fredvh | Jun 25, 2006 04:44pm | #38

    New in business myself.

    Pick up Mark up and Profit: A Contractors Guide by Michael C. Stone

    Good all around business book for small contractors.

    Good Luck

    Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.’ — Oliver Goldsmith.

  18. Danusan11 | Jun 26, 2006 04:45am | #46

    Now that your a business man, you'll have to become a republican

  19. Brooks | Jun 26, 2006 10:51am | #47

    Buy low, sell high, collect early, pay late.

  20. User avater
    bobl | Jun 26, 2006 02:28pm | #48

    check out the reward credit cards

    got an offer for one from Chase that gave 3% back on lumberyards, home centers, gas and restauraunts.

    there are others, have a persomel card from Citi that gives 5% on gas

    CCs can be trouble, but can be managed

     

    bobl          Volo, non valeo

    Baloney detecter

    1. MisterT | Jul 28, 2006 12:55am | #49

      Update time!!!

      ExBoss gave me my pay and said finish up.

      So Now I'm Officially self employed.

      gonna start 2 small jobs tomorry(cieling fan and a vanity)Bigger one Sta or Mon

      Got a whopping 6x7 addittion to do after those.

      Gonna send out a letter to about 40 people I have done work for to let them know I am in bizniz.

      Gonna get some pics and update my portfolio

      After I make some green I wanna get signs and a new puter

      and a boat every contractor needs a boat!!!

       I have no comment...

      1. seeyou | Jul 28, 2006 01:03am | #50

        Congrats - you'll be glad you did.I've said this before but, see if you can find some GOOD GC's to hook up with ( I just spent an hour on the phone with a homeowner quibbeling about whether it was 14 squares or 15 squares we installed. I bid it at 15 squares, but bought an extra square just in case. She see's the material left on the ground and want's a discount). I like to let them deal with this kind of crap and concentrate on doing what I like to do best. TIPI! 

         

        DANG!!!!!

         

        http://grantlogan.net/

      2. Snort | Jul 28, 2006 01:05am | #51

        Hey ,I've got a canoe without a paddle, keep it up a brown crick...you can borrow it ;-)Hope you can get along with your new boss, haHey, safety meetings at the Star Diner! I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head

      3. User avater
        CloudHidden | Jul 28, 2006 01:07am | #52

        You can do it!

      4. User avater
        JeffBuck | Jul 28, 2006 01:29am | #53

        welcome to the dark side ....

         

        got cards printed yet? If not ... that's the first step to cheap advertising ...

        everyone U know and meet gets two ... "one for a friend" ...

        the wife carries a stack in her purse ... keep a stack in her car ... another in your truck.

         

        Suddenly the "parent nites" at school/daycare are interresting!

        My favorite opening line ... "so just how long HAVE you been thinking about that new kitchen?"

         

        I've met U ... U can pull this same crap off as I do ...

        people actually think it funny ... and leads actually flow.

        Do not be shy about letting every human U come in contact with know what you do for a living ... get used to giving tons of free advice ... but every now and then ...

        it pays off.

         also .. like CU said ... contact GC's. I had a slow down 2 and a half yrs ago ... got out the yellow pages and did net searches ... contacted by email and followed up with a phone call each and every high end kitchen and bath showroom in the area .. I'm still working off that 2 week period. I just called and asked to speak with who ever was in charge of installs ... asked if they'd ever consider a sub. I wrote up an intro email/resume and included 2 pics ... and said I had more available.

        I started by subing for the company that laid me off ... they fed my kid for the first year and a half ...

        Jeff    Buck Construction

         Artistry In Carpentry

             Pittsburgh Pa

        1. MisterT | Jul 28, 2006 04:02am | #54

          Initial run of bizcards was 40

          almost all gone

          did another run of 100 tonight

           

           

          Tony Ferrito

          Custom Carpentry

          Renovations

          Wood work

           

           

          Professional            (###)###-####

          Experienced            Cell  ###-####

          Insured                                                    

           

           

          Did the layout vertically like Dave Gerstel's in his book

          liked the look and the different orientationI have no comment...

          1. MisterT | Jul 28, 2006 05:37pm | #55

            Two hours into my first day and I'm already talking to myself!!!

            and I finished my first JOB!!!

            hung a cieling fan

            2 hours

            asked for 75$

            got 80!

            Profit!!!!

            Out to the shop to build a vanity

             I have no comment...

          2. JohnT8 | Jul 28, 2006 07:03pm | #56

            and I finished my first JOB!!!  hung a cieling fan 2 hours asked for 75$ got 80!

            Uhhh.... but you paid $126 for the ceiling fan...                     ;)

            But seriously congrats on making the jump!  We can say we knew you when you were just a one-man operation struggling to keep food on the table.

            Go get a logo thread stirred up.  There are some good logo idea guys around here.  And as Buck already mentioned, get a big pile of cards printed up.  I keep cards and have called on them a year or more later.   Just because you gave someone a card and they didn't call the next week doesn't mean they won't call you in a year.  Those things can get shoved into desk drawers and pinned up on bulletin boards for future reference.

            The strange way my brain works (and it's probably just me)...I tend to remember company names better when it's just the last name rather than full names.  So for me, I'd remember "Ferrito Custom Carpentry" easier than I'd remember it with your first name on there.  I can think of 3 right off the top of my head where I know the last-name company name, but couldn't tell you the guy's first name that I talked with.   And if their company name had included both, I might not even have remembered them.   So I'd go through my pile of cards and say, "aah, here it is, Ferrito Custom Carpentry, Tony Ferrito is the guy I talked with."   The exception might be someone with a common name like Smith, but I'm not in Mike Smith's area, so that isn't a problem.  ;)  

            But I'm sure you made the right decision in going out on your own.  You're in your element now.  Just a matter of keeping all the pesky details under control.  And just look what good company you're in ;)

            jt8

            "A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."  -- Saint Basil

            Edited 7/28/2006 12:05 pm by JohnT8

          3. MisterT | Jul 29, 2006 12:44am | #63

            Does this shirt make me look fat??I have no comment...

          4. calvin | Jul 29, 2006 02:25am | #64

            I think it's what is pushing that shirt out.

            Now don't get involved in a "I can't go to L.I." job.  Block the time, and bring the wife.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

            Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

            Quittin' Time

             

          5. User avater
            PaulBinCT | Jul 28, 2006 10:44pm | #59

            Congratulations T!  I've been self employed all my adult life and despite it's problems and setbacks I can't say I've ever regretted it.  My first suggestion is, reevaluate your labor rate... 35 an hour? You'll never survive (unless you live somewhere a wholeeeeeeeee lot cheaper than CT).

            All best wishes!

            PaulB

          6. MisterT | Jul 29, 2006 12:33am | #61

            Paul,

            Thanks for your concern.

            35$/hr. is middle of the road here.

            A LOT of guys charging 25 and some established ones charging 50-60$

            (2 of my former employers)

            I plan to raise it as soon as I feel it is warranted.

            to all:

            went out networking today.

            two kitchen places said they will have work for me!!

            Got my Liability ins. too.

            Too Legit to Quit!!!

            feels good for my first day!!!I have no comment...

          7. User avater
            CloudHidden | Jul 29, 2006 02:56am | #65

            >35$/hr. is middle of the road here.I had someone do a bunch of trim and other work on the house...nice guy, great skills, honest, trustworthy, creative, experienced...$35 for him and an assistant. He oughta raise his prices, but I wasn't in the position to do it for him.

          8. User avater
            JeffBuck | Jul 29, 2006 07:11am | #67

            Hey T ...

             

            one more.

             

            all yer former bosses subs ...

            Get a letter out to each one of them ...

            and ... if funds are available ... grab each one and take them out for a cheap/quick lunch date. Much like when I was laid off and started subing ... I bet yer on better terms with them than your former boss ... common enemy deal.

            One of my best sales closers is the fact that I do have some of the absolute best sub contacts in the area. The place I used to work for was very well known and very high end .... naturally ... their list of mechanical subs included the very best available.

            So ... when I went back on my own ... I simply called my buddies. The guys I met and worked with on the same jobsites. Funny thing happened ... I got great freaking service from the best subs in the area ... as we met and became friends first.

            I got guys that are booked solid for months on end ... that'll drop what ever and do a service call for one of my clients that nite.

            Leaves one hell of an impression.

            I do tell everyone ... my guys are the best ... and they are far from the cheapest.

            And we don't question a damn thing they do. They're the experts ... and we will respect that ... plus ... we'll pay their asking price and pay it fast.

            I have 2 plumbers ... 2 electricians (one prefered) ... an HVAC guy ... a fireplace guy ... a painter ... concrete guy .... custom pool guy ... carpet guy ... drywall guy ...

            and pretty much anything else U can think of.

            All ... the very best in the area.

             

            Aside from helping me take projects way bigger than I should ... they help me sell my company. And I didn't have to do any of the hard work in finding them ... last place went thru all the dregs ... I just kept the numbers of their tops subs.

             

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          9. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 30, 2006 04:58am | #75

              Seventy five bucks is about all your gonna bleed out of a fan around here anyway. Did you have to reinforce it? Or just hang it?

              I'm glad your getting started. You seem to be one of the good guys. Good luck.

             

             

             

             

             

                                       Tipi fest 06. Get hip to it..

          10. DavidxDoud | Jul 30, 2006 05:06am | #76

            ...I finished my first JOB!!!

            ...asked for 75$

            got 80!..

            ...Got my Liability ins. too...

            sooo....

            you've grossed $80,  and sent $500 to the insurance co...

            keep up the good work,  you are a living embodiment of the self employed...

             ...probably time to buy some tools too....

             

             "there's enough for everyone"

          11. User avater
            jazzdogg | Jul 28, 2006 07:43pm | #57

             

            "Initial run of bizcards was 40. almost all gone. did another run of 100 tonight"

            Hi Tony,

            If you haven't already, you might want to ask your printer about quantity discounts; it's usually most cost-effective to have business cards printed in batches of at least 500.

            Because they buy their supplies in bulk, a printer can usually print business cards less expensively than you can print them yourself - provided you place a large enough order.

            Congratulations, and best of luck on your new endeavor!

             -Jazzdogg-

            "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

  21. piko | Jul 29, 2006 12:44am | #62

    Just come in - kinda late - on the posting. D*mn good going, pal.

    When I was working for someone else I never reckoned I'd work for me - but then I don't get paid for "calling in sick", eh. 'Course, I was rarely in a job I enjoyed as much as this, anyhow.

    I picked up a line somewhere - "Sure beats working". That's by way on being my M.O.. As I rip someone's house apart I think - 'I'm getting paid for this!' And when it's put back together I'll have made a great and happy impression. If my epitaph could be "He made a difference to people's lives", then it'll have been worthwhile. It can be fun, hard work, and exhilarating, but I doubt you'll regret it, and I hope they'll at say least the same about you.

    From what everyone else has said, esp those who've met you, you'll do fine. Up your rates asap, keep the integrity, don't take anything 'because you have to' - you might miss the one that's right for you. And if the worst comes to the worst, find a biker that'll convince your customers why it might be a good idea to settle up with you ;-)

    All the best...

    To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.

     

  22. User avater
    JeffBuck | Jul 29, 2006 07:01am | #66

    Cool ...

     

    more free advertising!

    gives me a chance to add ... when T get's an order of 500 cards together ... go for the raised print and better stock paper ... I like mine to be "linen" ... but anything with a nice texture is good ... just feels "richer" ...

     

    I've actually gotten alot of comments from prospects when I hand the card over ... people like to feel and touch ... so they feel the raised print and touch the nice upgraded "linen" paper ... and actually tell me what a nice card I have.

    every little additional impression U can leave embedded in peoples minds makes for one step closer to the next sale.

    Jeff

        Buck Construction

     Artistry In Carpentry

         Pittsburgh Pa

    1. User avater
      CloudHidden | Jul 29, 2006 03:45pm | #68

      >go for the raised print and better stock paperA wood carver handed me a business card printed on a thin wood veneer. Could be appropriate for a builder, too, unless he works mostly with concrete.

      1. seeyou | Jul 29, 2006 03:56pm | #69

        You just gave me an idea for my small copper scraps. 

         

        Are we there, yet?

         

        http://grantlogan.net/

        1. wrudiger | Jul 29, 2006 09:40pm | #70

          That would be the business card people keep and remember! (Can I have one?)

        2. User avater
          CloudHidden | Jul 29, 2006 09:49pm | #71

          Could you get them laser etched?

          1. seeyou | Jul 29, 2006 10:03pm | #72

            I don't know - The printing is definately the rub. 

             

            Are we there, yet?

             

            http://grantlogan.net/

          2. User avater
            CloudHidden | Jul 29, 2006 11:00pm | #73

            Have a die of a card made on a hard metal roller. Roll your scrap of copper through it to press the design into the copper. Roll black paint over it and polish the surface to brighten the copper and leave the design/text black. Lacquer.Simple, huh?

  23. User avater
    Gunner | Jul 30, 2006 04:50am | #74

      Jeezus. You might want to block out the guys phone number and address first. Kind of ironic he just got booted out of the tavern for something similar, but gave out far less information.

     

     

     

     

     

                               Tipi fest 06. Get hip to it..

    1. User avater
      CloudHidden | Jul 30, 2006 05:18am | #78

      Huh?

      1. User avater
        Gunner | Jul 30, 2006 05:23am | #79

          Keep up. There's a test later.

         

         

         

         

         

                                   Tipi fest 06. Get hip to it..

        1. User avater
          CloudHidden | Jul 30, 2006 06:14am | #80

          As long as it's just pass-fail...

        2. emana | Aug 01, 2006 03:31am | #92

          I have a laser engraver and could make you wood cards....email me

           

           

          ED

    2. User avater
      JeffBuck | Jul 30, 2006 07:37am | #81

      "You might want to block out the guys phone number and address first. "

       

      Dude ... U trying to kill my free advertising!

       

      I say make it bigger!

      besides ... I just lost half my market after being kicked outta the tavern ...

       

      give a brother a break!

      Jeff    Buck Construction

       Artistry In Carpentry

           Pittsburgh Pa

      1. DougU | Jul 31, 2006 03:00am | #82

        As you know Jeff I dont partake of the tavern experience so do tell, what in Gods name did you get kicked out for?

        Or are they just trying to clean up the riff-raff and turn it into one of those yuppie type establishments.

        Doug

        1. MikeSmith | Jul 31, 2006 03:09am | #83

          he!! man... use a little sensitivity , huh ?

          you no jeff is mortally embarrassed by this

           

           

           

           

           

          notMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

          1. jimblodgett | Jul 31, 2006 04:43am | #84

            Yeah man, do tell!  What on earth could you say or do to get kicked out of THAT place?  Missed all the fireworks again.

            Hey DougU - Maybe we should start visiting there more often.  Missing out on the fun stuff, huh?Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!

            http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com

          2. User avater
            Gunner | Jul 31, 2006 05:03am | #85

              Well let me tell ya. There was five make that ten of em on Buck. He gave em a heck of a fight, punching and screaming, head butting and biting all the way. He'd push them back awhile, then they'd push him back awhile. He was all set and ready to make his last big charge in and finish em off, when Sancho stuck his head out from under his table to see what was going on, and dang if Buck didn't trip over him and lose his glasses.

             

             

             

             

             

                                       Tipi fest 06. Get hip to it..

          3. DougU | Jul 31, 2006 05:31am | #86

            Hey DougU - Maybe we should start visiting there more often.  Missing out on the fun stuff, huh?

            Dont tempt me, that place is as addictive as any drug that I may or may not have used in my youth!

            Doug

          4. User avater
            JeffBuck | Aug 01, 2006 02:23am | #90

            I simply asked another member if she wanted to stand by her comments.

            and since she posts under an assumed name ... I asked if she thot the company she's here to supposedly represent would be as proud of her comments as she was.

            and I mentioned Christy's company.

             

            appearantly mentioning Christy's company and her name in the same post is illegal.

            I donno ... I thot maybe she's not be so embarrased as to use her real name and company title as she so proudly waved when she first flew into town?

            Then again ... in those days ... Chirsty didn't butt into the middle of two other peoples conversation to throw out wild accusations then run away like the troll she is.

             

            So that's why I got kicked out ... because some ahole didn't want their name attached to the crap they spouted.

             

            Hey Doug ... nice knowing ya!

             

            Ahha ha ha ha ...

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          5. DougU | Aug 01, 2006 03:28am | #91

            Damn Jeff, it aint gonna be the same around here without ya!

            Sometimes theres just to much gray area in these rules, they really need to make me king so that I can eliminate some of the BS around here.

            Doug

          6. User avater
            JeffBuck | Aug 02, 2006 12:34am | #93

            Hey ... I'm still here.

            Looks like the rules on apply part time? (typical)

             

            cool.

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          7. seeyou | Aug 02, 2006 12:53am | #94

            Just curious - are you kicked out of the tavern forever or just for a while?
            Also, there's still one seat left on the bus and we're coming right thru the 'burg if the family vacation falls thru (not badgering, just laying out the info) and as it stands it's 3 liberals to 2 conservatives. 

             

            Are we there, yet?

             

            http://grantlogan.net/

          8. User avater
            bobl | Aug 02, 2006 01:08am | #95

            "and as it stands it's 3 liberals to 2 conservatives."ahh, the liberals are out numbered. 

            bobl          Volo, non valeo

            Baloney detecter    WFR

          9. seeyou | Aug 02, 2006 02:15am | #96

            Hehehehe - yeah, that maybe right, but at the same time a conversation's no fun if everybody agrees. Maybe we need to recruit a libertarian. 

             

            Are we there, yet?

             

            http://grantlogan.net/

          10. MisterT | Aug 02, 2006 02:17am | #97

            only if your counting azzholes!!!

            :)I have no comment...

          11. User avater
            bobl | Aug 02, 2006 02:21am | #98

            that's no way to refer to liberals!:) 

            bobl          Volo, non valeo

            Baloney detecter    WFR

          12. User avater
            JeffBuck | Aug 08, 2006 10:32pm | #99

            back temp today ...

            computer at home fried.

             

            no plans to even look at buying new till after the vacation ... priorities ...

             

            the tavern stoning was to be 2 or 3 weeks ... I told them seeing as how I did nothing wrong I didn't want invited back.

            so I made it permamant.

             

            Just found out my local library needs better AC.

            Jeff    Buck Construction

             Artistry In Carpentry

                 Pittsburgh Pa

          13. DougU | Jul 31, 2006 05:33am | #87

            Yea Mike, I'd find it hard to believe that Jeff could get to embarassed from anything that went on in the tav!

            Doug

      2. User avater
        SamT | Jul 31, 2006 06:12am | #88

        Kicked out, Hunh?

        Well you're part of a good crowd.SamT

        1. MisterT | Jul 31, 2006 12:41pm | #89

          Kicked out of the woodshed tavern...

          Kinda gettin to be a badge of honor...

          Probably commented on the panties the sysops wear...

          :)

           I have no comment...

  24. notascrename | Jul 30, 2006 05:08am | #77

    And when theyask what it's gonna cost, say "half what I wanna make and twice what you wanna pay" Jim Devier

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