Any of you guys run your own company? started doing my own bits about 3 months ago, but really am sturggling to get my own work, work for someone who ive been with the last 4 years but had enough and want to get work myself, been emailing builders, kitchen fitters ect but doesnt seemk to be getting me anywhere, what do you lot ddo to get work?
get a website and then list yourself on as many free online directorys as poss ,local leaflets also can work but it takes time to build a business,ive been running my own now for over 25yrs and it dont get any easier.dont bother emailing people as they just dont read them. personal visits with a info pack on yourself containing cv ,pics,qualifications,courses youve done etc. insurance details etc ,be prepared to leave loads (shotgun approach).
http://www.neustar.biz/infoservices/solutions/localeze expect nuisance calls from some of them trying to sell paid for ads, just be blunt with them though, 'sorry not interested' and hang up if they argue/hard-sell.
I been self employed 27 years and its tough at the moment , if you can subby some and gradually build up your own work , that's what I did to the point where u don't need to subby
i found getting my van signed has helped enormously, have got a lot of work off the back off that. website, facebook business site, twitter, adds on yell.com etc etc all help. it all takes time mate rome wasnt built in a day but keep persevering.
Look after your customers when you get them, the best advertising is word of mouth, Do a good job at a fair price, do what you say you are going to do and when you say you'll do it. Communicate with customers if theres a problem, give them options on how you do the install , and be friendly. You could be the cheapest supplier, best installer in the country, but if you're a miserable git they wont come back or recommend you.
It's not easy getting started sub contracted for the same company for 10 years and around 2010 felt I wanted to go out on my own. I had a basic web site built for a couple of hundred pounds and as was previously said got my site listed for free everywere i could.i was putting business cards everywhere most howdens and toolstation have a local buissness board. Over the course of the following year I slowly switched from doing sub to my own work. The key was picking up clients who give you regular work I have a number of clients, kitchen company's an office furniture company and a number of builders who fill up about 50% of my time. It's not easy but it was the best move I ever made.
Business cards are essential and you give several to every happy customer before you leave. I ( and I'm sure many of us here) frequently get calls from people saying" you don't know me but you did some work for my friend/ my brother or sister etc / my parents / my colleague and so on. " People are your best salesmen and you just have to make it easy for them to find you again.
oops getting work - Always be prepared to go that extra 1/2 yard, always offer to do that bit extra, help with furniture, offer as much advice etc etc without getting greedy - your efforts & endeavours will get rewarded in time... what goes around, comes around...
