Replies

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Dec 16, 2001 02:03am | #1

   *
   Michael,

   First off, I'd post in the "Business" folder. You'll get more responses there.

   And what is a "union" shop? Is that where all employees are part of a specific union? Please excuse my ignorance but I live in Florida where it seems like unions are non-existant (UPS teamsters, teachers, etc exculded).

   Mike

1. 
   Michael_Rimoldi | Dec 16, 2001 02:15am | #2

   *Thats pretty wild how once I suggested the post be reloacted to the Business folder...it was then IN the Business folder... Maybe I'm some kind of computer psychic? A little information technology telekinesis if you will?Since that worked...let me try this... (in all caps as I'm saying it loudly so the computer dieties will hear me) BOY IT SURE WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION TO FINE HOMEBUILDING MAGAZINEMike

1. 
   Terry_Smiley | Dec 16, 2001 03:05am | #3

   *MichaelPay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

1. 
   Ron_Teti | Dec 16, 2001 06:29pm | #4

   *Becareful Mike.... theyre watching you get your hidden doors up quickly before they find out about them. Talk in code on the phone. They were watching me once but the dead people I talk to told me about them and Ive been cautious ever since......

1. 
   Terry_Smiley | Dec 17, 2001 12:58am | #5

   *MichaelFind a group of retired businessmen in your area who did what you're wanting to do. Look for them in retirement villages, nursing homes or through a small business association.Listen to what they have to say!Truly, your question is to general for me to know where to begin giving any other advice.Good luckTerry

2. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Dec 17, 2001 05:42am | #6

   *http://www.score.orgStarting a business? Why not start a business right using the advice of retired business people willing to share their expertise?This site might help out a multitude of us in these forums.blue

3. 
   FredB | Dec 17, 2001 08:06pm | #7

   *Yep, I can give you three key things to do.1. Spend some time reading all the posts for the last year or two in the Business forum. Just about everything you need for a business strategy has been covered here in the past 2 years. This will be time consuming. But, if you can't find your way through the maze you probably don't have the stick-to-it you need to start and run your own business anywya.2. After you have done number 1 find your local Small Business Center. They have people, books, referrals to other people(many who are volunteers) that can tell you anything you are ever going to want to know about business.3. If you haven't already, take a couple college level courses in Accounting. Learn how to keep the books and how to control your money. Then you can hire someone to actually do the work. But you will be able to understand what is being done and why.

4. 
   Scrapr_ | Dec 17, 2001 11:20pm | #8

   *One of the most important things you can do is learn how to sell. Most subs take what rolls in the door. (I have been guilty of this too) Once you can stake out a niche and sell it you are on your way to higher margins.And the accounting clasases are excellent too.

5. 
   piffin_ | Dec 22, 2001 04:05pm | #9

   *Just ask the guys down at union hall.They're the ones that'll be running your business anyway.They'll just use you for the salesman and front in case things go bad.

6. 
   blue_eyed_devil_ | Dec 22, 2001 04:39pm | #10

   *Piffin, don't be so hard on the union guys. They really don't hold any more power over the contractor than the marketplace allows. If there is plenty of work, all union contractors will be doing fine. If work is short, the game of musical chairs begins....blue

7. 
   piffin_ | Dec 23, 2001 03:50am | #11

   *maybe you're right- my experience with them was twenty years ago and times do change.

2. 
   Michael_Esty | Dec 23, 2001 03:50am | #12

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   I need information about starting my own business .This would be a Union shop . Can anyone tell me where I can get information on this ? Financial information and any other information about starting this endeavor would be great.