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See my first post as I try to explain what I see as skewed perceptions.
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Ok here goes. over the last year I have noticed a peculiar perception from people.
I am a one man show and I charge a certain rate per hour. this rate reflects my overhead and my desire to show a profit.
I have talked to several of the larger contracting firms locally (20 or more emplyees) in one way or another and find that they are charging the same per hour per man or more for the work they are doing.
I see this as two men may take x hours to complete a task so as one man it will take me, generally speaking, 2x hours.
they obviously have higher operating costs but it is divided among the many people they have working for them so it adds up to cover their expenses and such.
so here's my confusion. why do so many people appear to think that because I or any other one man outfit should be charging so much less when I have proportionally about the same overhead as a bigger company.
I have truck expenses, so do they, I have insurance expenses, so do they (and mine are higher because I don't get a group discount). I have advertising expenses so do they. I have retirement planning expenses, so do they. I need to bank something for the unexpected not just live check to check or job to job as the case may be, so do they. I have, well I think you get the idea by now.
I welcome all of your input on these thoughts, one man show or larger employer. is this a common perception and if so how do we as an industry overcome this.
*Quit acting like a one-man, handyman, here to give you a deal. In other words, you have formed a business. There is a cost in doing business. Always talk as a businessman would.. The fact that you are one man should not be an issue. Unless you make it one. Really it's just another way for them to beat your price down. Smile, brush it off and continue to sell you services.Some will find the value in what you offer and some would rather have a fleet of shiny trucks out front.
*Steve, many one man operations such as youi Steve, since you and I are the type that do different things are "perceived" by the public as handymen, (if we let them) therefore, we work for wages, and low wages - (forget profit) - at that. In their eyes, we are not entitled to a "profit" because we really don't own a "business" because we are one man shows.That makes sense, right?Most of the above have never owned a business so they have no clue as to the costs to operate a business.When the subject arises, you should explain to them that it's a fact in our industry, that as the number of employees goes up, so too does the overhead, so they are saving money by hiring you.Also, unfortunately, many contractors have still not learned that if they send 2 men to a site to do an 8 hour job, it will take those two men 5 hours each. Talking, one waiting for the other to finsih one thing before the second can do his thing, etc.Never, ever, send any more people than are needed to complete a job, or phase of a job. That's a rule in our industry. You have probably heard that saying about how a job will "grow" into the time available to do it. Remember that when you hire you're first employee.
*Guess Mark and I were thinking along the same lines a few minutes ago, eh?
*Steve, It is my experience that many balk at anything over 20 bucks an hour. That's why a bid works often, cuz they only see the bottom line........no hourly rate.......only one number to think of. I don't do that.
*Sonny,Scary! ain't it?
*Mark, they say that genius is linear. (-:
*Steve," I'm one man and I can't build a house or whole addition by myself."Sure you can! It's called being a general contractor.Steve, it sounds like your asking for a phrase or a statement to change the way people think. Like I said before, since it is almost impossible to change the way people think, you have to either ignore it or better yet, use that "thinking to sell the job. Things like, "Being a one man opperation, I'm the one you'll see everyday." and "Your job is the only one I'll be working on." and "I'm the first and the last person you'll see on this project".Remember Steve, you sell personal service. Sell it!
*steve... ya wanna try that again ? are you talkin about a bid ?... if so.. they have nothing to compare it against except another bid...so "how come it costs so much " must mean they have other prices... because it doesn't matter wether it's you or you and twenty guys... the job is the job...if you let them get around to rate.... well, you either have to sell your rate or not.... if you can't sell it ... they can't buy it..."workmanship of my people" can best be answered by reputation, word of mouth or a portfolio....get used to using the plural of the first person..b WEWE do this...WE built that... OUR men OUR subs... try to avoid MY... ME... I...use the royal WE... someday it may be WE.... start thinking and talking that way...
*Dammit Mike, that was the word I was looking for!WE.
*yeah.. cool ain't it ? ... i always look around when i say it .. trying to see where THEY are
*As long as they don't talk back to you....
*Steve, I never alluded that you were not professional. You are probably more professional than three quarters of all the contractors in America. Most of the rest frequent these forums.It's back to "perception" of a one man operation, IMO. I ran into that also, in three states when I first started in them. xMike is right too I forgot that I used "We" also. Not always, but frequently.Don't forget you live in a currently depressed area economically. I live in a nearly depression proof area. That says a lot about how people buy - anything.It took years for me to finally learn not to take comments personally about prices. For many people it's strictly price. OK, I lied - again. I still usually take it personally. But I think that's a good sign because it shows I sincerely believe I'm the best person for them, and I do take each job seriously as though it was my house, or my good friend's house. Unless I find out they hired another really good contractor, but whose price was lower than mine, or as important, "clicked" with them. "Clicks" don't occur each time we go on a sales call. Look:1. You're an intelligent person.2. You look sharp.3. You're even good looking.4. Your professional at work.5. Your professional in appearance.6. You know what you're talking about.7. Your work is professioinal.8. Your prices are reasonable, to the point of cheap.It must be the BO!Now that I'm complimenting you and thinking about it, I still have 2-3 weeks of work to be done on my house. Want directions?What? You want how much? You're pretty high aren't you? (-:
*Bad breath..........
*I'm just throwing this out as a suggestion. I can't say that it has worked for me. I've only used it a couple of times for small jobs. I'd be curious how people think it would work.When they say "How can it be that much?" you say right out "I'm sure you can find someone who will do it cheaper and I am sure you can find somone who will do it for more. This is how much it costs to have me do it, which means having it done right."I just wonder if you are confident that you are worth your price, and you don't fall into the trap of justifying your price, then people will be more likely to pay your price.Again, not a lot of experience here. Most of my jobs are rather small.Rich Beckman
*Steve, in Florida we have something called the United States Postal Service. A lot of people use them for mailing bills.Mmmmm. Maybe it is the bad breadth.
*Rich, I still keep a business card in my DayTimer I show to potential cheapies. This guy took a manilla folder, cut it up into business card pieces with no two sizes alike and some like a trapozoid, and then used a rubber stamp to put his name and number on it - also crooked.Anyway, I show it to them say say: "If this is how much detail and concern he places in the professionalism on his cards, I wonder how much detail he will place in the work he'll do for you? But - is definitely is cheap. Call him."No one yet has taken down his number or name.
*Steve, I'll float you an advance. Do you float? I have plenty of work lined up. Besides, I'll also talk to Tom because he may need you for several days or a few weeks.Anything to get you over the hump. Not only that, but walk into any builders job going on and they will grab you for trim work, and other stuff, probably at $35 to $45 /hour as a sub. Construction is hurting here for good tradesmen.I even have a TV, phone & queen size bed in your bedroom.
*No waiting period now. Just take the test and wait about 3-4 weeks for the results. Good, I can push some extra work to you.Just have "honey" call you the day she receives a bill and you bring the addresses and account number down with you and send them a check from here. I keep the stamps in the top right drawer. Envelopes are on the top shelf over my desk. Check book is in my briefcase or on my desk.Frig, bathroom and bedroom are obvious. I'll install "airport" in my laptop so you can use the Internet while I'm using it also.Hell, I'll even buy you a Motorola cel phone like mine and Pete's with the 2-way radio so when you get lost going to a job, you can get me on the radio for instructions.Any other problems to solve?
*Steve - Most people should be impressed with the fact that you not only provide the bid but you are the one that does the hands on work.That says alot in an industry that usually sends out the the "Laurel and Hardy show" to do the work.I hope the tide will turn soon for you.I know it is hard at first to get going in this profession.Have you tried a mailer to the higher priced homes in your area?Bob
*Find your niche and stick with it. Dont do jobs that you arent qualified to do. If people try to beat down the price then stand firm. Running a business requires alot of time and money. If people would take the time to understand that our lives would be much simpler. When things do pick up for you be careful that you dont micromanage. Make time for yourself and the things that you want to do. Isnt that why we all chose this profession anyway? So we could live our lives on our terms.
*Pack your bag Steve. You have an opportunity that may not come again. My perception is that either you can't sell yourself or that area is gonna move too slow for a person to start a business like yours. If it's you, sonny is offering you a comfortable training session in the sun. If it's the area, would you be ready to move away? I think it's worth at least a look see.........paid to boot.Best of luck.
*Steve,I am basically a one man show ----who will employ up to a 3man crew at different periods of the year.Please pretend the following advice is directed at someone else----it will be easier for you to view it subjectively.1)you are a one man band---therefore any problems with your business are YOUR fault---not the fault of prospective customers or a sluggish economy---YOUR fault.2)once you accept premise number one fixing the situation becomes a little easier.3)Being a one man band should never be an issue---If you handle yourself correctly the prospect will never know you are the "only employee".I am not suggesting you lie to customers---but it is all in the presentation of the facts. Lets say the prospect questions you about the workmanship of your installers.Simply say----" this is a fairly small job---I will probably take care of this personally"----then shut up,because anything else you say is gonna shoot yourself in the foot.( personally I use the royal "we" like Mike suggested---a lot.Even if I don't plan on using employees on the potential job I still have my suppliers and my clean-up sub to think of)4)You often "come across" on this board as a little desperate---more than a little desperate.From reading your posts,I know a tremendous amount of personal info about you that does not inspire confidence in a prospective customer.If only 1% of that "desperateness" comes across to your prospects you are sunk.Most people will shy away from doing business with someone who they percieve as "liable to go out of business" at any time. some people will exploit your financial vulnerability to beat you up on price----after all you need to work NOW and their home repairs are,in reality,post-poneable.5)don't EVER tell a prospect that you used to be an engineer( or whatever your previous professional designation was). Look at it from the customers perspective---" he used to be an engineer and now he is doing odd jobs like caulking my windows and painting my bedroom ceiling? Wow,he must have really f!@#$%-up somewhere"6)You may very well do great work.It is also possible that your work is NOT as great as you think.You have a very short track record that you will have to overcome.Perhaps prospects prefer to deal with longer established competitors----perhaps your small size isn't the problem after all.7)Your neat truck with professional signage is great.In my opinion your company name needs a little work.I am reminded of a truck I saw about a year ago which boasted"We specialize in ALL types of construction"---How can anybody "specialize" in everything?----put some more thought into this.8)I am in the roofing business. You are in the home repair business.In reality,we are BOTH in the "solving other peoples problems business" People contact us with problems they are not qualified or capable of solving. They want to be confident that WE are perfectly capable of handling the situation---that simply by hiring us THEIR problems will disappear.You need to quietly ooze self-confidence,radiate extrodinary competence,inspire relief on the part of the customer that Steve is here to solve their problem.Most successfull people I know have a mixture of just the right amount of arrogance and humility.9) Last point Steve, the message you think that you are sending is probably NOT the one your prospects are recieving.This is your fault,not the prospects. Only you can change that perception.Good Luck
*Steve, a HUGE part of your customers perception is determined by YOU.Lots of the rest of us have weathered the storm that you are going thru right now. We have been asked and are asked the same questions by the same sorts of dingalings. The difference is actually years of experience AND the confidence that brings. When someone attempts to beat a grizzled veteran of the Remodeling Wars down with "How can it possibly be that much?" they usually just smile a knowing smile (very close to a smirk). They say words but the words arent as important as the confidence and assurance that they exude. That confidence comes from the fact that they KNOW that their price is fair and they have no doubt in there minds that they are the best contractor for the job. That confidence and assurance is powerful. It comes with time. You can hurry it along by mental gymnastics (Tony Robbins, Denis Waitley).Ok there is my psychobabble spin on things.
*Steve; I like what I am reading here. Hazlett's post makes great sense to me as it keeps it simple, don't blame others for your problem...you CAN make changes in what you are doing but it is awful hard to change others! 7 Years ago I started out doing small repairs, restruants /small business's/home owners..you know something's wrong-read a book and fix it. I started out at 12.00 an hour (had a real job too!) I was licensed and obviously this did not cover sqwuat..but I figured I was paying my dues. In 1 year I partnered up with a guy that worked on Manuf. homes ( yes I did!) . I learned a lot more stuff and eventually got into decks/remodels etc. Last year I had to leave the partnership cuz we were not going in the same direction any more. I was scared ----less to go on my own, but knew that I had to. Well here it is in the middle of winter and I am busy!! Go figure? My point is this. I am a small guy , but hire when I need help. I have a plumber/ electrician/ cement guy/drywaller all at my beck and call. I pay em fast and since my jobs are small they can be in and out quickly. I am not a handyman any more and my hourly is quite a bit more then 12.00 an hour, but the confidence comes from experience. So you are probably right on schedule..keep on learning. Don Garrison
*Steve, I hate to see another person who obviously cares about what he does have to go through such difficult times. I have been in your shoes more times than I care ti remember. The main reason was that I was trying to "make it work" when I knew that it wouldnt. Change is good. Do not fear change. Have the courage and strength that is necessary to try something new. If you are thinking of moving them I would do it. Before I moved I checked the internet for job listings and I found plenty out there. Dont be afraid to do this and call people. Tell them that you are moving to the area and looking for new oppertunitys. Most likely they will be interested and if not the worst they can say is NO. I hope this will help you in your decision. My thoughts are with you.
*Steve where do you live? I am just wondering. Have you been to building suppliers etc. That is a great source. How about other contractors in your area that don't have the time to get to jobs? I hate to see you have to take a break, but S.L. would be like getting a free scholarship to college. He has so much to offer and you have a lot to offer to him. Maybe some time away would help you. Looks like to me that you have some great support here at FH. I am glad that all this great knowledge and experience is here for you.Take care.By the way if you do go to Fl. you can have automatic withdrawal done from checking to pay the bills. Just a thoughtTamara
*I absolutely love the business card idea you have Sonny.
*Thanks, WHW. Since I specialize in small projects, and most for condo associations and repair types for them, I wanted to dispel any potential perception that just because I did small jobs didn't mean I was a "handyman," or the so called jack of all trades and master of none. When that subject comes up, I'm up front with people and tell them they will not get "handyman" workmanship, nor will they "pay" me handyman rates. I am a Sonny of all trades and a master of many of them. They laugh, but usually end hiring me.Tell ya, WHW, I'm having a ball in my life right now. I've go the best clientel one can ask for, and if I do say so myself, I take very - very good care of them. That job I mentioned earlier that I did this week that I lost my rear end on. The owner overhear Pete and me talking about it and offered me an additional $300. I turned him down. Then he and his wife asked my to look at the bathroom they wanted to gut and remodel, in their double linear condo (bought two) and each sells for about $800K each.One simply cannot place a value upon integrity. Put that in the Proposal!See, wealty people (most) , as opposed to white or blue collar people just don't play these games for a few bucks. And that doesn't mean the just becasue they are wealthy they will blow money. I wish I had a $10 bill for each time Tom was going over the breakdown as Lisa suggested about a job in his conference room with one of his clients and the man said: " I don't care about that. Just give me the bottom line." I feel the same way during my own purchases. Yep. Integrity and reputation. Price that!
*I am a member of a plumber's e-mail discussion list. The point was made by a number of them this past week that the wealthy are jerks and you should avoid them if at all possible. You seem to say the exact opposite.Can you explain? I have my opinions and they lean towards your approach, but I am curious what your take is on this.ThanksWHW
*Steve, S. Hazlett really laid it out well. In 2 years of doing this the big contractor vs small contractor has never once come up. And although I have lost a few jobs to price, and a few customers as my price has increased I simply thanked them and went on. One thing that has been a big help in my business building is, as I have mentioned in the past, I still work a job. I will quit in June as my business has grown. It has been trying this year as the number of hours has increased as well as the days off have been few. But it has allowed me to build a cash reserve and to buy needed equipment without the worry of how to feed the family. My wife also works so that has helped too. Maybe you could find a part time something to help during the rough spots and make the good times better. I mean anything would help and it might carry benefits too. Just my thoughts but these guys sure have offered some great input. Hope you hear it. DanT
*>You need to quietly ooze self-confidence,radiate extrodinary competence,inspire relief on the part of the customer that Steve is here to solve their problemAbsolutely...you must gain their confidence from the very first meeting/handshake.......and know your stuff.....and give one price. Hourly scares people and makes you look unprofessional IMO. Selling is selling regardless of what it is...your first job is to sell yourself.....then the job. Most homeowners are afraid of you from the onset (if they don't know you) so the first thing I always do is try to alleviate the fear factor and take control of the room during the postering phase....cause a lot of times I find (by gabbing for a while) I really don't want to deal with these people. I walked out on a large remodel the other day cause the guy shows me all this really difficult stuff he wanted done (clam shell ceilings etc.) then he says he just fired the other incompetent guys who started it.... he chose me cause I have over 30 years in the business etc, (I sensed he was buttering me up, selling himself to me)....I noticed what the other guys did looked fine to me.....so I said, "where's the prints?" He points to his head.....I excused myself and walked. You also gotta know when to hold em...know when to fold em......very important. Like Steve said....You da man and all fingers point in your direction.
*WHW. You guys are going to hate this long post, but, I started in Chicago as that "handyman" I mentioned in an earlier post, moved to Mich. and finally here in FL.In Chicago, many of my clients (we don't work for "customers") were blue and white collar workers. In Mich. they were farmers, factory workers, some business owners and later, many Chicagoans that owned summer homes on the lakes around us - we lived about 2.5 hours from the S. side of Chicago.Anyway, I'd say that 1/3 to 1/2 tried to get me to lower my price. The ages of the customers in Chicago and Mich. were from 30's to retired.When I first moved here in '91, I took jobs throughout our area to spread my name around quickly - "market penetration", and back then I used about $18/hr (or less) to do so. When I got about 2 weeks of work consistently booked, I raised my rate by $3/hr. Within about 3-4 months I stopped advertising and my charged rate, by then, was up to about $27/hr. That included my son Pete and I. In 1992, son Tom moved here and started working for me, and by '95 I had a total of 4 employees.We were still working for the blue and white collar workers and maybe about 1/4 tried to get me to lower my price, but the percentage of my wealthier clients started increasing.1995 I decided to concentrate on certain areas of Naples, or rather, "not" work in certain areas - those blue and white residential areas. Still don't.The caliber of the services and attitude I operated from - guess we could call it the "culture" of my business - was the same regardless of client "type." I told me sons that we would not lower our standards of either workmanship of services provided for those who could/would not pay our rates, which meant that we would have to become selective in our client type. We did. It was the wealthy, and those in the upper middle class.It ended up whereas for both Tom and I, our typical client is retired or close to it, full time resident or a business owner up north who owns a home here for their occasional week or two during the winter.About 5 years ago it dawned on me that I was rarely getting chiseled about my prices, and wondered why. I assumed, and it's only an assumption, that this "market segment", being in that age bracket, has probably had it with "deals" in the hiring of service people. As with their homes, cars, dinners out, clothing, whatever, they prefer to "buy" the best and prefer to deal with established reputations - "Brands". They place a high value upon the recommendations of their friends, probably because their friends have the same sense of "values" since they are in the same age and economic category.Important is the fact that once I made the above realization (assumption), while still owning The Lykos Group, I decided to continually increase the level of services to this market. They are willing to pay for what they want, demand & expect.If a high level or caliber of services exist through a contractor due to his desires, commitment, love of service, whatever, it simply is a losing proposition to service those not willing to "pay" for that. Those as myself must service only those who appreciate what they are receiving. Otherwise it's like giving a filet to a 5 year old. They want hamburger from Macs and all I own and sell is filet.This is not done easily. Everything must be on par, and in sync. Everything! We hire conservative looking employees. They have a good command of our language - no "dis, dem, dos and ain’ts". Perfectly neat appearance, personally and clothing wise. Polite to a fault. Etc., Plus the way we work.Change a faucet in a bathroom and everything in the bathrroom gets spritzed with Windex (ours) and gleams when completed. Then on hands and knees, the tile floor gets washed and the carpet going to the bathroom, after our runners are removed, gets vacuumed. If an employee even just thinks he might be only 5 minutes late for the appt., they call the owner. I short, we service and accommodate in a manner that is 100% contradictory to the reputation of our industry.We expect and demand the same for our subs. for example, one Project Manager mentioned to a couple of electricians working in a high rise condo we were remodeling, that they were walking "off" the 36" wide static plastic that the PM had placed on the hall carpet from the elevator to the condo door.OK, I rambled here, but wanted you to understand the entire "culture' that must exist if you are to serve this market segment successfuly. As I discussed “The Theory of Increasing Returns (IR)” on the JLC forum, selectivity must be employed as opposed to just taking any job that comes along, and from any person who inquires, in order to benefit from IR, a marketing system and service system must be created and implemented.And now you know ....."The rest of my story."
*Amen SonnyYou need to write the "New Revised Version of the Remodelers Bible".........this part would fit in Genesis........ Moses leading the children to the promised land. .......I am SURE you have little competetion in the service side of your business........
*Jim, it's started - of sorts.One of our peers and I have decided to co-author several "papers" that hopefully, as they are completed, will get published in one of our trade magazines . Those papers will then become the basis for a book.Fortunately, many of our contributors here, including yourselft, have an astute grasp of what it takes to become successful in our industry, and that success cannnot happen without having thrilled, not just "satisfied" clients, I the process. It just so happens that my co-author and I have decided to put it all on paper in a formal, organized manner.Fingers crossed, we both hope they will be accepted as representing some value to those in our industry, existing and newbies..
*Your post made me cry. Literally. Because yesterday I decided to go after a completely different market. I understand your post more than you can imagine. Drop cloths which were washed last night, surgical booties (called "shoe protective covers") on my shoes. Leaving the work area cleaner than found and dazzling, etc. It's all stuff I already do for a market that often doesn't even care and that keeps me from a pricing structure that is as profitable as I need to see.Shoot, I even sweep the entire house on new construction after I am done. And for sure MY dirt every night. I get thanked but that is all.Anyways, thanks so much. Sometimes I feel so alone when I mention this stuff and get shot down over and over. The same plumbing list has periodic discussions on the "client" vs. "customer" terminology. There are 3 of us that p*** in the wind about it. I finally just shut up. IT IS SO IMPORTANT! Not because one word is better than the other, but because of a whole mentality behind it!Thanks from the bottom of my heart!WHW
*WHW, you're welcome.My entire point is that for us to truly want to "operate" an a manner that we would want to be treated when the appliance repair man enters our own homes, we would/do, literally oparate at a loss - virtually every hour we work.In business, Wal-Mart exemplifies just one memeber of their industry. They sell very cheaply and work on very small margins. But thier advantage is VOLUME. Tremendous volume. Transfer that logic, or marketing/financial operating "system" to the 1-3 man operatiion. He's out of business and doesn't even know it. due to his character, he just can't change, because to do so means he goes against his basic grain. So he puts in even more hours to make what amounts to - a pay check.Obviously that market must be served, those people as Rick Ritivoy of Mr. Fix-It in Detroit calls, "bottom feeders." But let them be served by those who service bottom feeders, like Wal-Mart, and continue to contribute to our 85% failure rate.Personally, I don't want to be a "cook" and sell hamburgers. I'd rather be a "chef" and prepare fine meals, even they ar only of the one course variety.You, I ,and some of the rest here will serve that "other" segment that some plumbers and others refer to as being a PITA.WHW, yo migh teant to check out two discussions on the JLC forum:"The Theory of Increasingh Returns (IR)" and "IR vs Marketing ". I'll also email you something else you many want to read concerning those two threads.
*SonnyBeing somewhat of a writer wanna-be I myself I can see no reason why a book like that couldn't be successful........sucessful meaning finding a publisher and making a few bucks too boot. PS be carefull that someone doesn't read your papers, write their own version of them and then sue you for plagerism when the book comes out.:-)If it were me I'd just write the book and get Taunton? to publish it.
*Thanks, Jim. Well, get strarted on yours. God knows our industry can use all the help it can get. I'm not expecting to even get enough money to buy an expensive suit, but it will bring some semblence of "credibility", except that is for those who, while reading it ,would say: "Who the hell is this ass***e." Besides, it finally offers me the chance to make that super- duper long post - but between covers instead of online.That's OK too. Differnt strokes, right?
*>Thanks, Jim. Well, get strarted on yoursSonny,I am already a published author. I wrote a short e-book entitled "The Klutz's Guide to Understanding Homebuilding". Had it for sale on Booklocker and I sold ONE copy. HA! Can you believe it? I made a grand total of 6.95. :-)........but I am a published author to my wife...never told her how much I made cause it does give me license to sit out here in my little office and play on the computer. She thinks I'm writing another best seller.
*Well, Jim. I'm impressed. What you did took self-discipline and knowledge. See, your credibilty just took a large "Simon says" step in my eyes.
*Sonny...your "novel" remonds me of a lesson I try to remember. I was running a phone room for a carpet cleaner, and did cleaning on weekends to help the boss and pick up extra cash. Right after I started, the boss and I went out for the day. We cleaned one sofa for $40 in a mid-level neighborhood. Next job...similar sofa....in the high rent district...and he charged $90 for the same job. I told him I thought unfair...he laughed and said he'd let me price the next one. Same high rent neighborhood.....similar sofa.....I quoted $50...and the lady said we could clean the carpets....but she'd wait till someone "experienced" came out to clean the sofa! I priced it too low......lower than her expectations...and lost the job! The owner said he knew what I would bid...and what she would say.....but he'd pay $50 once so I could learn to make his company more money in the future. And I did! Some people don't like the wealthy...but I say.....meet the expectations and charge for them. This time around....that's my target market. I already do all the things they expect.....just out of habit.......now I'm expecting to get paid for the difference in level of work I provide. Farther down...someone else said they also do above and beyond cleaning, and rarely get more than a thanks....me to.....Dad used to tell us...make the jobsite look like the "construction fairy's" came in and did the work....as in.....things get built...but no dust is made...and leave it cleaner that when you started...and that's still how I work.......and now I'm sticking with a market that demands no less.....but will pay for it. Jeff
*I enjoyed it Jeff. And i got more than a thank you tonight. I met with a builder of high end homes I had done one job for. He gave me prints and said "I need a price but you're not bidding against anyone. I trust you to not take advantage of that"This guy is working on a deal that if it goes through could make for a really nice year for all involved including me.I feel like I'm finally hitting it. It is just a start but it is a SWEET one.I made some serious mental commitments this past week. Wonder if that has anything to do with how the week ended? Hmmmmm.....Kinda' emotional about it as it is like magic...I tell you Steve... I KNOW how you feel. Personal opinion coming here... forget the E-Myth book for the moment. Get a copy of "Think and Grow Rich" Read it. Apply it. Then get the E-Myth book.It is all in your head. I sincerely believe that. understand it? No!!! But I do believe.Give me more belief. That's all I want.
*>What you did took self-discipline and knowledgeSonny,On a more serious note. This was my first endeavor and I deemed it a success because I had to re-learn all that stuff they taught us in school..grammer/sentence structure etc. It is no easy task to put on paper what you're thinking in your mind and it takes a heap of discipline...write...write...re-write.......Getting published in todays marketplace is almost impossible (except for e-books where there is no money to be made) so I wish you well. Of all the guys I see in here and elsewhere...you know your business. Good luck.
*Jim, again, I thank you. Will probably go with Taunton Press or Hanley-Wood and have the English structure and grammer already covered.This is something I want to do and I know I can speak for the co-author when I say he feels the same. It's not the main event in our lives, just one of many goals. We both feel it's a service to our industry and I personally feel it's a way of giving back to others.Remember "The Process?" That took me about 6-7 drafts before I finally got it where I liked it, and would still make a change or two even today, so many rewrites is admittedly part of any paper or book. It would be an insult to the reader not to get it as correct as can be.Hey, they may read them/it and say, "Sorry." Our world will not end.
*Some of the most popular books had a bunch of "sorrys" before they ran.Sonny, as a sign of my sincere appreciation for all you have given here, and as a show of faith in your book, I would be happy to pre-pay for a couple copies (one to keep and one to give away) to help with upfront costs if you want.just let me know...
*Sonny I know that Lars and I would love to buy one of the first copies. Matter of fact we would love to give to others that we know. Just let us know where to send the money!Tamara
*Sonny,Ditto for me.Can't have too many thinking people in this industry !Scott