Made some new year’s resolutions up for the business while typing up some customer invoices yesterday,working like a chump when I should have been taking the day off. Here they are, maybe other people have some ways they plan to grow/improve their business in the upcoming year
1. Tools are an expense not a toy – I don’t often see my accountant clients buying 10 different accounting programs so that they have a backup, and none of the insurance guys I worked for had more than three briefcases so tool collecting under the guise of business needs to end. I’m going through my statements and adding up all my tool purchases for the year, the goal is to spend 50% of that this year and to pay more attention to making sure I have the right tools for the jobsite in the truck not at the shop, not so many mid-day runs to the hardware store for another chisel.
2. Digital camera with me always, after building a nice cabinet or finishing a nice wall or anything snap a picture, then use these pictures to market to customers with pics for the specific job I’m bidding on rather than 4 pics I use for every client bid.
3. Hire or develop some better help, either cultivate more of a desire to work in current employees or pick up some tradesmen who enjoy the job. Paying $20.00/hr to helpers and 35.00/hr to carps w/ plenty of vacation so figure it shouldn’t be out of the question for someone to work the entire shift without bitching about wanting to go home.
Happy New Year,
Ray
Replies
I resolve to work faster and charge more
John
I got David Gerstle's book, and I have had extended conversations here with Mike Smith, Tim Mooney and a few others.
I resolve not to get into extended bidding wars.
I resolve to return calls within 12 hours.
I resolve to ensure I make money.
I resolve to ensure that my taxes and insurance costs are placed into a seperate account every month.
I resolve to treat my family better by making more money and spending more time with them.
Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the Handyman
Vancouver, Canada
not work 7 days a week is my number one busines resolution, but I havent lived up to it yet, only had christmas day off
Gonna make more moola and try to enjoy myself doing it.
Excellence is its own reward!
I hereby apply for the carp position!
where you located?
Can I have next week off?
:)
Mr T
Do not try this at home!
I am an Experienced Professional!