I don’t know what direction to take my small company. Stay small(i.e.one man show), try to hire help, or shift to a niche market such as finish carpentry or etc..
I see all these new vans, trucks in the lumber yards and I wonder what am I doing wrong. What do these guys know that I dont(secret hand shake)? My client love the work I do, so. I also design most of the jobs I do ( I have a archtitectural backgound and degree).
HELP!
Replies
I say wear it out. I see new vans and trucks all the time, and it only reminds me that I have one fewer bill than those guys. And that's my bottom line.
I know you don't want to hear anything about perserverance, but if you continue on with a good job at a fair price and you make 'em smile when you leave, things will come to you. Remembering of course to utilize sound business practices. I used to think like you but now I'm driving the nice (new-er) van and the flash is out of business.
Still, there are a couple guys here that have narrowed their scope and become quite successful at it. You need to find your local hot topic and hope there's not overwhelming competition. Work that area like you mean it and do it well enough to be the one to call. Some markets will support specialization if you pick the right one.
Oh yeah, it helps if you have some serious talent in one area.
Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
"My clients love............."
Are you giving that love away......just to say your busy or are you making 'em pay for it?
Is your design free? How 'bout that advice you offer paid for with your education?
In other words, are you CHARGING enough? The secret to charging enough is to arrive at a price that you love and that they don't, but see the value in coughing it up.
"what market is hot?" Service and quality. In that order.
Yeah, and be the best in town at one thing. Stick with it.
And if you like to show off, give the bank a half of grand a month and you too could drive a sparkly, new, depreciating truck today! <g>
I'm wondering if you're charging enough for your work. Maybe all you need to do is raise your prices.
You just don't know how to get way in debt the way you're supposed to. If you want some help in that regard, let me know.
Edited 4/14/2005 11:36 pm ET by DanH