I started a thread asking what you bought/got in 2007 that made money for you.
Here is the next installment ……
What did you do in 2007 for your business that will really pay off in 2008 and beyond?
1. I went to JLC in Seattle and spent my time in business classes. Gave me lots of great ideas.
2. I made contacts with some business (not construction) professionals that I can bounce ideas off.
3. I started writing things down (blush).
4. I started making a business plan (Royal blush).
So … with a slowdown and a lot more competition out there, what did you do to keep yourself profitable next year?
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
Replies
network, network and.......
Although active in HBA, the last few years I have tailed off. Had a few chiken dinners in December. Will keep doing that. See where we can volunteer. Doing the Green Building committee. Probably help on the Auction committee.
after that
reread Jeffrey Gitomer sales books
probably have my super read them as well
then wait for all that biz to roll in
;-)
Gitomer is good. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
I've been getting more woodshop projects (entertainment centers, some millwork, a couple of roof big roof brackets, etc.) to add to the trim carp. gig.
The shop is slowly taking shape. I've been getting it cleaned out, organized, dabbling at renovating the space, and buying shop tools. This past year I bought a planer, lathe and bandsaw.
How them brackets coming along?
I still don't have the materials deposit from the CP Railroad...maybe they are waiting for the Canadian Dollar to go up some more.I expect to make templates this week...but won't buy the materials and start building 'til I get the money.I'll keep posting in the "Cool Corbels" thread.Shopwork is great. No commuting time or gas...walk next door for lunch...and I get to crank the Jazz & Blues. :o)
1. Budget better
2. Join the local HBA
3. Get my NC GC license
4. Learn some basic design software
5. more to follow I'm sure
Gonna' get the darn novel to some agent who can make me successful and wealthy beyond the dreams of avarice.
Forrest - always liked that - ". . . beyond the dreams of avarice"
Blog from a literary agent who answers advice from new writers (she's no longer making responses but left the site open for people to peruse the past questions and comments). Some good advice . . . got it from a friend who used to run the Southern California writer's conference.
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
shtrum - still chopping chapters from the great American novel
Edited 12/24/2007 9:24 am ET by shtrum
I've started to make some inroads with some Condo Committees. So far everything working out great. Lots of condo's over the years had very low maintenance fees ergo tired looking complexes ergo WORK!
roger
It's interesting you say that.
I'm working in a condo here, and I've been trying to think how to capitalize on that work.
Postcards around the neighborhood, and a mailing to Strata corporations in the area ....Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
I'm working for 3 different condo complexes and in each case they found me. The one problem with condo's is that they generally want it done yesterday but I'm educating them.
I hope to do more work for condo complexes but am only interested is relatively small one and two man jobs.
I capitalize on the fact I have decades of various construction experience and I'm an ex cop which I think helps alot because of the many single older women in condo's. Being extremely good looking helps too;)
I also return all calls and do the odd freebie for the tenants. I also write a full report as to what I did and give it to them so they can present it in their committee meeting. I'm used to writing reports so it comes easy.
roger
"The one problem with condo's is that they generally want it done yesterday but I'm educating them."Lord ain't that the truth! Especially when they call one week before their busy season!
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
When there is blood in the streets is when you want to buy real estate.
My long term goal has been to start buying investment properties. I was holding off because the prices were too high. In my area they are still too high. They should start to come down to realistic levels over the next year.
In order to raise capital I am working on finding overseas investors. The euro is currently trading at $1.50 per euro. As recently as 2 years ago it was .85 to the euro. There is going to be huge demand from overseas investors to purchase real estate in the U.S.
Check out craigslist. Go to any foreign city and see the real estate ads to purchase property here in the states. The sites are really trippy. Parlez-vous francais?
I'm with you (although Tim Moony and Dan migfht not agree).
Hereabouts, we are still enjoying a booming real estate market.Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR ConstructionVancouver, Canada
Look in your angel pool, you might be surprised at what it there. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Hooking up with my County's Historical Renovation Commitee has been a good thing. Site work is less and more stuff is being sent to me to duplicate in the shop.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
"Success is not spontaneous combustion, you have to set yourself on Fire"
Have you read my threads in the business section?
Theres plenty that dont want to hear it again Im sure. <G>
However , its a wonderful time for it .
Tim
I started to take Mondays off from physical work. This enables me to get all estimates, invoices, and other office type stuff done on a weekly basis. It is amazing how this one day a week on the phone and computer makes the four days on-site more productive and focused. With both the g.f. and I working all the time the household bills and things would never get done. This works out best for bothof us. Besides, Sunday afternoons are far more enjoyable!!
shifted gears ...
worked jobs for less money ... but guaranteed pay rates over substantial periods of time ... set ups with also took away some of the "self employeed stress" for a bit.
focused on paying off personal debt ... stopping the endless cycle.
for next year ... looking to get back at it ... hope less tail chasing now everything's on solid footing. Might even have time / money to chase a coupla debts owed.
that'd make for a nice vacation plan now I've covered them myself.
or advertising budget start ... back to reality.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
what did you do to keep yourself profitable next year
keeping my day job <G>
That singing career still on hold?
Joe H