Diversifying or not

[michufc]

Hi to all I just need some advise really I have been diversifying a bit lately supplying and fitting kitchens building stud walls
flooring and other general carpentry work. I have not advertised for this work it's just word of mouth really but recently I have been doing more carpentry work than electrical.
i am having to sell my van soon and replacing it for another. So what my dilemma is do I change the business name to incorporate my other work or not

thanks for your help

 

[ferg]

Jack of all trades and master of none springs to mind.

Pick one and go for it.

If someone advertises 2 trades I'm automatically suspicious.

Would you employ someone who claimed to be a joiner and an electrician?

I would automatically assume they were a joiner who did some electrical work, at joiner standard.

 

[michufc]

My work is top quality as I am a perfectionist but like you say it's a perception of people.
one of my colleagues is a master joiner and carpenter and has said that my skill level is top quality as well and has no problem with my work.

So that's my problem I have no doubt in my work or ability it's just weather to advertise it or not after all when people get builders in they get all trades covered

I am really confused what to do for the best

 

[bigdavs83]

Multi skilling is a great asset and can obviously generate some extra business. However being a joiner isn't just about putting up stud partitions and installing kitchens in the same way that being a spark isn't just about running cables and fitting sockets. If your confident though why not give it a shot you can always take the joinery stickers off the van if it goes pear shaped

 

[michufc]

Multi skilling is a great asset and can obviously generate some extra business. However being a joiner isn't just about putting up stud partitions and installing kitchens in the same way that being a spark isn't just about running cables and fitting sockets. If your confident though why not give it a shot you can always take the joinery stickers off the van if it goes pear shaped

Yes I totally agree the one thing i no is my limitations and I don't go past them as there is nothing worse than a dissatisfied customer. Anything past my comfort zone my colleague does the work.

 

[bigdavs83]

Give it a go then why not?! Personally I've got my f gas tickets to do air conditioning over and above my electrical quals. It's the best thing I've ever done as your held in a higher regard if you can do both especially to a high standard.

 

[driverman]

Re history.........joiners were the first electricians! Those older members here will remember the fancy woodwork that was installed under floorboards which housed the single cables. Modern day trunking really, but a lot more skillfull.

 

[LeeH]

I thought Plumbers were the the first sparks historically. Due to the thinking water and electricity both flowed down to terra-firma.

 

[bigdavs83]

So what the common consensus here is that we (sparks) have evolved into smarter beings from very humble beginnings like the apes (plumbers/joiners)

 

[GMES]

I also don't like to see a list of different skills on a one man bands van, It is totally different on a large company with different departments, but Imo I just think jack of all trades in your scenario, not that I am implying that about you at all!!.
Sadly 1st impressions count with customers and to see a van with electrics,joinery,plumbing etc just looks like an Handy man set up.