new start up

[sparked out]

HI i was just after some advice really from the more experianced guys. I am thinking of starting up on my own and was just wandering how long it had taken you lads to establish yourself and start to get regular work in. Also was an advert in the localpaper much use when advertising. Just some general advice would be much appreciated thank you.

 

[acat]

First place you need to go is on a business link course (its free) and that will let you know what you are in for from tax to marketing.

As for how long its generally accepted in the first year a loss 2nd year break even, third year profit, with the current state of the country that can take longer. All I can say to you is do your best with every client and exceed their expectations that way you will get plenty of word of mouth recommendations which are worth a fortune.


Best of luck


Chris

 

[Notsosmart]

Agree with Chris a free course can only benefit (whilst there hand out some business cards)

Also local advertising is a reasonably cheap short term option but depends on competition etc, Yellow pages didn't bring me a whole shed-load of calls or work (but then they did manage to include spelling errors & missed vital text even after I had pointed this out on the proof)

I would post some flyers, go into local estate & letting agents, pester local builders, shop fitters, kitchen fitters etc Or if you are industrial contact local companies & offer your fault finding, maintenance & call out skills (at apremium of course)

Most important don't miss opportunities~ I have kicked myself on a number of occasions (& still do)

Lastly consider a web site when you are more established.

Good luck sparked out.

 

[sparked out]

Agree with Chris a free course can only benefit (whilst there hand out some business cards)

Also local advertising is a reasonably cheap short term option but depends on competition etc, Yellow pages didn't bring me a whole shed-load of calls or work (but then they did manage to include spelling errors & missed vital text even after I had pointed this out on the proof)

I would post some flyers, go into local estate & letting agents, pester local builders, shop fitters, kitchen fitters etc Or if you are industrial contact local companies & offer your fault finding, maintenance & call out skills (at apremium of course)

Most important don't miss opportunities~ I have kicked myself on a number of occasions (& still do)

Lastly consider a web site when you are more established.

Good luck sparked out.

thanks for the advice