was it worth it?

Quantum dan · Sep 25, 2014

Iv struck out on my own after 18 years. Tbh, I'm wondering if the money I'm ploughing into this game is worth it. I'm getting limited interest in my business right now. True it only been a couple of months. But it's worrying. A lot of the interest I'm getting is from stupid little jobs for customers who want a bargain every time. The builders it seems want the services of an independent electrical contractor but want me to work forca wage and leave the profits of the job for them. Even though it's muggings name on the certificate. I'm building a website right now which I hope helps business enquires. I'm managing just about but it's not very reasuring. I just don't seem to be picking up any juicy jobs. I'm worried this venture could become a money pit. Getting a steady run of domestic clients is hard and requires a large turnover of work since the jobs tend to be small. Getting the commercial work is nothing short of wizardry! Do we electricians have to work for builders to get continuity of work. Just that in my experience these guys are always a pain in the proverbial. That's before you ask for your money.

End of rant..

cossie400 · Sep 25, 2014

Fair play to you for having the balls to try it!
I've been on my own for 4 months now and what I've learnt is, it's definitely who you know.
Try and utilise any old contacts you've made during the last 18 years and tell them your working for yourself now.
Get that website sorted ASAP, Twitter has also been good for me and has led to new contacts and a couple of jobs, industrial at that too.
Leaflets seem to be a waste of time for commercial/Industrial works, cant say about domestic though might be worth a go if that's the sort of work you want.
I wouldn't have bothered going on my own without the industrial and UPS/Generator experience I have gained, domestic seems to cutthroat but I presume you're in London? So should be able to do well there for sure, just need to get your name out and about mate.
Eventually you'll get your own work from customers ringing you direct instead of relying on ****ty builders, will take time so be patient with it and take the income it will bring, the big bucks will come!

Carlosfandango · Sep 25, 2014

At first you just have to take any job you can. The way I always treat is every small job may lead to something better at some point. I was in your shoes, as I would imagine lots of people on here, but now I'm getting return work and I have a good reputation for my self which I think is the most important way of getting work! You get out what you put in. I've been told by many successfull tradesmen that the first 5 years are the hardest!!

Marvo · Sep 25, 2014

I think the contrast between the opening post and the first reply by Cossie pretty much sums it up. In the OP you're focusing on the actual jobs, the type of work and the individual customers. The first reply on the other hand focuses on the business from a more holistic angle and includes marketing advice and a clear direction of what services to promote and a possible niche market to aim for.

I'd suggest you define and clarify your business plan and start setting some goals in the right direction. Concentrate on developing your business and the customers, the work and hopefully the profit will follow naturally.