Can you pinpoint the one thing you did...

[zappy]

that really made a improvement in your business?Thank you for your response.

[ptonsparky]

Noticably in the last couple years, good clear letternig on the vehicles. Not a magnetic sign that ends up crooked for one reason or another.
Just Name, Licensed & Insured, Phone #.

[electricmanscott]

Being confident. Making people believe you are the right person for the job, you have the knowledge to get the job done correctly, and you can get it done faster and better then anbody else, allows you to charge more money.

Better for business life and personal life.

[SEO]

Having good office staff. When calls are received the first thing a potential customer hears is the person answering the phone.

[Mule]

For me.....it's making absolutely sure that I'm meeting the customers needs, and learning from this fabulous forum. Sorry that's two

[Sparky555]

Breakeven calculation

Sales & Marketing

[electricguy61]

I've got to say a few things:

1) Always cleaning up well after the job

2) Not giving into the "lowest bid mentality". Quality always comes out less expensive in the long run.

3) Never say never to a customer. Always come up with options.

4) If you charge appropriately, you can always "give a little". It just makes some customers feel better to get something for "free".

[charlietuna]

making customer service first and formost the most important thing on my and my men's minds !

[DanZ]

As our company slogan says:
"Customer satisfaction is the only standard we have."
And we really mean it.8-)

[480sparky]

Started charging more.

[bikeindy]

As our company slogan says:
"Customer satisfaction is the only standard we have."
And we really mean it.8-)

Even when it is against code?

JK but I am sure you have had a customer or two ask you to do something that was against code.

[DanZ]

Even when it is against code?

JK but I am sure you have had a customer or two ask you to do something that was against code.
Hahahahaha...we get asked that all the time! On one of our jobs, the existing panel has 59 breakers in it. It's a Square D 42 circuit panel, with several mini and tandem breakers. The client assumed that since the occupancy class won't change, he can just move right in.:roll:

We get as close as we can, we usually explain it in a way that will make sense.:cool:

[DanZ]

Oh, yeah, when it comes to pricing, if you're the high guy, all the time, and you're way above the little guy, with no clear distinction between the two businesses, you might want to review your business and expenses. I mean, come on, is the company Ferrari really necessary?:roll: :D ;)

[Rewire]

Hiring an office manager

[ultramegabob]

when I learned that someone elses tight budget cannot be the determining factor in how much profit I make on a job, and when I give a price, stand firm...

[jmsbrush]

when I learned that someone elses tight budget cannot be the determining factor in how much profit I make on a job, and when I give a price, stand firm...
Well said! I have lowered my price a little to much than what I want to admit in the past, but then I stopped! It was hard to live with myself, and I just became resentful when I lowered my price.

I put up a post a month or so ago about a panel change out. I gave a quote and found out today that someone else did it. Just how it is sometimes.
I quoted 1 yesterday for the same price. So we will see what happens! Home owners like to play the game of who can give me the lowest price!

[adamants]

the main things, cant just think of one!

charge more

keep my promises

be reliable

customer service

:)

[DanZ]

Hiring an office manager
That's always a good one. Good staff. Office managers, accountants, lawyers, mechanics, field guys.

Learning how to run a business is another, if you're in business for yourself. I've met many people who were great at what they do, but can't run a business to save their lives. Or, finding a partner to handle the business end of things.

[Wireless36]

when I learned that someone elses tight budget cannot be the determining factor in how much profit I make on a job, and when I give a price, stand firm...

If it is not important enough for them to pay for it, it is definately not worth my time!

[Jeff Weissman Electric]

The last thing I did that has made a noticeable difference was ...paying for a highlighted ad on Angieslist.com

yes.. I was skeptical about paying the high price but it paid off immediately.

[bradleyelectric]

I mean, come on, is the company Ferrari really necessary?:roll: :D ;)

Yes. You don't have to justify it to anyone except yourself. If you are the highest priced you just need to make sure you are the best salesman. It would help if you really did offer the best quality, but as long as you offer the best perceived quality then you have honed your sales skills well enough to get anything you can afford.

[George Stolz]

Hahahahaha...we get asked that all the time! On one of our jobs, the existing panel has 59 breakers in it. It's a Square D 42 circuit panel, with several mini and tandem breakers. The client assumed that since the occupancy class won't change, he can just move right in.:roll:

We get as close as we can, we usually explain it in a way that will make sense.:cool:
On the bright side, now you can order an 84 space panelboard to install in situations like that. ;)

Being confident.
When did you receive this infusion of confidence? You've always been so soft spoken around here... :D

[tonyou812]

Ive been on my own for about 10 months now and its just starting to take off. Im finally making a real profit and my wife doesnt have that concerned, nervous look anymore. And honestly its mainly due to word of mouth. I provide great service and I am very easy to work with. And most importantly Im not cheap......