I have 15 years in the trade, most with commercial running jobs up to a million. I started my own business in 2009 after I received my md state masters. I've picked up two property management clients and do small jobs on week days or weekends after my normal electrical job for the large company I work for in Washington dc. I have no problems doing the work, the jump from a steady paycheck to getting paid once a month or whenever the draw is set for worries me alittle, could be lack of knowledge on the process of things. My estimating skills are lacking. I'm use to the first day on the, looking threw the prints and writing up a start up baulk order. But to estimate even a small 50,000 dollor job I feel would take me a week. Is there a system and easy way to do this without exspensive estimating software?? I've searched for classes for estimating but have not had much luck. I have however found classes at my college for solar installation which is government funded and paid for by the going green grant. If it's free why not.
Thanks Phillip
i did a service truck as an apprentice, and the guy who owned the shop
who'd been in business about 40 years at that point, told me two things...
"son, we don't get paid for pretty, we get paid for done"
"if it's a doctor or lawyer, get the check first, go to the bank, convert it
to a cashiers check, and THEN do the work."
the first one i can disregard if i want to make it pretty for free.
i usually do. it's a luxury of being self employed.
the second one, damn if he wasn't spot on. the ONLY people who've
every bounced a check to me, were doctors.
while the training wheels are on, my suggestion is to not to get eyes bigger
than your wallet.... while you are capable of running a job of a million,
you may not be capable of getting PAID for a job of a million.
i'm a little muppet, but my tools are paid for, my vehicle is paid for,
and in these uncertain times, i don't do any jobs that i can't afford
to not get paid for. that keeps my ego somewhat in check.
somewhat.
a book recommended on here is worth a read... i'm going thru it now.
The E-Myth Constractor, by Michael E. Gerber
available electronically, or in print.
the other thing that was recommended on here was a Neat scanner, for
keeping control of the paperwork.
get one. now.
you can set it up however you want, but it'll let you get your numbers
correct for tax purposes, and keep up to date, so you know how you
are REALLY doing.
the illusion can be strong if you are having two or three things running
all at once, and a bit of money moving back and forth, that all is well,
when it really isn't all that well.
good luck, and this is one of the best places to go with questions you
will have.
you'll have a lot of them.
welcome.