No, you stay up there. We all need reminding from time to time. By the way, your product is outstanding.
You're right. We all need a little pep talk every now and then. All of the guys (and gals) that have summoned up the courage to believe that they can go out on their own are really very special. It's not easy operating without a safety net. There are no longer any excuses because they are responsible for everything. It's a heavy burden, especially for those with a family to support.
But on the other hand, it is an incredible feeling knowing that you are in charge of your own destiny. You are no longer at the whim and mercy of someone else. You cannot be laid off or have your hours cut. You are now the man and you can succeed by your own sheer will and determination. But it's not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It takes the support of your family. It is not for the weak or timid.
My suggestion is to learn as much as you can from as many different sources as you can find. Read books on sales & marketing. Read books such as "How to make friends and influence people". Don't underestimate the importance of learning how to cultivate strong and positive relationships with your client?le. Read books such as Mike Holt's Estimating. Look at ways to streamline your business. Look at how you and your employees dress. Our appearance does send out a message to our customers. Look at your vehicles. Do they scream "Professional"? There are so many different areas that we can improve on that it's mind boggling.
All of us can find new ways of doing things. If we can't, then we are not looking very hard. Some of the areas that I mentioned might sound trivial but they all add up. Competition is downright fierce right now. Everyone else wants the same jobs that you are going after. You need every advantage that you can gain. But they will not come to you. You must put in the additional effort and search them out. You've already proven that you have the intestinal fortitude to pursue your dreams. Now just make it happen. You can do it if you continue to believe in yourself and keep pressing on as hard as you can. There will come a time when you can back off but first you need to obtain a certain level of success.
See what you did macmikeman...... I'm so used to conducting training sessions and giving webinars that I just automatically jump up on the soap box. I really just meant to ask how you are doing. What type of electrical work do you do? Are you able to keep your head above water during this economic downturn? Regardless of the estimating system that you currently use, do you find that it's helpful to have a systematical approach to identify and account for all of your cost?
You also mentioned that you thought our product was outstanding. Thank you for that comment. We really do try hard to help people succeed and we truly appreciate the kind words.