expanding services

[wirenuter]

So I want to get some input/opinions. I'm a small EC (3-6 employees depending on work load) on the east coast and like most with the slow down I'm considering performing work we previousley have passed on. Most of what we do is service work (maybe you call it jobbing?) and large (up to 20k sqft) custom (never spec) homes for the affluent. We have begun with some basic av, home theater, data, etc. and have been asked to do a burgular/fire system for a remodel we wre awarded. In the past I have farmed it out, but like I said with the slow down I'm thinking about what profits I may be missing, and would like to be the one call guy for my existing customers. We have some nicet training and have roughed in systems for alarm contractors so we have some experience. I dont know much about setting up monitoring accounts, and don't want to take on something I may regret in the name of capitolisim.
Thanks

 

[charlietuna]

Your men would rather be installing cable and class two systems than sitting at home. I would get them together and explain your interests in trying to keep this work "in house" rather than sub-contracting it out in an attempt to motivate them into being competitive at it!

 

[ultramegabob]

Your men would rather be installing cable and class two systems than sitting at home.

You would be surprised at how some people will complain about what work they do... one time I was working for a company and everyone was facing a short week, but the owner offered hours to anyone that wanted to clean up a property he owned, picking up sticks and branches, clearing brush and hauling off trash. I couldnt believe the belly aching going on and how several guys turned their noses up to the work. Anyone who chose to work got their normal wages, and to tell you the truth I rather enjoyed the low stress work....