New Business ideas

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laketime

laketime

Senior Member
I am a new contractor in Idaho. Just started doing business 2 weeks ago. I have joined the Chamber of Commerce and started passing out business cards everywhere I go. What are some things that worked for other contractors on here to get their name out and get some business oming in?
 
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Sparky555

Senior Member
Was unemployment your motivation for going into business for yourself? I'm sorry to be the one to tell you that most of the country has an abundance of tradesmen looking for work/business.
 
laketime

laketime

Senior Member
No, unemployment was not a factor for going into business. I have been an electrician for 20 years and wanted to try it on my own, to try and build something for my family for the future besides my pension and annuity plans. I was hoping for some positive recommendations if possible.
 
Rewire

Rewire

Senior Member
Location
Lake of the Ozarks
Did you cover marketing in your business plan?Do you have a business plan? Why did you start your business did you see a need in the market?Is their room in your market for another business? Do you have capital if not do you have sourses for funding? I am not trying to burst your bubble but if your going to find that this is going to be a tough year even for those who have been around awhile.
 
laketime

laketime

Senior Member
I did cover marketing in my business plan. It involves yellow page, local publications (news paper) as well as networking (chamber, other contracting networks). I am looking at getting into commercial, industrial and residential jobs. I do have personal funding but want to keep my initial billing at under $2000 unpaid from any one customer. My business plan calls for starting in the service sector/small new construction and working my way into larger projects as the need and funds arise. I have heard from many contacts in the area that the electricians that are in business in the area tend to be flakes (showing up late, not returning call, disappearing). I want to separate myself with superior customer service. I understand the economy and the market is slow right now, but I want to be positioned in a good place when things start to upswing (I am thinking 2010). That being said, where in your experience did you get the best bang for your buck in marketing?
 
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genesparky

Member
Location
Kingman Az.
Try to become tight with some local realtors. They probably already have someone but I have gotten a lot of work in the past from realtors that need repairs to their clients property.
 
laketime

laketime

Senior Member
Thanks guys I will try a search of his items. I do have a realtor connection (person I bought my house from) and I am working close with her.
 
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charlietuna

Senior Member
It is my opinion that there are many specialty areas within each field, consider industrial--or commercial--the gasoline station construction and/or maintainance is one by it's self! The printing industry another. The knitting industry is close but different. If your skills can match your targeted nitch-the economy has little effect--if your good --- you will succeed. And if you can make it in this economy, it will only get better. Many people have nothing to loose--so go for it--but pick an area and specilize in it!
 
laketime

laketime

Senior Member
great advice tuna, thanks. Thats something i have not considered is finding a niche into which i could gain more market share.
 
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Sparky555

Senior Member
laketime said:
No, unemployment was not a factor for going into business. I have been an electrician for 20 years and wanted to try it on my own, to try and build something for my family for the future besides my pension and annuity plans. I was hoping for some positive recommendations if possible.
Click to expand...

Since you're still an employee you may consider trying it part-time until actual business demands your full-time attention. There is a lot of useful information online & in libraries on marketing. The first problem is getting calls for service. Business cards with a phone number someone will answer is a good place to start. Tell everyone you know in your various circles that you're going into business. If you have the funds advertise to your financial ability. Building the business goes quicker if you start with about $50k. Calculate your cost of doing business, estimate your annual sales, figure your pricing, track your completed work for profit & ENJOY!
 
dezwitinc

dezwitinc

Senior Member
Location
Delray Beach, FL
Make sure that you get your business into Goggle Yellow Pages, Real Yellow Pages.com, etc.
We do some print advertising but find that the online postings are bringing us more business than the print.
You don't necessarily need to sign up for the enhanced services that cost money, just get on the free ones for now.
 
cparrott1984

cparrott1984

Member
Location
Baltimore, MD
Everyone: Feel free to add to my list

Everyone: Feel free to add to my list

laketime said:
I am a new contractor in Idaho. Just started doing business 2 weeks ago. I have joined the Chamber of Commerce and started passing out business cards everywhere I go. What are some things that worked for other contractors on here to get their name out and get some business oming in?
Click to expand...

Everyone: Feel free to add to my list


1. Pay per Click(PPC) - Online advertising is the cheapest and best way to advertising you can EVER do! You can do PPC Advertising using just about any search engine Google, Yahoo, MSN, etc.... You can set the amount for how much you will pay for someone to click on your link. So if you use .10 per click it will not come up as much as one who does .50 per click.. you can also set a budget of whatever you would like. --- EVERYONE uses the internet to find companies.

2. Craigslist - I don't if where you are from but craigslist is free here in Maryland. If it's not free its still a 'High Traffic" website

3. Advertising Signs - Put a signs near busy intersections.

4. Vehicle Advertising - Get your vehicles labeled. And like someone said before "Park it in a front row spot at a parking lot"

5. Stores - Usually grocery stores have a free board to put your ads on.

6. Trade Shows - My company does this to meet property managers and it works great.

7. Free online Advertising - inetgiant.com, myspace.com, Facebook.com, youtube.com, usfreeads.com, freeadvertisingforum.com, adgridwork.com, and Etc...

8. Bottom line - is put you companies name on everything. I mean everything. If you can write on it or type on it. Then you company name and number on it.
 
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