the well is running dry

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jemsvcs

Senior Member
Any advice out there for a newly independent electrician on drumming up new business? While working for a larger contractor it seemed like there was plenty of work to go around...you know, the old "sure...we can get to that job next year sometime...maybe" attitude. Now that i'm on my own the jobs seem rather sparse. I get plenty of encouragement from the "big boys", but last time I checked the bank won't let me make a withdrawal on encouragement. :D

Thanks, Jemsvcs
 
Re: the well is running dry

By all means do sit on your buns getting depressed. You have to make calls to contractors, management firms, any possible customers in your speciality VISIT all possible customers. if you do residential, blanket neighborhoods with flyers, especially new neighborhoods. Put together a letter of introduction, showcasing the type of work you do. If you only do commercial work consider doing residential work as you develop your commercial customer base. Drop in and see past customers. 75% -8 5% of our work comes from 10% of our customers. See anyone that you had contact with when you worked for someone else.

Notifying customers, of your intent to start a business while you work for another firm is unethical IMO. But once you leave (unless you have a non-compete agreement) it is not stealing customers but giving them another option.

Don’t be too proud to take a job with an electrical contractor, anything beats bankruptcy.

What area are you in?
 
Re: the well is running dry

When i first started i prepared a introduction letter and hand delivered to GC in my area.The one that was never opened proved to be my biggest customer.He called about a week later,gave me a print to bid and he liked my price.Wasn't a high profit one but gave me a house a week.Your going to find very few that will drop a good electrician over just a slightly lower price,your only hope is that they don't like the quality and service of the guy they now have.In time waiting go to work for someone,tell them nothing about your own company or you won't be hired.Worst thing that happens is they find out and fire you or you start getting more work than you can do in evenings and weekends.Call in sick if that's what it takes.No this isn't proper but you must look out for yourself.
 
Re: the well is running dry

jemsvcs
Getting work as a contractor is no different than looking for work as an employee. You have to get out and beat the bushes, This means you need to get the word out that your interested in doing the work for a fair price and if you can, let them know your qualifications. Sometimes going from job site to job site. also get your number in the yellow pages this helps in picking up service calls. But don't Waite around for them to come to you as they won't.
 
Re: the well is running dry

Jemsvcs,
I started my business about two years ago and just like you I had worked for a big company thinking that there was plenty of work to go around (boy was I in for a surprise).

It was just six months ago that we really started to get noticed by the commercial contractors, untill then we advertised every week in the local newspaper for residential service upgrades, remodels, and new construction.

For the longest time we were getting the cold shoulder from the commercial GC's, all I can say is dont give up, keep showing up at their doorsteps asking for something small to bid. (phone calls will get you absolutely nowhere)

Also if you do good work at a fair price and show up when you are supposed to people will refer you to their frinds and family, after awhile referels will keep you plenty busy.

Good luck,
Scott
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top