Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Working for Yourself

I think most of us think about it. Obviously, some of you have done it for a long time. I'm relatively new at it and would like to share a few observations and would love for some of the more experienced guys to chime in.

1) Just do it. Nobody's gonna do it for you.
2) It ain't gonna happen over night.
3)The only advertising that REALLY works is a happy customer.

pretty much spot on, just need to add you don't get to take off when ever you want and days off can be few.

Hire the hell outa mesicans. Its the rage.

Show up when you say youre going to. Even if it's just for an estimate


I got a lot of projects just from that. I knew I could charge more when the homeowner's first words were "youre the only one out of 3 different outfits that showed up"

grins

4.) Have a needed service to sell
5.) answer your phone and/or return all calls.
6.) Know when to say “no”, politely
7.) Have verifiable references if asked
8.) Get all things financially related known up front.
9.) Never over promise.
10.) Have and carefully maintain contacts concerned with the business you’re in.

There’s more.

Remember: the boss is still a jerk.

Good times outway the bad,usually.

My biggest memory was creating jobs for a bunch of A-holes that have no pride and don't give a chit.
I had some good employees but they were few and far between.

Other than that it would be great if you're a one man show.

Paid vacations are paying someone to take care of your business when you try to take a vacation.

I remember those thoughts for some of my goon squad.

I never would let them do any valley or chimney flashing work. Told em " you mfkers will be laid back drinkin a 'foty' and smokin a 20 while this man's roof leaks. Or you'll be in jail like a dumbass"

I slept good knowing I personally did the 'neck up' part of every job.

Worst fear, the day mom or dad dies.

Mom(currently still teaching) takes care of the paperwork(taxes, bills, etc.) dad and I do the farm work.


The farm show never stops. Those damn cows....

Yes. I've learned that some people think that everything is negotiable.

BTDT - the boss was/is actually an azzhole!
Actually - you go from one "boss" to a multitude - all your customers! And "the boss" is an unrelenting taskmaster.

Sam, another thing you learn is that you can do anything, especially sh_t you don't want to

I hear ya Sam.......I was happiest when after working for myself and others for twenty five years I started running work for a really smart successful builder.
Great pay, benefits, and company truck so I could just go out and build chit which is what I really love.
I stayed with him for another 15yrs.

I worked for the man all my life. Did ok, but .........

Known up front and in writing.

Client/contractor expectations and assumptions tend to become magnified as the project nears completion.

I worked for myself once.

The boss was a complete a$$hole and my employee was a worthless, incompetent lout.

15 years in construction
White guys under 30 are mostly pieces of [bleep].
South Americans are a helluva lot better than messicans
35-65 year old white family guys are better than either.
Get a good lawyer and never need him except for real estate and a GREAT CPA.
Live well below your means, save/invest as much as possible hard times ARE coming
Fancy trucks are a stupid thing to spend money on
Honor your word, always.
Choose who you work for wisely. You don't want to be married to some entitled prick for 9 months
You find good employees, treat them like family. They're worth their weight in gold.
You find good customers, treat them like family. They're worth their weight in gold.
Be prepared to work 6 1/2 days a week.
You'll have less time to spend with family so make sure the time you have is spent wisely.
Buy the best tools and equipment you can afford.
Know your limitations.
Stay Humble.

I think that's excellent advice. My previous comment notwithstanding.