Start up advice!!

Skyba · Jul 29, 2013

Hi, I'm a fully qualified gold carded spark and I've been working on commercial industrial sites through agencies for a while now so essentially I'm self employed with non of the advantages.
I'm looking at setting up for myself, I'm getting a van I've got a website and I'm looking at test equipment and I've been in contact with a few of my ex landlords who have said I may be able to get some work. I'm going to join a scam at some point as its less hassle than contacting all the local councils in my area and getting misinformation about issuing Certs myself.

The biggest question I have and would love some advice on is how did people to about the transition from working for people to going it alone properly?

Did you just jump straight in?

Just do evenings and weekends?

Has anyone joined the likes of check a trade or rated people, I know these aren't ideal but for someone starting from scratch this could be a good way of getting my name around, if I can sit out the time waiters that is.

Just looking for some advice from some who are far wiser than I am.

It is a worrying thing but the rates through agencies are so poor these days and I hate being treated like I'm and employee right up until the day you get pumped. Also I have seen people who are making a go of it and earning far more than I am yet they are just domestic installers and have basically just got 17th edition Certs and may have done 2391 8 times.

Any advice would be much appreciated as I know this is the path I want to take however daunting it is, I'm also relishing the idea of dealing with my own customers rather than being looked at like I'm cretin by senior PM's and architects lol.

Once again thanks for any advice in advance as I know many people come in here and never say thanks lol.

P.s anyone got an MFT they want to sell??

i=p/u · Jul 29, 2013

Start off slow, don't throw all your cash at it, unless you have it to or guaranteed work to back it up. Depending on your outgoings i.e rent , mortgage , weekly living costs etc . Maybe depends can you pack in working for others straight away. You might need to manage both for bit. Plus spend time on trying to find new customers... It can take few years to build up clients to provide continuity of work for you and a mate.

Id say all depends on outgoings on how much you can commit to giving up weekly wage to just try and find work and make contacts.. Plus have a good social life cause they all potential customers , so get yourself known as the popular 1.. Yes everyone knows him is what needs to be said ...

What's all services you can offer and I don't mean ---- hunting

Skyba · Jul 29, 2013

Lol, that's my one main problem, I'm a t totaller and had only just moved to the area, the one advantage I do have is I am quite approachable and usually do get on with people I meet and in the 18 months I have been in this area I have made a good few connections, only problem is its mainly with commercial electrical companies so I am going to try and tap them up for some direct subby work.

Definitely can't pack in work as I've got too many bills but in all honesty if I could get a few jobs over the period of a month I'd probably still be better off with the crap rates being paid lol.

i=p/u · Jul 29, 2013

I'm sure you'll get better answers, I work for other people and do odd house here and there.. But don't advertise .. But I have kids rent car andi need money

Skyba · Jul 29, 2013

Yeah see I've for the rent and car etc but the lack if social life means weekends and evenings isnt out of the question lol, Afterall it's about working hard and reaping the rewards.

I'm going to start advertising soon as I'm on a contract which is due to end in about 8 weeks so even if I get 1 job it'll help.

i=p/u · Jul 29, 2013

Most need few homers to top is up... Sure soon as I start making contacts my woek load getting better every year, mywoman wants us to move back to Scotland... Lol.