Where to start with new business?

[Roberts7286]

Hi

So basically I went self employed at the end of January and I am currently subbying back to my old boss.

I'm not originally from where I live (Stamford, Lincolnshire) so dont have a big network of family or friends. My problem is how do I generate my own work. So far I've only picked up one job via a Facebook group. I've joined a few local Facebook groups and set up my own page. How else can I get work?

I'm not Niceic registered as I haven't done any jobs that i could use for the assessment. How do you do notifiable work suitable for the assessment if you cant notify it?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Tom

 

[timhoward]

I'm not Niceic registered as I haven't done any jobs that i could use for the assessment. How do you do notifiable work suitable for the assessment if you cant notify it?

Can you just change your own consumer unit at home? If so this is simple, apply to join a scheme (check you are eligible with latest rules). Change the CU, prepare an EIC. They come and assess (and first assessment is usually a friendly coffee and biscuits affair). No one else knows when you did it, and no one actually checks if you notify it afterwards anyway...so don't lose sleep over this.
Date the EIC and the sticker when you know when the assessment is.

I've joined a few local Facebook groups and set up my own page. How else can I get work?

If you haven't already, get the very basic google package to get a domain, a professional looking email address, and a basic one page website. (Google Business Workspace Starter). It's very cheap. Then put yourself on google maps.

The best advert is always being a user-friendly tradesman. Do the things that some other's don't. Turn up on time (or phone and explain), be clear with pricing in advance, go the extra mile, clear up well, and communicate early if things go wrong.

I've heard the "NextDoor" app is taking off, but not tried it myself yet. Might be worth a go.
Best of luck, hang in there!

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

I wouldnt recommend using it as its a race to the bottom, but put yourself on mybuilder, its free to join as it gives you an online presence. likewise twitter get on it and post often, it helps with likes of google finding you.
Manufacturers of things like ev chargers (myenergi), smoke alarms (AICO) Givenergy (Battery Storage) and many many others all offer free training and in turn a website listing which helps people find you. its free and brings in a surprising amount of work.
People dont tend to do it much these days but good old leaflets through the door still works.