Do you want to start your own trade business? If so, you have come to the right place. This guide will show you what changes you need to make, while also guiding you on the steps you need to take to ensure success with your venture.
Do a Fantastic Job and Make Customers Happy
This may be difficult, but before you even think about starting a business, you have to make sure that you do a great job. Ask yourself how good you are at the work you’re going to be doing and also take note of your strengths and your weaknesses. If you have been fired from a previous job and want to go out on your own then this is the worst reason for you to start a business. When you run your own business, you’re bound to make mistakes but at the end of the day, if you can be somewhat consistent in the quality of work you provide then this will work in your favour.
Build a Solid Reputation
If you want to get work in the trade business then the best thing you can do is get recommendations from your customers. Studies have shown that 70% of work in the industry comes from customer recommendations. This is why it is so important for you to do some private work in the evenings, or even at the weekend so you can get going with your customer base. When you have a lot of customers under your belt, you can then commit to going full-time. By easing into your business you can be sure to avoid any gaps in your income. A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that when they start trading, customers will come flooding to them but unfortunately, this is not always the case. You will usually have to wait a while for this to happen, and you will have to put in a lot of work if you want people to begin noticing you.
Be Fair to your Customers
Having happy customers truly is the key to ensuring that you have a great reputation. This comes from doing a good job, and at a reasonable price. You have to make sure that you set the expectations of your customers properly so the price you quote is what they expect. The main reason for this is because customers may have the wrong idea about how much a job is going to cost. They may then be disappointed even though you have been completely fair throughout the process. When someone asks for a quote, you need to give it to them quickly as well. A homeowner’s biggest gripe is that tradesmen never get back to them. If you can be the exception here then you can be sure to impress people.
Remember you’re Running a Business
If you provide good work then there is no reason at all why you cannot make a decent living. Good work also deserves good pay. If you can make sure that you are flexible and friendly at all times then this will help you to surpass your rivals. You’re not in business just to make your customers happy though, so make sure that you do not absorb costs which could well be unreasonable. You also need to make sure that you are set with the terms and conditions of your company where possible. The last thing you want is to come across hidden problems, which results in extra charges, and unhappy customers. Be clear from the start and make sure that your customers understand what you’re going to do for them. Sure, sometimes things happen and you might not always be able to expect them either, but if you can take the time to make this clear then you will have a better experience with your customers. Finally, if a customer seems picky or if they seem sensitive to the price then you should walk away. If you work with people purely because you need the work then this can result in your business failing before it has even had chance to get started.
Be Organised
It’s common for those who start a business, to experience frustration in regard to paperwork. If this is the case with your business then you may have to spend a lot of time and effort sorting everything out. The best thing you can do is hire an accountant as they can help you to adopt the right tools and software. By doing this, you can be sure to stay on top of your accounts. If you are recording your invoices and your accounts professionally from the start then you can make sure that you are paid faster and that you have more time to enjoy the other aspects of running a company. When it comes to recording expenses, you have to track everything, whether it is stainless steel tubes for a job or brand-new drills and tools.
Obey the Law
When it comes to the trade industry, there are a lot of regulations that you have to follow. You may need to register to work with gas, or electrics as an example. You may also need to undertake a health and safety course so you can make sure that you are up to date-and working safely. If you do not undertake courses like this then you may still be able to work in the industry, but at the same time, you also need to remember that your customers may lose trust in you. Customers like to see tradesmen who care about the work that they do and who are willing to go the extra mile to obtain certification so be mindful of that.
So, starting a business isn’t easy but at the same time, it does come with a lot of rewards. If you start on the right foot then you will never look back and you may even find that you can make a solid living for both you and your family.
