Quote:
Originally Posted by chez55  Hi All,
My partner is about 10 weeks from becoming a Licenced Plumber and as most 4th year apprecntices he has lost his job. We are thinking as soon as he becomes licneced for him to work for himself. I have started studying part time my cert 4 in small business management so I can run the paper side of the business and he can go out there and work. Do people recomend that I talk to people as well as studying? Do we need to go and see a business coach? Do we need to go and see an accountant? Do we need to go out and see a lawyer?
I know plumbers are needed so we are only anticipating starting small and advertising in local newspaper and for him to go out as people call. Am I on the wrong track? |
Firstly, I'm sorry to hear about your partner losing his job. BUT... the bright side is that you seem to be taking this as the opportunity that it is. So many people are too scared to go out on their own, but you and your partner have had this thrust upon you. Not such a bad thing! My parents always taught me that the best way to learn something is to jump on in.
When I started out flying solo (which wasn't that long ago either) the most beneficial thing I did was visit my accountant. They will point you in the right direction so that you set up your tax, bank accounts etc.
Secondly, Network. Which is what you're doing on this site!! Good move. There are loads of people willing to help as long as you ask the question.
Then I would suggest looking into insurance for the business, I work from home so I don't need it, but as a plumber you will probably need to take out some sort of cover.
As for marketing the business, this is my advice:
- get some business cards and be obsessive about handing them around.
- vehicle signage.
- yellow pages online.
- leave details with real estate agents for rental properties.
- Talk to other plumbers who may have overflow, give them his number. If they are too busy to do a job they might pass on his details instead.
- Newspapers can be a little tricky as some circulations don't have successful ad sections. People read the articles.
- Talk to builders, they always need a network of other tradespeople.
(Give me a bell if you want more advice, I'm more than happy to help.)
Laura Patmore
Graphic Designer
Design Mill
P 02 9575 7556
E
laura@designmill.com.au
W
www.designmill.com.au