|
One of the best things I did to get started was to place an ad in the local newspaper, in the Services column. It got me the most business for the first few years (word of mouth was one of the best ways, but that takes a little while). One of the drawbacks is the jobs are sometimes very small ones, but it is better than no job at all. I got a lot of price-shoppers (be-backers, I call them), but I got a lot of work, too. As previously stated, quality work at competitive prices is the key. Don't cut corners, and don't cut prices to get the job. I would rather not work than work for nothing - you'll lose less money. Another thing I learned the hard way, especially if you're doing small jobs, is don't jump and run if someone calls you. It's a hard thing to do if you aren't busy, but it will get you more repeat business. I found that when I went to do a job as soon as I got off the phone, it was usually small. The next time that same customer (or someone they told about me) called, they expected me to come right away. If I had other jobs ahead of them, they would call someone else, and never call me again. If you schedule them for a day or two after they call, they will figure that you are at least a little busy, and will expect to be put on YOUR schedule, not put you on THEIR schedule. So, the next time they call, they won't be put off if they have to wait a couple days - and they won't call everyone else in the book. I found my last name should have started with a "Z", because people would call everyone in the book until they either got someone to come that day, or until they got to the last listing in the book - then they would go with them, and figure everyone was busy and that was the best they could do. If they are satisfied with them, they will call and recommend them again and again. Hope this helps. Good luck,
Dale(MO)
|
