Although I frequent this site daily, I don't post often, unless I think I can really add to a topic or have a question/critique. However, I am really excited about this, and I wanted to share with everyone the news.
Today is the first day of working for myself as "Chris OBrien Design." After roughly 8 years at my last job ("design/production/do-it-all guy" at a sign company), I have decided to pursue my own career full time.
A lot of people think that I might not be making the best decision, especially with the economy/market right now, but I feel completely confident in my choice, as do the people who are closest to me. I think it is a great opportunity, that I am very ready and willing to embrace.
Ok. Thanks for listening.
Posted by Jake Lyman (Member # 3280) on :
Congratulations Chris. From what I have seen you are a very good designer and thats what will bring the customers in.
Good Luck!
Posted by Raymond Chapman (Member # 361) on :
Congratulations Chris. It's a whole new world now.
"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times". Pretty well describes our chosen profession.
Posted by Si Allen (Member # 420) on :
Congrats!
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER! Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
I wish you well on your new adventure!
-grampa dan
Posted by Tony Vickio (Member # 2265) on :
Congratulations!! A bold move but only the ones that have the "balls" to pursue their dreams have a chance at succeeding!
The last day of my full time job was on a Friday. Saturday was my first day "on my own"! Saturday night I was driving a NASCAR Modified at Shangra-La speedway in Owego, NY and was involved in a brutal crash. Broke my right collar bone, three ribs and my right elbow! Not a good way to start a new carrier but I made it! You will too!
Posted by Buren Harrelson (Member # 9381) on :
Good luck,I did the same thing 2 years ago. Everyone said that I was crazy except the few that really knew me. Never looked back! Sruggle at times but just be smart,learn from your mistakes & GOOD LUCK.
Posted by Michael Clanton (Member # 2419) on :
My first official day at work for myself- January 2, 2000. Talk about some "balls"- I quit my job before christmas and start right in the middle of "Y2K" yikes!
I get a call at 7am to letter 2 semi trucks that morning for a rush job. I knew it would be OK being on my own.
hang in there!, it will be a bumpy ride, but hopefully a great one!
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Chris,
Opening up a shop during an economic downturn may actually be the best time.
My father opened shop back in 1978. Today's economic problems are chump change compared to then. It seems like we always have our best years when the economy struggles.
Congrats on opening up the new shop. Best wishes all around!
.
Posted by Michael Gene Adkins (Member # 882) on :
like my grandmother used ta say:
"If we knew exactly when we were getting a paycheck, it would take all the fun out of it!"
Honestly, she did say that!
Posted by Barb. Shortreed (Member # 1730) on :
CONGRATULATIONS Chris and the best of luck with following your dream Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
Best wishes to you Chris! Like was stated earlier, I admire anyone with the doodads to open in this economy. No better time than the present.
Posted by bruce ward (Member # 1289) on :
ah self employment, welcome to hell! freedom to do whatever you want when you want. you will never be richer or never be broker, lol
I love it, his first day and he's already getting advice from people. one thing about being self employed you always get advice from clock punchers. sorta doesnt make sense does it?
Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Congatulations Chris.
I never, ever, regretted being self-employed for the many years I was.
I will pass on some advice that was given to me by a friend in the sign business when I told him I was entering the field.
"Don't underprice your work, and NEVER back down from your quoted price."
He also told me I'd never make it!!!
I'll add a couple of other thoughts of my own.
Do an annual assessment of your prices and raise them annually to keep up with rising costs of everything.
Treat your clients with the respect they deserve, they are the ones who are paying you. (If a client is a pain, fire him and find a decent replacement)
Don't be afraid to go after the corporate clients, they are the ones with deep pockets and are the ones who will be your repeat business, week after week, month after month or year after year.
The small businesses are good too. They might only provide one job every 2 or 3 years, but they will be loyal if you treat them with the respect they deserve also. And as they expand and grow so will they work that they provide you.
Finally, and a repeat, don't underprice your work! When things get slow, and they will now and then, it is better to work on personal projects for yourself than to work for a client without making a decent wage/profit. When times are slow, it isn't a reflection on your product, it is just a reflection of the general economy. Do what the clients do, pull in your horns and ride out the storm.
My thoughts as a NON-CLOCK PUNCHER!!! Posted by Todd Gill (Member # 2569) on :
Go get em Chris.... determination and passion will get you far down the road or reaching your dreams and goals.
Many good wishes for your success. Posted by Dale Manor (Member # 4858) on :
Best of Luck in all that you do Chris....
"If God sends you down a stony path, may he give you strong shoes."
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
"Design" in your name is a smart move - that alone will eliminate some pesky tire-kickers and steer the better budget clientele your way. Good luck with the big plunge and give yourself a day off occasionally.......
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
Congrats Chris. Believe in yourself and others will too.
[ July 01, 2008, 02:19 AM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Enjoy!
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
The first step of a long journey is often the most difficult...
Good luck to you and your endeavor...the only advice from here is to work hard and take time to play hard!
Posted by Len Mort (Member # 7030) on :
Good luck Chris in your new venture.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
So Chris, how's it going? The nay-sayers are the extra motivation you sometimes need just to prove them wrong. Congratuations!
Checkers
Posted by Chris OBrien (Member # 5409) on :
Thanks everyone for the kind words.
I've been busy this week working on some jobs, as well as working on getting my own stuff in line.
I have a preliminary version of my new website HERE
which is part of my marketing direction as far as business cards, my truck lettering, etc. Any opinions would be helpful. (Also any browser issues- its been tested in firefox v2 and IE v7)
Thanks a bunch.
Posted by Kelly Thorson (Member # 2958) on :
quote:Originally posted by Chris OBrien: I feel completely confident in my choice, as do the people who are closest to me. I think it is a great opportunity, that I am very ready and willing to embrace.
With that confidence and your work I suspect you will go far Chris.
The site looks great, I didn't take the time to go over it closely, but it is crisp, clean and very pleasant.
Posted by Donna in BC (Member # 130) on :
Congrats Chris! I'm still smiling at self employment after 14 plus years.
Your website has a very fresh appealing aspect to it. Well done!
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