posted
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.
-------------------- Chris O'Brien Cape Cod, MA Posts: 183 | From: Cape Cod MA | Registered: Jan 2005
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-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
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!
-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
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.
-------------------- Buren Harrelson Vinyl Ink Whiteville,NC Posts: 162 | From: North Carolina | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
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!
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1736 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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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!
"If we knew exactly when we were getting a paycheck, it would take all the fun out of it!"
Honestly, she did say that!
-------------------- Michael Gene Adkins The Fontry 1576 S Hwy 59 Watts OK 74964 Posts: 845 | From: Watts, OK USA | Registered: Jun 1999
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posted
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.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
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?
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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!!!
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
posted
"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.......
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
Congrats Chris. Believe in yourself and others will too.
[ July 01, 2008, 02:19 AM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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-------------------- Len Mort Signmaker1.com 11 Juniper Drive Millbury, MA 508-865-2382 "A Good Business Sign, is A Sign of Good Business"(1957) Posts: 811 | From: Millbury, Ma | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
So Chris, how's it going? The nay-sayers are the extra motivation you sometimes need just to prove them wrong. Congratuations!
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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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.
-------------------- Chris O'Brien Cape Cod, MA Posts: 183 | From: Cape Cod MA | Registered: Jan 2005
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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.
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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