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I have operated my sign business on a part-time basis for a number of years. I would like to go full-time at it but am a little gun shy. I could use some good advice from others who have taken the plunge. Are there any good resources out there?
-------------------- Kevin Doehrmann Doehrmann Signs 901 Oak St. Williamsburg, IA 52361 doehrmannsigns@iowatelecom.net Posts: 19 | From: Williamsburg, Iowa | Registered: May 2002
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Do like me and loose your full-time job than you won't have a choice. It still is scary but if you gotta make it, you figure out how to quicker.
-------------------- John Thompson JTT Graphics "The big guy with a little sign shop!" Royston/Hartwell Georgia jtt101@hotmail.com Posts: 626 | From: Royston Georgia | Registered: Feb 2002
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Get all your bills caught up. Pay off all the charge cards. Build up some inventory of your basic working supplies, paints, substrates, vinyls, etc. Say a deep prayer and step off into the wild blue yonder and hit the ground running. Go see your steady clients that bring you good business and tell them you are now wholey dependant on the public for your paycheck. Pass out business cards and ask for a chance to bid on all jobs that you may qualify for.
Oh, yeah.... and get ready for the wildest rollercoaster ride of your life in feast and famon!!!!!
[ May 27, 2002, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: John Smith ]
-------------------- John Smith Kings Bay Signs (Retired) Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 817 | From: Central Florida - The Sunshine State | Registered: Jan 2000
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ROTSA RUCK as Scooby used to say!! This website IS one of the best resources; like-minded people willing to share their wisdom- most people don't realize the value of SOMEONE WHO HAS ALREADY TRIED THAT and his experiences therein.
I would say to never be afraid to say to a supplier "can you do better than that" for a price. The worst they can say is YOU'RE CUT OFFFF!!!! haha just kidding. THe worst they can say is no.
invest now or pay later- anything from keeping sharp blades to the right equipment. A few more $ at the start can either save you $$$$$ or make you $$$$ long-term.
Always take the high road- you never know the jobs you may lose because you cheated someone and they told 800 friends. A good word-of-mouth rep is worth 5 yellow page ads.
-------------------- Steve Burke Cascades Inc NS Canada
If at first you don't succeed, skydiving isn't for you Posts: 359 | From: NS Canada | Registered: Jan 2002
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it is good to be cautious -- it keeps you sharp.
here's something that's been working for me:
i get together once a week (Monday morning works for us) with three friends who are also self-employed. we're like a mini Chamber of Commerce -- we each take 15 or 20 minutes to talk about our businesses, what's working, what isn't, and we get and give advice, support, and feedback to one another.
we all have different kinds of businesses, and different perspectives. It works out really well. we help each other to see that the issues we''re dealing with common to all small businesses: taxes, employees, cash flow, sales and marketing.
it is also helpful for me, because i know that each week i'm going to have to say something, so i'm going to have to DO something. i'm the type who needs deadlines, so my weekly deadline -- "got to get my ___ done before Monday's meeting" -- helps me get going on the days i feel like slacking.
between my Monday guys and this website i feel like i have a full team backing me!
-------------------- :: Scooter Marriner :: :: Coyote Signs :: :: Oakland, CA :: :: still a beginner :: :: Posts: 1356 | From: Oakland (and San Francisco) | Registered: Mar 2001
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Hi Kevin and welcome to the board! I suggest you read the post "suggestions on attracting more business" by Trisha Sullivan. Just scroll back a day or two and get a lot of great suggestions on how to get enough business. You could join the Chamber of Commerce, they should be interested in giving you help and hopefully some work. Good luck!
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Hello Kevin, The one thing that I tell everyone that is self employed is that between 8 - 5, stay busy, even if there is nothing to do. Make a sample, contact a posible customer, promote yourself, letter your truck, design your own nice business cards or anything business related. Have Fun!
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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I've passed out 400 business cards in the past month or so. That's about 10 per day. More if you figure, never on Sundays and sometimes on Mondays (my other days off).
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