On February 28, 2006 at 01:37, DIRTE said...
Would you do it again? I understand the difference between owning a job and owning a business but
what made
you business owners venture out on your own? I
have worked for small CI companies and felt like
I would never grow to the point of satisfaction.
Not because I want to have the easy life but rather
than enjoying what I do and sharing my enthusiasm
with others.
So my question to you is does the pleasure outweigh
the sacrifice involved? What should I consider
that I may be overlooking in going out on my own
and what insight would you give yourself if you
were to do it again?
DIRTE...
Ya know? That's a hell of a good question... I too have both worked for a number of small CI groups, and also was on my own (twice)... once for four years, and then for 6 years...
Being "employed for someone else" always had the greener pastures appeal... 5 - 8's, insurance, support etc.
Of course it is also possible to be employed, with no support, or appreciation also... and working with guys who are only in it for the buck... no passion or real excitement about product, and each client is just another unit... Slam in the stuff fast so the boss won't freak, and move on to your next stop! (Not fun is it?)...
I'm actually toying with going back out again... but this time I wil;l review where I blew it before, and really have a plan.
Probl;em was the more $$$ I made, the more I kicked back, and got lazy... pretty soon I was just too laid back to provide the service my clients deserved... I thought I was this cool, smart dude - and they just had to wait!
Problem was...They didn't share my point of view!
Next Time...
I will do a business plan and stick to it.
I (both times), was actually doing better than I realised...
Having my own schedule was great! Being the only person the client made contact with I liked, (how many times has a co-worker ticked off or given bad info or advice to one of your clients, you've been nurturing along?)... and I could pretty much pick my products, and if I wasn't comfortable after doing a client interview... I could boot him (or her)! Life is too short for dealing with jerks!
I'm involved with a Grade -A 4-Star client now... and if it were my business, I would have sent him packing... as it is a long miserable-drawn out experience working with him on his project... I can't tell you how much he is in my head... even at night when I should be relaxing... a very manipulative, arrogant, totally unappreciative ass.
It's tough when you are an entreprenaur at heart, creative, street-smart and have your own way of doing things... you go back and work for someone else... Especially if they don't tap your skills or resources, and then can't understand why the business isn't doing better!
Sometimes they may feel threatened by your experience and knowledge, and try to keep you from being a star!
I'd say, there is still a lot of business to be had out there, but just get all your forms, papaerwork, contracts, proposal templates, tools and be prepared to work harder than you've ever worked before... (make sure your partner won't resent you needing to stay late on a job, work a weekend or whatever, over their need to be with you)!
And I don't mean to preach, because I need to do this more so than anybody!!!...
Don't drop your prices to get a job.
Don't sell cheap stuff to get win a bid.
Never release equipment without payment in full FIRST!
Don't waste time doing friends and neighbors stuff.
And remember you don't need to be the client's friend... you are providing a service... don't let it get personal... stay a little detached, professionally.
Jeez! Look what you've done! Now I'm ready to go out there again!!!
The DOWN side, is if you get in over your head on a project, technically, financially, or you are overbooked, and need to be at 3 places at the same time... that can be really stressful and scary... and there is only YOU - to sort things out.
Also, although you technically don't have a boss --- guess what your customers can each become bosses to you if you let them have the upper hand, and are a type of person who finds it hard to say no...
But, what the hell... go for it!