Back Before The War...

steve-in-kville

.... whenever you started in business for yourself, what mistakes did you make that could have been avoided?

What advise would you give to someone who wants to go out on their own as a contractor?

Thanks!!

steve

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mdshunk

Please visit your family doctor to get a referral for a mental health evaluation.

MattCoops

Dont trust anyone
get everything in writing

Keep family and business completely seperated

Know who your friends are.

Keep a smile with every customer. Even though you cuss them out with every word in the book in back of your mind.

Have a lawyer
and an accountant

Keep all your reciepts

Dont pee in peoples yards

__________________
Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

mdshunk

Mind if I ask you to tell the story behind that one?

Mike Finley

Everything he said, plus "don't get any on ya" and "see a doctor and get rid of it"

ron schenker

Know your trade inside and out and try to be the best in your area.

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Don't worry, the baseboard will hide it!

Double-A

Your checkbook is a poor indicator of your business health. Don't completely trust all you're told about how to run your business from just one lawyer, and one accountant. Educate yourself about business.

If you're a poor businessman, and plan on staying that way, then get used to hard times on a regular basis.

I've been a bad businessman for more years than a good one. You can be the best in your craft but if you don't put at least some of that talet for detail into your business then you're selling yourself and your family short.

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"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

dayexco

find an accountant you trust, and USE them. find a bank officer you like, and USE them. keep your financials up to date, and available to your bank. much easier for them to work with you if they know where you're at.

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someday, i'll be as patient as Nick.

dougchips

The pee in the yard thing is up for debate! If a customer really upsets you, don't lose sleep over it. Pee in a jug and dump it on their yard, it will kill their grass. You will fall asleep laughing.

On a more serious note, learn to save money. Get an American Express card that you have to pay off at the end of the month and learn to spend other people's money and not to get yourself in debt.

This is the big one, ask for a contractor rate everywhere you go. Most normal places excluding HD/lowes will offer a discount. Sign up for the Staples reward program.

copusbuilder

Business is business whether it's family or friends.

Any employee or sub will sell you down the river when the time is right.

Run your business don't let it run you

never,,,,ever let your wife do your accounting

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www.copusconstruction.com
www.etexasrentals.com
www.thelakevoice.com
AkA Richard Cranium

Debookkeeper

And to add to that.....

And ALWAYS know what is going on in the office! I have heard of 3 embezzlement cases this year already. It makes me sick, but it can done a lot easier than everyone thinks. One girl got about 60K in an 8 month time, the other was around 35K. So please keep in mind, just because she has a vagina, doesn't mean she can run an office. You get what you pay for!

copusbuilder

Damn....... and I was just complaining about nto being able to carry any money she didn't know about.

I may have to look closer at this embezzlement thing

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www.copusconstruction.com
www.etexasrentals.com
www.thelakevoice.com
AkA Richard Cranium

AAPaint

The lessons I've learned in the past couple years include this very important one: Don't sell yourself short just because you need work. Usually ends up costing you money to do the job, and you'd be better off sitting on your duff than doing a job for too little money.

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-AAPaint

AA Quality Painting & Pressure Washing LLC
Jacksonville Painters
Jacksonville, FL.

john elliott

Don't employ, or work for, friends or relatives.
Don't employ, or work for, friends or relatives.
Don't employ, or work for, friends or relatives.

John

nadonailer

Being able to run your business is just as important as being a good craftsman.

Learn accounting and business practices, they will make or break you regardless of how skilled or busy you are.

What the other guys said, esp the peeing thing (it's a bummer getting caught)

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"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid”.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

dumplin1078

Amen. My brother helps me and most days he is the best helper I could ask for he knows what to do and does it. Other days its like Sometimes I wish he would find another job, even though he is my only help.

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"I hate to tell you this, but you're a man. You're going to spend your life gettin' up one more time than you get knocked down." John Wayne

dougchips

This is really good advice! We have all learned this lesson several times. Add neighbors, 3000 freebie for my neighbor bit me in the ass.