[Chris_onetouch]

Hey ladies and gentleman. I was curious in how everyone goes about getting there low-voltage work. I co-run a company in Orlando, FL and I am having a lot of trouble finding work. I've handed out flyers to businesses and to residential homes, we do private and ADT monitoring, Dish/Direct TV dealers, and do any and all low-voltage pre-wires and installs. We have had luck in the past but not recently. We have been doing a lot of sub work through other small low-voltage companies but it seems they have all started to run short of work. I know times are rough for everyone right now but I also know that there is work to be done out there. Does any one want to fill me in on some secrets? If not I guess I understand, Im just trying to eat and provide you know? Thanks everyone!

 

[rselectric1]

Welcome to CT. Just a heads up, it's usually protocol on the site to do an intro in the introductions section and fill out your profile as completely as you feel comfortable.

This site will give you lots of ideas about how to improve yourself. Spend some time searching the marketing, business, and low voltage sections. There are lot's of guys in the same boat as you.

Welcome again!

 

[rudirudebwoy]

Hard times

Hey I just posted somethhing similar on another forum an d I feel your pain. I have bee out hunting an d for thilife of me cannot seem to get the bites I want. I've put countless ads and done a few unsigned proposals.

 

[Inner10]

Referals from doing decent work and forming client relationships.

Damn there goes my secrete!

 

[480sparky]

...........Damn there goes my secrete!

You need to go see a doctor if you're secreting something! :laughing:

 

[rudirudebwoy]

lol @ 480 sparky.

the difference is I'm a new contractor and chose the wrong time to start up.

 

[480sparky]

lol @ 480 sparky.

the difference is I'm a new contractor and chose the wrong time to start up.

The 'right time' never arrives.

 

[woodchuck2]

The 'right time' never arrives.

How true, i started my business in Aug of 2007 but never left my full time career until April of 2008 to run the business full time. I wanted to be sure the business could survive on its own before leaving a secure income. Doing good work, having a good reputation and being diversified has helped keep me busy. Not only am i an Electrical Contractor but i also mow lawns, cut tree's, plow snow, do light excavation, pressure washing, build decks, install/repair vinyl siding, roofing, some flooring and carpentry. Anything beyond electrical is kept small and i only pick and chose the jobs i can handle. I also hire a few guys on the side to do some of this work so i dont have to worry about falling behind. Just the seasonal care taking nets me thousands of dollars a year and these folks are already customers of mine. Everytime they need something done i am the first guy they call, if i cant do it then i sub it out and still make some money off the job without having to do any work besides a few phonecalls.

 

[Adam in florida]

Getting better down South

I moved from Atlanta 1.5 years ago, to start a Fire Alarm Co in West Palm, We are just now getting call backs from Electrical contractors for bids.

My sales guy found all the Electricals in the area and now visits them every other week to say Hi and how are the quotes going! we just got a 200K job with a change order. Try and get face to face !
I sent out 500 mailers with a fill out info and check us out, and I will mail a $5 starbucks card only 15 filled out info, I guess most did not even bother to read t keep plugging along