Hello just got licensed what next?

1220 Views 7 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Grateful_Monk, Feb 5, 2014

Vender

Discussion Starter · Jan 30, 2014

Hello all, I have been in the trades for 20+ years and finally got my General Contractors license in Michigan. What next? Not sure if I continue the handyman thing or now I can really advertise (legally). Any advice would be great. What things do I need to "look out" for? What I need to do now to keep legal/comply? I know google... I like my information from people who know. Thanks
Mark

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Gombido

· #2 · Jan 30, 2014

For what its worth; First the donts:
Dont: get involved in Steel Building franchises,
Dont: answer phone calls from 800 numbers or area codes outside your working radius.
Dont :get a website!
Dont: spend un necessary money trying to look like a bigshot.

DO: get General Liability Insurance
Do: Compile a list of references from all your prior customers
Do: ask these referenceses for referrals, get some gift cards or something to encourage their help.
Do: be ethical
DO: work hard, knock on doors, market your capabilities (and never stop)

The rest will work itself out

Good luck and congratulations!

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Vender

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 30, 2014

Good advice. Funny about the website and phone calls. The phone has been ringing all day. The marketing people have to be watching the states websites.

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Gombido

· #4 · Jan 30, 2014

Thats exactly what they are doing . Oh and there is a bunch of them. And they all want your money! Remember why you started this business is to make money, not give it to some jerk who doesn't know you.

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Gombido

· #5 · Jan 30, 2014 (Edited)

One more thing. DO : answer your phone (within your working radius) Nothing turns off a prospect more than a contractor who sends all calls to voice mail. If you do get a voice mail, return the call immediately.

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Grateful_Monk

· #6 · Jan 31, 2014

I agree with most but..

a website might be too expensive from the get go but it should absolutely be a part of your long term plan. I've owned a painting company for 18 years. I started out marketing through print media..mainly direct mail flyers, directories and magazines. I have shifted my whole budget to the internet because that's where it's paying off.

Like anything else, you need to educate yourself before you hire.

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Vender

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 5, 2014

Oh I'm educating. How do I find those niche suppliers tucked away in industrial areas? I'm seeing having your license opens up doors / discounts and am finding a lot of information about the trade. I should have gotten my license 20 years ago. Idiot.

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Grateful_Monk

· #8 · Feb 5, 2014

Gombido quotes:

"Dont: answer phone calls from 800 numbers or area codes outside your working radius."

"DO: work hard, knock on doors, market your capabilities (and never stop)"

"Thats exactly what they are doing . Oh and there is a bunch of them. And they all want your money! Remember why you started this business is to make money, not give it to some jerk who doesn't know you"

No disrespect at all Gombido but..
I find it comical that you call telemarketers jerks but in the next breath advise to knock on peoples doors.

I'm not sure if that was meant to be literal but cold calling and banging on peoples doors while there eating dinner are both unethical IMO.

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