starting own buisness

john luebbers

Hello, let me start off by saying I have been working with utility systems for 10 yrs. Started off in the navy with marine propulsion, went on to utility plant operations firing industrial boilers and running 1600 ton centrifugal water chillers. In between worked as a service tech residential air, also serviced industrial process chillers. I am by no means god's gift but I believe I have good foundation to stand on. I have a burning desire to start my own buisness, Heat and Air. I am getting more involved with residential oil burners. I'm makimg a comfortable living now but something is calling me to go out on my own, be my own boss. Am I crazy?

jim lockard

Congrats John

Vist Barebonesbiz.com thats Ellen Rhors site. Ellen is great, she has a number of books and articles that will get you off on the right foot. Best Wishes J. Lockard

[Deleted User]

your not crazy..

if you dont give it a shot, you will aways wonder -whatif-

John R. Hall

John

Keep me posted on your progress. I'm working on a book titled "The Next Contractor" which chronicles how 100 HVAC contrators started out and how they make decisions affecting their businesses. Some of the Wallies have helped me out and I'm still working my way up to that magical number 100.

John Felciano

Good for you

I agree with Jim go get Ellen's books she has a great way of telling it how it is and helping you make money right from the start.Dan has some great books on marketing as well.

My only other advice would be to know what your overhead is and charge what you need to make a decent living.Too many guys go into business not knowing how much it costs them every day just to open the doors.I know because I was one of them once.I just wish I knew than what I know now.

Good luck in your venture.

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Wayco Wayne_2

Recommended reading

The E Myth. It helps you ask the important questions in such an endeavor. WW

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heatboy

Lot's of help here, John.

With all of the good and not so good times you will go through in your business life, don't ever lose touch with your vision. The vision of what I want to accomplish with my business is the single thing that has driven me for the years I have been doing it. It's easy when things are going well. Your vision will help you stay focused when the ride gets bumpy.

"Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it."

hb

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pj

yep yer crazy--- but don't let that stop you, a lot of us are

"I'm makimg a comfortable living now but something is calling me to go out on my own, be my own boss. Am I crazy?"

hey lueb
you may want to checkout some small shops in your area that have been around and are established. The owner may be looking for a way to retire. You may also find having your own business is not what it's cracked up to be.

You work a lot of hours for the first 20 years, 60 to 80 per week making what your employees make in 40.
Not trying to dissuade you just look real hard before you jump in.
Either way good luck.
pj

Mark Eatherton1

Timely article

by Frank Blau's replacement. Very good article for those thinking of taking the leap of faith.

http://www.pmmag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2379,113380,00.html

ME

steve_26

Have fun

Have fun with it,don't let it run you.Take some Buss. courses if you can. Some simple Accounting knowlege will be very helpful.The biggest problem small business owners face is keeping the 500LB Gorilla of our backs with the Ins.Co's
a close second.Learn how to manage these Clowns and you will do fine..Do your homework..Goodluck.

Steve

Mad Dog

Yes, you are crazy, but if you really wanna do it...........

GO FOR IT! You have so many things to consider first though. Married? Kids? house w/ mortgage? wife work? do you have enough work? will wife understand aLL the long hours and lousy pay in the beginning? Are you ready to become more of a businessman than a tech? do you have enough work? do you have a financial cushion to get you off the ground? Are you ready for another "marriage"? Will you be able to afford health benefits? retirement fund? are you ready to work 16-18 hour days during the busy times? Are you uncomfortable asking people for money? Firing people? Do you really love what you do or do you do it for the money? As Old Phil, a plumber I had worked with in the union who had his own shop told me: "first of all kid....you gotta have a big setta ----s." Do you? Do you have any idea how much Liability insurance costs? workman's comp, all the taxes you are responsible for? Me? I love the insanity (well, most times)it is NEVER BORING I'll tell you that. I had to go out on my own because I wasn't able to have full rein ./..I do now, and some days I'm on a runaway horse - but that's ok even quarter horses get tired and slow down. If you are serious, my friend, you cannot find a better place to prepare to not just run a business, but run a successful business from the get go. We are here to help. Mad Dog

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Unknown

Good Luck!


We live in a great time because their are many before us that have written great books and developed systems to excelerate you learing curve. Take advantage of all of them your going to need it. The best part is the 1st calls you get and the 1st ones you loose you seem to always reflect back to them and you get a feeling that no one can take away it makes you stronger. Remember you can be the greatest Chief but it does't mean you can run a resturant.

best of luck Don Meier

Murph'_4

try this....


link to randall's article




HAHAHAAHHAHAAHAH THIS IS GREAT !!!



Murph'

john luebbers

Thanks for the encouraging and not so encouraging thoughts, maybe start slow, work on the side, get my feet wet, see where it takes me. Thanks for the posts