Hahaha, well, you got a minute......or 45?
I'll get a post up here on my thoughts but later today as I have to
-go to the bank
-turn on electric in new shop
-see about dropping some 220 outlets in said new shop
-have my guy install gate posts today
-revise that, oversee my guy installing gate posts today cause he is kinda green on the fine details
-finish a decorative table today
-make sure bills I got friday go out today
-finish memorial for a cemetary plot today
-modify trailer to haul stuff from galvanizer tomorrow
-load trailer to haul new stuff to galvanizer
........ how do I solve the problems?? Clones?? LoL!!
I'll give you my thoughts after awhile but as I said, gotta move out of shop into shop, set up new shop and keep invoices rolling out.....
it's not that bad...really....hahaha!!!
By welderbrent
Date 06-03-2013 18:28
Edited 06-03-2013 18:31
WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!!
So, problem is, we don't know what you mean by the next level. That could mean you want to get certified. It could mean you think you want to be an inspector. It could mean you want to start your own business. It could mean you want to become a union hand instead of working for nothing at some backyard shop.
Based upon your other thread, I really wish people would stop doing that- both your threads belong together, I would guess you are thinking about starting your own business. Devo asked a good question, and if you aren't that far along yet, then you are not ready for the next step.
Welding is a broad profession and there are way too many different aspects to think you are going to start your own business and do ALL of them. You can not be all things to all people/customers. So, pick one that best fits what you like and do well. The ruin of many a business is trying to do too much at the beginning. It takes too much equipment, insurance, time and experience.
It doesn't have to be anything amazing, but, start, as Yojimbo suggested in your other thread, with a basic business plan (that's why it messes things up to have multiple threads covering basically the same material). Despite many scoffers, it will keep you focused and plot your course.
Don't worry about advertising until you know where you are headed: shop location, business phone number, type of work, welding processes, certifications, available equipment, etc.
Start checking your options as to customers. Find out what the market will bear for hourly rates. Don't try to be the cheapest guy in town. Too many start out on their own because they get mad at a boss and think they can do it cheaper while keeping more for themselves because the employer is charging way more per hour than he is paying them as the hired help. They forget about all the overhead. Liability Insur, Workers Comp, Unemployment, SS, vacation time, holiday pay, medical insur, shop rent, trucks, trailers, welders for shop and/or field, leads, torches, tools, extension cords, ladders, porta-potties, phones, advertising, computers, non-payment on a job but have to pay the help and overhead anyway, PPE for employees (not to mention yourself), etc, etc.
Are you certified? to what? Do you like doing it? ARE YOU GOOD AT IT? Start there. Then work outward and get broader in your plan.
Then, come back and tell us where you are headed.
Have a Great Day, Brent
Biggest problems starting out, hmmm, lets see.
- Funds, seems to be the biggest problem when starting out. Unless your wife is working full time pulling down 6 figures its going to be a bumpy ride. If you happen to have 6 figures in the bank account already as start up money then its all up to you.
Most guys I know though, me included started with a little more than nothing. $750 in my bank account, a stay at home mom, kids. I had a truck, a welder and knew nobody. I've been dabbling in small business stuff since I was 21. Never happy as a wage slave, longest I ever stayed in one place, almost 5 years. All others were 2-1/2 years, maybe 3 and then I was gone. I say this because I think, my opinion is, like welding, small business ownership picks the owner, the owner don't pick small business ownership. I've known several that have tried and others that are scared shyteless thinking about it.
If your used to that steady paycheck coming in and will come unglued when your bank account says minus $300 then this might not be for you. Down to your last dime, contractor owes you several thousand and it is in the 40-45 day range, past due, sound like fun?? Getting loans, credit for your newly formed small business, what a joy and good luck! Some of my personal biggest hurdles, monthly insurance premiums. $300 per month when your doing little becomes a lot.
How did I solve the problems I had? Sheer perseverance, determination.