i`v taken the plunge

[JohnD]

On the subject of holidays and personal time, I used to work with someone who would occasionally say "I can't work on (day), I'm booked on a course"

I later found out this meant he'd arranged to play golf

 

[markie]

If you get offered a cup of tea and there's no choc biccys request some for the next cup.

 

[noseall]

On the subject of holidays and personal time, I used to work with someone who would occasionally say "I can't work on (day), I'm booked on a course"

I later found out this meant he'd arranged to play golf

............i don't remember employing a JohnD..................

 

[JohnD]

............i don't remember employing a JohnD..................

That must be because I sacked you for unreliability

 

[eggplant]

An important one I forgot !

Check if your local area has any start up grants available, I got a £1600 grant which I dont need to pay back

 

[Softus]

I forgot one:

10. Do the exact opposite of what Bamber gaspipe says.

 

[Bamber gaspipe]

I forgot one:

10. Do the exact opposite of what Bamber gaspipe says.

If it works .....use it

Worked my ass of for twenty years, just got 4 free boilers from Baxi, night out, all because I started my own company ( meaning four guys) they are throwing themselves at me at my local plumber`s merchant`s, Happy day`s...

 

[Softus]

they are throwing themselves at me at my local plumber`s merchant`s

...all wearing body belts packed with nitroglycerin, presumably.

 

[Bamber gaspipe]

they are throwing themselves at me at my local plumber`s merchant`s

...all wearing body belts packed with nitroglycerin, presumably.

I think there is an`e` in Nitroglycerine` stop me when you think I`m wrong

 

[snozzer]

Always have a paperwork trail.

Start out with estimate or quote.
The a proper invoice detailing in full the work.
Certificates etc.
Send customer a letter after 28days, thanking them for their business and reminding them of why you were such a good guy.
Send customer a Christmas card with a little reminder of servcing.
Send the customer a letter at 11 months offering to do a service/checkup for £x.

Get a little database system like ACT and put these events in, then make it the Brides job to send the letters etc out, after all she is probably on the payroll

Do this and all of a sudden your business will grow and you will get the customers you want from recommendations. People love to brag about "My Plumber", so give them a reason to brag.

Dress smartly, be polite, tidy up and keep them informed of any change of plans.

 

[JohnD]

...Dress smartly...

Surely he'll be expected to wear those special trousers?

 

[keifster]

watch out for hidden cameras

Only kidding! Good luck on your own!

 

[ChrisR]

Always have a paperwork trail.


etc

Excellent advice. Wish I wasn't too stoopid and lazy to do all that myself..

What's ACT - googled without success?

 

[snozzer]

Always have a paperwork trail.


etc

Excellent advice. Wish I wasn't too stoopid and lazy to do all that myself..

What's ACT - googled without success?

http://shop.sage.co.uk/actprofessional.aspx

Its simple to use, dont cost a lot and makes it easy to keep in touch with those customers.

Remember it costs 4 times as much to get a client than it does to keep one.

 

[WoodYouLike]

Its simple to use, dont cost a lot and makes it easy to keep in touch with those customers.

Remember it costs 4 times as much to get a client than it does to keep one.

Exactly, good point snozzer. An excellent example of how to keep (constantly and in a simple way) in contact with your customer to create extra turnover see here.