new tiler in need of Business tips please

[hrgj3270]

Hi all,

My names Patrick and i have just completed a course at essex tiling training. At the moment im still in the army but im really keen to start my own business when im out in a few months. i already have my liability insurance and some advertising sorted. i have my own tools and will be getting a van soon. i have already tiled my mums kitchen floor and it turned out really well.

if anyone has any advice or useful tips that will help me start my own business im all ears. Dan at essex tiling has helped me a lot and is still doing so im just seeing if anyone suggests anything he dosen't.

Cheers

Pat

 

[sWe]

Hi mate. Going it solo, you'll need to be a good business man just as much as you need to be a good tiler. Being a good tiler won't matter if you can't land jobs in the first place.

I've dug up an old thread started by someone who had a hard time getting jobs. Lots of good advice in that thread, but I'm going to be a prat a link to my first post in it

Link

Hope you find it good reading.

I can't stress this one enough though: Reputation is everything in this business.

Edit: Updated link

 

[hrgj3270]

sorry dude that link didnt take me to anything. just the homepage.

 

[sWe]

Try now.

 

[hrgj3270]

sorry mate i cant view it cos im not a professional on my profile yet.

 

[robbo]

Hi Pat and welcome to the forums

 

[grumpygrouter]

Hi Pat, welcome to the forums. Best bit of advice I can give is -Cash is King - don't spend cash that you don't need to. Start your self off with the absolute minimum of expenditure you can get away with. A van is the most expensive thing to buy in this trade when you start out, if you can get away with using your car for a while, do so. I am still running my car as a van (battered old BMW touring!) I am still not generating enough work to warrant getting something else, though it is picking up.

You will also need to market yourself. Are you currently living in the area where you will be living when you leave the Army, if so at least you can start putting out feelers on your time off. If you are moving to a different area it will be a bit more difficult.

it is OK taking up tiling as a trade but to survive in self employment you need to have a "business head" first and formost.

 

[monty]

Hello and welcome to the forums...

 

[Dan]

Welcome to the forum mate. Already spoke to yuou via PM but I don't want to appear ignorant.

 

[dean39]

Hello there,enjoy the forum mate.........................

 

[Kobbie]

Hello Pat and welcome

 

[TilingLogistics]

Hi

Welcome to the forums

Kev

 

[GazTech]

Hello Pat welcome from me...Gaz

 

[Fekin]

Hi there and welcome to the forums