Hiya!
If i was in your shoes i'd do a number of things, now these are sensible and boring but necessary.
1. Try and love your job, ours is a finishing trade, and people can't wait for us to get in and tile, if someone does a duff job the customer is Very disappointed as visually it is so obvious, but on the other hand do a great job and you'll be a hero to the customer, and they will recommend you.
2. Business cards. Get loads done, hand them out everywhere to everyone, it could lead to one phone call that keeps you busy. Name. address, phone number, website, email and what services you do. Vital.
3. And this for me has been the turning point in my business, take pricing seriously.
Never price when you see the job, say to the customer it'll take a couple of days. Now you can think about the job. How long will it take, what materials will you need etc, is there anything awkward or special you need to pay attention too or order. Price it m2, then price it day rate plus adhesive, which works out better for you. Don't work for nothing, but also don't overprice, people aren't daft.
4. Learn Excel. Every pc computer has it, and yes when you turn it on it's just a grid, but this grid is the best tool you can own. Ask any friends that work in offices if they know how to use it, or go on Youtube and look at 'excel fun' and it teaches you easily how it works. This program does everything, all my invoices are generated on it, it can do all your pricing, material costs, add VAT, do your markup, addresses everything. It has totally changed how i work and i cannot recommend it enough.
5. Buy the best tools you can, nice tools make your day easier, and you can offset them against tax.
So there you go, turn up on time, let the customer know if you can't make it when booked (don't ignore this), and it will sort itself.
JB.
