Starting up on my own - Advice from those with experience building a customer base would be great

[Old Account]

First of all you need to learn how to price right without losing so much money. You need get thick skinned.
You also need to start to accept things you normally wouldn't , that's pretty hard let me tell you. Sometimes, it's good to the extra mile to make a good living. If you feel the customer is not good, do not hesitate just walk away.

Get business cards ready, look smart and clean, be polite and always on time, keep customers in a loop, try to contact other sole traders they may have too many jobs so you can start creating a bond so he will transfer some good jobs to you.
Be thankful but DO NOT drop your business cards at the his customers, it may go well for quite a while but once you he will know , he won't use you anymore ( I would not ) ! That's one thing I really hate if people take an advantage and think they are smarter.

I hope it helps and enjoy your weekend as longs as you can

 

[Neil T]

Set up on my own nearly 4 years ago now. It's had its quiet spells but last 2 years starting to see nice profits. I've made mistakes with advertising regarding the 'top of Google listings' with my website .. don't fall for it! I only advertise on yell.com now and get enough off there, the rest are returning customers or referrals. Nice looking website, blitz the free listings, yell.com, clean van, be polite and always leave the job tidy. Know your limits too, customers won't complain if you admit it's out of your skills, they'd appreciate it rather than you having a wack at it and messing up. Best of luck to you, it's hard work but all good fun