Starting your own company is very exciting, and a couple of businesses will always be needed, like plumbers and electricians. If you have decided to start your own business and you have a background in electrical – this is the post for you!
Qualifications
Even if you have years of experience, people love to see certification – so make sure you have all of yours. And, if you are going to hire people, they will need theirs too.
Qualifications can often take a little while to complete – but that is fine because starting a business is something you shouldn’t rush into. It is better to ensure you have all of your ducks in a row.
Register
Aside from your qualifications, you must ensure that you have registered as a business in your state or country. You can usually find the details for the registration process and any costs on government websites.
It is essential that you are registered so that you can pay your taxes and make sure that you benefit from any of the other things that owning a business affords you. Think lease vehicles, mileage and deductibles.
You’ll need to decide if you should be self-employed, an LTD, or another type of business setup.
The big list
Once you have done those two things, it is time to move on to a list of things that will help you get your stuff in order. This list is not exhaustive, and you will find some things apply to your business and others don’t.
Paperwork
Business plans, bank accounts, registrations, licenses, qualifications – gather them all, make copies and keep them safe.
Suppliers
Sometimes you’ll need to order parts, and you want a good amount available – make sure that you choose the right supplies for everything from an ip rated junction box to wire strippers. Often you will open an account with a wholesaler who can give you a great price, and you’ll build a lasting relationship with them.
Insurance
You’ll need to ensure that you have the correct public liability insurance. Often looking for an insurance company that offers suitable electrician packages will give you everything you need.
Marketing
Electrical businesses are in high demand, but they also need to market well to get seen. It also increases your chances of being hired by more prominent companies for long-term projects.
Online presence
Your website should be easy to navigate and give people the opportunity to book and pay immediately. Or at least let them know how they can make a booking with you. It doesn’t need to be a fancy website. It can be simple, like one page.
Vehicle and tools
Although you’ll probably have almost all the tools you need, as you take on bigger jobs, you’ll find you have a few missing things. Ensure that your van is wrapped with your details and that you have a uniform too.
Testimonials
One of the most important things that can help yous business really take off is gather testimonials from all of the people you have worked with previously. Often they are more than willing to help you out. You can use these on your social media and on your website to display how much experience you have – and how good you are at the job.
Apprentice
Once you reach a certain point, you may be eligible to hire an apprentice. Not only is this great to hand down the skills you have, but it will also mean you could be entitled to grants for training them. Apprentices are great to have onboard as it means that you are able to handle larger jobs or field out smaller jobs to the apprentice once they have a certain level of experience.
Team
Once you have an apprentice, you will be set up and ready to hire full-time team members. As you grow, you must learn to manage more than one team member and all that it entails. Adding more people to your crew is something that will happen naturally as your business grows. But you must set up your business ready to expand before making those all-important hires.
Ensure that you make the right hires by hiring based on personality and skills rather than just one or the other. Keep in mind that your team will be in your customers’ homes, and you need to trust them when they are working alone.
It doesn’t take long to turn your skills into a business, and soon you’ll be pitching for big contracts. Of course, you need to think about the finances: The Financial Risks Of Starting A Business.
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