|
| Ek's Home | Forum | Chat | Electrical Links | |
| Subject - Mentoring: John Peters | |
| SR Scott |
Had the good fortune of spending some time with John Peters earlier today to go over some topics such as line item pricing, customer service representatives, fees, compensation, costs, employees, (I was like a kid at a candy store) and every other thing in the world. By the way John, sorry for bouncing around so much, must've felt like listening to a Greatful Dead concert while properly medicated. But sometimes it feels like you've been on a desert island for six years and finally a boat pulls up and you have someone to talk to. At any rate, the gift John is giving is years of learning, time tested ideas and things to avoid while helping a newer guy. What a rarity to see someone giving back to this great field. I haven't found that anywhere around here locally. That's probably why some people, myself included, would seek an organization that provides mentoring, methods, a set of ears, whatever.Hopefully this forum is that, it seems to be. When we were speaking earlier today, John asked what he could do to get more people to talk to him and I said his number and the best time to reach him were already listed, the invitation is there. His estimating technique and very thorough line item pricing are the kinds of things that could help secure alot of business. When he's done walking through a project you know you called a professional. Definitely something to emmulate. Personally I've just taken the tools off to try and run my business, not just be it's best electrician. Marketing ideas and company improvement ideas were catalogued in a very large "c" file, to be gotten to later. Later is now. There is so much bad information out there in regards to running a businesss. "oh you made it five years, you made it". Like be happy, go on cruise control, you've figured it all out, your table is ready. The fact of the matter is that we need to get better, be more profitable, pay the crew and serve our clients better than the next guy. And always keep improving and learning. So, if anything what this helps me remember is that next time I'm at the supply house and a new guy asks for advise on how much to charge for a service I take the time and answer him, give him a card and stop acting like we're enemies (but still smiling inside thinking about what the next few years will be like). Scott |
| John A. Peters | The time we spent was a Saturday on the telephone. At the same time as we were both looking at my web page where the Contract Generator (tm)estimateing program is running. It was enjoyable. Do YOU have any questions? |
| plnienaber | quote: I have a TON of questions. I have been lurking here for a couple of months and have learned a LOT about the business side of my business. My most pressing question right now is : When do I take off the tools and start running my business instead of being my business. I realize there are a lot of variables involved but I am looking for information. |
| John A. Peters | Basic answer, The rule of thumb is it will take 3or 4 men in the field to give you the same income you make full time. So start off with you and one other, workig together. Gradually build up business. What is your size now? How do you bid? Do you advertise? where? |
| plnienaber | quote:Just me since January 2004. This worked ok just starting out but became more of a problem as I got busier. Not enough time to do the work and see people who have work coming up etc. quote:Most of my jobs have been time & material. When I did bid I tried per opening, Labor units(most of these I've seen are way out of line),time & material didnt seem to make me as much money. quote:I started out with just a yellow book ad. Then went to an ad in the local paper(small town ,large population in the county). Havent seen too many results from the newspaper yet but it is generating a few calls. |
| John A. Peters | quote:Most of my jobs have been time & material. When I did bid I tried per opening, Labor units(most of these I've seen are way out of line),time & material didn't seem to make me as much money. Keep fine tuning the per opening prices. PL and SW same price LT a little more because of ladder work. Fixtures can still be T&M The service can be a lump sum. Other things can have an allowance. |
| plnienaber | John I may give you a call tomorrow if that would be OK. I am real close to a major city and would like some of your input as to advertising and other things. |