7 Things I’ve Learned Being Self Employed | The Business of Carpentry Episode 3
7 Things I’ve Learned Being Self Employed | The Business of Carpentry Episode 3
It has been one year since I lost my job and was forced to become self-employed. It has been a great year. My business is Dailey Woodworks and I do custom Carpentry, Painting, and Handyman Services for Residential clients. I love working for myself. I love working with my hands and my brain. It has been great. This episode is about seven things I have learned during my first year as a small business owner in the skilled trades
Visit my Website: www.daileywoodworks.com
Thanks for the advice. What was your job before you became self employee? Just a question because I never work in a carpentry trade, but on the side and hobbie, I been doing woodworking and carpentry. Maybe I am an average, I know the tools and have the average skill. Thanks and God bless.
You are telling my story I been in business for year now and we just moved I only moved from Pearland (south Houston) to Cyprus (northwest Houston) but it’s been hard getting started and finding new customers in this area just to hear some encouragement is great and I love that you bring God into your business. Please do a part 4 and 5,6,7
Lots of wisdom here, thanks for giving me your insight and courage to make a new start.
Congrats on your business. Just a future piece of advise …deck pickets,rails go on the OUTSIDE of the runners. One carpenter to another.
Great video. You deserve all the success. Great work ethic ya got there. Thank you for your insight
Well said.I am a carpenter and tile setter.And went fully on my own two years ago now and recently got a trailer as well.
I have had the same experiences as you.
I am a one man show aswell that has a helper as needed just like you.
I am a second gen carpenter.
Staying small so far has work.Thru the thick and thin times.
?…what?…only 7 issues?…how about 700 issues!…Among the wave of new business demands The most important are to have a formal structure; most states offer LLC setup on the cheap. Michigan charges $50 with a yearly fee. MI doesn’t even want an operating document but get one on the cheap from RocketLawyer, cheaper then LegalZoom… Update later… Next terms of service on your quote sheets. Yep, long-winded legal language to cover your…. Some light weight marketing, answer the phone even when in debt, be polite but make no promises, & look for local entrepreneurial groups, Chambers of Commerce can help but tend to be established businesses. Say you will do & do that, then ask for more work(Selling all the time). Locate other entreprenuers doing similar work..verify any advise including these remarks… talk to people who are even unlikely to use your servicies so to gain insight to different people’s thinking about buying services, okay enough for now 100 more later.
Hey what type of business do you own llc single member or s corp, and which one would you recommend to somebody who is just starting a business…
How much did you charge for the Deck?
thanks for posting bro
your video is so encouraging….thanks for your inspiration
?…what?…only 7 issues?…how about 700 issues!…Among the wave of new business demands The most important are to have a formal structure; most states offer LLC setup on the cheap. Michigan charges $50 with a yearly fee. MI doesn’t even want an operating document but get one on the cheap from RocketLawyer, cheaper then LegalZoom… Update later… Next terms of service on your quote sheets. Yep, long-winded legal language to cover your…. Some light weight marketing, answer the phone even when in debt, be polite but make no promises, & look for local entrepreneurial groups, Chambers of Commerce can help but tend to be established businesses. Say what you will do & do what you say, then ask for more work(Selling all the time). Small changes can yield big results. Locate other entreprenuers doing similar work..verify any advise including these remarks… talk to people who are even unlikely to use your servicies so to gain insight into different people’s thinking about buying services, okay enough for now, 100 more later.
What sort of jobs do you do.
My name is Ashley, I am with Accu1Direct. We produce Insulation-Blowers and Commercial Vacuums.
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• Because we’re the manufacturer, you have the buying-power to look at more powerful machines, to give you better output and still stay within your budget
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Ashley Foster
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Ashley.F@accu1.com
Awesome video, whats your view on charging for estimates. That has been a challenge from time to time..
That’s a nice deck bro.
Hi Robert. I’ve just discovered your YouTube channel this Sunday afternoon. Let me say that your business playlist is absolutely spot on. I’ve been in business as a carpenter for the last 20m years (at least that’s what it feels like) and what you describe so eloquently is absolutely how I started. All the mistakes and all the highs. I’m in the UK but what you say applys just as well here. I’m sharing this series with a some guys who would really benefit from listening to and following your advice accordingly. Keep up the good work and I’ll see you at the top. Kind regards Jim Sear http://www.rwjsear.com
That was heartwarming and energizing. I make furniture on the side. I love every second of it. If you feel that way about carpentry I am so happy for you . Keep killin it!
Hey, Robert! I’m really enjoying this series.
You and I have a lot in common… I started my handyman business this past May as a side business to my full time job, and am hoping to make the switch to full time soon. I did handyman work full time in my late teens and twenties, and have always enjoyed working with my hands. I’ve also always wanted to be in business for myself, so being able to get out from behind a desk and back getting my hands dirty full time is hopefully on my near future.
I’m also about to upgrade my trailer from a 5×10 to a 6×12 V-nose, and build it out Paulk style, so seeing your videos on your trailer has been great, too!
What are you using for accounting? Currently, I’m using Quick Books Self Employed, which is online only (they also have an app). It’s $12 a month, but if you link it with your bank account, it pulls in transactions automatically. It also tracks your mileage, which is great!
Another tip for you: Update your site periodically with pictures of your work or a blog post. It helps keep you towards the top of Google results for handyman services in your area.
Anyway, great content, good sir! Keep ’em coming!!
I want to run my own handyman business I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel, great advice.
Great video Robb,very helpful and god bless you and your family
This is very great wisdom. People LISTEN!!
Its time for another episode!! Great videos man!
Truth
This is great stuff! Looking forward to more videos like this
here’s several ideas to consider before you begin your own woodworking company
Will you get support from your spouse?
Are you someone who is self-motivated?
Will you carry out your plan?
Do you have the money to go ahead?
(I discovered these and why they work on Enata Wood System website )
Singed contract with estimate you both have to agree , customer for paying in sections and a deposit should be singed on document.. I know sucks for confidence on money.. it both can agree on budget.. great story , Good luck 🙂
tip of the day. if you have to choose always choose the homeowner job over new construction. it’s never as sweet as the builder would make you think. banks take 30 plus days to pay out. and you’re relying on other trades schedules.
Robert, thank you my friend for sharing this video. It is a very great business plan to share with everyone. I have been a carpenter for 17 years and in business for 6 now. I have one employee and i have paid for everything in cash along the way. Best way to go. Thank you for sharing that verse from Proverbs. I have been killing myself lately trying to find ways to make more money. Researching flipping houses. Turning down jobs is important too. Home advisor sends me stuff and calls too. Havent done it but would love to hear your take on them. God bless you.
If space allows, try pallet based cabinets for supplies. Start with the smallest, most nimble & strongest pallet jack & customize your pallet crates to it.
I always get a full deposit for all materials from customer before I start work!
Hey thanks for taking the time to make this video. I am a union carpenter been taking on side work for several years now. This year I have enough work/calls to take time off from my day job. I do not advertise just word of mouth. I intended to take off up to 2 months, 4 months into it now. I am making more money than doing both jobs currently and have more time with the wife and kids. I see how many years I worked long hours 7days a week. I really agree with not working yourself to death to get rich. Do good honest work and bid jobs with the thought you don’t need the job unless you can make good money. Know when to turn the work down. For me small 2 or 3 day jobs benefit me more than a month long job. Sorry to ramble just want to relay that I can relate.
There are many factors in running a woodworking business. One resource I found which succeeds in merging these is the Enata Wood System (check it out on google) it’s the most incredible blueprint that I have ever heard of. look at all the unbelievable information.
Hey Robert, thanks for the video. This series is a super helpful and I appreciate your go get em’ attitude. My parents were small business owners and always taught me not to be too proud to get out there and work. Keep it up and I hope for the best for you and your family.
This is great stuff Robert. I started my business in January of this year and have learned just about the same things that you have shared here! It is quite amazing working for yourself. How has work been for you now that you are almost at your 2 year mark? Are you a licensed contractor? What are the contractor laws in Texas? I am in California and the laws are pretty stringent, I am currently operating as a handyman and need a few more years of experience before I can apply for my contractors license.
Thank you for your videos, I am loving them, I recently purchased a trailer so I have been watching your trailer videos!! Keep on keeping on and God Bless!
I’ve worked for my self since I was 18, I’m now 60. All these years in construction. My advice to any one in this endeavor instead of hiring an employee is to find someone with similar skills that you can trust. Both of you charge by the hour, each person gets paid for each hr worked. You both bill the customer for your separate hours. That way you don’t combine the money you each pay your own expense make your own profit. Make arrangements with the customer for them to purchase the materials needed. Never go in a partnership with anyone. Just share the work. If one needs time off, the other one just gets more hours in. I’ve done this for the past twenty years. It works great.
just like you, I was laid off 6 years ago, started a handyman biz from all the skills i have, even asked by a friend to manage his band that lead to 23 total and 3 soloist plus booking agent for 2 out of area.
I was trim/finish carpenter for 15 years, now returning to the trade, still have my 5k in tools yet use a car my Buick as pick up has fold down seats can haul 2×4 inside, my Cadillac STS as company car for meeting with clients and holds more in tools in the trunk..
Very good Robert. Can you add a bit of volume so we can hear better? thank you.
Maybe you’ve read it already, but the 7 habits of highly effective people by Covey could be interesting for you. Many of your points align with his.
God bless you, your family, and your work.
Troy
Just wanted to say awesome video, definite subscribe! as I’m about to go down path of self employment and really valued this information.
Hey Robert! Awesome video! I just got into this skill. Working for someone until I have the experience to branch off. Will you be making more videos?