Woman needs advice on how to start business...thnx

[Kera]

Hello everyone--

Hope this is the best category for this thread. I'm a woman and have been a climber for a little over 4 yrs--
I'd like to start my own business, so is there any special concerns, tips, advice, etc., being that this is a very male dominated field? I'm young, strong, healthy, and already have two employees lined up. They are male. Thnx.

 

[jonseredbred]

I don't think its a man/woman issue, or at least it shouldn't be.

If you are going into the residential market I think you will be pleasantly surprised on the reception you get.

Don't get too big too fast, plan for a rainy day, and keep spending under control and you will have a great shot at being successful.

 

[Rocks_and_Trees]

Well said.

 

[rfwoodvt]

I agree, gender while a factor, should not be a concern to necessarily focus on.

There will always be biased people and that is a fact of life.

Present yourself well, professionally and with honest concern for the customer and you will be surprised at how well you do.

There are a great many numbers of people who will look at you and ask only one question, "Can she do the job?" This is a fair question but may be unfairly weighted against you.

Again, professionaly and competently present yourself and you will do well. Eventually your gender could likely swing in your favor.

Give it a go! And stay focused on the prize. It's worth it!

 

[treehumper]

The gender issue will be just another objection you'll have to address, much alike to the fact that you are a new company. Anticipating the objections and building into your sales presentation the information your clients will need to overcome their concerns will help you deal with this in a proactive rather than reactive way.

Include pics of you doing some seriously challenging technical work that clearly illustrates your abilities. Do you compete? Then make sure they are aware of that and how well you have done. Will Rogers said it best, "If you done it, it ain't braggin'."

 

[southsoundtree]

As said, plan for the rainy day.

Seasonal fluctuation are to be expected, barring a storm, holidays will be slower. Going toward April 15th, the people with the cash for treework will be writing a check the IRS. Back to school time seemed to be a slow time.

I've had some customers that have said to call them when I am slow. Having a few of those can help keep the stress level down when the phones stop ringing.

Work free advertising. Its free.

If you do storm damage work, start with your own agent, letting him/her know that you can do a good job at a good price. They may have other agents that will call as well when the storms hit.

Don't be shy about self-promotion.

Make sure that your employees know about fluctuations. I try to stock up some jobs that can be done on a slow week, like cutting and splitting firewood left over at the shop from jobs that require hauloff. Take those slower days for a little training.

Keep in mind the cost of overtime. Usually 1.5x's normal for over 40/ week or 80/ payperiod.

Give a small finder's fee for employees that bring in jobs. They'll keep their eyes open.

Introduce yourself to apartment complexes. Right now I'm hoping to get the job to remove a 60' dead hemlock right next to one of the buildings. The management didn't even know that it existed. Now on top of that, there building clearance and some widow makers. Property managers will sometimes report higher up to a supervisor that might also have 10 other property managers at 10 other large complexes.

Best of luck. With 4 year climbing experience, you'll have run across a lot of situations to draw from, plus you've got all of the people on the forum.