Oh man. Congratulations. But it's actually so much more work. Absolutely worth it tho. I did the same about 6 years ago as a specialized mechanic. Even if you're an expert at your trade, there's so much to learn the hard way about running a business. Get a good accountant from the start, don't wait until you need one.
Oh yeah, I've been doing lots of prep work. I was working at a supply house so once I got to know all the regulars who came through I networked hard and have been taking all the advice I can get. Nailing down my accountant is definitely one thing I'm ticking off asap.
Like you said, it'll be worth it. I may have my tools on for 30hrs and have other work to do for another 40 every week, but it comes back to me and my family, not making some rich asshole richer.
It’s hard, but an adventure. You’re betting on yourself. You get to win the wins, but you lose the losses too. Work hard and hang in there. Find a place in your market and keep grinding. Learn and grow and don’t be afraid to change your mind about problem solving, as issues come up. Best wishes.
That's a great step. For anyone else too that wants to quit their job and start a business of their own you're an inspiration now.
Do you have everything set up already?
You'll need:
a state business license, and maybe one for your local town and/or county.
A insurance person to get general liability insurance, and you'll probably need commercial auto, and possibly EOI and a to get bonded
a website is going to be great if you have basic computer understanding. Get your name and website name and purchase the domain it as soon as you can. Once you have a website you can add all the basic questions people would waste your time with. get your business phone number and email all over that. You can even run website ads if you like which is likely to bring in business on it's own but you have to pay for it so you want to be careful there and only give very hyper specific words in your target word or you'll waste money. You can always pay someone to do the website and ads for you.
a CPA to help you with you taxes
maybe a bookkeeper
you can get a few t shirts and hats and or jackets and stickers and whatever oneline easily enough
business cards to give out to all the clients you meet too
It’s more like cutting out the middleman between them and their customers/new bosses. They were always in the picture but now they OP has more direct control (and responsibility) over those relationships.
Hey, come here and help me wire these 4 new LiFePO4 batteries in parallel, safely, because I haven't the foggiest idea how to do it. I will pay you for your expert work.