Ok, now what? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Magnettica · 05-19-2009, 07:17 PM

I am recently licensed. I've since formed an LLC, acquired liability insurance, and submitted my business permit for board review on June 3rd. The problem is I haven't gotten my license number yet so I can't legally advertise and I won't get the license number until after the board reviews my application. Jobs are slow and I am worried that once I can legally operate the company there won't be any work to go do. So far, by word of mouth, I have a service upgrade to do and a couple of small things lined up for next month.

What do you suggest I do to let people know that "CLASSIC ELECTRIC LLC" will be open for business next month?

Dennis Alwon · 05-19-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

What do you suggest I do to let people know that "CLASSIC ELECTRIC LLC" will be open for business next month?

Yes, I would tell everyone I know and even call some builders who may have some projects going. Times are tough so it won't be easy. I wish you luck.

480sparky · 05-19-2009, 08:37 PM

Try doing some market research first.

Seriously. Starting a business without a plan, let alone whether or not there's any work to do, is a fatal mistake.

robnj772 · 05-19-2009, 09:13 PM

The day after the board meets call and ask them mail out your letter as soon as possible. About a week or 2 after they meet you will get a letter you can use to seal permits before you actually get your seal(that will take a few months) Good luck man,it isn't a good year to be starting out and your gonna miss the spring rush,I hope your wife has a good job.
Atleast you got the balls to do it,I am sure you can make it work

acmax · 05-19-2009, 09:47 PM

Word of mouth leads are great. I'm making it a go myself and know your frustration. This will be a tough start and 480 is right, need a plan.I worked hard for many years making other people rich.We may be good electricians but are we good businessmen? Years ago I worked for this guy that couldn't tie his shoes. But man could he land some sweet work time after time.Good Luck. What part of jersey I have family that work for PSEG.And others all over the state,Bergen,Clifton,Brick***

acmax · 05-19-2009, 09:59 PM

Oh

didn't see the Rahway.Old town should be some type of steady service call work.Wish I thought ahead and got an add in the phonebook.I'm placing an add in the church bulletin.Cost 100$ a month and I ain't telling the wife I lighten up on the weekly drop in the basket to make up for it

william1978 · 05-19-2009, 10:04 PM

Good luck.

Celtic · 05-19-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Jobs are slow and I am worried that once I can legally operate the company there won't be any work to go do.

There is always some work to do for someone.

Even IF you started working tom'row...would that mean all the work would have been completed by July?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

What do you suggest I do to let people know that "CLASSIC ELECTRIC LLC" will be open for business next month?

NOTHING

You know the rules....don't start your business life off with a face-to-face with the board.

Magnettica · 05-20-2009, 02:02 PM

No, you don't think that would be a good idea?

I have a few contacts and I've called them all and still not much going on. I know it'll all work out in the end, I just wish I could get some of this stuff done now, especially the business cards. Rules are rules...

LawnGuyLandSparky · 05-20-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acmax

Oh

didn't see the Rahway.Old town should be some type of steady service call work.

Of course there will, because there are no other electrical contractors already serving the Rahway area...

Quote:

Wish I thought ahead and got an add in the phonebook.I'm placing an add in the church bulletin.Cost 100$ a month and I ain't telling the wife I lighten up on the weekly drop in the basket to make up for it

Lighten up? The R.C. Church, the Archdiosese of NYC is the largest landowner in NYC.

Northstar · 06-20-2009, 12:49 AM

Magnettica, know all of your operating costs first , and dont be the guy who charges the least just to get the work, it will come back to haunt you at the end of the year. good luck.

Magnettica · 06-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Update...

My business application was approved by the board on June 3rd, still haven't got the temporary seal or license number. So while I am waiting I enquired about obtaining my inspectors license. We'll wait and see which gets here first, the license and seal, or the EI info.

Bush Hall Electric · 06-23-2009, 11:32 AM

1) Print up some business cards in the meanwhile (No need to wait for licensing information).
2) Check out Meetup.com. You can find Real Estate Meetups in your area. Go to the next one and meet some Real Estate Agents. Network there, and past out cards. One of the best things I've done for my business is build relationships with real estate agents.

Good luck man, the best you can do right now is network your butt off until those papers come.

Magnettica · 06-23-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bush Hall Electric

1) Print up some business cards in the meanwhile (No need to wait for licensing information).
2) Check out Meetup.com. You can find Real Estate Meetups in your area. Go to the next one and meet some Real Estate Agents. Network there, and past out cards. One of the best things I've done for my business is build relationships with real estate agents.

Good luck man, the best you can do right now is network your butt off until those papers come.

Great ideas and all things that I've already thought of. Problem is, here in NJ as an electrical contractor I cannot do any advertising as an EC without the license number on the advertisement (business cards, shirts, yard signs, phonebook, etc). About the only thing I've been able to do is contact the power company for some upcoming meters I'll be needing for service upgrades - and I'm really surprised that they haven't asked me for a license number yet!

Hopefully this week. No offense to you guys here at ET, but I am tired of posting thoughts all day long.

excellencee · 06-23-2009, 07:38 PM

Good Luck on your new business.

Celtic · 06-23-2009, 08:07 PM

Side bar:

Quote:

Originally Posted by excellencee

Pennsylvania - the land of taxes

Can it be any worse than NJ?

excellencee · 06-23-2009, 11:51 PM

I don't know, I've never been to Jersey. I saw the "Welcome to New Jersey" sign once on I-80. I immediately turned around.

480sparky · 06-23-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnettica

Update...

My business application was approved by the board on June 3rd, still haven't got the temporary seal or license number. So while I am waiting I enquired about obtaining my inspectors license. We'll wait and see which gets here first, the license and seal, or the EI info.

If you want to be an EI, you may not be allowed to be an EC due to conflict of interest.

Celtic · 06-24-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 480sparky

If you want to be an EI, you may not be allowed to be an EC due to conflict of interest.

Generally, not a problem..but some rules DO apply.
One cannot be an EC in the town they EI in....the tricky part ~ or EC in ANY town that borders that town [where EI is performed].

Which reminds me....I have to send in some paperwork and a test result....from LAST year

....I hope I didn't pass the time limit to file.

Mach · 06-24-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by excellencee

I don't know, I've never been to Jersey. I saw the "Welcome to New Jersey" sign once on I-80. I immediately turned around.

PA slogan should be "We tax you" just under that tar squiggly thing you see on the roads which is our state symbol.