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Goin’ Solo
Been lurking here for a long time. Posted in the past for motivation to obtain the schooling necessary to get my professional licenses. A lot has happened since then and now… new jobs, new licenses, new motivations…
But now I’m going out on my own.
And I’ve been preparing for a while, but suddenly it’s all moving quickly and I have a few things left to figure out. So I seek advice.
I need to figure out a CAD program to go with. Can other software receive Civil 3d files? For example, if a client sends a C3D file, can I open it in Carlson to create my stakeout points?
I’m still looking for equipment. I’m supposed to be receiving a quote from the local guy for a used Spectra Robot. I think its a Focus 30.
I’m looking for insurance. I’ve talked to my Auto Provider and they said that I can just switch my truck to business use. But I am having trouble finding a source for Professional Liability and the like. I tried the big google search answers, but their exclusions seem to bounce me (and seemingly any surveyor) out.
I need to figure out a standard contract to use.
I need to build a truck box and cap. (Can someone let me know what size square is necessary to fit a Tri-Max Tripod?) I need to find a good accountant. I need to get my name out. I need to get moving.
Sorry for the rambling, but like I said, any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.
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13 Replies
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Check and see if there is an E&O provider who presents at, as supports, your state association.
A good professional liability insurance firm will also help you work through a standard contract.
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CAD: recent thread here regarding value of Civil 3d. I fall on the side of my clients use Civil 3d so that’s what I use.
Assurance Risk in Colorado . They’ve been my broker for years and have treated me well. 303-454-9562.
Standard contract: someone from the old POB message board sent me a bunch of samples when I had the same question as starting out. I can send them to you. (can you attached files to pm here?)
I use drawers for my tripods, so you’ll have to get your tape out…
Accountant: ask someone you know and respect who they use locally.
Name out: marketing, marketing, marketing.
Get moving: Start. that’s the 1st step.
Good luck!!!!!
I have an excess Trimble 5603 robot. Currently exchanging messages with someone from here regarding it…
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NSPS is my resource for E&O insurance. Car and business is obtained locally.
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When we started out we knew we had to spend money to market our business. We took business cards, donuts a brochures to every bank, real estate office, engineers office, and architects office in a 2 hour radius of our office. We had ALOT of uncomfortable conversations, had to bite our tongue a bit and learned that most had never seen a surveyor walk through their door.
You need to get a website setup, and get some google reviews also get a Facebook page and LinkedIn page set up. People actually look at these and take strangers reviews for the gospel…..
Swallow your pride, bite your tongue, don??t over commit and don??t miss a deadline on any work you can get to pay bills. It won??t take long before you can start cherry picking your work.
Hire some part time help to help you with anything that you can let go of, even if it is 3 hours a week so you can focus on more pertinent task.
Lastly, learn from me and remember to live a little.
Disclaimer>
We??ve been in business 2 1/2 years. I worked 65-80 hours a week for the first year and finally in the last couple of months I??ve started working less than 60, which is my fault for not letting go of small task and not being willing to say ??no I??m not making that deadline?
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What does your target Client look like and what brand of Surveying are you jumping into? You asked about stakeout points, does that mean for construction layout or something else? Hard to make meaningful recommendations about some of your questions without knowing what road you plan to travel. Good luck though!
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For E&O I’d contact Nancy Williamson or Candice Tickle at Insurance Services Corporation of America 800.853.6133. E&O is their specialty but they handle it all (general liability, worker’s comp, equipment insurance, auto, etc) and they specialize in working with surveyors.
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I think it takes about 3-10 years to establish a business. It took me about that long. I also think any business will work if you stick with it long enough so you have to like what you are doing. Establishing a business takes time.
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You need to get a website setup, and get some google reviews also get a Facebook page and LinkedIn page set up. People actually look at these and take strangers reviews for the gospel…..
Lots of good advice so far.
Regarding a website, you do know our host here specializes in websites for surveyors. He’s good!
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I second Nancy and Candice. They are very helpful.
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Go Carlson to start. It’s ACAD, the same as C3D. Carlson can convert C3D points. And if you have trouble, then I bet your client will send you a points file, if they’re interested in working with you.
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Seriously look at carlson’s intellicad. It is worth the review.
Be ready for poor pay and long days sometimes knowing it will get better.
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Do you have an accountant? If not get one. Are you incorporated? I would not necessarily get your vehicle insured as a business vehicle, ask your accountant. I know its a bit more expensive but I would buy new equipment. I did when I started out and I have no regrets at all. I took out a loan for my business, don’t spend all of your cash to start your business, save it for paying the bills while you get established. I would recommend using Carlson with Intellicad, I have not had any problems with mine and at what I paid for it it can’t be beat. Look up That CAD Girl to purchase, Jennifer’s prices and service are great.
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Love to see the contract examples you have in place.
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