Mr Winowc, where are you?
I have always thought it curious that surveyors would rather talk extensively about machetes and shy away from topics such as business decisions, subcontracting, rates, billing practices, etc. Maybe it’s an indication of why we are most often interpreted as tradesman instead of professionals.
Mr Winowc, where are you?
> I have always thought it curious that surveyors would rather talk extensively about machetes and shy away from topics such as business decisions, subcontracting, rates, billing practices, etc. Maybe it’s an indication of why we are most often interpreted as tradesman instead of professionals.
Maybe you're right, I know I would rather talk about boundary problems and survey techniques than business decisions, rates, etc.
Some of the guys that post here sound like pretty good businessmen. To compare it to other practices, I would rather be operated on by a surgeon who loves surgery than one who likes to talk about rates and business practices.
Just thinking aloud (so to speak), not trying to be argumentative.
Mr Winowc, where are you?
There have been many days that the art of sharpening and handling a machete or other blade in order to stay sharp all day was just as important as all the other aspects of the survey.
To this day, I cringe when anyone pokes their blade into the ground instead of putting it in a sheath or leaning it against a prop.
At least it is not gonna be me cutting with a dull blade.
😉
Mr Winowc, where are you?
I am a little overwhelmed at the moment looking at these responses. 🙂 I'm a blade fan so I find no excuse not to purchase a new one.
In response to:
"I have always thought it curious that surveyors would rather talk extensively about machetes and shy away from topics such as business decisions, subcontracting, rates, billing practices, etc. Maybe it’s an indication of why we are most often interpreted as tradesman instead of professionals"
I'm sorry if my question was not to the professional standard. I find my line of work fun and all aspects of it. It's not only work, it's a hobby!
I prefer the field. I love it! I want to talk about it and do it again tomorrow. I discovered this forum looking for a new locator. My 20+ year old finally went out and I don't have any "shops" around me that put me hands on with anything.
I found a great piece of equipment reading these forums and thought it was very informative.
I did not have a boundary issue, the math wasn't relevant and the software may not be up to date. But the topic I posted about also helped to shed some light on new tools and techniques I was not familiar with or if anything, a conversation on tips and tricks.
If I was wrong in posting this kind of topic here, I will bow out and apologize. I had gathered this was a little more of an open forum. I was not aware that talking about tools was beneath us.
Mr Winowc,
Perfectly good post. By all means, stick around. So many opinions out there, it's kinda fun to look at all the responces! I have a 26" Collins, sharpened on both sides, that I've been using for the last 15 years or so (since I lost my last one!)I do prefer a dozer tho'!!!! 😀
-JD-
Mr Winowc, where are you?
Mr. Winowc,
My comment was not a personal attack or in any way a snide way of stating you are not a professional, it’s too bad you interpreted it that way. I was merely making an example of one of Land Surveying’s biggest conundrums – “are we professionals or tradesman”. I personally believe the profession consists of both and that’s why the confusion with not only the public but within. I myself have a hard time answering that question on days when I have spent all my time in the ditch on a construction project or topo'ing a sewer treatment plant. I suspect most surveyors are like me in that they love surveying but really don’t care for the business end of the deal. I too have a great appreciation for the right tool for the job and I don’t know a good surveyor who doesn’t enjoy crafting the right tool for the job because the alternative just isn’t good enough or isn’t even available. (most surveyors are secret inventors). Unfortunately I have been on the losing end of many business transactions due to my focus on surveying. I have tried to discuss business with surveyors at local association meetings and I find most are shy about giving out any info. Some scream collusion and the others are too competitive about money to reveal any “secrets”.
I have seen and continue to see the engineering profession figuring out how to make more money with less liability. I have had more luck questioning engineers about business practices than surveyors. Maybe they feel I am not competition so they are very open about how to make more money for the same product. There are several surveyors on this forum that I along with many other surveyors owe a debt of gratitude too for their open and forthright comments on business issues. I am in awe of some of the knowledge of these surveyors and I hope they continue to help us out. I believe they are the ones most likely to help surveying stay in the professional realm.
With that said I still find it curious that a question about machetes gets 40 responses with pictures and web links and a question about business or money making issues often receive only a few.
Mr Winowc, where are you?
Hey, they guy above that said that surveyors sometimes "will discuss machetes, not real survey stuff" or something like that, did not mean to demean your post. What he seems to be complaining about, is that SOME surveyors do not ever really deal with the more important stuff, and stick to less critical stuff.
Stick around. We will even argue the merits of eating carrots for lunch!!!
He he he.
Nate
Mr Winowc, where are you?
I'm sorry I mistook your meaning.
I do agree with you though but am so sick of questioning the business end of it(nothing personal at all). I find that I am always questioning what we can do to get more work and better clients, even in my sleep.
But when I take a step back, we are very fortunate in my area. I have a tremendous network of surveyors, good and bad always willing to help and share information. Of course the "whores" exist and are out there beating us up.
We put a firm price on everything. No negotiating and no deals (aside from friends/family of course) This keeps us sane and able to talk about machetes and the like.
I inherited a 3rd generation company. Our existing clients are or have folded up shop. Our name is our reputation and our service is that of our reputation and exceeded. So now we have to appeal to newer young clients that may never have heard of us. That's is our biggest challenge but one met with firmness.
I'd rather not take a paycheck, then to belittle myself by throwing my standards down to meet a dollar benchmark.
I'd also rather get 5 phone calls a day (realistic number) of other surveyors asking us for information then none (meaning our work is not respected)....even if there low bid keeps me out of a profit.
I'm staring to ramble and apologize, this is why the "business end" always bugs me 😉
Again, thanks to all for the responses!
