After 35 years of operating a firm, being my own boss, providing for my family and creating a retirement, there are a few things that I have learned.
1) Answer your phone when it rings
2) Under promise and over deliver
3) You can't do all things for all clients
4) Do what do and do it well
5) Treat your employees as family
6) Don't ask an employee to do something that you wouldn't do
7) Don't lie - Ever
8) Correct problems - Immediately
9) Don't over charge
10)Don't do construction work
I like #10
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That is a good list.
Call them before they call you.
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Not an expert, but that sounds right-on to me.
Excellent List!
Bob,
I agree. I do some construction work, but it is for select clients.
You have it figured out. I have been in business almost 7 years, and you have hit the nail in the head.
Thanks for sharing,
Jimmy
A very good list...
...excepting #10, which is balderdash.
Darned fine list, including #10.
#11 might be to remember that your continued existence on this planet is more important than anything connected to any survey. Meaning to do whatever needs done in such a manner that you inflict minimal injury to your body and mind; short term,long term or permanently.
1 through 9 apply to any business - not just surveying.
Generally speaking, I would say they go for life in general.
I'm curious: Why #10?
I loved doing layout stuff when the construction crew were on site actually building stuff we layed out. It's the only time when I surveyed I actually got to see something being done with our work.
E
# 10 accounts for 95% of my income, so you are right! None of y'all do any construction surveying. That way there will be that much more for me and I can tell #9 to go to hell.B-)
Add this:
- There is ALWAYS room for improvement. (I don't who you are or what you do)
Great List.
I would add "Don't think you have to get every job that comes through the door."
Yup, exactly.
Sounds right
10. Dont do construction?
> Sounds right
[sarcasm]Who will meausure the points on earth if this is the case???[/sarcasm]
Have done construction .........would prefer not to
Bob
After 42 years in this business, I concur wholeheartedly! You nailed it - especially #10.
That's a pretty comprehensive list. The only thing I might change is to move number 10 to the top.
I worked years for the Dept. of Transportation, highway contractors, runway construction...and had a jillion sub-divisions to stake in my lifetime. At the risk of tooting my own horn, I got real good at project management, contract administration and construction layout.
Then one day about ten years ago I realized that just because someone is good at something doesn't necessarily mean they like it. I hate it. Won't do it.
Find somebody else that hasn't blown a disc out in their lower back from bending over and slamming hubs.
Good list. I agree with 1 & 8 especially
would add:
You don't need or want every job.
If your clients do not complain about your prices, you're not charging enough.
If your get every job, you're not charging enough.