It's hard the first time you go to a conference. One thing I found useful is to review the attendees and presenters list in detail. Then you've got something to talk about when you meet them.
Fail faster, fail harder. As a self employed electrician, I learn more from my failed bids than I do from those I get. Those I don't, I always try to reach out and get the other companies' bids. Usually you can get them. It shows that you're serious about wanting the work, keeps the dialog going, and lets you see if you even want to work for the company.
Did you bid high and not get it? Low and you still didn't get it, so they're scrapping bottom of the barrel? Or they wanted something that you didn't think of, and you need to pivot what you're offering?
The other thing, is like you said you have to be hungry enough to go out and get the bills paid. A lot of people, these days, think that working for yourself is the only way to make ends meet; yet they get too afraid of what it takes to do it. I, right now, haven't paid myself in three months. It is what it is. You budget for it. You go out, and work, and get big pay days, and then lean times. Things break down. You get jobs lined up, but have time between when they start that you have to scramble to make ends meet.
You just make it work, and keep on going. If you can't do that, then find a better employer - because the stress will literally kill you if you lack the ability to disconnect from it, and simply trust that God and your skills will get you through.
@uncouthbarbarian - Your comments are spot on! I agree, that failure garners better opportunities to learn. As long as you don't fail 100% of the time, you're good! ;-)
A couple of questions - Do you work with contractors who can bring you business to fill in schedule gaps? Do you have a network of other electricians who you can share leads with? Sometimes you might be too busy to take on a job, so you can pass a lead on to 'your buddy who does great work'... and who will return the favor. If you have been at it for any length of time, then I assume you are already doing this!
Currently, I am rebuilding a house in SoCal that our (former) tenant burned down(!). We chose a contractor who appears to have a pretty good network of 'crews' so hoping for good results...
With White Bull, we are full time networking profs, as you never know if the person you meet for a coffee today brings you a life changing deal tomorrow!
I usually am able to network with other subcontractors in different areas - HVAC, tile, plumbers, and the like. Also, general contractors that appreciate the work. Rarely am I able to network with contractors that are also electricians; there is simply too much of a scarcity mindset with many people, when there doesn't need to be. There's tons of work out there, and not everyone has the same skill sets, wants the same jobs, or has the ability to get all of them done - as you note!
The only people that I've found that I can network with in electrical are one of my friends that I had before we were both in the trades, and a former boss who I'm blessed to have as a mentor. He was raised in the business, and is taking over it with his brother from their father - so he doesn't have the scarcity mindset that a lot of people have clawing their way up. Nor does he just blow off the responsibility and take advantage of people like some inheritors do. When I moved on, I took great care to make sure that he knew why, that there was no hard feelings, and to develop the relationship afterwards. We still hang out for drinks on occasion, talk the business, personal life, and simply enjoy each other as friends.
If anyone is ever able to get that, out of anyone in their field, it's worth every single hurdle to obtain. Do everything you can to get it, and never violate that friendship.
It's hard the first time you go to a conference. One thing I found useful is to review the attendees and presenters list in detail. Then you've got something to talk about when you meet them.
Fail faster, fail harder. As a self employed electrician, I learn more from my failed bids than I do from those I get. Those I don't, I always try to reach out and get the other companies' bids. Usually you can get them. It shows that you're serious about wanting the work, keeps the dialog going, and lets you see if you even want to work for the company.
Did you bid high and not get it? Low and you still didn't get it, so they're scrapping bottom of the barrel? Or they wanted something that you didn't think of, and you need to pivot what you're offering?
The other thing, is like you said you have to be hungry enough to go out and get the bills paid. A lot of people, these days, think that working for yourself is the only way to make ends meet; yet they get too afraid of what it takes to do it. I, right now, haven't paid myself in three months. It is what it is. You budget for it. You go out, and work, and get big pay days, and then lean times. Things break down. You get jobs lined up, but have time between when they start that you have to scramble to make ends meet.
You just make it work, and keep on going. If you can't do that, then find a better employer - because the stress will literally kill you if you lack the ability to disconnect from it, and simply trust that God and your skills will get you through.
@uncouthbarbarian - Your comments are spot on! I agree, that failure garners better opportunities to learn. As long as you don't fail 100% of the time, you're good! ;-)
A couple of questions - Do you work with contractors who can bring you business to fill in schedule gaps? Do you have a network of other electricians who you can share leads with? Sometimes you might be too busy to take on a job, so you can pass a lead on to 'your buddy who does great work'... and who will return the favor. If you have been at it for any length of time, then I assume you are already doing this!
Currently, I am rebuilding a house in SoCal that our (former) tenant burned down(!). We chose a contractor who appears to have a pretty good network of 'crews' so hoping for good results...
With White Bull, we are full time networking profs, as you never know if the person you meet for a coffee today brings you a life changing deal tomorrow!
I usually am able to network with other subcontractors in different areas - HVAC, tile, plumbers, and the like. Also, general contractors that appreciate the work. Rarely am I able to network with contractors that are also electricians; there is simply too much of a scarcity mindset with many people, when there doesn't need to be. There's tons of work out there, and not everyone has the same skill sets, wants the same jobs, or has the ability to get all of them done - as you note!
The only people that I've found that I can network with in electrical are one of my friends that I had before we were both in the trades, and a former boss who I'm blessed to have as a mentor. He was raised in the business, and is taking over it with his brother from their father - so he doesn't have the scarcity mindset that a lot of people have clawing their way up. Nor does he just blow off the responsibility and take advantage of people like some inheritors do. When I moved on, I took great care to make sure that he knew why, that there was no hard feelings, and to develop the relationship afterwards. We still hang out for drinks on occasion, talk the business, personal life, and simply enjoy each other as friends.
If anyone is ever able to get that, out of anyone in their field, it's worth every single hurdle to obtain. Do everything you can to get it, and never violate that friendship.
Great comments! I am interested to know how many others in the audience are also self employed.
Farley lookin' gooood! Navy sure is your color. Also, music is great.
Elaine Ash