You're muckin' along, maybe even enjoying yourself. You're an entrepreneur now. Life's good; you have tons more money and benefits than when you worked for that schmo; you go fishing; take your family to the county fair; and you're paying your spouse top-dollar for all the office work she does.
You eat well, go to the gym, watch your health, and, if anything does go awry, you have great medical and long-term disability insurance so you don't have to worry about the bills piling up as a result of your beard getting caught in your drill, or your tongue piercing becoming infected, or your new lip tatoo that won't stop bleeding ... any or all of which has you suckin' meals through a straw for a month.
Your business systems are so excellent that you won't lose a customer; the rent, mortgage, and utility bills will be paid; the kids' dental health is assured; your pregnant wife won't depend on the great care she receives at the public health clinic; and you'll have no worries the repo man will tow away your truck and tools. (Uh, business systems?)
Yup, things be exactly like you envisioned them when you went into business for yourself. Or maybe not? What if something evil does befall your ideal little world?
Well, this is a plug for Comfortech in Nashville. Go. Sign-up and go. Drive, walk, bike, skateboard, windsurf, or ride your lawn-removal device. Learn about the silent partners that really can help your dreams come true — there are inexpensive ones. I've known small shops, like mine, to come home after attending similar tribal gatherings, institute one tiny idea they picked up, and it changed their entire lives. Happened to me.
Can't go? Too expensive? What if someone (me) could show you how to very easily improve your bottom line by $30,000 a year? Still too expensive?
You'll meet folks who are aching to talk about their success, not in a bragging way but in an almost missionary way of simply wanting to help others. You'll hear great analogies that might change some old thinking, like Service Round Table COO David Heimer's musings about why cash is described as "cold and hard" when it makes most folks feel warm and fuzzy. Now ain't THAT a fun new way to think about $$$!
Don't forget that attending Comfortech is pure fun that you can write off as a business expense!
And women! Go! Git your mate off his skinny (or otherwise) butt and drag him with you! You're taking over the business end of the subcontracting business in case you haven't noticed, and you'll meet a ton of other like-minded, talented women — powerful women! — who are dyin' to learn and share more than is imaginable while sittin' alone at a desk somewhere.
Lots of free food and drink! Lots of free seminars and talks by various experts and motivator-types. Lots of ideas to come home with and mull over. Then what? Then act. Make a plan and go for it. The world really can be your own, personal oyster, but not if you don't change a thing or three.
Learn. Open your mind. Expand your horizons. Look into business groups — the Service Round Table, the PHCC's QSC, or Nexstar. Each outfit is different and you should be aware of the differences before you sign anything. I'll be there. Come talk. Ask me whatever — especially you smaller shops.
I'll be equipped with the latest version of Trade Service's little pricing manual that makes Flat Rate so easy you'll be amazed! I'll also be talking about the new, easy, inexpensive, comprehensive electronic full business or Flat Rate programs entering the market, such as Coolfront, M.O.S.T., Trade Service, ESC, Service Titan and, of course, QuickBooks. Which one's for you and why? I've done my homework. Come ask me what I've discovered.
Go, see, talk, learn, enjoy. Open up that thing between your ears. Oh, yeah, I forgot the toys! Most every major manufacturer will be there showin' off their wares. Prepare to be amazed.
Hope to see you at Comfortech, your gateway to a bright, shiny, profitable, successful future.
Best,
Ed
Ed O'Connell is the founder emeritus of O'Connell Plumbing Inc. He is the subcontracting business coach for smaller contractors and a Service Round Table Coach. He can be reached in Auburn, California, at home/office: 530/878-5273 or at [email protected].