Tell us a little about your small business (+URL).
I offer consulting, training and operation services to firms that design and implement wastewater and water treatment equipment.
How long have you been running your small business?
2 years
How did you get into starting a small business?
I was working for a company that gave me contracts, on their payroll, so I got used to getting contract work according to the needs that were out there (fluctuations with time of year, demand, infrastructure program for municipalities, lack of people ready to work on contracts basis, etc.) I saw that other companies would need the same kind of services that I offered. I asked that company to get paid as a small business, and marketed myself to other water and wastewater treatment designers.
Describe your starting a small business experience.
It just kind of rolled into it. The transition was easy because I was used to contract work. Little by little, I got more contracts and managed to fill my schedule. I also provided free advice to several operators to get my name out in the field, and that paid off.
Lessons learned
- It is important to take your biggest client as a door opener because the competition needs the same kind of services, and often end up recruiting you just because they know you work for their competitor. Also be ready to do business as a "scratch my back I'll scratch yours" pattern, so that money is not always involved. It is an investment for the future.
