How about a psychology, motivation section

[curjones]

Have a section for us new guys or gals who are trying to get in the business.  Motivation and encouragement is needed.  Right now I need to sit on the couch and wyne, or ask why me???.  Sold some units and felt good, even went fishing and the next day, customers complain, family even gets in there and release the pest of negative comments.  I have called these little roaches.  They are slipped into the conversation and have nothing to do with operating the business.

 

I have been working out of a garage, and now someone is worried about an old rug thats been used for a door mat.  How do you put on a bullet proof, insult proof, and roach free suit?.

 

Need words of wisdom and often encouragement from the folks that had , I'm sure these same issues.  Sort of the first hurdles, road blocks, stumbling stones, that you can expect as you do this business.

 

I get encouraged and it seems like there is a ballon poper in the mix.  My way of overcoming is to talk it out, being silent just makes me brew, and dwell on it.  Just need to drop it may be the solution, but need help on avoiding as many of theses opportunities to BE OFFENDED.

[Thirstytech]

I have a feeling this is how the "psychology and motivation" forum would turn out.....................

 

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

LOL!  

 

Therapy session over!  

 

Any more problems to discuss?

[curjones]

Yup, I'm trapped between the two worlds, being in the military ten years and being the hard ass, then coming into this life and told to lighten up, having a tender heart and love for people, want to help them. They complain, but when you do they are the drill sergants all of a sudden, if you try to bring it to their attention when they complain or are rude , they become so pissed off again, wont listen or have some great excuse for their bad behavior.

The human mind is a terrible thing, when run only by emotions, or they have been severed.

[DurhamAppliance]

Cur, I have one suggestion that would help you with both motivation and your labor rate concern... ASTI-San Diego. Trust me when I tell you, your labor rate issues will be eliminated and you'll have enough motivation to last at least to the following year's ASTI. It will be the best investment you could make right now. That's why I'm moving heaven and earth to make it again this time. And I aint getting paid to say that.

Edited December 18, 2013 by DurhamAppliance

[applianceman97]

Brother Durham speaks the truth!!! All your questions will be answered! It was best business decision I have made to date. Do it!

[curjones]

I'll have to google what ASTI is. ???

[john63]

http://appliantology.org/topic/46196-2014-asti-in-san-diego/

[curjones]

Thanks, Durham, john, and applianceman.

[J5*]

remember you do this to make money  , concentrate on making money on every job

 

never try to to a cheapo job just to help someone out or because they are low on cash

 

It will bite you in the ass and cost you money

 

 

enjoy your time out when you can and dont let people get to you

 

you can either cry and crack the shits or laugh it off and get on with something else

[curjones]

You learn by doing, I have been reading several books on business, sales, marketing, basics.  They all say it's the toughest thing, hardestes thing youll ever do.  If you are in it just to make some quick cash, get out now, there is nothing quick about it.  Have to be physically, mentally, emotionally, spriritually strong.  Be nice and be thick skinned.  Get over it, be ready to make mistakes.  If you are trying to avoid mistakes, dont like to make mistakes, get out of trying to start a business.

 

Learn to cry, get mad, then get happy, laugh at yourself, have fun, be serious, and get busy.

 

I'll sit and read an article, study a tech sheet on something I have not yet worked on.  In the house.  head to the shop to fix a washer, (a garage) and all hell may seem to break out.  Thats when I wish the shop was on a deserted Island and I could just finish the one task.  This busines is multi task, but only one task can be done at a time, so you have to learn to relax, smile and do the next task.   I still have not got real busy,  it is for right now slow pace.

 

My wife said to me seems like when you move things happen,  I said it does, good things happen and so do the bad things, things I dont want to have to deal with.  We trully have to take the bad, if we want to have the good.  I still try to elimanate as much of the bad as I can.   That takes knowledge, understanding and wisdom.   And the ability to laugh it off as you well said.

 

What I have gained the most from this site has been the lift, I get when someone says keep at it, dont quit..  I think we all need it.

 

The importance of a network in business.. relationships   I see it on many pages  I read listed as very important.  I don't have many people around me that want to talk about, bulding a business, or financial skills, how to fix this or that..  So I needed some place to express my thoughts , Ideas and get some experience or ideas back from.   Mentors are hard to find next door, There are only a few willing to be mentors and encouragers.  Thanks

[curjones]

I checked out the ASIT.  That looks like a great place to learn, then the word cashflow, capital hits.  How much has it cost you to get there budget wise.  Want to set a goal or have an idea.   Motel 119.00 three nights, for non member 599.00 airfair.   Does the cost cover meals? or do you have to pay for them as well ?  Looks like you need a clone to go to both the business and tech side.

 

I have been looking for ways to raise money fast, by earning it.  Doesnt grow on trees.  It's doing the fundementials, which I still have to figure out and do on a consitant basis.  I know training like this is very important.  The question is always this;   HOW much money have you set aside as an investment in your education fund.  I had a conversation with a company that coaches and mentors business start up people..  The bottom line is always.  how much money do you have...

[curjones]

This was in an article I read:

One of the reasons 1 out of ten small businesses fail is simply because the self employed sector is the sector of hard work.

they fail because of financial exhaustion or Physical exhaustion or both.

 

The small business owner is under pressure from;

customers

the goverment

and from employees if they have them

 

It is hard to do much PRODUCTIVE work when you have so many people  making demands of you.

 

I add

 

When you had a Job, you went there 8 -12 hours and often the wife or family could not put any demands or request on you during that time.

Someone else scheduled your time and task to do (now you must manage your time and schedule it) Hope it does not get interuppted, but you better be prepare for when it does happen, and it will happen.

 

Self control, well you better learn what that really means , and if you really want a lesson in reality, then start a business from scratch, with just scraps.

 

Be willing to pay a high price for learning this business, it will take time, and be willing to change the way you see things and do things.

 

It wont be a matter of if you finish the race first, but it will be a matter if you cross the finish line at all.  Many run this 100 yard dash and stop at 95.

 

I have just began;  I'm just at about the two yard line in this race, it's not my first race either....  RUN FOREST RUN...........

[DurhamAppliance]

So long as you run to San Diego.

[Patricio]

 Self employment is not for the lazy, tired, or feint of heart.   Takes a lot of self preservation, drive, dedication, & fortitude.    You will be beat down at 1st.   Pull up on your bootstraps & dig in for the long haul.  

[m_west5]

This was in an article I read:

One of the reasons 1 out of ten small businesses fail is simply because the self employed sector is the sector of hard work.

they fail because of financial exhaustion or Physical exhaustion or both.

 

Another main (big-big) reason is that you don't charge enough for your services.  Do not rely just on the "bottom feeders".  You want to increase your bottom line?  Raise your rates.  Use common sense to find your target rate.  This strategy works anywhere.

 

Recommended reads:

1. Start by Jon Acuff

2.  EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey

[curjones]

I am going to do what I can to get to san diego,  the wife and I have talked about it and I am Having that Gut feeling that will make the difference, and be worth every penny I spend.

 

I have learned the value of pricing better and having good customers.  I went on a call today on a gas water heater, found nothing wrong with the controls, did a flush, has sediments, but noticed the closet was not vented for fresh air  ( I learned that while I was reading the manual) but the same principle of ventalation is one we used in the factories for compressor rooms and boilers.  I installed a door vent and a vent leading to the attic Low on door high to attic.

Should give better air, burner and pilot flame.  I spent more time there than I wanted to, had to run for vents at hardware store, but came away with a 140.00 ticket.  I have to chalk that up to paid training.  Does Blue book cover hot water heaters.  I am very soon going to buy the blue book fo sho. 

 

Thanks for the suggested books.

 

Pulling up the boot straps, sir yes sir.  I'ts crazy I see the big, the bigness of it all,  (but not all of how big it realy is)  I try to explain it to family and they give me a blank stare..  I want their support, get some, but it's not like ok.. lets charge the hill together..  Thats when I feel like lone wolf McQuade with out the skill to kick butt (yet).  I remember in the military when you find yourself in a close ambush, the correct action was to turn toward the enemy, put your weapon on auto and run right at the bast***ds Any hestitation meant your own death.

Edited December 21, 2013 by curjones

[applianceman97]

Blue book doesn't cover hot water heaters. And going to ASTI would be the beat money you could spend. Make it happen. Trust me. Went last year for the time. Learned a lot. Raised my rates because of the blue book and now I'm twice as busy. You learn so much and meet great people.

[curjones]

Last year,orlando, I lived in Florida, was raised there, could have stayed at sisters,lol..

[applianceman97]

Well your a year late. Lol. But seriously. ASTI is well worth the money.