5 Tips for Starting Your Own Electrical Company

Are you tired of being overworked and underpaid by your bosses? Are you thinking of striking out on your own and creating a self-run electrical company? Here are just a few tips for escaping the daily grind and hanging up your own shingle.

1. Jump Through Your State's Licensing Hoops

Every state has its own requirements for electricians. You might already be familiar with the basics if you've been employed at an HVAC company, but you should still double-check to make sure you're fully qualified and certified to run a business.

2. Decide What Services You'll Offer

Don't say "everything." You'll stretch yourself too thin, and you'll also alienate customers who are looking for specialists instead of jacks of all trades. Promote yourself as an expert of 5-6 different electrical systems and components so you'll be experienced without being needlessly diverse.

3. Think About Pricing

How will you charge customers for your services? Think about both traditional by-the-hour methods and modern techniques like menu pricing. Whatever you choose, make sure your electrical price book is fair but profitable. It's no use attracting a thousand customers if you never make back your money from them.

4. Encourage Positive Reviews

Once you've satisfied a customer, ask them to write a review or give you a testimonial for your website. In the age of Yelp, it's critically important that there are only good search results when someone decides to Google your brand. Anything less and they'll go to someone who does have strong feedback.

5. Pick An Aesthetic

Will your company be full of casual, friendly repair guys who help customers out of a bind? Or do you prefer something sleeker and more professional for courting industrial clients? Each mindset will require a different method of advertising, so decide on your approach well in advance of your grand opening.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you wade further into the waters of self-made HVAC companies. It won't be easy, but as long as you plan carefully and fully commit to success, it is possible.