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Switching from full time boring Job
As we are two designers in a full time boring atmosphere, we are both looking to leave work to take up sign writing. Has anyone got any advise for us as we are eager to move on and progress onto bigger and better things. Is it worth taking a risk in the near future and hitting it head on or should we take it easy and wait. We know the work is out there but we also need the time taken by our full time job.
Any comments or advise would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Aaron n Chris.
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5 Replies
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Myself and my brother were in a similar position, just starting out, the business unable to support two full-time wages initially, so he went full-time and i have kept my current job, whilst working in the business some evenings and most weekends. And to be honest, it has worked great and the business is growing day by day, with a new staff member coming on board in the next few weeks.
My advice would be slowly, slowly catchee-monkey so that you dont put an immediate strain on the business right from the start. Believe me, it doesnt take hardly any time to build up a customer base and get the repaet orders coming in.
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I believe the advice from evox is sensible. I reduced my full time job to part time a year ago and built up a customer base and have now given notice to quit at end of month to go full time for myself. Have the keys and ready to move into premises. I Knew it was time when the part time job started to get in the way. By the way I am doing dye-sublimation at the moment but planning to buy a 24 in. cutter soon.
Jim -
Like any other business there is a certain degree of risk, and if you’re both reliant on a set wage coming in from day one, its going to be a little hairy to begin with. After saying that though, if you pick your spot, pitch yourself really well, you might be rushed off your feet from day one.
I run a sign shop on the outskirts of a town and I’ve been rushed off my feet since day one. I work there single-handed most days, but my wife does come in to lend a hand when things get a bit hectic. I guess I’ve been really lucky as my shop is one of those you can’t help noticing, and since I painted it bright blue, its turned a few heads 😉
If you’ve already got the plotter, why not try coldcalling a few places that have tired signs, see what business you can drum up. By starting it off this way, you’d be surprised how quickly the word of mouth comes into play. Joe speaks to Bob who reccommends you to Jane, that sort of thing.
Whatever you decide though, good luck to the both of you with your new venture. 😀
Cheers, Dewi
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Just a bit worried that the buisness wont support 2 people because it seems that most people on here are a one man/lady team and even when loaded with work you all seem to get by.
I can see the bonus of having 2 pairs of hands but what about the money strain?
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Good advice about one of you keeping your full time job.
One can work in the shop doing the signs and the other can concentrate on selling and promoting the business which can be done whilst working full time, just until you build up enough for you both to go full-time
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