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How to go from house painter to business owner Part 3
By Terry | July 6, 2009
Developing the skills needed to operate a successful painting business sometimes means having to wear a lot of hats. On any given day I could be found starting the crew on a job, then getting on the cell phone to set up tomorrows job while driving to yesterdays job to do a touch up and pick up a check. After that, returning half a dozen phone calls, giving two or three estimates along with dropping off some bills, followed by ordering paint and supplies for upcoming jobs. Then getting back to my office to return more calls, and set appointments for more bids. Oh, and lets not forget stopping back out to that days job to make sure all your people know where their going to be working tomorrow.
Sometimes it gets a little crazy, and at those times I think about what my brother who got me started once told me, that the good ones always make it look easy. I suppose it sounds like a lot of work but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Someone famous once said: “If you love what you do you never work a day in your life.” I guess that’s why I look forward to each day’s new challenges. Making the transition from painter to owning and operating a painting business was easier then I thought it would be. (But just between you and me I still put on my paint clothes and grab a brush every chance I get.) Being clear from the start, and keeping an open line of communication with your crew, along with demonstrating high values and integrity will nullify most of your headaches. Leading through example and taking a genuine interest in your employees lives will bring out the best in them, and reflect in a positive way on how customers think about your company. After all, if you can’t always be on the job your employees are an extension of you. It’s all part of creating a higher perceived value for what you do, and that’s what people remember after the job is completed.
Terry Begue is the owner of Begue Painting and author of the popular e-book, “The Wealthy House Painter’s Guide to Having it All.” He’s been a successful house painter for 30 years and enjoys helping others start their own successful painting businesses, too. Terry has been published in “Professional Painting Contractor” magazine in spring 2009 for his article “Recession Proof Your Business-Five ways to help your company thrive in a stumbling economy.”
Discover more at: http://www.yourhousepaintingbusiness.com
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