Reasons for Going Self-Employed

[@timtishsmith5966]

I started self-employment in 1990 aged 22. I didn't know anyone in the building trade, no contacts nothing, totally green behind the ears. Worked nights filling shelves at Tesco's for a year and saved £5000 to buy an ex-post office van which came with a hammer to tap the starter motor occasionally to get the thing going. One thing I did do before I could afford a Amstrad 256k computer, remember them was to hand write over 60 letters to local builders offering my services just to get my name out there. Low and behold three replied and I never looked back. It takes sheer determination, grit, and guts. Believe in yourself no matter what anyone says and just do it. Go for it, it will be the best thing you'll ever do to be in control of your destiny. Without a shadow of a doubt, it's going to be hard work but as Churchill is quoted "Never, ever ever give up'. BTW superb podcast guys you two need to get an agent and take this show on the road lol. Oh yes, you guys can do your net Podcast from Robin's house's, you know, that one in Miami ;)

[@DPJOINERY]

That's a nice story moonraker, you lived in hope through the tough times and it's now paid off. Nice one. Great idea about a Skillbuilder Roadshow by the way, hope they're listening 😉

[@SkillBuilder]

Moonraker. That is great. I had one of those Amstrads and also used it to great effect. Never give up is right. I wish we had Churchill now to make this country believe in itself. So many feint hearts out there.

[@ukconstruction]

I have nothing in Miami! But am planning to build in the Caribbean!!

[@aceland64]

I am very proud to have been self employed for 35 yrs and have a few houses like Robin , this is the result of hard work , little bit of luck and taking a risk now and again , nothing wrong in this at all , great pad casts guys

[@SteveAndAlexBuild]

Cracking podcast this one chaps . I (Steve ) started on the YTS up here in Skelmersdale. It was called TPT.... Tomorrow’s people today . It was college or yts getting £26.25 pw . I wanted to learn so ended up on a placement with a small builder ,a superb bricky called Peter Keogh . I learnt so much from him and he put me through an apprenticeship. When I came out of my time I went straight into being self employed , have been ever since . My son Alex is now a qualified bricky too and we don’t just build walls , we care about how they look , we are tidy and reliable . I think because of this I have never advertised . We also work as you guys said . If it’s an extension we can build the whole thing just using reliable friends who we know are top lads who also care passionately about their trades . Keep the podcasts coming chaps .... Steve and Alex 🧱👍🏼

[@Samwise457]

I’m currently in this situation now, employed looking to go self employed... these videos are great! All the info I need, as a joiner myself I look up to people like Robin you are an inspiration! Thanks for making these videos keep them coming!!!

[@electricimpulsetoprogramming]

did you make it? tell us your history, it's been 4 years since your comment

[@garethwatson7999]

I’m literally in this situation right now in 2023 and things have changed so much since the original comment, I’m currently self employed on the weekends and it’s going great but I can’t do 6.5 days a week forever as much as I love the money the benefits of being employed are just too good at the min in 2023 and the benefits of the extra cash the self employed work makes me is too good to pass up. Pros and cons eh!

[@Mysticfizz24]

After finishing college as an Environmental Scientist, and the birth of my daughter I went self employed as a window cleaner, to give me the time and flexibility I needed as a new parent. Have to say, it was the best move I made. Now employed for 13 yrs I’m heading back to college to do my plumbing qualifications with the intention of going self employed again sometime in the future . If you have the drive, desire and attention to detail it’s a great way to work 👍

[@jewelcitizen2567]

You chaps are a class act and this channel is an amazing resource. So glad I discovered it...

[@SkillBuilder]

We are also glad you discovered it. Please don't keep it a secret.

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks for your encouragement!

[@TYLERCONSTRUCTION]

Me too

[@kristianduke410]

I know im asking randomly but does anyone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!

[@watsonvalentin5099]

@Kristian Duke instablaster ;)

[@dalebromley972]

I think you two Gents are on a WINNER! There is a huge need for experienced people like you both are, to share their professional opinions in this format. And you two just nail it. Credible, down to earth and with a smidge of entertainment. Well done…. You’ve won me. I’m in Australia. Already sent a link to my friend who is a brilliant luthier in Auckland, NZ. He has always struggled with being able to “sell himself” as do I too. Bravo!!! Dale Bromley Blairgowrie Australia

[@brickbat1966]

Well done guys great podcast, I have been self employed since I was 18 I’m 53 next birthday and have no regrets, I would add to your advice that anybody thinking of going self employed should build up a network of contacts in the trades, And never be to proud to pick up the phone and let people know your looking for work. Keep up the good work guys Regards john

[@chrisjinks5197]

Been listening to both these, I took the plunge last year to leave the firm to become a self employed spark. You touch on the issue that is so import, it's so tough sometimes because you feel like you are very alone, got to make all the decisions, with no back up and no saftey screens, you dont want to feel like youve had to let your family down not coming home with dinner. Content like this is really vital just to hear from people who have gone through the up and downs of it. Good work, keep it up, good listen in the van on the way to the next job.

[@alansmith9412]

great podcast,gives everyone confidence in going so employed .I was made redundant at Christmas when I was 40 and had done some plumbing in my life.had £5085 redundancy,never taken a risk in my life,2 kids,mortgage etc.went to collage after chritsmas(fast track but no choice).plumbing course was £5k so £85 up!.finished collage and qualified.Worked a week with one job.Then out of the blue friend wanted bathroom doing,finished that then the exact same day my boiler guy rang me up and had heard had done a plumbing course and wanted me to work for him a few days a week.I worked for him for 3 years but building up my own customers by word of mouth but only by doing a good job.If you want to do carpentry,bricklaying or plumbing whatever work for your self.Hard times sometimes but the freedom is priceless.one word I would say is always be considerate and caring about your customers and the good customers will recommend you to good customers,mostly!

[@SkillBuilder]

Hi Alan That is a great story and will help others. It is all about attitude and, quite honestly, if people like you they tend to hire you. I was with a builder yesterday and he was swearing his head off in a very loud voice until I quietly pointed out that the lady next door was in her front garden. I don't think he had even considered the neighbours.

[@andreioancea6469]

I'm currently on way to be self employed but I'm struggling to get a van at the moment, I was working in bathroom renovation, and tiling trade for a while now and everyone I was asking for advice they just told me not to go self employed, but a good friend of mine and your videos makes not to step back. Great videos and tips all the time.

[@jordanjones7440]

As a subscriber and a viewer of skill builder and Robin channel and only just discovering the podcasts unbelievable I know 🤣 last week i went self employed after being on the books for a company for 4 years! Personally I think it’s the way to go as long as your determined and want to move forward in the building game, with the shortage of labour at the minute it’s a great time! So so happy I made the move

[@NenzelMUSIC]

Thank you for your videos. I am already self employed but it is hard and I have also had a lot of issues with mental health and anxiety. I also watched you video on this topic and it is really nice to hear from people who actually understand. Your videos and information really motivates me and drives me forward. Thanks guys.

[@SVSunnyJim]

I love these guys, they give so much wisdom for free. I have been self employed for 3 years now and I just wish I had started earlier. There is nothing like the feeling of landing a big contract with a customer that you've created yourself, and then finding the will in yourself to carry out what you've promised to the best of your abilities. Bringing home your own money has huge advantages and comes with a feeling of great success that bests the good work that you've done in the past. I think tho, it's really for only people who genuinely love their craft, you've got to love what you do because to create business flowing constantly requires constant thinking about your next move, your next call, your next job, your next customer and your commitments to them. I never have time to waste anymore, because it's time which becomes just as precious as money but I'll never look back. This is what it means to be truly connected to your work, and success for your family will follow.

[@craigperkins5339]

Brilliant! Really enjoy listening to you both. I’ve been self employed for 14 years now and everything you say is bang on. I spend all day working on my own in the building maintenance sector, and it’s great hearing from grounded like minded guys. Thank you.

[@danielmehlhopt8165]

From NZ. I watch all the skill builder vids. Great information - it's all universal. Thanks.

[@jasonhancock2274]

Great video again guys, this really hit home for me as I'm in exactly the same position as Roger was when he was 1st starting out. I've got the steady job, wife, kids, house etc etc, but always had the desire to work for myself. I've done it slightly differently and have gradually reduced my hours while taking on my own jobs, working 7 days of course. It's paying off now as the trust is building and the work is coming in. Hopefully the start of a bright future. Keep the podcasts coming, Quality stuff.

[@stakkerhmnd]

You can't beat a bit of Skill Builder! You can't buy this level of experience and expertise. Thanks for sharing chaps!!

[@MT_T991]

To succeed at self-employment you have to want it. Started carpentry bits and pieces at 15 with an older carpenter and master cabinet maker, found college and apprenticeship at 16 easy. Been self employed since 19, 25 now and we are doing well never short on work and often being chased by builders and private clients. I'm a joiner at heart was taught real historic work, so love cutting in a roof or replacing a soleplate (though not everyday work) Through accidental chance was taught to plaster by a very talented plasterer and builder (he needed labour I needed work) I've combined the two, now I'm always busy stud out the house or build the timber frame get it all boarded then plaster the lot finish with the second fix Equal to soleplate work do the timber work through to lime render. I don't understand people lacking work I used to drive 100 miles just to keep going and keep earning to pay our mortgage. Fortunately just dogs and Mrs no Children. Good luck to anyone who tries. Harder I work the luckier I get. Quick question how can we beat the stigma that trade work is for idiots, we need more capable young people, but the trades are so under respected

[@elliothetherington7723]

Thank you to you both for the confidence boost, I was taken for £6.5k by my previous employer, managed to get £3.5k back but now I’m on my own and self employed I’m happier than ever. It’s hard work and all consuming but put the time in and rewards will come, keep doing what you are doing guys, love the channel. 👍🏻

[@Uyiiouuoiuiiuyi]

As a new self employed builder this channel is like college I learn so much thank you very much for sharing you experience and knowledge

[@rubikasuto]

too often we rely on friends and family for advice on certain subjects, however, we normally don't pause for a minute and think, are those people the right ones to take advice from? are they where we want to be? what qualifies them to give particular advice or opinion, I became self-employed because I wanted to control my own destiny and direction (to a degree) one major reason for people not to start on their own is the fear of failing, Personally, I feel that one should become self-employed for the love and passion of their work first, pride comes with that, and you are for sure going to be noticed and singled out by potential clients,

[@SkillBuilder]

Great comment Rubi We will come and see you soon and do a podcast.

[@oliw3664]

As a non-tradesman, listening to your knowledge of being so is really helpful to me to understand what it's like to be in the trade and to understand how work is priced etc. As well as the 'how to' content, I love this channel.

[@johndaniells4440]

The face Robin was pulling at the 3 houses comments, haha! Robin I'm sure from the videos you've posted which show your work ethic, no one would begrudge u your 3 houses. You've earned every penny. All the best lads. Another great and helpful video.

[@SkillBuilder]

John I said 3 fewer which leaves him with just one.

[@THECARKUS]

The keys to success for you yoofs.... Intelligence, Diligence, hard work and concientousness. If you can bring those to the table you will be a success as a self employed person. Listen to Roger and Robin here. They have it in scoops. And a bit of enthusiasm too.

[@gavinoneill721]

These podcasts are absolutely brilliant. A winning format Guys. Great hear your opinions on being/going self employed. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience of the trades. How about a podcast about managing money within the business, how to go about getting better terms with your suppliers and maybe touch on pension schemes for the self employed.

[@hi-tech55]

Great Podcast The two R's. I have been self employed since 1984 and echo all that you have said. I went to evening college and learnt the basics about business studies. It's important to keep your receipts and I subscribe to the HMR site. It tells you all that you can claim for, even cleaning of clothes. If you were an MP you could claim for a duck house. ( I don't suggest you do that) I find that over a year that can make a big difference to profits. If you have enthusiasm about your trades like you both do, I think it's a no brainier. Thanks for the insight about self employment, doesn't matter how old you are you can always learn of others.

[@mattandrews808]

Watching in Australia and the relevance of your opinion transcends oceans. Thanks gents

[@THECARKUS]

Tell you what guys. Its bloody good of you to take the time and effort to do these vids. Fair play to you both.

[@carlmoore6181]

Cheers guys this thought is always In my mind for self employed. I work for a big gas company It’s the 7 days commitment that holds me back missing out on time with the kids.

[@SkillBuilder]

I totally agree with that sentiment which is why I would never try and persuade anyone. That 7 days a week to get started can become a habit or cycle you never quite break. At least it gets rid of the Monday morning blues. As far as the kids go I used to be there in the morning because people never wanted me in their house before 9 a.m and, working locally, I would nip home for lunch and then pop back to see them off to bed when I could and then maybe head out to do the estimates. My approach was to pop in and out all the time so I was around. I used to see guys heading off on the early train into London and they would get back after the kids were in bed so I think on average I did better than that.

[@patrickmurray2220]

Rodger you're spot on. I'm a plumber myself and absolutely love doing water main, drainage and sewer work when it comes along.

[@richardhayden4499]

Great podcast, keep them coming, I could listen to these all day long. People love stories, these builders story’s for good and bad have a million learning points in them, which are worth there weight in gold. Outstanding guys

[@tirepantsfoe5078]

Another fantastic talk. You guys have taken me straight back to college. I had an amazing tutor who never failed to inspire. Most definitely the industry is not for the faint hearted, but if you keep your eyes on the prize and you’re not afraid to step out of the boat who knows what may happen. Don’t turn down any job when you’re starting out. Price accordingly and follow your passion.

[@geraintwilliams9574]

I’m self employed myself and enjoy listening to your stories helpful

[@allanpearson882]

There's no need to be a plumber or a builder to find these podcasts entertaining. Loved every minute.

[@grahamwilson829]

Two men from my generation when I too was an apprentice joiner. Now coming back into the trade and you talk so much sense and I find you inspiring. Great look forward to next podcast

[@e.b856]

Very good procast guys,I m a joiner and really loving watching you.Also I recommend my mates to watch your channel. Being a self-employed is not only a passion or a destiny .is a part of your character . Thank you

[@SkillBuilder]

E.B. Thank you very much for your support. It helps us to have your recommendation. I know a lot of people who have given up their self employed status and taken the security and pension that comes with a job but they are rarely happy to be dancing to somebody else's tune.

[@SuperTannoy]

Thoroughly enjoyed the banter, doesn't apply to me as I'm 80 years old. but was in the building trade all my life, and i'm still interested in what people do.started as a joiner finished up in site management, and we had tradesmen coming on site, saying they didn't do roofs, or they only did first fix, and half of them were not interested. keep it up guys I enjoy your videos also.

[@ukconstruction]

That's a really good point! You have to be interested!! Great observation!

[@lazylad9064]

Love watching these guys. Skilled workers 👍👍👍 thanks guys.

[@henlowridge8598]

Another great podcast. When considering the content of future podcasts I think you should include one intended for customers (as I'm sure plenty of your subscribers are customers as well as trades people). It would be great to hear your views on how customers can get the best out of their relationship with their builder. (eg. things to avoid, things to do, etc.). I'm sure with plenty of your own experiences chucked in it will be a great watch and very informative.

[@coltharrison2444]

I like to hear that robin has a few houses, it reassures me that there’s money to be earnt, he’s a real role model 👍 I’m a 23 year old plasterer from the midlands and I’ve just recently hit 6 figures in my bank account through hard work and dedication and pure persistence.

[@JT-ce4bl]

6 figures that’s quality mate! I’m also a plasterer 👊🏼

[@trancemadmaz]

How are you doing now?

[@KevinBower-gy5be]

The greatest fear for any tradesman contemplating self employment is - "Where is my work going to come from?" So several decades ago, asking myself the same question, I spent £39 on a thousand photocopied 'local joiner' leaflets which I'd put together on a PC. I left home at 8am one morning carrying these things round in a Tesco bag, stuffing them through letterboxes. The phone had started ringing by 11am and I'd only got through 200 of them. I've never looked back - and I still have 800 leaflets left. Just in case ......

[@jamie3566]

So inspiring listening to you two. You sometimes question what decisions you make in life but it's those decisions that give you the answers further down the line, it's a sad thing that alot of people can't wait for you to slip up, and it has happened to me I'll be honest, but that's another story. If you have that gut feeling don't hesitate get stuck in work hard and the tide will turn in your favour, I'm still waiting but I know it's going to happen and that's what drives me.👍

[@andrewtaylor6138]

Love these videos, giving back to the trades that gave you both good life’s whilst advising people like myself who are looking to take over the game when you “oldies” disappear into the sunset to enjoy retirement

[@SkillBuilder]

Wow! put the Paslodes in my coffin why don't you. Lol

[@ukconstruction]

Less of the old! Lol

[@andrewtaylor6138]

😂😂😂sorry boys!!!!

[@SkillBuilder]

@@andrewtaylor6138 No you were right the first time. When I was young I thought youth was a permanent condition. I am still in denial but one look in the mirror and there is no getting away from it.

[@MrPaul1f]

Spot on guys, brilliant but most importantly real world advice.

[@bernardgarrett3897]

You guys speak so much sense.. Your non trade videos are so correct. Big respect to you both

[@marcinlenski3857]

Thank you! For your time and stories. Since I have started my own business, had more bumps than ever expected :-) but still working on my own. And yes, you never know where your path is going to lead you. From simple small joinery in my room to all sorts of roofing and carpentry jobs. Is it simple life? Hell, no! Am I going to change it? No.

[@rafalgora3770]

Thanks guys for helping me become better at my trade 👍 Crazy how 10 months ago was watchin Robin hanging doors and now I don’t even sweat. Everything in this video is soo true. ❤

[@michaelchapman4269]

Thanks so much for putting these videos together, I’m on the edge of leaving my job, same as Roger everyone telling me not to bar a few people (very well paid and pretty easy). Just having the bottle to do it. This has definitely taken me a step closer. Thanks again Robin and Roger & team! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@jeffbradley8783]

So awesome to hear these real stories; you are both a mark for success. Keep the videos coming.

[@p2as33]

Something I was told years ago which I remind myself of time to time. 'Do it for the right reasons and the money Will come' .

[@SkillBuilder]

I agree totally with that. The thing that depresses me is hearing kids talking about getting rich through Bit Coin or some other dream scheme where they put in no effort.

[@p2as33]

@@SkillBuilder indeed, I found the journey exciting and confidence building from the positive responses from customers and piers, listening to you both talk I can totally resonate with what you were saying. From starting out working for nothing just to learn and build a career , to finding a niche to separate yourselves from the rest. And nearly 20 years as a cabinet maker I still get excited about what I'm doing.

[@potatokitty]

About to start to get my cscs. This is very helpful. Thank you guys for your podcast, please do keep it up.

[@CheckFred]

Those who are rather nervous of becoming Self-employed should repeat the Mantra "Under Promise - Over Deliver" ..... The Recommendations/Referrals will go through the roof as #Trust builds and is the most Valuable Asset :-)

[@ad-van-ture]

Interesting vid guys, good points about finding what you like and are good at dispite doing the C&G plumbing I find my personally is suited better being a handyman, variety's the key for me👍

[@po65231r]

Air conditioning engineer hear and I had enough of working for big company’s and went self employed last August. Not looked back and had plenty of work. No regrets

[@juancornetto8243]

Everytime something doesn't go to plan, think about what the lesson there is and how you're going to avoid that pitfall in the future. Then write it down as a positive statement of self advice. As often as is necessary look back at the list and refresh your memory of it to ensure you don't make the same mistake again.

[@robert500s]

Great video lads and sensible advice. Being self employed is definitely worth it in my opinion but not necessarily a good idea for the faint hearted.

[@Pkudhail]

Great show guys, i am learning so much from you, doing a bathroom, Roger, i have picked up so much from your vids. Thinking of going self-employed in the building trade, after working in an office for 20yrs.

[@Kaunas-rx3qv]

Thank you for another great talk from you guys. I’m finding this so useful for my own business. Really appreciate these new podcasts.

[@cmcg5718]

Definite role model robin! Success is a good thing,love the channel! This has got to b the 3rd time I've listened to this podcast

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

You have to be a go-getter, but when you realise you are one, dont get arrogant and think youre gods gift. If you earn 500 a week remember the week you dont work, means the following week, you have to earn a thousand! Make it mandatory to put away the percent for tax and NI because when they want it, theyre unforgiving in waiting for it.

[@joekool5005]

I love you guys! I've been a subscriber but only just discovered these podcasts. Top class!

[@3ziz9615]

Thanks really appreciate the time & effort put in this educational podcast.

[@darrenroche9225]

Great advice again lads , it's a joy to watch and listen

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Married and having 3 kids and a mortgage, car loan etc when i was just aged 25 and getting by on 1 wage certainly tied me to the "security" of staying with my employer. ( now i'm 35 years older and wiser i now think totally differently ) Some mates left my employer and began subcontracting for a smaller firm, and kept asking us to follow them. Restructuring of the business later that year( redundancies) meant we could offer ourselves after 13 years employment for voluntary redundancy. Initial refusal, then 2nd time round the employer had to let us go ... with a small payoff (10k each ) So that is what started us off ... promise of subbie work as a buffer, while we started to promote ourselves. We subbied for 2 years then left that outfit once our own work got busier. 20 years later we now pick which jobs we like or we overprice them. The passage of time does fix lots of things to make life a bit easier ... like seeing our kids flying the nest and finishing the mortgage. Time has more value as we age so that needs to reflect in your costing ! Thanks for your content guys !

[@loadzofhobbies4219]

Absolutely loving these podcasts. A fantastic bank of shared knowledge. Keep an up.

[@ningis21]

I wonder if you guys will tell us about your first major money earning jobs when you had just become self employed...and the worries or nerves you may have had regarding it...such as funding it?

[@truefalse207]

Good podcasts to listen to at lunchtime in the van

[@Tom-ud2gp]

I handed my notice in 3 weeks ago due to leave a week on Friday... been at this company for 16 years, 3 kids mortgage easy life... But I've had a burning feeling to pursue my own work I'm 34 now and I've said if I don't do it now I never will... Anyway, in the last 3 weeks I've lined up weeks of work including the company I work for now want me back as a subby... Praying it all works out

[@SkillBuilder]

Good luck, I am sure you will find your way and having some work lined up is a good way to begin the journey.

[@superiorbeing95]

This did remind me of the Alas Smith and Jones comedy sketches where they were both sat at a table lol On a side note Roger, I discovered a company called Auer Packaging who do tool cases like the Festool ones, some people may find them interesting and prices are OK.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks for the tip. Funnily enough I did mention Alas Smith and Jones when we were setting up. It was a good format. I couldn't decide whether to look to the camera or Robin so I did neither.

[@keithjackman1]

Great video , please keep them coming , The building industry needs people like yourself . its good , bad and ugly .

[@steveevans8160]

You all work together,call each other and let each other down🤣🤣 love that quote good chatt lads

[@ruarimitchell8061]

Really appreciate all the work to share your knowledge guys!

[@TYLERCONSTRUCTION]

My dad and I are thinking about starting a business doing property rental. Thank you for this.

[@MrJessOliver]

Thank you for this podcast. Admiring your willingness to share your knowledge. I am learning a lot from you both........Keep up the good work 👍

[@TheLondonForever00]

Keep going guys, I've learned a lot from you both. Thanks for creating these videos, it's much appreciated.

[@SkillBuilder]

Thank you for the encouragement we will do our very best.

[@jimcoogan1529]

You guys are doing a great job with this podcast. Great advice. Keep up the great work you are doing.

[@abdulrahiman812]

Great Podcast! Really interesting to watch, thanks for sharing your experiences. I watch lots of your videos 😀

[@420damo]

These videos are brilliant thanks guys

[@greyman45]

Well done Roger and Robin, first class work and discussions. Due to lockdown, I have only recently discovered your channel. I have a question for Roger. I'm in my 60's and I am sure I used to see you on TV back in the 80's, but you didn't say how you got into media work, unless I missed it on another video.

[@SkillBuilder]

Hi Greyman You are right I did do quite a bit of television back in my younger days. I have never talked about my journey into journalism and showbiz because this is a building channel and it has no real relevance. It would just sound like a has been reflecting on the past. Not good for anyone.

[@johngoodwin8075]

Best thing I have ever done 20 years and still going

[@geza96]

I love been self employed, a total life choice, I can pick my hours and jobs. Love it. Been doing it for two years, I actually had to turn down a job , first time in two years. Never advertised , just word of mouth. Bty I’m a Pom in Australia. I always love getting recommended, I maybe spend about 15% of the day on the chat, but on an open ended job by the hour I don’t mind at all. The Aussie trade is renowned for being late and rude. I, on the other hand am always on time and nice to my clients. Always be on time, answer calls and be nice and listen. Two ears one mouth. Listen more than you talk. Customers love gearing their own voice. Answer your customers text straight away or as soon as you can, if you can’t get round for a few weeks, book a date in. Customer love been booked up n. They have a concrete date. Send them a text the day before to remind them your coming. Be ON TIME, they will be waiting for you. Never be late and if you are text or call them, keep the communication the best you can. This has worked for me. I have three houses and a weekend sport car. A txt takes 20 seconds. It’s ok been a hour late only if you text or call. Hope customer relations can be a subject of your next pod cast. Pm me if you need any advice!

[@ukconstruction]

Great points, thanks for the comment and your offer! All the best down under!

[@jackmitchell20]

Brilliant! Really enjoy listening to you two.

[@ukconstruction]

Thanks Jack!

[@neilfoster4916]

What a great series of podcasts and I’m not even a trades man

[@stumetallicafan]

The firm I served my time with had me have my own squad and I was still an apprentice . Once time served I was even in charge of some jobs up.to £1,000,000 . I was having all that responsibility for about an extra £30 wage compared to other builders in the firm . Was doing all their setting off etc , building stone , some guys could barely take up a plumbing properly. After almost 19 years I left that firm to go on my own and same as you Roger my wife persuaded me to . 14 years my own business now .

[@chad__west]

Great podcast I’m going self employed soon and this podcast has really made me think I’ve made the right choice ..thank you

[@fredjoyce4914]

excellent video thanks guys love hearing fellow trades stories , ive been SE plumber 4 years now same sort of situation many ups and downs and loving it still look forward to the next vid

[@Nohandleneeded101]

Thank you for this video guys, I’m waiting for the Mrs to go back to work from maternity leave then I want to go self employed because I’m sick of managers tell me I can hang 7 doors in 4 hrs…. I don’t like to admit it but I’m shitting myself as I was self employed before and it didn’t work out that time. My wife say says “go for it hun, I’ll support you with whatever you choose to do” I’m really nervous though. The thing I can’t shake is I have a family and I don’t want them to go through to much of a hardship due to me if it fails.

[@SkillBuilder]

You have a great wife. My wife was also supportive when I decided to go self-employed with a mortgage and two kids. It will work out if you price the jobs properly and find another reason why people should use you rather than your competitor.

[@robmarrin6720]

Brilliant video thanks, in 1989 I became an apprentice security engineer,, physical security and electronic security and did for 12 years,, and now I've been fitting kitchens and bathrooms for 18 years, I may go back to security,, I've kept up with it and it's so much easier,, funny that you were fitting lock's in 1989,, the irony is I always wanted to be a BT engineer, well I got to work on redcare at least as a security engineer ❤️👍

[@robmarrin6720]

2010 to 2018 worked 7 day's a week to beat the recession,, managed to get all the debts paid off,, and now this,, it's happening again but worse

[@hotchill11]

Great podcast guys watch your videos when I get time now and then. I have been on a similar boat working in retail and then in the building trade combo my retail side is pretty good with management when I get big jobs they let me take time off unpaid to do the work which is pretty good. I have just cut more hours at the retail side because a lot of work is coming on in the last one year i do 7 days and some days work in the evening after the other job i will eventually leave and do the building work full time. I would recommend if starting off is maybe have a part time job in hand something to fall on when it slows down and in retail there is always overtime if you wanna put the hours in. Spring is around the corner so it's a good time to start. One more thing which I try is save as much money and only spend what's nessosery and don't blow everything in one go it was a price job it's good to have back up for the rainy days. Great Video guys

[@wittywoo9559]

Great advise .. great blokes .. great channel 👍

[@dannymurphy1779]

Great stories thanks for sharing. As someone not in the trade myself I would be really interested to hear how people go from having a trade to being a builder and running a build like you both have done. It would be good to hear some tales from your first builds, how you went about it and how you found the transition.

[@vinnysinclair3718]

Very good. Simple things but very helpful

[@afzulali7695]

Brilliant absolutely.

[@matthewhurley5410]

Absolutely great video guys love watching your content I’m also a joiner and carpenter and super passionate about building as a whole, I also run some pretty big projects and I didn’t understand why robin said that he puts the clients directly in touch with the various trades rather then dealing with them himself how do you make your percentage on them? do you just charge a project management fee plus the fee for the work you do or do you just do this for tax and VAT reasons. I can understand if someone just wanted a small job doing that you wouldn’t want anything to do with it hence you would just pass on details but surely you would make a cut on bigger projects? Thanks guys and I look forward to your future podcast’s

[@noskills9577]

Thank you both, I hope this series continues 👍

[@rickrandall7139]

I’m a full time bench joiner wanting to go self, working out my garage( after I finish and on weekends) making enough to buy my own machines/tools again etc, but haven’t worked on site since I finished my apprenticeship. Im in my element in my bench work but honestly on site work gives me so much anxiety. Even though I’ve worked in the Industry since I was 18 (31 now). No idea where to start!

[@nathanglasspool3473]

I really enjoy listening to you two and your stories. Cheers

[@M4RKUSS1996]

Very entertaining podcast, I love learning from you guys, thanks!