NuTech, Take this for what it's worth. Your posts really have me thinking about the challenges I face in starting and growing a business. I get the more month than money thing. (Five kids, so I'm paying child support as well, full time running my business and part time job to boot, and end often don't meet in the winter. Wife does not have a paying job.) Some days I feel like quitting and I can find lot's of reasons to do so when I feel that way. When things are going great, I find lots of reasons to keep going.
I think I've heard you say that the sole proprietors have trashed the market and the franchise folks have trashed the market. Is this a problem or an opportunity? Seems like the right person with the right attitude and skills is poised for profit. There are MANY dissatisfied customers in your market right now wanting and waiting for a better option. I'm wondering if there isn't something you can do differently in attitude and actions that will open doors, build trust with customers and build your business portfolio. I've heard it said, "Those who say it's impossible should get out of the way of those who will do it."
I see you looking at ebay items. Are more tools the answer? Partly, maybe, perhaps. However, this time of the year I look for every possible way to improve my business without spending a dime. During the warm season I may spend some money. This time of the year I focus on cutting expenses. When cutting expenses, nothing is sacred unless it's a quality of life issue more important than growing your business. For instance, this time of the year I still buy fishing bait, but we fish local ice rather than pulling my small boat all over the county. We check out repeat movies from the library rather than renting from the video store. I hand less cash to my kids and expect them to work more to get what they want. I lay off hired help and take care evening janitor work myself, with one of my kids helping as a paid job. Hate working nights, but hate more paying out when I can't afford it.
Not trying to pass judgment or be judgemental, just wanting you to find a way to be successful.
