Getting work???

[PhatDub]

My friend and I are both in out 3rd year of my appreticeship right now, and heading into my 4th very soon. Over the last few years we have both bought up as many tools as possible mostly for our own personal use, and a few small jobs for friend and family here and there.. With the end of our appreticeship coming we are looking to start up a company together but we are sorta stuck on how we are going to find work. We were going to build some stuff and goto a Farmers market and try to sell it there and maybe talk up some people for some jobs. Does anybody have any advice, or storys on how they got their first jobs.

Thank you

Greg

[Shedhand]

My friend and I are both in out 3rd year of my appreticeship right now, and heading into my 4th very soon. Over the last few years we have both bought up as many tools as possible mostly for our own personal use, and a few small jobs for friend and family here and there.. With the end of our appreticeship coming we are looking to start up a company together but we are sorta stuck on how we are going to find work. We were going to build some stuff and goto a Farmers market and try to sell it there and maybe talk up some people for some jobs. Does anybody have any advice, or storys on how they got their first jobs.

Thank you

Greg
be honest
be on time
be reliable
be reasonable
be professional
treat your staff and partners as equals
have a professional business card done (pics of your work on the back)
stay single
and put a Makers Mark on eveything you do
by the time you finish your aprenticeship the work will be rolling in.
Good luck to you both

[echnidna]

Try the markets and fairs
Specialise in a limited variety
Consider a wholesale network to retail stores/galleries. There is a lot less profit per item in this but you may build a volume that offsets that. Don't offer stock on consignement, if a trader is interested they will buy from you.
Set up a website and keep it up to date. Ensure your web address is on all your business cards and stationery.

Start NOW, you may have income before you finish your apprenticeships.

Good Luck

[mkemila]

Take pictures of everything you make (makes a great catalogue)
Never cut corners
Be your own worst critic
Make it right rather than right now
Make a promise, keep a promise
Put out your best work everytime and finding customers shouldn't be a problem.

Best of Luck

Mark

[Richardwoodhead]

Shedhand, that's a great recipe for life AND woodworking. Well done.

Richard