Though many engineers out there are working for well-established companies, earning significant amounts of money to apply their skills to all kinds of projects, some make the bold leap to set up their own firm and go it alone. With enough experience working in your particular field, and the wherewithal to go out and start securing your clients, you can join them. Here are some tips on what you can do if you want to set up by yourself.
Size up the Market
Wherever you are based, it’s a good idea to start off by looking around your region to see where your competition is to be found. That way you can see whether you are going into a market that is already saturated with engineering firms that offer the same services that you plan to offer. Study your competition carefully and then you can develop a competitive edge enabling you to provide a unique service that you and you alone can offer, beating anyone else out there in the market. If you chat to other engineering entrepreneurs you can find out where these areas are too.
Then it’s time to start the hard graft of setting up your company, going through the bureaucracy of applying for the necessary licenses. Some entrepreneurs find another engineer with great expertise and abilities and persuade them to join up as a partner. Acquiring insurance for your company is essential too, as you would be liable for property damage and any personal injuries that may occur in your work.
Selling Yourself
Then when you are properly established it’s time to get out there and start selling your services to your new clients. Put together a marketing plan, and seek out the assistance of marketing specialists in your community if you need help with this.
As well as advertising through often costly channels, it’s important to bear in mind the importance of word of mouth. It can’t hurt to talk to other independent engineers around you as well to ask them for advice, especially if you seek out those who are not working in your chosen area, so there is no risk of you taking away any of their clients. They can also point you in the right direction for equipment and assistance that you may need, if you are not already acquainted with suppliers in and around your area.
Whether you need plans or hydraulic equipment or anything else looking around is essential, so take a look at companies such as SGS Engineering. That way you can get on with building your firm and making it a success.
Cover photo credit: Roddy Keetch / Flickr
