Greg:
Back when I hit out on my own, I was FORTUNATE enough that a few customers from the EC that I worked for jumped ship & came to me.
BTW, Bill's advice is very good, and you should consider it.
I gave up on the Yellow Pages & papers. I got around a lot, dropping in a real estate offices, plumbing contractors, and businesses. I handed out a 1 page flyer, and got some results.
Over the years, I found that referals are the best. Plumber intro to sign guy, sign guy intro to real eastate guy, real estate guy to GC, GC to GC etc. Also, get to know your AHJ's, they can be a good contact also. First year vol was about $35K, last year was about $590K Gross.
I have 4 guys, at 45 hrs a week, and it's been steady since '86.
Don't get down, get out & knock on doors, introduce yourself, give out cards and ANSWER ALL CALLS. I use a 800 beeper, an office #, and a cell number, and respond 7-24
Nuff said.
John
