You all sound like you just got dropped off with one dollar at the park and ride, have you got no friends in the business!? no ties to other contractors, have all your bridges been burnt?
Network! find other start up business and have lunch with the boss, make arrangements with quality licensed contractors...Agencies?! I always wondered how those places stay in business!
I started my company with $700 in my pocket and $10,000 in debt. for the first year I refused to work with my old boss just out of a sense of pride, I refused the crappy jobs he tried to kick my way, I struggled to meet new people and NETWORK, but since I got on my feet my old boss and I pool our resources, And I feel like an equal partner instead of a dependant.
this CAN be a TEAM effort with individuals, as mentioned in other posts, if nothing else, while I learn from all of you I hope you'll learn this from me.
BTW, my company did 1.4 mil in sales in it's 3rd year, and up until now have no time off. I'd love to take the family to a much needed vacation but my guys are hurting (they didn't save all the overtime for a rainy day)so i'm out there looking under new rocks and advertising for the first time.
NETWORK! with other EC's it's a powerful advantage when your starting up and or it's done right.