What to do? all my clients are out of business 1

[woodstockeng]

Well, I got laid off as many around here did. I registered my company, got insurance, set up my home office, etc. Got a couple tiny jobs from a couple existing clients that were kind enough to come with me. Unfortunately those clients are now "tits up" as they say. So now I've got no clients and no work. I was doing subdivisions and commercial developments (wasn't everyone?), but I have experience in roadway design, retaining wall design, septic system design, flood studies, and some waste water treatment. Any advice on what to do next? Is McDonald's hiring?

 

[HgTX]

You could try your friendly neighborhood DOT. Odds are they're in the middle of a hiring freeze right now, but you never know. Could be they're missing someone with your skills.

Hg

Eng-Tips policies: faq731-376

 

[jber82]

Here in MS it seems that the only firms busy are the civil guys.

http://engineerhumor.com/

 

[brandoncdg]

I was told that sometime soon all that promised Obama civil work is going to get started. So many the govt. agencies will be hiring in full force after the freezes. I know currently Caltrans pays more than private was, and you get all the crazy benefits.

With our proposals on projects, some of the lowball bids that end up getting taken are insane. In fact when I figured the fastest I could do these jobs, I would make more working at McDonalds and have no liability. Of course these lowballers always cause projects to die an early death helping no one.

Just stick it through if you can. We are trying our best and I know we are building a nice reputation through this super housing depression. I really think if you can make your new company get through these times you will be in a very good position on whatever type of small housing boom happens shortly. And it's coming. Starting to feel a little of the rumbling right now.

CDG, Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading

http://cdg-ca.com

 

[ajack1]

Welcome to the world of owning a business, hopefully your clients didn’t go out business owing you money that really hurts.

This whole sorry mess really boils down to not enough work to go around be that for companies or for employees looking for jobs.

You do appear to have a couple of things in your favour, with a home office and insurance paid for your overheads should be minimal and I would assume you have no staff to pay or demanding pay rises. This puts you in a position of great flexibility.

Most companies seem to be in survival mode at the minute, you need to do the same, whatever that may take. I am not sure any of that is very positive, but I guess if I knew the answer I would become very rich very quick as there are millions out there in the same boat, as it is I am struggling along with the rest.

 

[WHEngineer]

We share your pain - just remember, as Stanley put it in his book "The Millionaire Next Door" - when you work for someone else, you essentially have one client. If he lets you go, you have no work. As a business owner, the more clients you have obviously means more job security. Most of the transportation firms in the SE US that I know are not hiring full-time staff - just expecting them to work longer hours. Many are bringing in temps. An opportunity to expand your work base may be to contact a number of your local transportation engineering firms and offer to work on a per job basis through your own company. It keeps them from having to pay benefits or unemployment comp and may give you leads for future work. Good luck.

 

[brandoncdg]

Any ideas on how to market right now for your own business when no one is really building?

CDG, Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading

http://cdg-ca.com

 

[FACS]

I suppose at this point, you should try the quote mills like elance.com and guru.com

They work for some and you never know.



Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[stanford94]

the jobs in construction are dead. gone. zero. there are a crap load in waste water treatment (no pun intended)......

 

[brandoncdg]

guru.com has been pretty dead over the last year for Civil related work. It's also like people on there want professional work while paying McDonald's wages.

Thanks for mentioning elance.com. At least it's another avenue.

ebidboard.com is the main govt. board for a lot of munis in Southern California.

CDG, Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading

http://cdg-ca.com

 

[FACS]

Speaking of government boards. If you have time, and it takes a lot of time. You can start looking at the FedBizOpps website.

It's a shot, and it's the government so be prepared to fill out forms and get clearance, it's not for the easily frustrated. I finally got on, and when I went to quote, I found out I had to mail in another clearance form. But one day It may pay off. Right now it's a challenge, a goal. I have a list of the steps you have to take from the local small business contact so if you want, I could Email the instructions.

You also have to be incorporated.

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[brandoncdg]

yes please email me, brandon at cdg-ca.com

facs: Does that mean only INC, or can it be LLC?

Civil Development Group, LLC
Los Angeles Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading

http://cdg-ca.com