Hi Kenneth,
The best advice I received when I started my own business came from an architect friend of mine and I think it may apply to the engineering practice as well. He told me, "the number one thing you need are clients, the rest you'll figure out along the way."
@David Urena had good advice to keep expenses low. I thought I would need all kinds of software, a new computer, an office etc but like David mentioned, I too quickly found out I needed none of that. In my current role we routinely hire distance based employees that need meeting space and office space. I see a lot of parallels for them as I did when I started my consulting firm. I found it very hard in the beginning, as I spent time trying to be a marketer and salesperson. The main difference in starting a company vs starting a branch may be the amount of start up capital afforded. It's much easier when you have shared resources from the "mothership".
Congrats to those branching out. A healthy number of friends have achieved success in starting their own firms and I wish you all the best!
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Jesse Kamm PhD, PMP, A.M.ASCE
Senior Vice President of Construction Management
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2019 09:54
From: Kenneth Mika
Subject: Recommendations for opening an office or starting a business
Every once and awhile you hear of a new office opening up for a company or a completely new company starting. Does anyone have experience in opening a new office for a company or completely starting a new company? If so, do you have any points for individuals that are doing the same thing that they should keep in mind based upon your experiences?
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Kenneth Mika, PE M.ASCE
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