4 answers
logan
Student
Wentzville, Missouri
1
Question
Asked
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How do i start a business in the trades?
How do i start a business i want to start a busines in the trades but i have no clue on what to go into and which one whould make the most money of them all
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4 answers
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
48
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hey Logan!
I have answered this same question several times and I always love to share my experiences here! This is how I started my business 5 years ago.. I started my skincare and haircare at the age of 16. Here’s a practical guide based on what’s worked for me so far.
1. Start with a Purpose and Vision
First of all, Identify a problem and think about how you will solve it. That's business. Every successful business begins with a clear purpose. Think about what you want to achieve and how your business will make a difference. When I started, my vision was more than just selling products; it was about helping people feel confident in themselves. Your purpose should be something that keeps you motivated and connected to your customers.
2. Research the Market
Understanding your target audience is essential. Who are they, what do they need, and what can you offer that others don’t? I researched competitors and trends, observing what customers valued and where the gaps were. Use this knowledge to shape your offerings and find a unique angle for your business.
3. Build a Strong Brand
Your brand is more than just a name; it’s your business’s identity. Choose a name and create an image that communicates your values and appeals to your audience. Build a brand that people will remember and feel connected to.
4. Establish Partnerships and Reliable Operations
Relationships are key. Finding the right suppliers and partners can make or break your operations. I partnered with suppliers who shared my quality standards and delivery partners who could ensure a seamless experience for customers worldwide. Take time to build these connections because they’re essential to delivering on your promises.
5. Engage with Customers Consistently
Growing a customer base isn’t just about advertising; it’s about real engagement. I used platforms to connect directly with my audience, answer questions, and create trust. Whether it’s social media, emails, or other channels, engage with your customers in a way that makes them feel valued and keeps them coming back.
6. Stay Adaptable and Track Progress
Every business needs flexibility. I tracked my customer engagement and adjusted based on what worked and what didn’t. For example, offering a flexible payment plan helped me make my products more accessible. Track your metrics, learn from them, and be ready to pivot based on what your customers need.
Finally, Persevere Through Challenges
Starting a business isn’t always easy, and there will be challenges along the way. When I faced obstacles, staying focused on my vision kept me moving forward. If you believe in your purpose and stay committed to learning and growing, you’ll build a business that not only meets market needs but also reflects who you are.
Now this is how I funded my business
When I first started my business, I didn’t have a lot of money to work with. Instead, I found creative ways to use what I had and build from there.
1. Start with Product Photos and Test Interest
I began by taking quality pictures of products and posting them on social media platforms. I used these photos to attract customers before even buying the products. This allowed me to gauge interest and confirm demand without investing money upfront. By showcasing the products, I was able to create buzz and connect with customers before I even stocked inventory.
2. Use Customer Payments to Fund Wholesale Purchases
Once I had interested customers, I used their payments to buy the products at wholesale prices from trusted partners. This approach allowed me to finance each sale without needing upfront capital. It also meant I could access wholesale rates, which kept my costs low and increased my profit margins.
3. Reinvest Profits to Build Inventory
With each sale, I reinvested the profits back into the business. Once I had enough cash flow, I could start purchasing products in advance and stocking them myself. This allowed me to offer faster delivery to my customers and also buy larger quantities, further lowering my costs per item.
4. Build Customer Trust and Grow Steadily
By communicating openly with customers about my process and staying transparent about delivery times, I built a loyal customer base. I focused on customer satisfaction and reinvested profits consistently, which helped me grow steadily over time.
Starting small, being resourceful, and reinvesting profits allowed me to scale up without taking on debt. This approach might take longer, but it builds a strong foundation and keeps you financially stable as you grow.
Consistency is key! All the best!
I have answered this same question several times and I always love to share my experiences here! This is how I started my business 5 years ago.. I started my skincare and haircare at the age of 16. Here’s a practical guide based on what’s worked for me so far.
1. Start with a Purpose and Vision
First of all, Identify a problem and think about how you will solve it. That's business. Every successful business begins with a clear purpose. Think about what you want to achieve and how your business will make a difference. When I started, my vision was more than just selling products; it was about helping people feel confident in themselves. Your purpose should be something that keeps you motivated and connected to your customers.
2. Research the Market
Understanding your target audience is essential. Who are they, what do they need, and what can you offer that others don’t? I researched competitors and trends, observing what customers valued and where the gaps were. Use this knowledge to shape your offerings and find a unique angle for your business.
3. Build a Strong Brand
Your brand is more than just a name; it’s your business’s identity. Choose a name and create an image that communicates your values and appeals to your audience. Build a brand that people will remember and feel connected to.
4. Establish Partnerships and Reliable Operations
Relationships are key. Finding the right suppliers and partners can make or break your operations. I partnered with suppliers who shared my quality standards and delivery partners who could ensure a seamless experience for customers worldwide. Take time to build these connections because they’re essential to delivering on your promises.
5. Engage with Customers Consistently
Growing a customer base isn’t just about advertising; it’s about real engagement. I used platforms to connect directly with my audience, answer questions, and create trust. Whether it’s social media, emails, or other channels, engage with your customers in a way that makes them feel valued and keeps them coming back.
6. Stay Adaptable and Track Progress
Every business needs flexibility. I tracked my customer engagement and adjusted based on what worked and what didn’t. For example, offering a flexible payment plan helped me make my products more accessible. Track your metrics, learn from them, and be ready to pivot based on what your customers need.
Finally, Persevere Through Challenges
Starting a business isn’t always easy, and there will be challenges along the way. When I faced obstacles, staying focused on my vision kept me moving forward. If you believe in your purpose and stay committed to learning and growing, you’ll build a business that not only meets market needs but also reflects who you are.
Now this is how I funded my business
When I first started my business, I didn’t have a lot of money to work with. Instead, I found creative ways to use what I had and build from there.
1. Start with Product Photos and Test Interest
I began by taking quality pictures of products and posting them on social media platforms. I used these photos to attract customers before even buying the products. This allowed me to gauge interest and confirm demand without investing money upfront. By showcasing the products, I was able to create buzz and connect with customers before I even stocked inventory.
2. Use Customer Payments to Fund Wholesale Purchases
Once I had interested customers, I used their payments to buy the products at wholesale prices from trusted partners. This approach allowed me to finance each sale without needing upfront capital. It also meant I could access wholesale rates, which kept my costs low and increased my profit margins.
3. Reinvest Profits to Build Inventory
With each sale, I reinvested the profits back into the business. Once I had enough cash flow, I could start purchasing products in advance and stocking them myself. This allowed me to offer faster delivery to my customers and also buy larger quantities, further lowering my costs per item.
4. Build Customer Trust and Grow Steadily
By communicating openly with customers about my process and staying transparent about delivery times, I built a loyal customer base. I focused on customer satisfaction and reinvested profits consistently, which helped me grow steadily over time.
Starting small, being resourceful, and reinvesting profits allowed me to scale up without taking on debt. This approach might take longer, but it builds a strong foundation and keeps you financially stable as you grow.
Consistency is key! All the best!
Rich Bianculli
Regional Director - Network Strategy Department
19
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Might I suggest a network of tradesmen!
Reach out to local trade companies, build a website that markets these companies and look for referrals. Get involved to really understand the tradesmen you onboard to your platform, what makes them unique and what areas do they service.
This flatlines your profits across all the trade industries and allows you to focus more on the ones that garner attention over others.
Reach out to local trade companies, build a website that markets these companies and look for referrals. Get involved to really understand the tradesmen you onboard to your platform, what makes them unique and what areas do they service.
This flatlines your profits across all the trade industries and allows you to focus more on the ones that garner attention over others.
Ranger Kielak
Life Coaching/ Consulting
5
Answers
San Carlos, California
Updated
Ranger’s Answer
Start by learning two key things: the skills of the trade and the skills of business.
Learn the Trade: Choose a trade that genuinely interests you—not just the one that “makes the most money.” Whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry, get hands-on experience. Work for someone in that field, take apprenticeships, and master the technical skills. You need to be excellent at what you do before you can successfully run a business around it.
Learn the Business: Running a trade business isn’t just about being good at the work—it’s about managing clients, marketing, budgeting, and operations. Read books, take courses, or find a mentor who has run a successful trade business. Even if you’re great at the trade, a lack of business skills can hold you back.
Start Small, Think Big: Begin by offering services as a side hustle or working for an established company to gain experience and connections. Use what you learn to build a strong foundation for your own business.
Remember: The trades that make the most money are often those that solve big problems and serve growing markets. But success will come when you combine expertise in your craft with the ability to run your business efficiently.
Learn the Trade: Choose a trade that genuinely interests you—not just the one that “makes the most money.” Whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry, get hands-on experience. Work for someone in that field, take apprenticeships, and master the technical skills. You need to be excellent at what you do before you can successfully run a business around it.
Learn the Business: Running a trade business isn’t just about being good at the work—it’s about managing clients, marketing, budgeting, and operations. Read books, take courses, or find a mentor who has run a successful trade business. Even if you’re great at the trade, a lack of business skills can hold you back.
Start Small, Think Big: Begin by offering services as a side hustle or working for an established company to gain experience and connections. Use what you learn to build a strong foundation for your own business.
Remember: The trades that make the most money are often those that solve big problems and serve growing markets. But success will come when you combine expertise in your craft with the ability to run your business efficiently.
Johnny Harris
Management
3
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Johnny’s Answer
Thinking about making the most money without the proper knowledge is where you can go wrong. If you don’t know where to go then you won’t make the most money coming straight out of class once you find it. Do you have skills such as how to be a plumber, electrician, hvac… you can easily do a google picture list of trades. Plumbers make a lot due to people not knowing simple tricks that they will call for the work done, most people would rather just pay. You may have to do ground work, or working with pipes needing you to tear into the Sheetrock. But can you tolerate bugs, weird smells. You have to know what your interest is first which will make it easier on what you want to do.