Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I'm a darn good plumber (many repeat and referral customers) trying to attract those who need and want work done... not to convince someone to spend for the sake of my income nor to take advantage of others' misfortune. Should I even be in business?! My abilities and fairness are respected and appreciated. I started with no backing and my budget is determined by profit margin. Am I unfair to my company growth through my concern for providing a safe and sanitary environment? I chose this field many years ago because of it's impact on living conditions. Is there a way to be a charitable-plumber and receive financial backing through grants? I love the service I provide to the community but I just cannot compete with the big$ unscrupulous.  

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Rollin the Plumber
READ: the Plumber Says! @
www.rollintheplumber.com

Grants are rarely available for for-profit businesses, and those that are are usually limited in scope (job creation, specific r&d, etc.). If your community has an economic development commission of some type, you may qualify for assistance from them in the form of grants, loans, or other relief. In one small town in Texas, 100% forgiveable loans are available based on number of jobs created.

The type of ethical, fairly priced plumbing can absolutely be successful. I would recommend you contact the owners of Corley Plumbing in Greenville, SC. Several years ago, I did a research project for a college class focusing on their business (because they had done excellent work for me). They used flat-rate repair pricing, their employees and trucks were always clean, neat and professional, and they have a very successful business. They are a member of a trade association (Nexstar, Inc.) that provides a wide range of training and marketing resources.

Best regards,

Molly Donaldson

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your reply is appreciated... after work today, visit the sites and make contact... Thanks!!   Rollin

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Rollin the Plumber
READ: the Plumber Says! @
www.rollintheplumber.com

Rollin,

It's true - the good guys don't always finish 1st.  In fact, the good guys have to work even harder because we actually care about quality of work we do.

Keep at it!

By the way, I manage a website dedicated to plumbing.  You can submit your website to the plumber directory here free of charge: http://www.plumbingqa.com/plumber-directory/

Best,

Steve

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I've been doing SEO and Internet Marketing for the last 10 years. You can read my SEO Blog at LiveAmbitions.com.