[gr8fl4porsche]

I run a commercial painting business. Been doing it for decades.

When you are small it is tough because you only have yourself and maybe a partner/ helper to do the work. How do you handle 2 or 3 jobs at the same time?

Most clients do not want to wait for your schedule. You are supposed to work on 'their' schedule. If you can find people who will wait, then all is good. But that is not typical.

Your typical client says, 'I just bought a house, we want it painted and have to be moved in by next week'. How do you handle this when you already have a project ongoing and one waiting? These are the clients that pay the bills. Pricing, while important, is not necessarily the only factor involved. Your competition may be cheaper, but the job goes to the company that can actually get the job done.

So, come up with a plan to take every job that you can get - not just the ones that fit into your schedule. You may have to work doubles, hire temporary help, etc.

This is a service business. Make everyone happy regardless of bottom line and your client list will grow.

I will share the secret to service business success -- Answer your phone or call back immediately. Get quotes back to clients quickly. By doing this, you will be miles ahead of your competition.