[frames to panes]

Simple question really, if the earnings of a windowcleaner are as good as some say, why would you want to expand further and take on more hassle? Why not carry on as a sole trader below the vat threshold and stay there? Is it a success thing, a drive to expand? I'm not a business man and i'm the wrong age to embark on a cleaning empire, just curious.

[Rogue Trader]

I am looking to go this way and for me it is simply because i dont want to be out there grafting for the next 30 years!

[Skyglide]

I have always had to go and seek out the orders in past careers. Window cleaning just comes to you.  Fantastic reversal so people naturally want to grab it and go for it.

Trouble is we live in UK - overpopulated - so you go for it and have to be taxed on behalf of the majority who are on State benefits of one kind or another.

Chris

[LWC]

i agree with you DJW, i have one, but he works with me

in my opinion, you send someone off and give them a cut, it doesnt take them long before they start to think "i could do this myself"

[stevekennedy]

A lot of people don't want to risk self employment or can't face the hassle involved. However, they could still be a great employee. They work hard, they get a good wage. No worries.

[geefree]

I Agree to a point, but if you split, and build enough times ,and are of a business mind to deal with the pressures ahead, and to continue with growth and prosperity in mind,

then why not, ? its business that makes the world tick.

but to those who want a nice income and are happy with your lot, then thats good too.

by  the way, i fall into the latter 

but i would love to expand but i really dont know if i coulds ucceed, from a pressure point of veiw.

i may want to try it and come back, as i have read many who have done that..

i really dont know at the moment,.. as i have enough on building a round for myself.

Gary.

[Nathanael Jones]

I am looking to go this way and for me it is simply because i dont want to be out there grafting for the next 30 years!

Very good reason to take on staff!!!

My plan is to work alone for a while and build the business up to a good level,... when I'm comfortable and know exactly where I stand, then I'll think about taking on staff slowly. I'll do it at my leisure and in the most stress free way possible.
But for now, its easier for me, and much less stress to work alone!

[Trevor Knight]

The angle you approach your business should be based on what "YOU" want and not want Joe Blogg's down the road is up to!

I run a business and employ staff, however, I have chosen this route as i want to build an income for life and not until I have had enough.

The main concern is you have to ask yourself this question?

What will you do when you retire?

Will you have made enough money to stop working and live of your savings/investments/portfolio?
Will you be forced to retire early due to health or circumstances etc...if so, how will you survive?
Do you really want to be cleaning windows out in all weathers in the later stages of your life?
What about going on holiday.....taking time away from work......?

As a sole trader these are all issues you will have to face eventually, how you plan for them is up to you.

Personally I see my staff as my escape route and answer to all the above. If you treat them well they will treat you well back. I invest in my staff as they are my investment for the future. Think of it this way, if you treat your staff as if they were your family, reward them when its due, encourage and praise them when they feel low and pay them above the average wage they are far less likely to think of leaving or wanting the hassel of starting up for themselves.

Don't think of a person as an employee, think of them as an investment for the future.

Thats my call on it anyway?

[nat]

If you treat them well they will treat you well back. I invest in my staff as they are my investment for the future. Think of it this way, if you treat your staff as if they were your family, reward them when its due, encourage and praise them when they feel low and pay them above the average wage they are far less likely to think of leaving or wanting the hassel of starting up for themselves.

Don't think of a person as an employee, think of them as an investment for the future.

Spot on Mr Knight  i share a lot of your similarities

[frames to panes]

You can be my boss if you like!

[Spursboy1972]

I agree with all of that Trevor. I never started out to be oon my own forever. I am too young for that. However there is a point (very close) where you have to bite the bullet and employ. I am trying to build up the business and have a good cash reserve so I can cope with all that comes with it.