Harold, if it is not coming to you after 35 years there is a reason, and I won't guess at what that may be.
But... I have been self employed for 40 years and realize that in most of my problems all I have to do is look into the mirror to find that problem and solution. Then I try best I can to change that. My biggest business fault and I cannot guess what it has cost me over the years is that I am unorganized.
Somewhere I heard said "that it is never to late to begin to that which is right"
Here are some thoughts.
1) You may need to make changes both personally and business.
2) Consider what you are charging, is it competitive with your competition, better just a bit lower, perhaps your pricing is to low and people question the quality because of it.
3) If it is not coming to you then you go to it.
4) Call shops around and offer your service, and share your experience.
5) Put your qualifications and experience in a letter and mail it to business's that may need the kind of work that you offer, and mail it to as many as you can afford to put stamps on. Keep the letter positive and concise.
6) Perhaps a small ad in the local newspaper.
7) Call past customers up and ask for work.
8) Begin to manufacture a product and sell that.
9) Do you have regular hours ?
10 Do not get all caught up in gloom and doom, it will take you where you do not want to go!
Bests to you Harold.
Ken
After 35 years it would seem a shame to throw in the towel.  |