The document provides advice for engineers interested in becoming entrepreneurs. It discusses preparing for entrepreneurship through helpful courses and skills, managing your career by finding your niche and job opportunities, and starting your own firm by addressing funding, logistics, marketing, and intangibles of entrepreneurship.
The document provides advice for engineers interested in becoming entrepreneurs. It discusses preparing for entrepreneurship through helpful courses and skills, managing your career by finding your niche and job opportunities, and starting your own firm by addressing funding, logistics, marketing, and intangibles of entrepreneurship.
The document provides advice for engineers interested in becoming entrepreneurs. It discusses preparing for entrepreneurship through helpful courses and skills, managing your career by finding your niche and job opportunities, and starting your own firm by addressing funding, logistics, marketing, and intangibles of entrepreneurship.
The document provides advice for engineers interested in becoming entrepreneurs. It discusses preparing for entrepreneurship through helpful courses and skills, managing your career by finding your niche and job opportunities, and starting your own firm by addressing funding, logistics, marketing, and intangibles of entrepreneurship.
o President and Founder of DLG Engineering, Inc. (DLGE) o Over 21 years experience designing and consulting o Over 16 years managing an engineering office o Authored numerous magazine articles in my specialty o Presented papers on technical topics in my industry o Active member of numerous professional organizations o Volunteered to served as president of the University of Miami College of Engineering Alumni Association from (6/10 to 5/12) Part 1: How to Prepare for Entrepreneurship Helpful Courses, Skills and Activities
Part 2: How to Manage Your Career
Finding your Niche Your First or Next Job Establishing your Niche
Part 3: How to Start Your Own Firm
Funding your Startup Company and Office Startup Logistics Marketing and Communications Management Intangibles of Entrepreneurship • Computer • Management software & and/or programming: Leadership: – Word Processing – Project Management – Presentations – Technical Writing – Programming – Accounting – Public Speaking – Web Design – Basic Accounting – Marketing – Computer – Drafting • Join student or professional groups and associations • Intern at local engineering firm • Work part-time as office manager or clerk with focus on: – Accounting – Management – Clerical • Compile available resources • Professional networking • Regardless of your discipline you can find your own niche and learn how to be an expert in that field.
• BUT…you have to:
– Have a plan – Do your research • Be open minded with employment type • Interview your interviewer • Consider working for a small firm (niche) • Seek out a mentor • Offer to assist with management or accounting tasks • Understand when is the right time to make a career move • Always learn, never stagnate • Be patient with the right firm • Invest in 401(k), max out if possible • Be honest and dependable • Make personal contacts • Save business cards • Hone your skills • Incorporate, open business accounts and establish credit at least three years in advance A small fish in a big pond? OR A big fish in a small pond?
Structural Engineer Building Envelope Consultant Pond
Pond • Liquid assets • Fixed-asset equity • Banks and Credit Union • Borrow from your 401(k) • Small Business Administration and Grants • Investors/partners • Office equipment • Rent • Marketing • Payroll • Insurance • Office Supplies • Codes • Utilities • Professional Associations and Licenses • Printing • Sotware • Come up with a good and unique name • Perform a name search (Reference ‘A’) • Decide on a legal business structure – C-Corporation – S-Corporation (Reference ‘B’) – Partnership – Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Sole proprietorship • Incorporate (Reference ‘C’) – The incorporator – Shareholders – Initial officers and directors – Registered agent – By laws • Apply for Board or State Certification (Reference ‘D’) • Apply for occupational license (City & County) (Reference ‘E’) • Apply for Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Reference ‘F’) • New Hire Reporting • Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification • Federal Taxes • State Taxes • Worker’s Compensation Insurance • General and Professional Liability Insurance • Federal and State Quarterly Reporting • Non-Compete, Confidentiality, Non-Disclosure • Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights • Set up clear office policies • Set up business accounts • Work from home (home office, tax credits) • Create a working budget (Reference ‘G’) • Retirement plans/benefits package • Proposal writing • Collections (retainer, balance due prior to release) • Hire Versatile Employees • Pay yourself last • Create Credentials • Learn to master self-promotion • Seek recognition • Establish a marketing strategy • Actively participate in professional associations • Create a website (Reference ‘H’) • Prepare a business card • Issue a press release (Reference ‘I’) • Develop company flyers/brochures • Network (Reference ‘J’) • Establish and nurture client relations Office
Cash Payroll Flow/Profit There are 6 areas your must learn to Employees manage /Contract Clients Workers
Projects DISCLAIMER Starting a business is a complicated and confusing process. All that you have heard today is based on my personal opinion and experience. Please consult with an attorney, accountant and any other qualified professional prior to starting up your own firm. -Rick De La Guardia, President and Founder, DLG Engineering, Inc.
