7 Tips For Starting A Land Surveying Business 

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No business has ever survived by winging it and hoping things fall in place; this is a sure recipe for disaster. Instead, start your journey to success by drafting a plan detailing your company’s values, objectives and how you would achieve them. This way, you can understand the specifics of your establishment while making concrete plans to tackle the unknown. The first step towards your plan is to ascertain what name your company will be called, although this may be tricky. You would want a name that would pleasantly stick to people’s minds and determine that another brand has not already taken it. 

As a tip, you can use online name-generation tools for the best results. To ensure you aren’t using another business’s name, experts recommend searching your state’s and federal trademark records. Another thing you should include in your plan is the costs involved in establishing and running your establishment. You would have to invest in computers, field equipment, labor, office space, training, and other things. Getting a fair idea of these costs can help you seek funding from the right sources. 

2. Registering your company is non-negotiable 

Registering your company is non-negotiable, and knowing how to do it right is key. After registration, your establishment is recognized as a legal entity, meaning that your personal assets will not be touched if there is an issue. Moreover, your clients can rest assured when working with you when they know that your company is credible. It also becomes easier to separate your business and personal accounts, allowing you to manage your cash flow effectively. Seeing these benefits, you will want to register your company if you haven’t done so already. You should choose what kind of legal entity your business is, whether sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).  

3. Get the needed licenses and permits 

Every legitimate business needs permits and licenses, and your company is no exception. Without them, you risk incurring substantial fines or even business closure. However, this may be subject to the state your business is located; some vicinities don’t require land surveyors to operate with a license. However, there are still regulations regarding ownership and entity structures in these states, and following them will allow you to run your company peacefully. If you are required to get licenses, the authorities would demand your company information, surveyor-in-charge information, and the like. Here are some helpful tips that can make the application process easier. 

4. Your business needs to be insured

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While you don’t pray for negative circumstances to creep up on you, there is no telling what the future holds. The last thing you want is to be incapacitated when unpleasant situations put your business in a financial fix. Therefore, make it a point to get good business insurance to cater to these events. With a good cover, you can rest assured that costs associated with damage due to harsh weather and liability claims will be sorted without damaging your business or personal finances. Depending on what state your company is in, getting insurance coverage may not be a requirement. But you will still find it a smart decision to make. When investing in one, be sure to understand what risks commonly assault your industry. This may range from lawsuits and workplace injuries to theft and damage, so keep this in mind. 

Business insurance is pretty broad, meaning that there are several options to choose from. For instance, you can go for general liability coverage, the most common type. Alternatively, consider getting workers' compensation, business owner's policy, and commercial auto. Since several insurance companies are available, settling for the first one you encounter may not be the best idea. Instead, shop around and compare prices to make a more informed decision. Being scammed when getting insurance is not a pleasant experience, so research and confirm the company’s credibility before doing business with them. While testimonials on their websites are great, you still need unbiased reviews from third-party sites. 

It could also be worth looking into life insurance while you’re at it. Reviews are important for this, making it worth looking into Primerica reviews and similar options.

5. The right tools and equipment are a priority 

As a land surveyor, your tools and equipment are an essential aspect of your operations. You need them to conduct thorough measurements of the land and other tasks. But, investing in less-than-standard items can be more harmful than beneficial. For starters, you must deal with frequent breakdowns that can cost your business serious downtime rates. This is not what you want to experience, especially if your clients gave you a deadline. To be on the safe side, ensure you work with credible brands to get high-quality models to perform a thorough and accurate job. Chains, tapes, clinometers, compasses, theodolites, and levels are all tools your team needs on the field, so feel free to invest in them. Another indispensable item you need on the field is an industrial drone. Because of technological advancements, you can now get a clear view and unique perspective of the land, allowing you to create elevation points, geo-references, and other accurate data points. Models like the Matrice 3D can be your chosen industrial drone for these tasks, so keep this in mind. 

6. The right workers push your business to the top 

Although you may want to take control of many aspects of your company, it is an impossible task that can burn you out almost immediately. This is why you must work with a team of trusted and capable people ready to propel your business to the top. You would need qualified land surveyors to join your team, so feel free to consider this. First, you should look out for their college degrees, followed by state-specific examinations and licenses. While you and your land surveyors are on the field, you need someone to take charge of the office. That said, hire a secretary and administrator to handle these duties. Although these tasks can be outsourced, you may also need an accountant and IT personnel. 

Another thing you should plan for is employee training, especially for your field team. Yes, they have the qualifications, but you also need them to conduct themselves properly when working. The best thing is to offer training, exposing them to your company values and how you go about your operations. This way, they can know what you expect from them. 

7. Define your brand and win clients over