Making the Transition

[Doug Mahard]

----- Original Message -----
From: Martin Dubow <tuner@mediaone.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000 2:06 PM
Subject: Making the Transition


> Dear All,
>
> I'm curious about stories regarding how you went from whatever you were
> doing
> before, to actually making a living as a tuner. I sold a furniture
> factory and am
> living on reserves while I feverishly learn the trade and build up a
> clientele. I'm
> just praying my reserves last long enough to become viable doing this.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Martin
>
> Hi Martin,

I had my own carpentry business before I went into being a full time piano
tech.  I was taking piano lessons at the time and my instructor asked me if
I was interest in piano tuning.  His tuner was looking for an apprentice.  I
said sure.  It wasn't much of a apprenticeship but it got me started.
Joining the PTG was the best career move I ever did.

I tuned part time for three years while still doing the carpentry thing.  My
main source of business came from all my piano instructors students.  My
wife and I moved a few towns away and that was the cut-off point for
dropping carpentry and doing piano tech stuff full time.

First two years were definitely lean.  Eight years being a full time tech
now and times aren't lean.  I'm making more money then I ever have and
having a lot of fun doing it.

Tips to build your business:
* Check out "The UNABASHED Self-Promoter's Guide" by Dr. Jeffrey Lant, ISBN
0-940374-18-8.

* Once your comfortable and confident with your skills, barter some tunings
for advertising in the events program at area shows, i.e., local theaters,
local organizations promoting music, chorale groups...ask for some tickets
to these shows too.  Check out your own work by sitting in the audience.

*Most importantly, be yourself.  Don't be afraid to tell a customer your
body of knowledge or skill level isn't up to handling a specific job or
problem.  Refer another tech if you know one.  I did this several times in
my earlier days and never lost the customer, they always thanked me for
being honest.  Would still do it now if a situation presents itself.

*Yellow page advertising,  the general public needs to know you're in
business.  Forget about local newspaper ads,  a large % of your business
will come through referrals.

*Your state department of education will send you mailing labels of all
music educators in the state school system.  Determine how far you are
willing to travel and send everyone on the list a letter telling them of the
services you offer and your fees.  I'm still getting calls from this mailing
that I did seven years ago.  I had a huge response from doing this.  Diddo
for local private piano instructors, don't be afraid to ask them to hand out
your cards to their students (unabashed self-promotion).

*Any other responses from the list that your gut tells you to try.

Good luck, have fun, make money.

Doug Mahard, Associate Member