Our locksmith training courses are a fast-track route to becoming a accredited locksmith, providing you with the necessary accreditations to successfully run your own business. Many of our students go on to work for themselves, turning their skills into a lucrative venture.
Working as a locksmith means being your own boss and managing your own hours. Quite often, this line of work is ideal for those with other commitments, giving you the freedom to work the hours that suit you. However, as 24hr callouts are a common service offered by locksmith companies, it’s important to have a smart approach to managing your time.
Here are 5 ways you can maintain a healthy work / life balance while still maximising sales:
1) Stay organised
The number one rule for a good work / life balance in locksmithing is having great organisational skills. Time management is key, and having routines can help, even when you don’t know where you’re going to be from one day to the next. 24 hour locksmiths have to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, so keep your van fully stocked, frequently check and update inventory, and book vehicle MOT and servicing in advance.
2) Get on top of your paperwork
Keeping your books in order is one of the most important aspects of running a business and staying productive. Paperwork can be time-consuming and if you don’t do it as you go, it can quickly become unmanageable.
Have a system for customer invoicing and upgrade to a digital solution if you find yourself getting bogged down with too many documents. Digital apps for invoices can speed up the process through automation, giving you more time to get on with the job at hand.
3) Consider bringing on admin support
If you’re finding it hard to answer calls and do your own admin, it could be time to bring on a bit of support. For some locksmiths, getting help from family members can be the most convenient solution, and many locksmith businesses are family run. Alternatively, it could be worth hiring a virtual PA or call assistant.
4) Share the workload
Being a one man band has its advantages, such as only having to organise yourself, and not having to manage a team or go through the process of hiring. However, if your workload is increasing and you are finding yourself having to turn down jobs, bringing on a team member could be the answer.
A team member can also help you with 24 hour callout rotation, meaning you can enjoy some nights off to spend with the family. Everyone needs a break to recharge, and rotas with fair allocation of hours can give you a much better work / life balance than taking all callouts by yourself.
5) Invest in the best locksmith training
Running your business successfully starts from having the right mentors. At MPL, our locksmith courses are designed to prepare you for a self-employed career in locksmithing. The training not only covers all the practical skills and advanced lock picking skills, but it gives you insight into what it takes to be a business owner.
Our locksmith training courses touch on marketing skills, how to manage finances, how to handle paperwork, and other aspects such as insurance or creating business processes.
We also continue to provide support once you graduate, with a 24/7 helpline to guide you on your first jobs as a newly accredited locksmith!
For full details on our locksmith courses, contact our team and request a free prospectus.
