1. Research the Market – Identify potential customers, competitors and fees that other land surveying businesses are charging.
2. Draft a Business Plan – Outline the goals of your business and create a roadmap to achieving them. Include information on capital requirements, marketing strategies, and operational processes.
3. Obtain Licensing – Depending on the state you operate in, there may be certain licensing requirements for land surveyors. Make sure you are familiar with your local regulations and have obtained all necessary licenses to practice.
4. Set Up Finances – Establish a business bank account and credit card, as well as any other financial accounts you will need for your business.
5. Purchase Equipment – Invest in the necessary tools and equipment to perform land surveys, such as a total station, GPS receivers, survey grade digital cameras, computers, printers and software.
6. Hire Staff – If you plan on having employees or subcontractors to help with the surveying work, you will need to put processes in place for recruiting, onboarding, and payroll.
7. Promote Your Business – Create a website and social media profiles to market your business. You can also look into advertising in local newspapers or magazines.
8. Stay Connected – Network with other land surveyors and real estate professionals to build relationships and increase referrals.