Starting Your Own Land Surveying Business : Final Chapter

For the past days we have been continuously posting on the basic steps and guides to start your own Land Surveying business from ground zero. This is the last and final chapter to the series Starting Your Own Land Surveying Business which is a continuation from Chapter 3

So lets get straight into the details without wasting much time.

STEP 9: Establish your Web Presence

A business website allows customers to learn more about your company and the products or services you offer. You can also use social media to attract new clients or customers.

We also offer consultation services & can build websites for Business that would like to display a web presence.

Is this Business Right For You?

Owning a land surveying company is not a suitable part-time business for a person who is looking to earn a little extra money. The long road to becoming a licensed land surveyor demands someone who is dedicated and passionate about the field. Land surveyors need to have a high level of skill in mathematics and CAD. The job is very physical and requires the ability to spend long days outside in a variety of weather. Travel is an essential aspect of the job.

What happens on a typical day at a  land surveying business?

After a client hires a land surveying company, the job usually begins with research on the area where the land surveyor will measure. This can include searching for and examining old surveying reports, or looking at aerial photography of the land. Once preliminary research is done, a land surveyor needs to go into the field to take a new survey. After gathering all the information, the land surveyor uses a computer program to create a map and then writes a report of his findings. 

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful land surveying business?

People who want to own and operate a land surveying business need to obtain a license at the state level. Each individual state sets its own requirements for earning the license a land surveyor needs to practice. Most states require at least a bachelor’s degree in surveying, geomatics or mapping and the ability to pass an exam by the Council of Land Surveyors depending on the country. In addition to gaining the license to practice, land surveying company owners need to have experience with running a professional business. 

What is the growth potential for a land surveying business?

The job outlook for land surveyors is mixed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that between 2014 and 2024, the total number of land surveyors will fall by around 2 percent. The cause of this decline is most likely the advancement in land surveying technology which allows surveyors to work quicker, and not less clients. On the upside, the average age of current land surveyors is 55 years old. In many areas of the world, around 10 percent of current surveyors are retiring each year. This means that people who start a new land surveying now will be facing much less competition in the future. 

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women from Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a land surveying business?

Potential owners of a land surveying business need to understand what they are getting into before spending their time and money entering the industry. It is a good idea to speak with current land surveyors to gain more knowledge about the field. Owners of new land surveying businesses continuously need to learn by maintaining strong relationships with others in their field. Land surveying companies can increase their number of client by offering diverse services.

How and when to build a team

Employees are critical for a land surveying company. Support individuals, like a secretary and office manager can help free up time for surveying. Companies which are just starting out may want to outsource to an answering service if they are operating from a home office. Hiring assistants  or interns to help with the physical aspects of the business makes surveying much easier and increases the number of jobs a business can accept. 

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About the Author

KUMBIRAI MATINGO

Kumbirai is a freelance GIS Analyst and GIS Developer with innovative skills and interests in spatial epidemiology, Web-based GIS applications for sustainability, Space technology, Exploration, and Inclusive and Digital Land Information Systems all towards the attainment and achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.

He is also a true believer of the power of location and geospatial intelligence to CHANGE THE WORLD in making it better for us ALL.

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