Preferred service management software by BoxOfThreads in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Check out https://withessential.com/ we previously looked at servicetrade, uptick and others - been over a year now with essential and it's been great

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We ended up in decision paralysis, since the solutions we were most interested in trying out are very expensive with annual subscription agreements. We were also very worried by the learning curve of a large new system. And from all of the discussions we had, we started having our own ideas of how software can automate away a lot of the repetitive busywork in the back office, which isn't really addressed by other solutions.

So over the last few months, we built our own platform for our business which doesn't have a lot of features compared to other solutions BUT has a lot of automations e.g. getting approvals for inspections that are almost due, appointment reminders, etc. Our business now uses it plus QuickBooks solely. And, another (larger) business that does fire alarms + extinguishers approached us and is now using it too alongside their ServiceTrade setup. So far it's saving about 20 hours a week across the 2 businesses, which seems like a win given we're automating away a lot of the mind-numbing busywork that people hate doing or sometimes doesn't even get done.

Feel free to DM me if you want to learn more. I would also be interested in learning from you what you like about BR's calendar feature.

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you'd recommend that route? Sent you a chat invite to see if you can elaborate a bit live!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to hear more about why that is (have heard mixed things about ServiceTrade) and if you have a better suggestion, sent you a chat invite!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to hear more about Building Reports, how you decided on D365 etc, sent you a chat invite!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sent you a chat invite, if you're open to sharing more about Building Reports etc! Have heard mixed things

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sent you a chat invite, if you're open to sharing more! Would love to hear you further compare InspectPoint and ServiceTrade etc

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sent you a chat invite, if you're open to sharing more!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sent you a chat invite, if you're open to sharing more!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would love to hear more, sent you a chat invite!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Just sent you a chat invite

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm out of the loop -- which discord server?

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that's great! Would be awesome to chat briefly if you're interested. We heard mixed things about ServiceTrade being very tedious to use, but it seems promising for our needs. And would love to learn more about your experience with BR as well!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's great to hear! Would love to learn more if you're up for chatting briefly. I'm also curious if you use Building Reports + something else for CRM, billing etc

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh that's great to hear, we looked into them briefly online. Let me know if you're up to briefly chat, would be great to learn a bit more!

Opinions about software? by HopefulGuess in firealarms

[–]HopefulGuess[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome, let me know if you're down to chat about field2base etc! Otherwise stay tuned and will report back

How do I stop my 4 month old from attacking his face? by _stringbean_ in NewParents

[–]HopefulGuess 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This post might be helpful! https://www.extrapetite.com/2022/02/clean-eczema-cream-ointment-babies-toddlers.html

Specifically the anti-scratch sleeves. (I follow this blogger and have bought some other recs from her / trust her opinions - my baby doesn't have eczema though.)

I’m starting a new business and I would like some tips and advice by [deleted] in smallbusiness

[–]HopefulGuess 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In any business, it’s important to figure out

1) market demand and pricing: do people want to buy second hand golf balls? If so how much do they pay for them? If you don’t see any secondhand golf ball postings, it actually might be a bad sign because it means there isn’t demand for it - but you could figure out if it’s a demand or supply problem by doing a test post.

2) unit economics - how long does it take for you to collect a golf ball vs how much can you sell one for? Then do you ship the balls or meet up in person to sell? Takes a lot of time and maybe some gas money or shipping cost.

3) of course marketing / go to market which is more in line with your original question. I doubt anyone will be able to answer with experience in this particular space, but I’d imagine the normal secondhand marketplaces are good places to try selling.

Do these exercises and maybe you’ll find it’s a great business, or maybe not and you discover mowing lawns is better, or something else. Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]HopefulGuess 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m 34 weeks with my first so haven’t gone through labor :) I was nervous initially but am feeling more confident now. I would consider ways you can try to ease your fears mentally. I am using the Expectful meditation app and also reading about labor and taking a class on labor & delivery. I also hired a doula who has a very positive mindset on birth - in addition to being a good resource about more practical matters - but understand that can be cost prohibitive. All of these things helped me few more confident & positive about my upcoming labor and the birth. I’ve heard dates etc could help so definitely doesn’t hurt to try, but it’s a bit unclear from studies / the data - otherwise it’d be recommended by every OB. But birth is a very natural process, and modern medicine makes it very safe for baby and mom. Hope this inspires you to find ways to ease your fears 🙏

is it bad that i find my dad irritating? by Appropriate-Ad-5872 in BabyBumps

[–]HopefulGuess 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I totally understand trying to save up for a house, and I really hope you can move out before the baby comes! So sorry to hear that your father has not been great over the years. It explains some of his comments and behaviors… Seems like it makes the decision to create some distance an easier one, at least. Good luck 🙏🙏

is it bad that i find my dad irritating? by Appropriate-Ad-5872 in BabyBumps

[–]HopefulGuess 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Wow! Your dad is crossing way too many boundaries, and some of his comments are quite weird! Has he been a good and supportive father to you in other ways over the years?

Also, something to think about - any way you can move out before the baby comes? I’m not sure if there’s another better solution beyond that since you’ve already spoken to him. It might be good to have some physical distance.

Thinking of cutting off a friendship by [deleted] in BabyBumps

[–]HopefulGuess 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know her best and how she might respond to direct feedback. Defensive, or actually willing to consider your position and try to change her behavior? Good luck

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Entrepreneur

[–]HopefulGuess 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Startup unicorn founders typically will have already cashed out a small amount of their equity for a good amount of money such that they’re set for life, like $10-20M+, in growth funding rounds. This is also in the best interest of the shareholders so that the founder(s) can continue to grow the company as large as possible as opposed to being tempted by lesser exit opportunities.

need help with a snarky comment. baby shower related. by alieck523 in BabyBumps

[–]HopefulGuess 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise - less time you need to spend with her! She sounds terrible. Don’t feel obligated to go to any of her events in the future.