Edit 10/13/22
Thank you to the ones that have already responded with messages. I’ve narrowed down the segments I’d like to start my drone business in.
I’d like to start a commercial drone company that specializes in real estate multi marketing & commercial inspections.
I feel like I’m going to write the business plan after I’ve gotten the logo, business cards and have been networking and so forth. Any ideas ? on how to make the business plan more fluid/easier to read and complete?
I have 2 youngster college friends that I’d like to hire or make them a business % ownership, but don’t know if that’s wise.
Friend 1–project manager, website builder, SM knowledge
Friend 2–website builder, good planner
Should I give them a % or just hire them because I could pay $500 and have someone build me a website or I can learn it for free.
If anyone has interest or experience with starting a drone business or related business I’d welcome all messages; mentorship and guidance as well. Thank you for your time.
********************************************************************I’m looking to start a Commercial photogrammetry drone business in Southern California and would like to connect with someone that has started a business like this.
Looking for mentorship and guidance on best way to run the business. Thank you for the help!
Answers
Hi Angel, Its one thing to be an expert drone operator, its another thing to own and operate a drone business. Start by learning all you can about being a business owner by attending a FREE Boots to Business course near you: https://sbavets.force.com/s/
Then contact your VBOC at https://www.socalvboc.org for business plan support and other technical assistance.
Hi Angel,
Let me add to the excellent answers you have already received.
First, I suggest you join a Professional Drone Association. Here are a few links:
https://blog.dronebase.com/drone-organizations-you-should-know-about
https://www.auvsi.org/
https://www.commercialdronealliance.org/
I like professional associations because you can research your new line of work, learn about the issues facing the industry, and meet other professionals that share your passion for drones.
Second, if you don't have a drone license, here is how to get one:
https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators/become_a_drone_pilot
Third, I suggest you write a Business Plan. A great place to get free help writing a business plan is with The Small Business Development Center SCORE Program:
https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/score-business-mentoring
A good business plan will answer all of your questions about partners, marketing, finance, staffing, legal and regulatory issues, and everything else you need to know to hit the ground running.
Good Luck!
Walt
Hi everyone, I’m back from the dead. Apologies for not responding sooner— medical issues —but I’m feeling up and ready.
Thank you all for the great input and I’ll be reaching out to you soon. Be safe and we’ll chat soon.
Angel
Hi Angel, my company SWCA Environmental Consultants has some great people that do this for us and our Customer's, would you like me to connect you?
Angel - use LinkedIn to network with individuals that have that expertise - search companies in that industries and then the people send them a tailored connection request to set up an informational interview - networking is king - secondly connect with me to broaden your network - https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyrossibaldrigecoach/
Here is a colleague of mine who is a premier leader (J.D.) in the drone business. He was the first in the U.S.A. to start his own certified drone pilot apprenticeship school. He has branched off into into AI (artificial intelligence) and is an international speaker on this topic. Last, but not least, he is a young entrepreneur and is an opportunity to have diversity inclusion (black-owned business) on your radar. He is very professional, patient, and pleasant to work with!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/socialimpactbonds/
Hi Angel,
Thank you for your service, and for utilizing our site! I was able to find the following resources.
VentureRadar:
https://www.ventureradar.com/keyword/Photogrammetry
- Features a list of the top Photogrammetry companies. Create a free account to view the complete list.
Basics of Starting a Drone Business, from SkyWatch.ai
https://www.skywatch.ai/blog/basics-of-starting-a-drone-business
The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Commercial Drone Business, from Medium
https://medium.com/aerial-acuity/the-nuts-and-bolts-of-starting-a-commercial-drone-business-605ded766a76
Also, please find the top Photogrammetry groups on LinkedIn listed below.
- Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc): https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3262301/
- 3D-Photogrammetry & Remote - Sensing:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2809189/
- ISPRS - International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2809189/
- GeoSearch - GIS, GPS, Photogrammetry Careers:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3190241/
I hope this helps!
Your Answer
Please log in to answer this question.