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This Week's Featured Biz Question
Thinking of finally trying to do what I want to for a living. Have always been handy with home improvements. Thinking of taking this knowledge and using it to repair,remodel,etc. homes as a handyman. Spoke with a guy already doing this as his new career and has been very successful. Should I try to get on with him to learn business for say one year before stepping out on my own? Has anyone done what I am thinking about? Was it successful? Is there enough business to support myself. Where should I start? I appreciate any help you may have. Thanks.
Steve
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Steve, you've posted an interesting question here. Four years ago, I did exactly the same thing that you're now pondering. I dove into the handyman business with only a few basic tools. Since then, everything's been building upward and onward! Let me give you a quick background on myself. (For more, you can read my bio.)
I've been into several businesses, and this is the only business where I didn't have to "mortgage the farm" to get started. In fact, I invested no money. I had the basic tools to start (hammer, saw, pry bar etc.). I bought tools as I needed them, often times, adding their cost right into the job estimate. I've always been naturally "handy," but I still had lots to learn. I learned by reading, watching videos and doing. When I first started, I'd sometimes lose sleep over some new job I'd never done before. Four years later, it's rare I lose sleep over anything. When I first started out, I did little things like adjust doors and paint trim. Now I build garages and additions, and soon, new houses.
I'm usually backed-up one to three months with work. The only advertising I do is the newspaper and a real small yellow page listing. Plus, I take great pride in my referral network, which I've built and babied. Probably 70% of my jobs come from this referral network. My network includes hardware and home improvement stores, mobile home dealers and other contractors in various fields. Sometimes I drop in with donuts to say "hi!"-- Wow! Am I remembered then!
About the Expert
Mark Bower
Owner of Aberdeen Home Repair
Mark is also a lecturer and consultant. He spends hours a week reading
and learning about his industry and about running a business. He strives
to be the best, to always be on top of his game. more
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