Why do some handymen have too many customers and others don’t have enough? Is it location? Is it skill level? Is it how much they charge?
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Time to talk about the I-word: insurance. If you’re starting a business, the topic has probably come up along the way. And if you are anything like me, you might associate the term “insurance” with stacks of paper, confusing words, and a mild headache. But working as a licensed insurance agent at Next Insurance – a Silicon Valley tech company focused on improving handyman insurance for entrepreneurs like you – I can say that I am optimistic about the future. The world of insurance is changing rapidly and it’s now easier than ever to get your business covered in a timely and affordable manner.
In this article, I’m going to lay out some common myths and mistakes when it comes to handyman insurance so you can feel confident knowing you’re covered if you ever damage a customer’s home. [continue reading…]
If you’re on the hunt for the best knee pads, you already know that most knee pads are terrible.
They flop all around, slip out from under your knee, and end up turning into ankle pads two minutes after you put em’ on.
It’s surprisingly difficult to find a good pair that stay in place and don’t annoy the hell out of you while you’re working.
But, there are good knee pads out there. And in this video, I’m going to share the best of the best so you can work comfortably and efficiently. [continue reading…]
If you want to start a handyman business, whether full time or part time, you probably have some fears holding you back. The whole idea might seem too risky.
And that actually makes sense on an emotional level. Your brain is designed to fear the unknown and make you run away from uncertainty. But I’d like to share why there is actually very little, if no risk at all.
In fact, it’s likely more risky NOT to start a business that puts you in control of your finances and life. The consistent pay and benefits that comes with a 9-5 give a false sense of security, which is only obvious to those who [continue reading…]
Removing an old fence post can be a pain in the ass – especially if the post has rotted and fallen off. That’s because fence posts are set in a concrete footing that is usually at least two feet deep in the ground.
You could dig it out, but that takes too long. Have you ever dug a two foot deep hole before? If you have hard-packed or rocky soil, even digging down 6″ challenges most people.
But, luckily for you, you aren’t the first person to come across such a challenge. [continue reading…]
The handyman business is a healthy profession – especially when compared to working a desk job. I feel much better when I’m working with my hands all day than when hunching over a keyboard.
But still, there are health risks that come with the territory.
Sure, there are obvious risks, like cutting off a finger or losing an eye. But, other health risks deserve equal attention to avoid.
Toxic chemicals, dust, and certain repetitive movements may not have an immediate effect on the way you feel, but they can significantly impact longevity.
Since I’m all about increasing my functional lifespan, I’m always on the hunt for ways to reduce these unassuming risks. Not only is it better for my health, but it makes the job much more enjoyable when I know I’m not ruining my body.
So, in this article, I will share the tools and equipment I use to keep myself safe and healthy while running my handyman business. [continue reading…]
Installing a flagstone patio or path can give your landscape design a huge boost and really impress your guests (or customers if you happen to be a pro).
I love the natural feel they give to a landscape design. Instead of just using boring old paver blocks or even cement, flagstone will make your backyard more interesting and unique.
In this article, I’m going to share exactly how to install a flagstone patio (or path) easily and without the use of concrete or special tools.
Just like everything else, there is more than one way to get this job done. The method I’m showing you is optimized for a balance between simplicity of installation, longevity, and a high-quality professional look. So, not only will it be easy to install, it will last a lifetime.
Let’s get started… [continue reading…]
The small tasks of running a business can add up quickly and drain your valuable time and energy – even in a simple business like a one-person handyman business.
Anytime you can eliminate, streamline, or automate these small tasks, you should because doing so can dramatically increase your profits and make your business more enjoyable.
And that’s where software can be a game changer.
In many cases, the right software can literally transform your business – allowing you to provide better service to customers, simplify your work flow, reduce paperwork, and even make your business more fun.
I use all kinds of software to run my businesses – from note taking apps like Evernote to e-mail auto-responders like Aweber.
But, the one piece of software I’ve found indispensable for a handyman business is [continue reading…]
Five years ago I quit my engineering job to start a business. Just like millions of employees across the world, I hated my job. The only difference between them and I is that I actually took the leap.
And you know what? It was the best decision of my life. Not only do I have ten times as much freedom as a result, it was an exhilarating experience to actually quit my job. It made me feel alive.
It was fun to tell my boss I quit and people gave me tons of respect.
To this day, whenever I tell somebody the story of me quitting, they’ll say something like “Wow, that’s really admirable. Most people would just stay and be unhappy for their whole lives. You actually did something about it.”
And when I hear this stuff, my ego expands. People give me all kinds of respect and it feels great – like I’m some ultra confident risk taker or something.
But I have a confession to make – that’s not the whole story. [continue reading…]
As a professional handyman, it’s important to keep your customers coming back for more because that’s where the money is.
In fact, I bet that if you looked at just about any handyman business’s numbers, more than 50% of their revenue will be from repeat customers. And for most, existing customers will make up more like 80% of revenue.
There are plenty of strategies out there to help you keep customers loyal – and most of them are great. You should implement as many as you can.
But, I’ve never heard the fundamentals of keeping customers put so concisely as in Neil Gaiman’s commencement speech. [continue reading…]
