There is no “magic solution”. I started my business last year. This is what I found works and doesn’t work for me.
1. Advertising is very expensive. Unless you have an extra 2-5 thousand dollars I’d wait and try other ideas first.
2. Create a simple web site. Over half of my business came from people searching for a handyman on the web.
3. Have professional business cards made. If you have a logo, use it. Make a short (half page) flyer and go to prospective customers and give them your business card and flyer. I concentrated on local property managers and real estate companies.
5. Consider joining your local chamber of commerce. You may get some leads from them. My cities chamber dues are $200/year. It hasen’t directly given me any business, but some prospective customers like the fact you are a chamber member.
6. Obtain a business license and liability insurance. I also purchased a business bond. These totaled $1000.
It is also an excellent idea to follow Travis’ suggestions in starting your business. You must look professional and stand out from the others that are also trying to keep their business.
The advice Cory gave above is excellent. I have only been doing this for two months now while keeping my full time job. I have 8 customers thus far, and 6 of them have been repeat customers. The only advertising I do so far is:
1. Word of mouth – I tell everyone I know about my business. I make sure I am professional in every way. I am on time, honest, groomed well, do quality work and clean up when I’m done. These traits have led me to get some referrals.
2. Craigslist ad – This has given me a few leads that turned into jobs. Don’t be afraid to lose a bid. Keep your prices firm. There are a lot of people looking for cheap work on Craigslist.
3. I believe I have a good website. This website has seemed to grow trust with potential customers before they even contact me. I included a picture of myself and family. One customer told me that the picture of my family is what sold him.
Now I am trying to grow slowly with out a lot of money in advertising, and you may not have this same goal. If you want customers quickly, you are going to have to spend a good bit on a variety of customers. Get your name visible. My next step is getting my truck lettered as mobile advertising. I believe this can be one of our best advertising methods we can do if it is done right.
There is no “magic solution”. I started my business last year. This is what I found works and doesn’t work for me.
1. Advertising is very expensive. Unless you have an extra 2-5 thousand dollars I’d wait and try other ideas first.
2. Create a simple web site. Over half of my business came from people searching for a handyman on the web.
3. Have professional business cards made. If you have a logo, use it. Make a short (half page) flyer and go to prospective customers and give them your business card and flyer. I concentrated on local property managers and real estate companies.
5. Consider joining your local chamber of commerce. You may get some leads from them. My cities chamber dues are $200/year. It hasen’t directly given me any business, but some prospective customers like the fact you are a chamber member.
6. Obtain a business license and liability insurance. I also purchased a business bond. These totaled $1000.
It is also an excellent idea to follow Travis’ suggestions in starting your business. You must look professional and stand out from the others that are also trying to keep their business.
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LikeDislikeThank you for your valuable tips. hope it helps.Cheers..
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LikeDislikeThe advice Cory gave above is excellent. I have only been doing this for two months now while keeping my full time job. I have 8 customers thus far, and 6 of them have been repeat customers. The only advertising I do so far is:
1. Word of mouth – I tell everyone I know about my business. I make sure I am professional in every way. I am on time, honest, groomed well, do quality work and clean up when I’m done. These traits have led me to get some referrals.
2. Craigslist ad – This has given me a few leads that turned into jobs. Don’t be afraid to lose a bid. Keep your prices firm. There are a lot of people looking for cheap work on Craigslist.
3. I believe I have a good website. This website has seemed to grow trust with potential customers before they even contact me. I included a picture of myself and family. One customer told me that the picture of my family is what sold him.
Now I am trying to grow slowly with out a lot of money in advertising, and you may not have this same goal. If you want customers quickly, you are going to have to spend a good bit on a variety of customers. Get your name visible. My next step is getting my truck lettered as mobile advertising. I believe this can be one of our best advertising methods we can do if it is done right.
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LikeDislikeThank you sir
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