I call myself a Property Management Contractor. I do great financially, socially, and physically, and I'm not changing a dang thing about my modus operandi; except to get better, faster, smarter about every single task 13 years in and love every day. I have $2 million in Liability Insurance, Workmen's Comp, two dedicated work trucks, full health insurance, a shop, and about every tool known to man. 90% of my success is due to showing up and carefully creating my business model.
This is exactly where I'm at in this field I've been side hustling at it for about 7 months and enjoy the work and want to make it a true business please do more videos with information like this
You're absolutely correct when you ask a electrician or carpenter, etc that they will say a "handyman is a hack" but that is because they tend to be bias. I could care less what they think in the first place because my concern is my clients not THEM. I know for a fact that calling myself a "handyman" is directly responsible for why I get the work I do. Homeowners are looking for handymen specifically. They want someone who does it all at a lower cost. My business right now is doing very good and that is based mostly on word of mouth. If you do professional work people WILL take notice. As far as insurance, that is not necessary unless you are looking to be licensed. And that is because you are dealing with main water, electricity, and gas which can result is serious problems if done wrong. Furthermore, when you have those bills you must work harder and that means you must charge your customers more. These are all things to be considered.
Great advice here. Been a small business owner for 20 years, and I learned the hard way the importance of keeping good books and keeping personal and business finances separated. Not a handyman (and no desire to become one) but enjoy watching and picking up tips here and there (about handyman stuff and business). Also, just in trying to HIRE handymen and even "professionals" in my area, I just wish there was a Handyman around here. I'd happily pay the (probably high) rates to get the level of professionalism and customer service you show. The bar is set so low I'm shocked more people don't decide to pick up a trade or two and go out on their own being a handyman or similar. Instead they pay six figures to get their bachelor's degree only to make $36k a year fresh out of college. Insanity.
If “Handyman” is what they are thinking or seeking, then don’t avoid the handle. My business card says “Handyman & Honey-do Lists”. I describe my work as a DIY expert for clients who don’t want to DIY. The cards are designed to appeal to suburban housewives. I sell gift certificates for a full day of miscellaneous Honey-Do projects and Father’s Day is the best time of year for that-followed by spring & fall cleaning seasons. There’s no reason to repackage the handyman trade and re-educate the clients to do it your way. Just embrace what you do and be the best, most professional, most successful handyman in your market.
as a licenced plumber i am forced to work as a handyman for friends and family. for some reason they think i can fix everything from windows to fences ...
I guess by definition, I am "technnically" a handyman but I would NEVER use that word in any of the marketing I do (not that I do much actual marketing). Best thing to do is to LEARN how to do all manor of jobs to a good / excellent standard, use quality tools, be polite curtious and professional in everything you do - people respond to that in a positive way.
This is so true, outside of the drinking problem lol you describe me and my “business” in its earliest stages... I learned that the way people perceive you is the way they believe you, so in order to be taken more serious and ultimately command more income I had to stop being “handy” and start being PROFESSIONAL.
My friend with a lawn service told us once that from his residential development where he lived he drove by a commercial business on the corner at least 2x each day. He decided to bid them. The lady said this happens all the time, people asking to mow, and lets cut to the chase, I need to see $1m in Liability coverage. He joked his agent won't reduce his $2m Policy, lol. She was genuinely surprised that FINALLY someone was professional.
