Why I Went Away From the Handyman Brand
I remember when i first started doing coaching programs, a lot of coaches told me that anyone that was a handyman would eventually turn in to a remodeling contractor or something more. I didn't want to believe it. I was thinking, "I'm going to be the first to really elevate the handyman brand". I fought it for years and years. I even was able to do $1.2 in revenue as a "handyman". But I also felt like i was fighting against a head wind. Anytime I told someone our rates, I got SOOO much price resistance. I was sort of immune to it. I mean, I was still getting people accepting quotes. But I also started noticing the small jobs were a lot of work for just a couple hundred bucks profit. I still had to get all these job details and vet the jobs, then if it went sideways, POOF we're working for free. When I was on my own it was kind of a dream. Just being professional, showing up on time, and doing what I said I would do made me stand out and it was like shooting fish in a barrel. But when I had employees ... the cost to have people was very expensive, everyone is belly aching about price, and those big remodel jobs were hard to sell because who's going to pay a handyman $40k for anything? Especially a kitchen with high end finishes? That was the turning point. I had a bathroom where they wanted all this crazy stuff but I could tell they were second guessing me. They could tell I knew what I talked about but they hit up a knowledgeable handyman for a price break, not to be charged full price. I wonder how many times this happened and I didn't notice. smh So I changed my name to "Home Pros" instead of handyman. What's the first thing I noticed? My employees were relieved. Turns out a carpenter of 25 years doesn't want to be called a handyman. Now I notice when people call me that, my belly turns and I get a little offended too! haha My initial discovery calls were a little easier. My walk throughs were a little easier. I started booking bigger jobs with ease. The brand identity flowed with the service we were offering instead of running against it. I'm writing this not to dissuade anyone from being a "handyman". I think it's noble to be a handyman. You have to think about so many different thing just to do something as easy as a faucet install. What's the condition of the cabinet and countertop, are the shut off valves shot, am i able to fit under the sink, etc etc. People don't appreciate how many different ways simple jobs can go sideways. BUT in my opinion, Handymen are great for one person shows. Why? The handyman brand can be a lead machine. EVERYONE searches for that. As one person, you could easily make $250k per year by yourself with really low overhead. That's great money. I do know a couple larger handyman companies but they're services offered are very fixed, they don't take on special projects. This means that a lot the higher ticket stuff is off the table. Which means you need a lot more jobs to get to that seven figure mark everyone wants to get to. For me, it wasn't worth the head ache. I wanted to do the larger projects. Also, because of the variability of handyman projects, it's hard to have a good team, and it costs a lot so the required revenue amount to sustain things when you have employees is a significant jump than when you are operating on your own. And those experienced guys, might not be attracted to being called a handyman. Now this is just my opinion and lived experience so I'd be curious to hear if anyone actually read this whole thing but had a opposing view point. But much love to the handymen out there, you have my respect!Free Social Media Audit: Is Your Profile and Content Actually Growing Your Business?
Your social media might look great! But is it actually bringing in leads? Hey 👋 We're Jacqueline and Tanner Hurst, owners of JT Junk Solutions. We've built our own social media presence from the ground up as home service business owners, and we know what it actually takes to turn followers into customers. Check out our pages: IG, FB, YT. From June 10-16, we're reviewing your IG and FB profiles and providing practical feedback from a business growth perspective. 👉 Drop a link to your IG or FB profile and/or a post you've recently shared! We'll give you feedback on: 🌟 Whether your profile is making the right first impression 🌟 If your content is actually speaking to your ideal customer 🌟 What small changes could help you win more work 💡 We'll focus on IG and FB only - drop your link to get started!New Business Owner - best way to get first clients - build trust
Hi All, I have just launched my Estate Management business after 20 years of working with individual clients. I’m in the SF Bay Area with lots of potential to build the business. I’ve noticed many families now, would rather have a service than be responsible for payroll and hiring staff. The only challenge I’m facing now is.. how to build my clientele. Working in private homes takes so much trust, how do I relay this information and how can I get the clients to trust me immediately. Ultimately to build the business. Does anyone have any ideas? thank you in advance!Outside the Box Networking Tips
I'm a fairly active networker. I've tried BNI (I hate the politics and strictness of it but I will concede it works), I'm currently in a Le Tip group, I always wear something from my company around town, I've done NARPM. I haven't done chamber of commerce but I'm wondering for those of you that are really active in the networking space - what tips do you have for people to either get started or take their networking to the next level? I think mine actually is I drive a fully wrapped vehicle around ALL the time. This is a conversation starter and it's a little bit of a long play. All the places I go regularly, the people know what my business is at least and it helps get brand awareness in my circles. BUT I know there's other things out there. So what are the rest of you doing?How's everyone creating social content without it eating up their workday?
What’s your go-to setup for capturing social media content these days? Also curious about which apps or tools people are using for filming, editing, organizing, or posting content consistently. In this episode of Masters of Home Service, PhilRisher​ and Hunter Patrick (Dumpire​) share tips on creating social media content, including: The easiest types of video content to shoot DIY social media tools any service pro can use Why focusing on local content matters more than going viral Want to put these tips into action? Download our weekly social media plan for this episode. Never miss an episode of Masters of Home Service. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
