From weekend side hustle to full-time: what would you start with?
Hey everyone We’re in NJ and exploring starting a weekend home service business that could eventually replace full-time income. My husband comes from road service and gas station inventory work—very hands-on, problem-solving, and customer-facing. The plan is to start on weekends, replace overtime first, and grow from there. For those who’ve done it: - What service did you start with on weekends? - What would you do differently if you were starting again? - Any service you wish you hadn’t tried? Would love to hear real stories and lessons learned.Any advise on how to learn about Google Ads coming from knowing absolutely nothing??
I have been getting some very positive reviews on Google and want to start to leverage that by getting some Google Ads started up, but I know less than nothing about what that entails. I would like to try to manage it myself so I don't have to pay someone, but I have no idea where to start. Where to learn. I have tried YouTube but the videos I have found seem to be for someone with a little understanding, I have none! Has anyone had this problem and started from the ground to learn? Any advice on where to look to get that basic start?
How Are You Using AI to Grow Your Business in 2026?
As business owners heading into 2026, I’m curious how everyone is actually using AI in real, practical ways to grow and scale. Are you using it for marketing, customer communication, operations, hiring, estimating, or back-office tasks? I’d love to hear what tools you’re using, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and any lessons learned along the way.What do you focus on for end of year planning? What goals do you focus on?
We are wrapping up 2025 with our standard end of year planning. We just grew 45% over last year. A great year for the most part. What are some of you doing to grow in 2026? What are your goals? What is some of the most important data you are reviewing? How do you include your team?
💡 Deep Discussion
What core belief about running a home-service business did you have when you started that has since been completely overturned—and how has that single mindset shift reshaped the way you lead, hire, or serve customers today? Ill start give you my answer first: When I launched Mr. Backflow I was convinced that “if you’re the best technician in town, the phone will ring.” I poured every waking hour into mastering test gauges, pressure zones, and relief-valve anatomy—but assumed marketing, storytelling, and team culture were secondary noise. Spoiler: being a backflow Jedi means nothing if homeowners don’t know what a backflow preventer is, why it fails, or who to trust when it leaks. My once-sacred belief—“skill sells itself”—got obliterated in year one. Here’s how flipping that mindset rewired the whole company: Lead with clarity, not jargon • We turned boring reports into photo-rich “device health cards” that read like a mechanic’s inspection sheet. • Instagram reels now explain “Why that brass thing by your hose bib matters” in 15 seconds. Result: service calls doubled and we collect a 5-star review on 4 out of every 5 jobs. Hire for empathy first, wrenches second • New techs must role-play explaining a failed check valve to a curious grandma before they ever pick up a tester. • I can train the plumbing; I can’t fake patience and good vibes. Result: callbacks dropped 30 %, morale skyrocketed, and customers ask for techs by name. Systemize the story • Automated email/SMS drip educates clients on backflow law, seasonal tips, and what to expect on-site. • Team tablets generate on-the-spot quotes with “good / better / best” options—zero mystery pricing. Result: average job value is up 18 % because clients actually understand the upsell. Bottom line: the skill is still non-negotiable, but *communication* is the real differentiator. Once I stopped assuming expertise was enough—and started speaking human, hiring empathetic pros, and packaging our knowledge in bite-size ways—Mr. Backflow went from a one-man wrench show to the go-to clean-water problem solver in Carlsbad.Which moments make you smile as a business owner?
Yesterday as I was doing some exclusion work for a residential customer, I had a moment that just made me feel so happy and couldn't help smile. I finally took the leap and started my own company in a field that I am a true professional! I am finally doing this for myself. This is my business. I am my own boss. I am not working for the man anymore. I was swept away by this feeling of pride and joy knowing that I am doing something I have been dreaming of for 5 years. It filled me up with such a positive glow. I really and truly hope everyone gets these moments sometime during your day. It's small things like this that keep you going. It softens the blows when you have a bad day or letting the negative thoughts move in. We are all going to have those stressful times, scary times, hard times... but when you get these positive feelings, take it all in and enjoy that sense of pride.Who is running off of EOS? How has it helped your business grow?
I am a member of a local BNI group. Recently I had a EOS coach join my BNI chapter. I did a free 90 minute consultation with him on EOS. I am looking at potentially making the investment to hire them and fully implement EOS into my business. I'm just curious how it is working for others before jumping into it. EOS is based off the book, "Traction" my Gino Wickman.The next level...what does it look like?
I am slowly getting to the point where a mental conversation with myself is happening where I am thinking about having a second pair of hands to help me and my business. I have always thought that would look like simply having a full-time employee, but lately I have been thinking about going in a different direction. I have imagined having a partner or a second owner working with me, and we would both just be working to build a business together. Have them own their own vehicle, get their own supplies and generate their own leads. Does this make sense to anyone? Would it be better just to pay someone a salary or hourly and have them work for me? Or would it make sense to have a partner?
