How do you handle the "While you're here, can you just..." clients without awkwardness?
It happens on almost every job—you quote a specific scope of work, show up, and the homeowner asks for a "quick favor" that adds 20 minutes to your day. How do you guys politely pivot them into a paid add-on without killing the customer experience?
Need guidance: How to start a business while still working a full-time job?
Hi I’m new to this community but to sum it up I’m a dad of two looking to become self employed and I’m ready to branch out on my own but I have no way of securing enough jobs to maintain my finances and I need to go all in to make it happen but at the same time my current full time job won’t allow me to what can I doHow do you handle a client whose expectations don’t match reality?
Hey community! We’ve all been there. You show up to a job, look at the project, and immediately know that even with 110% effort, the final result isn’t going to look like a brand-new replacement. Maybe it’s weathered concrete, a heavily stained surface, or something that’s just past its prime. You want to make it look incredible, but you also have to be realistic. I'm curious how everyone here handles that first conversation: Do you under-promise on purpose so they’re blown away by the actual result? Do you use visual aids (like showing them photos of what a realistic 'after' looks like for their specific condition)? Have you ever walked away from a job because you knew the customer’s expectations were simply impossible to meet? How do you set the boundary early so everyone is happy when the invoice is sent? Let’s hear your strategies!Phase 3 Preparation Tips for Jobber Grant Applicants
To everyone who may be advancing to Phase 3 of the Jobber Grants competition, congratulations on making it this far. The work you put in now can help your business long after this competition. Here are a few things I’d recommend focusing on: Review your full application and be ready to speak confidently about everything you submitted. Practice explaining your business in 30–60 seconds. Keep it simple, clear, and memorable. Know exactly how you would use the grant and the impact it would have on your business. Update your website, LinkedIn, and social media so your online presence reflects your business professionally. Refresh your business plan and make sure it reflects your latest progress and goals. Know your numbers—customers, revenue (if applicable), milestones, growth, and future goals. Practice answering questions out loud. Confidence comes from preparation and repetition. Be ready to explain what makes your business unique and why now is the right time for it. Organize your financial information and important business documents in case they’re needed. Create a simple one-page overview of your business that clearly explains your mission and vision. Gather testimonials, reviews, or customer feedback if you have them. Social proof adds credibility. Stay informed about your industry so you can confidently discuss current trends and opportunities. Build relationships with other founders. Networking often creates opportunities beyond this competition. Don’t memorize answers. Know your story well enough that your passion comes through naturally. Take care of yourself. Get enough rest, stay focused, and walk into every opportunity with confidence. Most importantly, act like you’ve already made it to Phase 3. Use this time to strengthen your business, improve your brand, and prepare for every opportunity ahead. Wishing everyone the best of luck. No matter who moves forward, keep building, keep learning, and keep believing in what you’re creating. Your next breakthrough could be closer than you think.
How Do Contractors Stop Discounting Their Prices Just to Keep Their Schedule Full?
Sales and Production are always conflicting at some point. Yet, one very common issue for business owners is to struggle to raise their own prices, however, I think consistency is one of the bigger problems I have. Production-First business owner here (shocker) and I am inconsistent with holding to my pricing. Too often I give discounts and/or walk my numbers down to be more competitive or to make sure my schedule is full instead of towing closer to that line and holding my numbers longer. I believe in our value but perhaps I still act like a start up who is afraid to fail instead of standing on what I have already built? Is there anyone else here that overcame this and how? This week, I changed my own pay structure to be held more to Sales margin on jobs so I stop thinning it out. Should I just hire someone great at sales and get out of the way or force myself to get better at sales and then pass it off?Let’s Support Each Other - Introduce Yourself Below!
We’re all working hard to grow our businesses, and one of the greatest strengths of this community is the opportunity to support one another. If you see a member who could benefit from a referral, make the connection. If someone asks a question and you have experience, share what you’ve learned. Celebrate each other’s wins, encourage one another through challenges, and help create opportunities whenever you can. A single referral, recommendation, or connection could make a real difference for someone’s business. Let’s build a community where we don’t just grow our own businesses—we help each other grow too. 👇 Introduce yourself below: Business name Service(s) you offer City & State (or Country) One way the community can support your business
