The Handyman Startup Podcast

“I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.” – Unknown Fear nearly stopped me from starting my business and made me want to give up along the journey several times. One of my biggest fears was related to fixing someone else’s property. I had the confidence to fix just about anything in my own home. Yet, the idea of fixing another person’s home (and charging them money to do it) was a completely different animal. It was a scary thought. What if I made a mistake or broke something I couldn’t fix? What if they asked me to do something and I didn’t know how? What would I say? What if I wasn’t fast enough or the level of quality wasn’t high enough? What if I got over my head on a project? I know I’m not alone with these fears because I’ve received dozens of e-mails from other aspiring handymen who are concerned with the same scenarios. That’s why in this article, I’m breaking down the most common fears and providing you with the strategies and perspectives to overcome them so you can start building a thriving business. Fear #1 – Looking stupid What if a customer asks you to do something and you don’t know how to do it? What if it’s something you are “supposed” to know as a handyman? Solution 1 – Understand that you don’t need to know everything. I know I didn’t when I first started, and I still don’t a full decade later. In fact, I gained most of my home repair experience while growing my handyman business. And I can still remember one of the first quotes I gave to a customer. The customer’s six-foot wood fence had blown over in the wind, and a fence post was broken. You can say I was NOT a fence repair expert. I had never fixed a fence before. I had never built a fence before. I didn’t even know fence posts were set in concrete. So here’s what I did. First, I told the customer I’d be happy to come out and provide a quote. She said, “OK.” When I got there, I looked over the situation thoroughly, took some pictures and measurements, let her know that I’d get back to her with a quote, and went home. Then I spent the next few hours researching how to fix a fence post. I watched YouTube videos, found the materials to repair the fence, read contractor forums, and learned what tools I’d need to get the job done. I soon realized that I’d done more challenging projects at home, and it wasn’t rocket science. I’d have to buy a few tools and work with materials I’d never worked with before, but I was confident I could handle it. So, I created an estimate. I estimated how long it would take me, how much materials would cost, and called the customer back with a quote. She said yes, and I landed my first real job! Of course, the job ended up taking about twice as long as I expected, and I ran into a few unexpected challenges, but I learned a skill that would make me a lot of money in the following years. I also gained confidence. This wasn’t the only time I learned a new skill on the job. I did this same process dozens of times with other customers. I’d get called for a quote, go out and inspect the job thoroughly, and head back to my home office to research the process – teaching myself home repair through YouTube videos. I always had some fear to contend with, but a bit of research and effort would usually put my mind at ease. Solution 2: Embrace the words “I don’t know.” One of the surest ways of looking stupid is to pretend you know how to do something when you don’t. So don’t do that. Instead, just say you don’t know if you don’t know. Honesty can be freeing. And I’ve noticed that saying “I don’t know” gains trust from customers. That’s because most people are used to dealing with businesses who say or do anything to get our money. When you admit your ignorance in a way that potentially costs you the job, it signals they can trust what you have to say in the future. Now, the next time you answer one of their questions, they’ll trust that you aren’t just blowing smoke. Customers don’t expect an all-knowing handyman. They just want to deal with somebody they can trust, and when they find that, they will hire you again and again. Many repeat customers know I’m not the foremost expert with home repairs, but they still prefer to hire me because they trust me. Fear #2 – Making a mistake What if you make a mistake on a repair or break something you can’t fix? Solution – Stay in your lane As long as you aren’t taking on jobs that are over your head or outside of your legal abilities, these situations will be rare. But, let’s say you do make a mistake on the job (like when I dropped a customer’s brand new 60″ TV on the ground and broke it). It’s not the end of the world. The police don’t show up and make you shut down your business and throw you in jail. In fact, there are only two people who will notice: you and the customer. Everybody makes mistakes. Plus, most mistakes are minor and will only take some time to make them right. And as long as you are willing to fix your mistakes and take responsibility for them, you’ll find customers can be pretty forgiving. Suppose you make a BIG mistake. Well, that’s why you should carry some liability insurance. Most likely scenario: your profits take a minor hit, and that one customer never hires you again. Sure, that’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of your business either. Fear #3 – Getting in over your head on a project What if you take on a project that ends up being much harder than you expected, and you can’t handle it? Solution #1 – Never commit or give a price on the spot. Never commit to a project without thinking it through. If a customer puts you on the spot, let them know you’ll get back to them, then go sit in your truck and think it through. You always have the final say over which jobs you take on. That simple fact should eliminate some fear for you. If you do commit to a project that you can’t handle (which will probably never happen), kill the project as soon as you realize it’s over your head. Explain to the customer that you made a mistake or ran into an unexpected hiccup and can’t finish. As long as you are honest and don’t take advantage of customers, they will understand. Solution #2 – Stick with small jobs It’s important to start small with handyman services because it will allow you to get the hang of quoting jobs. You’ll quickly learn that things always take longer than you expect and other valuable lessons. You’ll also get a feel for your work capacity and allow your body to acclimate to working with your hands all day. Going from a desk job to working 8-10 hours per day remodeling kitchens will be a shock to your body. So instead, do small repairs. There is plenty of demand for them. There’s nothing wrong with starting small then slowly upgrading to bigger projects if you want to. Or you can keep it simple and stick with small repairs long-term. Fear #4 – Disappointing your customers If you had an unforgiving parent or guardian that made you pay emotionally for disappointing them, you might have an irrational fear of disappointing people. Or, if you care what people think of you in general (which is pretty much everyone), then this fear may get in your way. On one side of the coin, this fear is an asset. The fear of disappointing your customers will motivate you to work hard and over-deliver. You may pay extra attention to detail and do a better job than other pros. You may answer your phone more often and go above and beyond to make your customers happy. Many homeowners are willing to pay a premium for quality and service. However, this fear may also lead you to allow people to take advantage of you. In your effort to avoid disappointing people, you will likely undercharge for your time, be overly accommodating with your schedule, and even take on jobs you don’t enjoy. It isn’t easy to set healthy boundaries when putting others’ needs ahead of your own. Solution – ?? Honestly, I’m not sure there is a great solution to this fear. It’s something that many of us need to get better at. Some kind of therapy is likely the answer if this fear can be eliminated at all. However, I can say that many of my students find my course $100K Handyman Pricing helpful for this because it provides unique perspectives and tools to avoid undervaluing your time. So, you may still have this fear, but it won’t get in your way as much. Fear #5 – Your Business Failing Nobody wants to dive into a business only to waste time, lose money, and watch it fail. How could you not be scared when you read stats like only half of all small businesses fail within the first five years. But, when it comes to starting a handyman business, that statistic shouldn’t scare you. Here’s why. The handyman business is a proven business model. It’s proven to work in nearly every city in the U.S. and every country in the world. There are thousands of pro handymen out there making six-figure incomes doing basic home repairs. In fact, enough people are doing this successfully that there are even some reliable statistics about how much you can expect to make as a pro handyman. As I describe in detail in my article “Why starting a handyman business isn’t risky,” the risk of failing as a self-employed handyman is very low. If you are worried about your business failing, I recommend reading that article. Solution – Start your business on the side. To completely eliminate this fear, get started on the side while you maintain your current income. The handyman business is the perfect side hustle. You can offer services after work, on the weekends, or whenever you are available. You can even offer services just one day a week to get started, then slowly build up your clientele until you feel more comfortable diving in full-time. Your customers don’t care or even need to know how many days per week you work, either. For all they know, the rest of your week is booked with other jobs. Starting part-time is a perfect way to test the waters before going full-time and risking a big failure. Here’s an article on how to test the handyman business part-time, so you know it can deliver the profits you need to sustain your lifestyle before taking significant risks. Fear #6 – Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is when you doubt your abilities and feel like a fraud, even when you are qualified and capable. It’s often what drives many fears I’ve already listed above. You may have imposter syndrome if you find yourself asking this question: “What if I’m not fast enough while providing services, or the level of quality I provide isn’t high enough?” Many new pros experience imposter syndrome. I certainly did when I got started, and I even struggle with it to this day (usually when posting content online). In addition to stopping you from getting started, feeling a sense of imposter syndrome can lead you to undercharge for your services. Since perfectionism is often associated with imposter syndrome, it can also slow you down because you are worried about getting everything perfect. You’ll tend to invest unnecessary time and effort into details that don’t matter. Solution #1 – Understand that the competition isn’t as good as you think. Realizing this was a massive breakthrough for me. When I first got started, I always thought that the competition was so much better than me. I assumed they knew everything, worked more efficiently, rarely made mistakes, had sophisticated tools, always answered the phone, and gave better service. After working for a few customers, I quickly realized this wasn’t the case. Customers were constantly telling me how nice it was that I simply showed up on time, explaining that other handymen they hired didn’t even show up. The bar is set pretty low when it comes to home service pros. Sure, I wasn’t the fastest, most skilled, or most knowledgable handyman. Still, by simply caring, being reliable, and doing my best, I eventually charged a premium and maintained a full schedule. If you’re still unsure, find out for yourself. Hire a couple of handymen in your area so you can experience being the customer. It might be the single best thing you can do to boost your confidence. Solution #2 – Focus on your strengths I had imposter syndrome for a good reason. Compared to most handymen, I had minimal experience. However, I knew I had some valuable strengths to make up for my inexperience. For example, due to my engineering background, I was an excellent problem solver. I solved every home repair I had faced in the past as long as I took the time to try. Additionally, I knew I was good at working with my hands. Whether in middle school woodshop, art class, or while I worked at Circuit City installing car audio, I always excelled when It came to building, drawing, fixing, or creating. And lastly, I knew I wasn’t afraid to get dirty and work hard. I had painted the exterior of my house by hand, installed a vapor barrier in my crawlspace, and even installed granite countertops. So, even though I had a lot to learn about home repairs, I felt that my strengths could compensate for what I lacked in knowledge and experience. It turns out I was right. Maybe your strengths are different than mine, and that’s OK. Whatever they are, try to focus on them whenever this fear creeps up. How to take action in the face of fear You may never conquer your fear, but you can learn to act anyway. Maybe your goal is to start a business, and that seems overwhelming to you right now. Instead of letting fear and overwhelm stop you, take one small step at a time doing something that feels safe. Maybe that is coming up with a business name, figuring out how much to charge, or even investing in one of my courses that will walk you through getting started step-by-step. You don’t have to quit your job immediately and commit the next ten years to your business to make progress. But you do have to do something. Don’t focus on how big the steps you are taking are. Just take actions that are comfortable for you. You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish by this time next year. Conclusion Starting a business can bring up all kinds of fear and doubts, regardless of how capable you may be. In some cases, all it takes is a fresh perspective to help you overcome those fears. In other cases, you may never conquer your fears. However, if you want to start a handyman business, you must take action and get to work. That could mean diving in full-time, or it could mean taking one small step today. So, I’ll end this article with a question that you find helpful. What is one small step you can take today that will move you just a tiny bit closer to your business dreams? The post How to Overcome The Fears of Starting a Business appeared first on Handyman Startup.

Need help with your bookkeeping or accounting? Good news! In this episode, I interview Randal DeHart, the leading expert in outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services for small construction companies across the USA. And,Randal isn’t just an accountant, he’s also a former plumbing contractor with twenty years of experience. Not only does he understand handyman businesses from a accounting perspective, he understands it from the contractor’s perspective. Randal’s been involved in the construction industry pretty much since he was born as his dad was a contractor. After going to school to become an accountant, he decided, like many of us, that he didn’t want to work in an office. So he changed his direction and set out to become a plumber. After very successfully starting, growing, and selling his plumbing company, he got back into accounting and now does it full time, focusing solely on helping contractors, handyman, and other tradesman grow their businesses through an intelligent and strategic approach. I’m honored to have Randal on the show and I’ve personally gained a lot of highly valuable business knowledge from him. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: The biggest mistake new handymen make when choosing a business structure and how to avoid it. Randal’s definition of a quality service (it’s more simple than you think.) How focusing on the right target customer (and he shares which ones) took his plumbing company to the next level. Why you should never have your bookkeeper do your taxes. and a whole lot more! Resources mentioned in the podcast: Get a free Contractor Services Bookkeeping Guide. Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill (affiliate link) $100K Handyman Pricing Guide (Has since been upgraded to an online course called “$100K Handyman Pricing“) Learn how much you’ll save in taxes by filing as an S corp in this article. To learn more about Randal DeHart: Listen to his podcast:  Contractor Success Map Visit his website:  FastEasyAccounting.com Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed this podcast!  If you did, and you’d like to hear more, please take a couple of minutes and leave a review on iTunes! The post HS023 – Business And Accounting Advice From Construction Accountant Randal Dehart appeared first on Handyman Startup.

Are you still on the fence with whether or not a handyman business can actually work?  Or, are you hesitant to get started?  If so, you’re going to get inspired by this episode where I share a great interview with brand new Australian handyman business owner, Justin Terrill. This is the first time I’ve had a handyman on the show who is just getting started, and it turned out amazing. Justin started his handyman business only a couple of months ago and is already booked out two weeks in advance while charging a premium for his services.  He was previously a teacher, when he realized that he enjoyed working with his hands much more.  So, he put his skills that he learned from working on a farm to good use and got started with his handyman business in Sydney, Australia. I got in touch with Justin when he contacted me to thank me for helping him get started.  As a member of the Handyman Web Academy (Now called Handyman Marketing Machine) and a reader of this blog, he took action on the knowledge that he learned and has had amazing results. It was inspiring to talk with Justin, and even though he’s just getting started, I learned a lot from him.  Whether you are just getting started or have been in business for a while, Justin’s got some great insights to share. Here’s what we cover in this episode: The marketing methods Justin used to jumpstart his business. Why customers aren’t just looking for the highest skilled handyman and what they want instead. How a handyman business is surprisingly profitable. Challenges of going from employee to business owner. Talking money with customers and tips for getting more comfortable. The importance of choosing your clients. Simple and effective tips for getting more referrals. The importance of a professional image. Resources mentioned in the Podcast The Handyman Web Academy (Has been updated and is now called “Handyman Marketing Machine“) Turn Your Skills Into Profit – Referred to as “the startup guide” in the podcast. Justin’s Website:  Prime Handyman Solutions Thanks for listening.  I hope you enjoyed this podcast.  If so, please do me a favor and leave a short written review on iTunes.  Also, be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! The post HS 022 – How to Jumpstart Your Handyman Business – Interview With Brand New Handyman Justin Terrill appeared first on Handyman Startup.

When I started my handyman business 3 years ago, I didn’t look like the typical handyman.  I didn’t have much experience, I didn’t have a reputation to help spread the word, and I looked like I was 18. Let’s just say customers weren’t sprinting to their phones in a mad dash to call me. That’s why I knew I’d have to go through extra steps to make myself look professional.  I had to find a way to look like I was actually an established business.  Otherwise, what reason would a customer have to even trust me? So, I spent some time branding my business.  I did all the things necessary to make it appear as if I’d been doing this for a while.  I went out of my way to differentiate myself from other handymen. As it turns out, overcompensating for my weakness ended up helping my business tremendously. Not only did the extra time branding my business convince customers I was worth hiring, but it increased my perceived value in their minds. The fact that I looked like I was a kid didn’t matter anymore.  I presented myself as if I had my shit together, and that was enough to convince them to at least give me a shot. Of course, haveing a pretty logo designed and putting on a uniform didn’t get me customers by itself.  I still had to put effort into generating leads.  But it certainly helped close the deal on many occassions and it continues to do so. That’s why in this podcast, I discuss the power of branding and tips for creating your brand.  Whether you are just getting started or have been in business for a while, a great brand can take your business to the next level. Here’s A Sample Of What I Cover in This Episode: 5 questions you must ask yourself before even naming your business. The steps I took and recommend to building a great brand on a budget. What a brand can do for your business. Tips for creating a brand that you are proud of and enjoy for years to come. Here are some resources mentioned: Free video training to help you generate leads 24/7 Fiverr.com – Get a decent log for just $5 A logo design you love, or 100% of your money back at 99designs.com  (affiliate link) As always, thanks for listening!  Be sure to subscribe in iTunes or Stitcher and leave me a review in iTunes! The post HS 021 – The Power of Branding Your Handyman Business (plus tips for success) appeared first on Handyman Startup.

Have you ever thought about becoming a franchisee? If so, you’re going to love this Interview. In this episode of the Handyman Startup podcast, I talk with Linda Stanfield, owner of Benjamin Franking Plumbing in Chandler, Arizona. Linda has worked with her husband to grow their own Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and has had a lot of success doing it.  She’s also a great person who is interested in improving the home service industry and is willing to share what she’s learned to help others. With over 15 years as a business owner, Linda has a lot of valuable lessons to teach and it was a pleasure having her on the show. Regardless of whether you are buying a plumbing franchise, or starting a handyman business, the insights that Linda shares are extremely valuable. Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode: How the home service industry is changing and what you need to do to adapt. The secret to giving amazing service. Benefits of becoming a franchisee. What to consider when purchasing a franchise. The power of simply wearing a uniform. The importance of learning your financials. The key metrics to focus on in your business. Recommended Resources Mentioned: The Handyman Web Academy – Online marketing made easy for the home service industry (Now called “Handyman Marketing Machine”). Linda’s personal website – LindaStanfield.com Linda’s book recommendation – “Where Did the Money Go?“ Thanks for listening!  And, if you haven’t yet done so, please leave a review on iTunes and let me know how I’m doing!  You may even get featured on the next episode. Comments or Questions? Have any thoughts on a topic for the next show?  Know somebody I should interview?  Or, just want to share your thoughts on this episode.  Let me know in the comments below! The post HS020 – An Inside Look At A Plumbing Franchise – Interview With Linda Stanfield appeared first on Handyman Startup.

Time for another episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast!  In this session, I sit down with social media expert, Rick Mulready. We’ve all been hearing the buzz about social media over the last couple years, and there is no doubt it can be a powerful marketing strategy for businesses of all sizes.  Just take a look at Dollar Shave Club, who built a business based on social media marketing almost exclusively. Social sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and the like are reshaping how we think about promoting our businesses and as far as I can tell, they aren’t going away any time soon. That’s why I asked Rick Mulready of the Inside Social Media Podcast to join me to discuss how us handymen and other home service providers can take advantage of social media to get more customers. Rick  has over 12 years of corporate internet marketing experience gained from working for companies like AOL, Yahoo!, and Funny or Die. Now, he shares big brand social media strategies with small business owners on his podcast.  Social media is what he does.  Beyond that, he’s just a good dude.  So, I figured who better to share some valuable marketing advice with you! Here’s what we cover in this episode: What social media can do for your business. Which social media platforms YOU should be using. How to get the most from your social media efforts with a limited time investment. How to get more Facebook likes without shelling out your cash. Best practices for gaining traction on Facebook. Additional Resources: To Learn more from Rick, visit his site and podcast here:  RickMulready.com Lowe’s is doing a great job with Social Media.  Check out this article to learn from them. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast, I’d be really thankful if you’d share it or reviewed it on iTunes.   Click here to share a pre-populated tweet.   Comments or Questions What’s your preferred social media platform?  Where do you hang out on the internet?  Let me know in the comments below! The post HS 013 – Social Media For The Handyman Business (Interview With Rick Mulready) appeared first on Handyman Startup.

In this episode of The Handyman Startup Podcast, I discuss a fundamental part of any good marketing strategy – Your story. You may be thinking, “who cares about my story, I’m just a regular dude starting a handyman business.” That’s what I thought when I first started my handyman business, too.  I thought customers just wanted to have an experienced handyman fix what they needed fixed and to leave when they were done. Man was I wrong. Customers do care about your story.  In fact, it can significantly impact their hiring decisions.  If you can craft a decent story that includes at least one of five key elements, you will not only attract more customers, but you’ll attract more loyal customers.  I’m talking about customers that recommend you to their friends, give you online reviews, and hire you over and over, without you even asking them too. My story has certainly helped me with my business, as it has with Christy Webber, Nick May, and Chris Maxwell-Gaines.  So, I spent some time researching and breaking down what makes a good story and why a good sales story is so effective.  I’ve recorded this podcast to share what I’ve learned with hopes that it will help your business. Enjoy! Here’s what I discuss in this episode: The 5 critical components of a good sales story. Examples of good sales stories. How to use your story to generate more leads and build loyalty. What a sales story is NOT. Additional Recommended Resources: Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk and Book:  “Start with Why“ Brene Brown’s Ted Talk on the power of vulnerability. Thanks for listening!  If you get a chance, I’d really appreciate a written review on iTunes to let me know what you think. The post HS019 – How To Craft A Sales Story That Attracts Customers And Builds Loyalty appeared first on Handyman Startup.

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast, I sit down with Ed Padilla, founder of ACHP (Association of Certified Handyman Professionals). Ed has a really interesting story.  After being trapped in the corporate rat race for several years, he realized that he wanted something else.  So, he quit his job and capitalized on the demand he could see present for home repairs. In 2006 he started Padilla Home Inspection and Handyman Services.  Soon after getting started, he noticed that handymen had a terrible reputation in the eyes of homeowners.  Tired of getting the stink-eye every time he entered a home, he had the urge to change this perspective. Three years later, he took action and created ACHP, a non-profit, member based organization  to help handymen all over the country appear more reputable to homeowners.  Now, ACHP is growing and offering benefits to it’s members such as great insurance rates. I’m honored to have Ed on the podcast.  He’s doing great things for the handyman industry and by listening to him you get the sense that he really cares about our industry. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Where to go for your general liability insurance and what to consider. Insights into the home inspection industry. How to limit liability as a home inspector and handyman business. The importance of confidence when starting your own business. The most important skills you need as a handyman. Quality over quantity.  The benefit of taking your time on your jobs. What is the ACHP and why is it important? Resources mentioned in the podcast: ACHP website (go here for general liability quotes and more) ACHP LinkedIn Group (Great place to interact with other handymen even if you’re not a member of ACHP) Handyman Web Academy – Learn the best strategies for getting customers. (Now called “Handyman Marketing Machine”) The post HS018 – Interview With Ed Padilla: Home Inspector, Handyman, and Founder of ACHP appeared first on Handyman Startup.

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast I’ve got a special guest – Chuck Solomon.  Chuck is a former handyman business owner, an author of multiple books, and a business consultant. He’s literally written the book on how to start and grow a handyman business.  (See resources below for a link.)  He’s also just an all around nice guy who’s looking to help tradesmen like you grow your business. Just like most handymen, Chuck kind of fell into the business and before he knew it had a list of customers asking him to do all kinds of work.  He capitalized on the opportunity, offered excellent service, and soon enough he was running a successful biz. After 10 years, Chuck decided to hang his hat and sell his business and became a consultant.  He’s now using the valuable knowledge he gained during his own journey to help others. Back in episode #10, Jim Copenhaver talks about the importance of mentors.  Chuck was one of the mentor’s he was speaking of who helped him build his business. Talking to Chuck in this episode is very humbling as it makes me realize that there is still a lot I can learn about this business. Here are a few things we cover in this episode: Why you shouldn’t give free quotes and what to do instead. How to build instant credibility with customers. Who you should hire first if you’re looking to grow. How to find and hire skilled labor step by step. How to qualify customers and avoid tire kickers before they waste your time. Resources mentioned in the podcast: Chuck’s books:  “Building Your Successful Handyman Business” & “Upkeep“ Chuck’s website:  ChuckSolomon.com (Want help growing your business?  Chuck offers consulting services.  Contact him through his website.) The Handyman Web Academy – Learn how to generate your own leads online. (Now called “Handyman Marketing Machine”) Thanks for listening!  And if you get a chance, be sure to leave a written review on iTunes.  It helps me tremendously and you may even get a shout-out on the next episode. The post HS017 – Grow Your Handyman Business With Chuck Solomon appeared first on Handyman Startup.

In this episode of the Handyman Startup Podcast I share 7 of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in the last 3 years in business.  These are lessons that have changed my mindset and the way I view business, people, and the world in general. Today marks exactly three years since I quit my engineering job and decided to venture out on my own in an attempt to control my own destiny and design a better life for myself. Deciding to quit on that day was the best (and hardest) decision I’ve ever made for myself.  Because of that decision I was able to start a successful handyman business, create this website, and enjoy the entire experience (well, most of it). That’s pretty cool considering that while working as an engineer I was depressed, out of shape, and really unhappy.  Things have pretty much made a 180 degree turn for the better. While quitting my job was a great decision, it wasn’t always easy.  There were a lot of struggles over the last three years and many times where I wanted to give up and just go get another job.  There’s a steep learning curve as a beginning entrepreneur.  But, with the support of my readers, friends, and family I was able to stick it out. Through those struggles I learned a LOT, often times things that I didn’t even know I needed to learn.  That’s what this latest podcast is all about – those major lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m excited to share these with you today because they are things I think about all the time.  It’s great to share my story with the hope that it may help you along your journey to dominate life and start a successful handyman business. Here is a sneak peak of what you can expect in this episode: Why you shouldn’t care if a customers say your too expensive. Why saying no is such a valuable skill. Why you shouldn’t even worry about your competition. How to learn what you don’t know you don’t know. My best tips and secrets on how to enjoy this business to the fullest and design it exactly how you want. Related Resources: How to get more customers – Handyman Marketing Machine The Ultimate Handyman Pricing Guide Michael Port – Book Yourself Solid JamesAltucher.com  (I don’t mention this in the podcast, but I think his blog is worth mentioning.  Check it out.) Thanks for listening and if you get a chance, please leave a written review on iTunes.  It helps the show gain more exposure and you may even get featured on the next podcast. Comments or Questions What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?  Or, if you haven’t started yet, which one of my lessons hit home the most?  Let me know in the comments below! The post HS 016 – 7 Lessons Learned From 3 Years In Business appeared first on Handyman Startup.