Hi everyone.
For the last three years I have been running a pretty spotty handyman business without putting a ton of effort into it. It’s not for a lack of product knowledge or craftsmanship but more for random family events that have come up and more importantly, my general withdrawal from wanting to do even the basics of customer service, like calling people back. I’m an introvert and then some when it comes to customer relations and having to call someone back is a mental hurdle that obviously sours people. To date I’ve managed to stay on top of bills and lead a pretty decent life but I absolutely know I’ve got it in me to thrive in the home improvement sector and am now making my last go-of-it with this rebrand.
When I am “on” with customers I gain trust quickly and am very well spoken and presentable and do a fantastic job for what I’m hired to do, my problem (as I see it) is maintaining that professionalism all of the time with every customer. I’ve successfully owned two businesses in the past. I sold one and the other I gave to my ex-wife via the judge. When I was younger I was hugely enthusiastic and did whatever it took to be successful and now I feel worn and old (46) and better suited as a manager type that ensures a job gets done properly rather than being the one doing the job.
My website building skills are good. My marketing is above average. I do not have any dependencies like alcohol or drugs or gambling.
I am awaiting approval for the rebranded LLC that I’ll be moving forward with and at that point will cease the existing handyman business. The new business idea is to be larger than “just a handyman” and include things like shed conversions and restorations while still doing some handyman work. It will also allow me to start (mostly) new and hopefully kickstart the old feelings of dominating the market I’m in.
My question for the community is fairly broad and pretty much boils down to me asking for any advice you may have to offer. This is my last ditch effort for staying my own boss and I don’t want to mess it up.
Thanks for reading. I’ll be monitoring this throughout the weekend.
Fellow introvert here. I’d recommend putting systems in place that work to your strengths. You don’t like calling people back? Switch to email. Or hire someone to do your customer service. Build a quote building tool into your website. Don’t miss out on potential work because you don’t want to talk to people.
I used to think I hate sales, but I realized I really just hate pushy sales tactics. I love just talking to people and finding solutions to their problems. If they work with me great. If they go in a different direction, also fine. I can feel good about the way i do my sales calls now, and I dont find them nearly as exhausting. Find systems that work for your style. Don’t keep trying to do stuff the way you think they’re supposed to be done. You’ll be much less likely to burn out this way.
Good luck!
Awesome advice. Thank you! We’re researching answering services now and it already feels like a weight is being removed.