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!
Is it just me or is anyone else having trouble listening to 7 Lessons. Tried iTunes but won’t Q up, other podcasts work great. Just wondering…Jim
I made a mistake when I initially uploaded the podcast, but it should be available now.
Let me know if you are still having issues.
Hi Big D,
Later that day the podcast worked fine. Great content, there’s a book that could be written on those 7 Lessons. When you discuss pricing I think of Starbucks. I can remember when they weren’t in every city as they are today. Co-workers would return from a sales meeting were they could get Starbucks and rant/rave about the great coffee and the high price, but they didn’t mind (high price) because it was so good. I thought they were crazy for paying so much for coffee…shows you how much I know. It’s about branding, delivering on your promise(s) and meeting/exceeding the customers expectations.
Great podcast…thanks!
Jim
Thanks Jim. And great that’s a great example by the way. Some people would never pay $4 for a cup of coffee. Those same people would probably never pay $60/hr for me to hang their pictures. But, all that matters is that there are enough people who would!
hey thanks for the pod cast, I have been doing a lot of side jobs working handyman type things for years and finally decided that I am tired of working for someone else and going to open my own business. I am in the information gathering stage where I am reading books and gathering information from people who started out just like I am soon to. I thank you for your effort and will let you know how it goes.
Your welcome!