As the coronavirus pandemic continues, homeowners are turning to handymen to help with repairs and home improvements. This growth has created a new opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities.
Each state has different rules governing contracting and licensing, and investigators visit jobsites to ensure compliance. But there are also ways to grow your business and become more profitable.
1. Goffin’s Cockatoo
Goffin’s Cockatoo is a smaller species of the white cockatoo and, as such, they are often found to be kept as pets. They are a delightful breed that packs the personality traits of their larger cockatoo cousins in a much smaller package. They are lovable, engaging and intelligent birds that thrive on companionship.
They are a little quieter than other cockatoos and don’t tend to screech or scream all the time, though they can get loud when they want attention. They can be taught to speak a variety of monosyllabic words and enjoy mimicking sounds they hear, including music. They also love dancing and will often do so to their favorite songs.
Their overall appearance is one of muted beauty and is set off by salmon-pink splashes on the lores, bases of head feathers, and ear coverlets. Their flight feathers and the underside of their tail and wing are subtly tinged yellow. They are limited to the Tanimbar Islands and the nearby small islands of Yamdena and Larat in Indonesia, where they inhabit forest and agricultural areas.
Despite their small size, these birds are full of energy and need to be stimulated constantly to prevent them from getting bored. They are also emotionally sensitive and can be quite aggressive, particularly if they feel their freedom or closeness to nature is being threatened. Those who choose to keep these birds should make sure that they provide them with plenty of space in their cages and be prepared to spend a lot of time playing, talking and laughing with them.
A recent study has shown that these cockatoos can use toolsets to solve mechanical problems, something that was previously thought impossible for animals with their small brains. The researchers say that these cockatoos appear to build a mental representation or image of the task they are trying to accomplish and then choose the best tool to use to achieve their goals. They also say that this is the first evidence that non-human animals can do this.
Like other cockatoos, Goffin’s cockatoos are dimorphic and it is possible to tell a male from a female by their eye color – black eyes in males, brown in females. They are very territorial and will protect their nests from other cockatoos or other wild birds that may try to steal their food or eggs.
2. Getting Started
Handyman home service work can be an excellent source of income for people with a wide range of skills and characteristics. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before you begin this type of work, such as ensuring you’re offering what the market needs and pricing your services appropriately.
The first thing to do is to determine the scope of your skill set, and what kind of projects you’ll be willing to take on. This is a crucial step, because it’s easy to overextend yourself if you’re not careful. Once you’ve determined the type of work you can offer, it’s time to start marketing your services to potential clients.
One of the best ways to do this is by placing flyers in your local area, ideally in places where homeowners are likely to need the services that you provide. This is a great way to get the word out without spending much money. It’s also helpful to talk to other home service providers and find out how they get their business.
It’s also a good idea to check on local laws, as you may need to obtain licenses or permits depending on what you do. This can be a pain, but it’s worth it in the long run to avoid legal troubles down the road. Websites like Rocket Lawyer can help you with these kinds of questions.
Another thing to consider is getting liability insurance. While this isn’t exactly fun, it will give you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong on the job. It’s also something that should be considered no matter what kind of work you do, but is particularly essential for handymen.
Finally, you’ll want to have a vehicle for transporting equipment and a place to store it. You’ll probably start out by using your personal pickup truck and garage, but eventually you’ll want to upgrade to a vehicle that’s built for hauling tools, and maybe even rent an additional space if necessary. It’s also a good idea to invest in a toolbox to hold your most commonly used items, so you don’t have to go searching for them each time you’re called for a quote.
3. Safety First
Most people know what the phrase “Safety First” means. It’s a mantra often repeated in the workplace to encourage a safe work environment and culture. However, many of us don’t really understand what it actually means.
Putting safety first means more than just wearing protective eyewear and securing power tools when not in use. It also involves being mindful of third-party injuries and making sure cords and ladders are out of the way so that someone doesn’t trip over them. This type of careful work can help reduce the risk of a general liability claim and save you money on insurance premiums as well.
A handyman can provide a vital service to homeowners in need of an easy repair. Many of these repairs can be made quickly and inexpensively, and sometimes act as a stopgap until a specialized contractor can make a permanent repair. In addition, a licensed professional will have the proper training to ensure that their work is done safely and correctly. This can save you a lot of time and stress.
4. The Future
When you start your own handyman business, it’s important to create a solid business plan. The plan will help you clarify your goals and objectives, ensuring that your business is headed in the right direction. For example, your goals can include attracting a certain number of valuable customers or hitting a particular income goal. These goals should be SMART, or specific, measurable, actionable, relevant and time-bound.
It’s also important to research the demand for your services in your target market. This can help you determine whether your service is a necessity or a luxury, and it can help you figure out how much to charge for your services. Creating a pricing structure that is both affordable and competitive is crucial to your success as a handyman.
Once you have established your services and pricing structure, it’s time to start promoting yourself. This can include traditional marketing methods like flyers and brochures, as well as digital content such as social media posts and online listings. You may also want to consider registering your business formally, which can provide tax benefits and other advantages.
Developing a strong customer base is an essential part of any successful business, and this is especially true for field-based services providers like handymen. You can develop a referral network with existing clients, and you can also post ads on websites that generate leads for handymen.
Another way to grow your handyman business is by building an on-demand app for your company. An on-demand app will allow you to reach a larger audience and connect with more potential customers. It can also help you streamline the process of booking appointments and completing work orders.
When it comes to marketing your handyman business, you should focus on digital marketing channels that are most likely to attract the attention of your target audience. This includes social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as search engine optimization (SEO) techniques such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and keyword targeting. You should also consider leveraging influencers to promote your brand.