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Step 1
Contact local, family-owned businesses. You may have better luck with non-franchise businesses, they are less likely to be locked into a contract with a handyman service. Some businesses to try: daycare, restaurants, beauty shops, etc. An added benefit of a small business is that they will not need to be billed. They will expect to pay immediately.
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Step 2
Send flyers or postcards to the houses in the better part of town. These are the people that are less likely to need to save the money on fixing things themselves. They are also more likely to be too busy to fix things. You can get some ideas and prices for flyers online and at your local print or copy shop.
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Step 3
Contact apartment managers and let them know that you are available to help in times of case overload. Let them know you are also available for one-time calls to assist their staff in learning a basic repair they may not be familiar with. This will be an unusual offer and word among the apartment managers will travel quickly. Be sure to offer a great price so that they will return to your company over and over for help. You are not losing any business here by training the apartment complex staff. This is business you would not be getting any other way.
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Step 4
When you arrive at a job, make sure your vehicle is clearly marked with a magnetic sign or vinyl lettering. The neighbors will notice you and may feel they can trust you when they need a job done. At the very least, they will feel they know someone who has used you. This gives you instant credibility. You can find magnetic signs online. Also, be sure to check with your local sign shop for prices (and be sure to leave your card).
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Step 5
Have a nice, screen printed shirt on. Make sure the name of your business is clearly visible on the shirt. Never show up to a job without wearing your logo or business name. Make sure your employees do the same. It is much easier to trust someone wearing a professional, company shirt than someone who is not.
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Step 6
Join your local chamber of commerce. Offer to do a small filler article for their newsletter with timely handyman tips. This will be a welcome filler when they have an open space in the newsletter and will establish you as an expert in your field.
