How to Start a Small Business Doing Odd Jobs

Start Small Business

You can start a small business doing odd jobs for people, even in a slumping economy. As long as there are people who need things done for them, you can make money. Simply provide a service that people need. Many multi-million dollar businesses have been started this way. Ever heard of Starving Students Moving? They started with a reclaimed Army truck they dragged out of a ditch, painted their logo and a phone number on the side and parked it on a busy highway. Over 30 years and 9 states later, the phone has never stopped ringing. There are always people out there that need something done. Not everybody is handy, and some people either don't have the time, the knowledge, or the physical ability to do a job. There's no need to go hungry or loose your good credit. If you have drive and determination, you can make great money doing odd jobs for people. Here's how...

Instructions

1. 

   KNOW YOUR SKILLS: First make a list of what kinds of jobs you are skilled for and are willing to tackle. Lots of jobs don't require any special knowledge or skill. Most people can mow a lawn, clean house, clear out a garage, or paint a wall. The more kinds of jobs you are willing to do, the easier it will be to get hired. If you have special skills or attributes, you could charge a little more for special jobs. Can you fix cars? Help someone build a website? Tutor Math? Use your skills to make money.

2. KNOW YOUR MARKET: Is there a population of senior citizens in your area? They often need help with odd jobs around the house. Anyone who is trustworthy and reliable can make a great living helping seniors. Are there lots of young families in your area? Parents need childcare and tutoring for their children. Is your area filled with busy professionals? They may need yard care or home maintenance done that they don't have time for. Target your market wisely and you should be successful.

3. 

   PROMOTE YOURSELF: Make up some fliers and business cards. You can use programs like Microsoft Word, Publisher, or freeware like Open Office Writer. Include your name, or the name of your business, your phone number, and list the jobs you are willing to do, any special skills that you have, and the cities you are willing to travel to. If you are going to charge an hourly rate, you can put your rate on there too, or leave it off so that it's negotiable. Pass the fliers out around the neighborhood, at the mall, everywhere you go. Ask businesses you know if you can post a flier on their bulletin board.

4. ADVERTISE ONLINE: One of the best places to get the word out is to advertise online. Many websites like Craigslist are free. Post your ad, respond to inquiries promptly. You can also look for jobs on Craigslist. I found a tutoring job there that has worked into a part-time after-school job, and a full-time summer job.

5. 

   KNOCK ON DOORS: Don't be afraid to go out there and introduce yourself to the community. Don't do a hard sell, just say hello, tell them your name and what you do, give them a flier or business card and thank them for their time. People appreciate someone who is friendly and informative. They won't appreciate someone who is pushy, and will be inclined to mistrust a hard sell. Be cool, be natural, just say, "Hi".

6. 

   BUILD YOUR BUSINESS: Grow your reputation. Ask people you have worked for if you could use them for a recommendation, and to spread the word about your services and reliability. Word of mouth is often the very best form of advertisement. People will trust the word of someone they know easier then someone they don't know. Most importantly, be honest and reliable, and you will probably have more job offers than you can handle.

7. KEEP GOOD RECORDS: Make sure you keep accurate records. Keep a client record of names, addresses, and jobs you have done. Give honest, accurate estimates, and give receipts when you get paid. It is also a good idea to write up a simple contract, even if the job is small. This tells the person that you are a legitimate business person that they can rely on. It will also save you a ton of headaches if there is ever a dispute over a job.