If you have developed a passion for DIY, you might have daydreamed about turning the hobby into a rewarding career. Rather than spending your life wondering whether you have what it takes to enjoy success as a self-employed tradesperson, you should take the steps to make your dream a reality. If you want to change your occupation, read the below tips on how to turn your DIY skills into a business.
Expand Your Current Skillset
While you might have the skills to tackle various DIY projects for yourself or your loved ones, you might need to expand your skillset to secure employment as a professional tradesperson. For this reason, you must consider the skills you currently possess and identify your weaknesses. You should then enroll in a course to grow your knowledge and expertise so that you can undertake every professional project with confidence.
Take Control of Your Finances
As with any business, you will need to initially invest money into your new venture. It is important to identify the equipment you will need to get started, such as:
- A van
- Protective equipment
- Tools
- Accounting software
It is, however, important not to invest in cheap tools, as they could cost your business more money in the long-run, as you might need to regularly replace the poor-quality equipment. Plus, low-quality tools could equal a low-quality project.
It is also a wise idea to open a business account to separate your company revenue and outgoings from your personal finances, which can help you to maintain tighter control of your cash flow. Don’t forget to keep every receipt or bill, too, which you should submit to the IRS to reduce your company’s overheads during tax season.
Invest in Contractor Insurance
It doesn’t matter if you are trading as a handyman, landscaper, painter, or tree trimmer, you must not overlook contractor insurance. It could provide your business with financial coverage should the worst happen. What’s more, it will lead to greater customer trust, as a policy can reflect your professionalism. It will provide your clients with greater confidence that you are the right tradesperson for their residential or commercial project.
Spread the Word About Your Business
Once you are confident in your ability as a tradesperson, have secured contractor insurance, and invested in the best tools for the job, you should start spreading the good word about your business.
In addition to asking your loved ones to recommend you to their friends, family members and colleagues, you also should embark on online and offline marketing tactics. For example, you could:
- Build a professional website
- Run compelling social media campaigns
- Network with businesses across your local area
- Deliver flyers to homes across your neighborhood
- Advertise on sites such as Gumtree and Craigslist
- Hand out business cards
- Post ads in local newspapers or on noticeboards
Conclusion
Before you know it, you could have many customers calling your phone, emailing your company, and engaging with your budding venture online.
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