By Jim Cash

If you have had your handyman business for awhile and want something that is more expansive or you would like to have bigger projects then you should consider expanding to include remodeling and homebuilding in your business. Of course, there will be tighter licensing restrictions and more insurance coverage necessary the rewards can be worth the effort.

As a handyman you have probably done a little of everything, from installing ceiling fans to changing out toilets. Many people find themselves wanting to do larger jobs such as remodeling and additions or even full blown homebuilding, if you have the talent and ability I encourage you to jump right in.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the differences. With your handyman business in many cases you don’t have to worry with any kind of permitting or city ordinance approvals because in most cases you aren’t making any changes to the basic structure of the home. Usually as a handyman you are simply doing jobs around the home that the homeowner doesn’t have the time or ability to do. I know in my area on the Gulf Coast of Florida there are many handymen who keep themselves busy just installing hurricane shutters. That is another consideration that you can think about as well, find a particular niche that you like and are good at that is wanted or needed in your area.

Now, let’s look at remodeling. Remodeling is a step above being just a handyman and not quite to the level of being an actual homebuilder. As a remodeler you will have more stringent legal requirements placed upon you due to the fact that you are usually changing some aspect of the home. If you are adding on an additional room for example you need to be experienced and proficient at tying in the addition to the existing home especially in regards to the roof. Remodeling can be rewarding in itself and for the person who is simply looking for larger projects this can give one a lot of satisfaction.

If you have the talent, ability, and the credit line or capital then you may wish to move into the field of being a homebuilder. Homebuilding can be a very lucrative business if you are very good at it and have reliable and economical help. Personally, I would go more for custom homebuilding for particular clients as opposed to building tract homes and hoping for someone to buy them. Not only is it more profitable to build the custom homes in most cases but safer for you financially.

If you want to take the plunge into remodeling or homebuilding be sure to check into the licensing and insurance requirements for your state.

About The Author

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By Liane Bate

One of the questions that I’m sure many people starting an online or offline business ask themselves is: “Can I really do this when I’m not really a salesman?” The thing is, being a good salesman does not just mean being good at making sales. Of course that is part of it, but what is really important is building yourself into a successful and positive leader, as well as building relationships with your customer-base. Whenever you feel like a lousy salesman, remember that you can build yourself into whatever you want to be with a little determination and effort. The following are a few sales tactics to keep in mind that can help turn you into a super-star salesman!

Advertising and marketing are huge when it comes to making sales. This requires that you have a source of income and that you set a budget that you can afford. While there are many free ways to advertise your products and services, building a business does take a monetary investment and before you get started, you want to make sure you can afford to maintain your business.

Next you want to have a business plan, which includes clear goals and objectives about where you see your business going and how you want it to grow in the future. You can always modify it later as things change and grow, but starting out with written goals will help define your path and process, and will help predict your results.

Writing good ads is vital to your sales success and can be quite tricky. Even minor word changes can have a huge impact on your sales. You can hire someone to write ads for you, or learn how to create headlines that have impact. Once you learn how to write good ad copy, you can run the same ad for years and still get the same great results. Your headlines should appeal to a feeling or emotion, such as stress, and offer some benefit, such as relief. They should make a customer want to take action!

Your sales approach is not just about writing good advertisements. You also want to take advantage of offline marketing strategies, such as making referrals by talking to people you know and meet, taking them out for coffees and lunches, and making phone calls. Do this not only for your prospects, but for your existing customers whom you want to build and maintain relationships with. Know who your customers are and what they want. Understand what motivates them and why they would want to buy from you! You can also do this online by building your newsletter and subscriber list, and offering freebies such as an e-book or e-course.

When you already know you’ve made a sale, it is important to develop up-sales, or offer something else at the same time that you have already sold them something else. Especially if a good relationship already exists there, customers may be more tempted to buy a little more product for a little extra cost from someone they trust. Not only that, but if you offer a package rather than an individual item, you have the potential to sell more.

If you apply these tactics consistently, and you plan and take action, then your sales will eventually skyrocket! Remember the bottom line is your relationship with your customers. If you are a leader, your customers will follow you!

About The Author

Visit Liane Bate’s PIPS web biz!
http://www.HonestMoneyMaking.com, Plugin Profit Site, and Success University