Intro for me

[short_cut]

I joined the forum because there's so much good info and experience shared here.
My work history is outside of landscaping: electronics tech at HP for 26yrs with a side interest in gardening/landscaping/DIY. I quit HP 6 yrs ago to pursue a personal coaching line of work. The economy did a major hit on that. So now I'm regrouping again to offer my 30+ yrs experience in my side interests as well as basic PC troubleshooting/repair.
As you can see, I've got a little bit of everything going into this new venture.
I don't plan to hire any employees and I know that will likely limit the jobs I am offered. I'll likely investigate how to add on workers as subcontractors to get around all of the taxes, payroll, etc involved with having employees.
I'm 58 yr old and lack the kind of energy that would take to have employees or a booming business of more work than just one can handle.
Who is my customer base? Good question that has lots of answers. One, I don't think I'll actively target commercial businesses as I prefer a more personal relationship with my customer.
I know I will likely have to segment my market so I have a focused message whenever I'm asked about my services. Retired folks will be a big focus for both inside and outside work. Current plans offering services in tool sharpening (saw a post about blade sharpening and have you considered how many folks don't know that you should sharpen a new shovel), landscape design and maintenance, sprinkler systems' maintenance & winterizing, dwelling interior & exterior handyman work (carpentry/basic plumbing & electrical), honey-do work for single head of household or those with more money than interest and time, and much more.
I'll be looking for advice on bidding landscaping jobs of all types although I'm not much interested in offering a mowing service per se.
I find I have to get outside at least once a day as that fulfills something within me. That is likely the case with many members here. Some folks just don't care to be outside let alone do anything in their yard; and that is not the case with me.
I look forward to browsing all the different threads to see what all of you are up to.
I'm in Boise, ID by the way in case you're curious. Still no snow here, especially on the mountains. Sure hope that changes soon.
Keep the sun at your backs, the breeze in your face, and your feet on the ground.

[Steve]

Welcome to our forum!

I bet as you put some small ads on craigslist for handyman services, you will find yourself being called often. There seems to always be a need for such services.

Have you started marketing your new business yet or are you still putting that together?

[short_cut]

I have not started any advertising yet other than word of mouth. I've put in a lot of time collecting resources by visiting the forum here. I also looked into city and state requirements to see if I had to register or get a license of some sort. The only requirement I could find for Idaho is to get a DBA (Doing Business As) registration with the State.
I've also looked into getting liability insurance and have a call in to my insurance agent to get help that way.
I have a whole list if things to get settled.
Thanks for the reminder to hit craigslist. That's on the list of things to do.
It seems that there's so much to do that a person could easily get overwhelmed unless priorities are set and a list compiled from that.

[Steve]

It seems that there's so much to do that a person could easily get overwhelmed unless priorities are set and a list compiled from that.

I agree and that is why so many people are turned off to starting their own business. Just go through this step by step and then get out there and start getting customers.

I know you can do it. Keep us posted.

[Sprinkler Buddy]

Welcome,& Good Luck in your new Venture!