If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business but don't know where to start, now is the time. With the right skills and mindset, you can start a successful handyman business from scratch. Whether you’re skilled in woodworking or welding, turning your passion into a profitable enterprise has never been easier. The experts at the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce share how to get started on your journey to becoming a successful handyman entrepreneur.

Become a specialist.

The first step in starting any business is deciding what you will specialize in. This can be as broad or specific as you want it to be. Some people choose to focus on one particular skill, such as plumbing or electrical work, while others prefer to offer general handyman services like painting, carpentry, and cleaning. Think about what skills you have and which ones would be most profitable for your business, then become an authority in it.

Get the requisite licenses and permits.

Before launching any kind of business, it’s important to make sure that you understand applicable laws and permit requirements in your area. Even if you plan on working out of your home, there may be zoning laws or other restrictions that need to be taken into consideration before setting up shop. Researching these things ahead of time will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

Set up your business right from the get-go.

Know that you can do business in many different ways. The key is determining which business designation is most beneficial for you. Above all, you want to make sure that the business structure you choose has the right legal protections and tax perks in place.

This is why it’s very compelling for most to set up as an LLC, or limited liability company. You’ll enjoy pass-through taxation and reduced personal liability. With the help of a formation service, setting up a Massachusetts LLC can be as simple as setting up a sole proprietorship.

Get to know the competition.

Take some time to research competitors in your area and find out what they’re doing differently — or better — than you. Knowing what their strengths are will help inform how best to position yourself so customers understand why they should choose your services over theirs. 

Get insured.

No matter how prepared and experienced you are, accidents happen, especially when it comes to home improvement projects. Getting small business or general liability contractor insurance will protect yourself, your employees, and your customers from damages or injuries incurred during a job. 

Invest in the right tools. 

Investing in software or apps made specifically for building projects can be a huge help. With these useful tools, you can invoice clients right away or track your inventory levels on each site so nothing falls through the cracks. There are a number of options out there, so make sure to do some research to find one that fits your business best.

Marketing Your Business

Once everything is set up legally, market your services with flyers, set up social media accounts, get listed on online directories like Yelp and Google, and generate leads through email campaigns or direct mailers. You might also consider hosting an open house event so people can meet you and learn more about what services you offer. The key here is getting the word out about your new business so potential customers know who to call when they need help with their next project.

Starting a handyman business from scratch isn't easy, but with dedication and hard work, it can certainly be done. With these steps, get ready for success and enjoy being a handy entrepreneur.

The Salisbury Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping you succeed in business. Join us today to take advantage of our wealth of resources!

Adobe Acrobat is a versatile software suite that offers a wide range of benefits for small and local businesses. From document management to collaboration and security features, Acrobat is an indispensable tool for organizations of all sizes for many reasons:

Efficient Document Management: Acrobat provides robust document management capabilities, allowing businesses to create, edit, organize, and archive documents seamlessly. With features like merging, splitting, and indexing PDFs, businesses can streamline their document workflow and reduce paperwork clutter.

Cost Savings: Acrobat offers cost-effective solutions that eliminate the need for expensive printed materials, courier services, and physical storage space. By going digital with PDF documents, businesses save on printing and shipping costs, reduce paper waste, and lower their overall operational expenses.

Enhanced Collaboration: Collaboration is key in today's business landscape, and Acrobat facilitates this through features like commenting, annotation, and real-time co-editing. Small businesses can collaborate with remote team members, clients, or suppliers, allowing for seamless communication and feedback on documents. This collaborative approach can significantly improve productivity and the speed of decision making.

Professional-Looking Documents: For small and local businesses trying to make a mark in a competitive market, the presentation of documents matters. Acrobat offers a wide range of formatting and styling options to create professional-looking documents. From customizing fonts and colors to adding watermarks and headers, businesses can enhance their brand identity and create visually-appealing materials.

Secure Document Handling: Acrobat provides robust security features, including password protection, encryption, and digital signatures. Small and local businesses can ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their documents, especially when handling sensitive information like customer data and financial information.

Mobile Accessibility: In today's fast-paced business world, being able to work on the go is crucial. Acrobat offers mobile apps that allow small businesses and local businesses to access, edit, and share documents from their smartphones or tablets. This mobility ensures that critical tasks can be addressed promptly, even when employees are not in the office.

Compliance and Legal Benefits: Acrobat helps businesses maintain compliance by providing tools for digital signatures and document tracking. This is especially valuable for businesses that need to meet stringent regulatory standards, like healthcare and financial institutions.

Streamlined Workflows: Acrobat integrates seamlessly with other popular software applications, including Microsoft Office and various cloud storage services. This integration streamlines workflows, making it easier to convert documents to PDF format, collaborate on documents, and access files stored in the cloud. Small and local businesses can save time and reduce errors by using these integrations.

Electronic Forms: Acrobat allows businesses to create interactive electronic forms that can be filled out online, reducing the need for paper forms and manual data entry. This simplifies the customer experience and ensures accurate data collection.

Just take a look at how Acrobat revolutionized the way The J. Morey Company runs its business. As an insurance agency, J. Morey handles a lot of paperwork — all of which was physical documentation until 2015, when president Joshua Morey digitized the firm’s paperwork with Acrobat. Because they no longer rely on wet signatures that have to be scanned into the computer system or sent via snail mail, the process of signing, password protecting, and sending signed documents takes only a minute instead of 20 minutes, freeing up as much as 10 hours a month per employee.

Acrobat’s features and tools allow The J. Morey Company and more than 500,000 other organizations worldwide to reduce costs while scaling their businesses. In fact, when Joshua took over the company in 2015, it had four offices with a total of 18 employees. After just three years of implementing Acrobat into its workflows, the company grew to 150 employees across 11 offices.

Starting a business is always a journey filled with plenty of highs and lows. If you’re living with a disability, though, it may feel like there are more than just the average challenges that can be thrown your way. That said, it is possible to overcome these. Here are some tips on how to get your business up and running in your own time.

Look for an ingenious business idea 

If you want your business to have a good chance of succeeding, then you need to come up with a unique and profitable business idea. Of course, for it to be profitable, it has to be feasible; this is where every business owner has to investigate the market thoroughly to determine the extent to which people are looking for what you have to offer. If you don't know where to start or you feel like it's going to be an uphill battle to start with, then it may be better to look into businesses that are already established, such as franchises, for example. With franchises, you get the opportunity to own a business but with the assistance of a franchisor who is there to guide you every step of the way.

Obtain funding for your business venture 

Obtaining funding for your business idea is the next and perhaps the most challenging step involved in setting your business up. However, for this, you may find it less of a challenge than the average business owner with the various grants and loans that are available for people living with disabilities. 

Register your business

You'll also have to decide on how exactly you wish to register your business according to the company structure of your choice. One thing you might want to consider is creating a DBA (doing business as) domain for your business if you intend on selling multiple products and services under one brand but under a different name. A DBA is also helpful if you are unable to find a domain that is available, as you can use this in the meantime.

Advertise your business 

Fortunately, there are many ways to advertise your business without necessarily having all the technical expertise you need to do so effectively. For example, if you are internet-savvy, then you can do some of the marketing online yourself with tools such as screen readers, braille keyboards, voice control, and a hands-free mouse.

PDFs are another great tool for novices who want to advertise a new business. By utilizing PDFs, you can create marketing materials you can use online and offline. Use a tool like a PDF maker to create posters you can print out and hang around town, digital flyers you can add to your social media channels, and more. Plus, PDFs can be easily emailed, so you can also create digital coupons that you send out in a newsletter or as a reward for reposting your company’s social media content.

Make time for self-care 

If you are a working parent, you will also want to make sure that you are getting to spend quality time with your children as well. However, self-care should be one of your topmost priorities so that you can be a better parent as well as a better business owner. Therefore, try to keep stress to the absolute minimum and be sure to take time out for yourself when you need to. Practically, you'll also have to eat a well-balanced diet, do regular exercise, and lean on the people around you for support and assistance.

Starting a business when you are faced with adversity is a major accomplishment — and one that you can achieve! If you have the hunger and determination to succeed, then you have a great chance at being successful.

Join the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce to get access to exclusive business-building events and other resources!

In today's fast-paced business landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in the success of small businesses. To thrive in this digital era, entrepreneurs and small business owners need to harness the power of essential tech tools. These tools not only streamline operations but also empower businesses to compete effectively. In this article, we explore a range of indispensable tech tools that every small business should consider integrating into their operations.

Invest in Cloud Computing Services

Cloud computing services offer small businesses the flexibility and scalability they need for streamlined operations. With the ability to scale resources without hefty infrastructure investments, small businesses can grow while staying budget-friendly. Additionally, cloud-based solutions foster accessibility and seamless team collaboration, ensuring that everyone stays connected and productive.

Prioritize Customer Support

Before investing in any new software, ensure it provides reliable customer support for prompt issue resolution. Quick access to support minimizes disruptions and keeps your business running smoothly. By prioritizing customer support, you guarantee that any technical hiccups won't hinder your operations for long.

Fortify Data Security with Password-Protected PDFs

Guarding sensitive data is paramount in today's digital landscape. Password-protected PDFs add an extra layer of security to protect sensitive files from cyber threats. Moreover, digital tools for signing and filling out PDF forms online save time and resources, streamlining your document management processes. To enhance security and efficiency, it's advisable to go with a PDF filler for handling sensitive information and paperwork digitally.

Managing Customer Relationships with CRM Software

Elevating customer relations is key to business success. CRM software empowers businesses to manage and nurture customer relationships while streamlining communication. With targeted marketing and sales tracking, you can expand your customer base strategically, ensuring long-term growth.

Build a Digital Storefront

Expanding your online presence is essential in reaching a broader audience and increasing sales opportunities. E-commerce platforms offer features like secure payment processing and inventory management, enhancing the online shopping experience for your customers. By embracing e-commerce, you can tap into the vast potential of the digital marketplace.

Enhancing Team Collaboration

Boosting productivity within your team is crucial for efficiency. Collaboration tools facilitate real-time communication and project management among team members. These tools also support remote collaboration, making it easier for your team to work together, whether they're in the same office or spread across different locations.

Amplifying Marketing with Email Marketing Software

Effective communication with your audience is key to success. Email marketing software enables small businesses to deliver targeted messages and promotions. By regularly communicating with your customers, you can build loyalty and drive sales, all while maintaining a personal touch.

Mastering Project Management

Organized workflow is essential for project success. Project management tools assist small businesses in planning, tracking, and executing projects efficiently. With these tools, you can ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget, allowing you to meet your clients' expectations consistently.

In a world driven by technology, small businesses must leverage essential tech tools to stay competitive and thrive. Cloud computing, project management software, and password-protected PDFs are some of the keystones of a successful modern business. By embracing these tools, small businesses can unlock their full potential and navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Embrace technology, and your small business can flourish in the ever-evolving business environment.

Launching a small business venture is both an exciting and intimidating endeavor. The key to transforming this venture into a lasting enterprise lies not just in passion and hard work but in establishing a strategic foundation. This article highlights essential practices that set the stage for sustainable growth and resilience in the small business landscape.

Carve Out Your Business Identity

The journey begins with defining the essence of your business. A clear vision and mission statement act as your north star, guiding every decision and action toward your ultimate objectives. These foundational elements crystallize your business’s purpose, ensuring that every step forward aligns with your overarching goals. This strategic alignment not only informs your decision-making process but also communicates your business's core values to customers, employees, and partners.

Team Up with Other Businesses

Partnering with other businesses can be instrumental in driving growth for your own company. When forging alliances, it's wise to formalize the arrangement by drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU), also called a letter of intent. This document outlines the mutual intentions of both parties involved, providing a roadmap for the partnership's objectives and activities. By establishing clear expectations and goals up front, this nonbinding agreement ensures alignment and fosters collaboration. Utilizing an MOU in your partnership strategy can lay the groundwork for success, as this may work to mitigate misunderstandings and build a strong foundation for future endeavors.

Establish a Digital Storefront

In the digital age, your website serves as the cornerstone of your business’s online presence. A compelling, well-constructed website does more than captivate visitors; it facilitates seamless interactions and transactions. Opting for a professional design or utilizing a robust website builder should be a deliberate choice aimed at crafting an SEO-optimized, user-friendly platform. By integrating ecommerce capabilities, you not only enhance customer experience but also broaden your market reach, tapping into the global digital economy.

Deepen Audience Insights

A profound understanding of your target market is pivotal for tailoring your products and marketing efforts. Staying attuned to the evolving preferences and behaviors of your audience through regular feedback and data analysis enables you to adapt swiftly to market demands. This ongoing dialogue with your customer base ensures that your offerings remain relevant and compelling, fostering loyalty and driving business growth.

Cultivate a Cohesive Team

The strength of your business is directly tied to the caliber and cohesion of your team. Strategic hiring goes beyond skill sets to encompass cultural alignment and shared values. Employees who resonate with your business’s ethos contribute not just to a positive workplace but also to its innovation and growth. This harmonious environment encourages creativity and dedication, amplifying your business’s potential for success.

Leverage Technology for Scalability

Incorporating scalable technology solutions streamlines your operations and enhances the customer experience, laying the groundwork for efficiency and expansion. From customer relationship management (CRM) systems that foster customer relationships to accounting software that ensures financial integrity, the right tools can transform your business processes. Investing in scalable solutions prepares your business to adapt and grow, meeting the challenges of an ever-evolving market landscape.

Expand Through Networking

The value of a robust professional network cannot be overstated. Engaging with peers, participating in industry events, and joining relevant associations open avenues for collaboration, innovation, and growth. These connections provide support, introduce new perspectives, and unlock opportunities, reinforcing your business's position in the industry and spurring its growth.

Embrace Financial Prudence

A disciplined approach to financial management forms the backbone of a sustainable business. Establishing sound financial practices, including budget adherence, meticulous expense tracking, and emergency planning, secures your business's fiscal health. A clear understanding of your financial flows enables informed strategic decisions, ensuring your business remains agile and resilient.

Building a successful small business is a journey of strategic planning and deliberate action. By using the above methods, you create a solid foundation for growth. These strategies not only equip your business to navigate the challenges of the marketplace but also position it for long-term success and sustainability.

In today's job market, employers are finding that they need to offer more than just a paycheck to attract and retain the best talent. A comprehensive benefits package is now seen as an essential part of any competitive employment offer. But what exactly should that benefits package look like? Here, we present some of the most popular benefits that employers are offering these days.

Education Benefits to Grow Talent

One of the most popular benefits that employers are offering these days is education benefits. Many employees see the value in furthering their education and appreciate being given the opportunity to do so by their employer. Education benefits can take many forms, like reimbursement for tuition, paid time off to attend classes, or even on-site child care for employees who are also students.

Counseling Services to Promote Strong Mental Health

Another benefit that is becoming more common is counseling services. Many employers are recognizing the importance of mental health and are offering counseling services as a way to support their employees' well-being. Counseling services can be offered on-site or via employee assistance programs, and they can be used for a variety of issues like stress management, relationship counseling, and grief counseling.

Gym Services to Keep Employees Active

More and more employers are also starting to pay for their employees' gym memberships. This benefit is usually offered in addition to on-site fitness facilities, and it can be a great way to help employees stay healthy and fit. Gym memberships can also be used as a recruitment tool to attract top candidates who place a high value on fitness.

Yoga Classes for Sound Body and Mind

Yoga classes are another popular benefit that employers are starting to offer. Yoga has been shown to have numerous health benefits, like improving strength and flexibility, as well as reducing stress. Yoga classes can be offered on-site or at a nearby studio, and they can be open to all employees or just those who participate in the company's wellness program.

Nutrition Services for Healthier Choices

Employers are also starting to offer nutrition services as a way to support their employees' health. Nutrition services can take many forms, like cooking classes, nutrition counseling, and healthy eating challenges. These services can be offered on-site or through employee assistance programs.

Check On Your Benefits Package's Success

Finally, one of the best ways for employers to figure out what benefits their staff wants is to survey them every year. By surveying current staff, employers can get an idea of what existing benefits are being used and what new benefits would be most appreciated. Surveys can also help employers attract new talent by showing potential candidates that the company is interested in promoting healthy professional and personal lives.

Create a PDF Document with Thorough Benefit Details

Business owners should create a comprehensive document outlining the benefits their company offers to employees. This document should not only detail the benefits but also clearly define eligibility requirements, restrictions, and limitations associated with each benefit. To ensure this information is easily shareable with clients or staff, it's advisable to present it in PDF format, as PDFs are often the preferred choice for document sharing because of their compatibility and security. A PDF file converter can be helpful for business owners to convert various file formats into PDFs with a simple drag-and-drop feature, facilitating the process of making important benefits information readily accessible to all.

Give Employees the Benefits They Deserve

Offering a competitive benefits package is vital for employers who want to attract and retain the best talent. There are a variety of benefits that employers can offer, from education benefits to gym memberships to nutrition services. By surveying current staff and keeping up with changing trends, employers can ensure that their benefits package is always up-to-date and appealing to both existing and potential employees.