If I had someone who I knew and trusted to do the really odd jobs, I'd love it.
For example: I've mentioned to a few people (Amazonmink and BlushingGrace) that I need some photos scanned. It's not a big job, but it's tedious and annoying and I'd rather pay someone I know than someone I don't to handle my Grandpa's photos. I'm also hiring Amazonmink on a very random basis for things like photographing my yarn for sale and hemming my pants. So yeah, I'd be interested in someone to do my odd manual-labor jobs that aren't hard if you have the time and patience.
Something you might consider is where you have time and patience. If you are the crafty type and want to spend some creative energy, you could probably specialize. I know a lot of people who swear they will have gorgeous wedding albums (me!) and it's now eight years later and they still have an empty album and a cardboard box full of photos.
Creative things that might need some consultation first include: getting artwork or photographs framed, albumed, etc., getting jewelry repaired or hard-to-fix items mended/repaired (furniture, leather jackets, books).
Depending on your level of speed, you might consider being a *very low-key* party-organizer person. For example, you could help parents by organizing/purchasing supplies and doing setup for children's birthday parties, valentine's, etc. that are low budget and on a list Joey wants an Avenger's party, but I don't have the time to go all the way to Fair Lakes to pick up the supplies and order a cake from Giant...
And your website should be www.extracope.com "When you hit the end of your rope, call for Extra Cope!"
I just came across a service (THIS MORNING!) that isn't local (yet) called TaskRabbit. (https://www.taskrabbit.com/) Friends of mine in San Francisco use their services.
It's something I can see being quite popular in this area. If you don't want to necessarily branch out on your own, it might be worth contacting them and working with an already-established company to get foot-holds in the DC area. (I was going to suggest this to my Mom, too, but it requires them to BE HERE! *harrumph*)
It looks like Potomac Concierge is doing something similar, and operates throughout the Washington Metropolitan area (as well as Baltimore). I wonder whether it would be worthwhile to explore an association with them, rather than trying to start from scratch.
They claim to service the entire Washington Metropolitan area:Q: Do you only service the Potomac area?
A: No, we service the greater Washington Metropolitan Area. Recently we have begun servicing the Baltimore area. See exact service area. http://www.potomacconcierge.com/faqs.html
Of course, I'm not sure how much of Virginia they consider to be in the Washington Metropolitan area.
OddJob was the big Asian character in the James Bond movie. He had the hat with the steel brim that could cut through stuff. The name just struck me because in some ways, you are talking about doing odd jobs. So that is where the name comes from. I don't know if it is already taken.
Lots and lots of demand for dog walkers in your area. Dog walkers who could also pick up dry cleaning or leave a meal in the fridge would likely be appreciated by families who work downtown/commute.
It is a very difficult job to advertise though. It is highly reliant on word of mouth because it is a service/trust based job. Advertising through the local grocery store (ie, add a flier to grocery orders) or targeting certain neighborhoods with mail box fliers might help initially.
Insurance, and business registration will be one of your biggest up front costs, then gas.
Just occurred to me that the independently living elderly might have a significant need for services like this. Someone to help them with groceries and the occasional meal. Maybe help with a trip to a department store, or a drive to a doctor's visit.
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For example: I've mentioned to a few people (Amazonmink and BlushingGrace) that I need some photos scanned. It's not a big job, but it's tedious and annoying and I'd rather pay someone I know than someone I don't to handle my Grandpa's photos. I'm also hiring Amazonmink on a very random basis for things like photographing my yarn for sale and hemming my pants. So yeah, I'd be interested in someone to do my odd manual-labor jobs that aren't hard if you have the time and patience.
Something you might consider is where you have time and patience. If you are the crafty type and want to spend some creative energy, you could probably specialize. I know a lot of people who swear they will have gorgeous wedding albums (me!) and it's now eight years later and they still have an empty album and a cardboard box full of photos.
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What other specialty creative things were you thinking? I'll admit, it wasn't something I'd considered....*yet* (thank you) :)
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Creative things that might need some consultation first include: getting artwork or photographs framed, albumed, etc., getting jewelry repaired or hard-to-fix items mended/repaired (furniture, leather jackets, books).
Depending on your level of speed, you might consider being a *very low-key* party-organizer person. For example, you could help parents by organizing/purchasing supplies and doing setup for children's birthday parties, valentine's, etc. that are low budget and on a list Joey wants an Avenger's party, but I don't have the time to go all the way to Fair Lakes to pick up the supplies and order a cake from Giant...
And your website should be www.extracope.com "When you hit the end of your rope, call for Extra Cope!"
Yeah, I'm in a quixotic mood.
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It's something I can see being quite popular in this area. If you don't want to necessarily branch out on your own, it might be worth contacting them and working with an already-established company to get foot-holds in the DC area. (I was going to suggest this to my Mom, too, but it requires them to BE HERE! *harrumph*)
Just some serendipity.
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I am dork.
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A: No, we service the greater Washington Metropolitan Area. Recently we have begun servicing the Baltimore area. See exact service area.
http://www.potomacconcierge.com/faqs.html
Of course, I'm not sure how much of Virginia they consider to be in the Washington Metropolitan area.
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OddJob was the big Asian character in the James Bond movie. He had the hat with the steel brim that could cut through stuff. The name just struck me because in some ways, you are talking about doing odd jobs. So that is where the name comes from. I don't know if it is already taken.
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It is a very difficult job to advertise though. It is highly reliant on word of mouth because it is a service/trust based job. Advertising through the local grocery store (ie, add a flier to grocery orders) or targeting certain neighborhoods with mail box fliers might help initially.
Insurance, and business registration will be one of your biggest up front costs, then gas.
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