For those of us doing your own web design https://www.loom.com/share/85dfbd8457794f74bb07903c04a73104

Hey guys I have preached about BNI being very successful for us but wanted to give proof. I will be honest that I do not always put the information in the app so the numbers are probably higher than shown. In the first picture it shows revenue received $46,844. In the last 12 months essentially 2025. And the second pic is since I've joined, so April will be 3 years. This is only leads and referrals I got through the group. These are people I had never associated with prior to joining the group. These are $150-$2500 dollar jobs. They definitely add up over the year. The last 12 months equates to around 10% of our total revenue. These numbers do not reflect the spider web effect either. Because I know that we have been referred to additional people from the people we were referred too originally. Not only does it generate a decent amount of revenue but you are surrounded by like minded individuals who have the same goal as you do. Some more advanced and some less so. You can have those conversations with people/friends that the typical W2 family and friends just don't understand. Huge support structure and people you can ask for advice on many things business wise, as behind the scenes all industries are similar. Build strong relationships with people you might not need now but in 2, 5, 10 years down the road may be one of the best connections you can have. When I first started I could barely get my elevator pitch out and always thought I did a shitty job, I was terrified, then last year I was the president. Being president was one of the scariest things I ever did but it propelled me as a business owner, gave me great confidence and got me over one of my biggest fears. The referrals are great but my true value was learning how to be a business owner and this group speed that process up. “Big results require uncomfortable moves.”

One thing I’m trying to avoid is spending time on estimates for customers who are hoping for chuck-in-a-truck rates and aren't willing to pay market or premium rates. Is that just part of the game early on, or have you found ways to screen this out before going on site? What actually helped: Price anchors up front? Intake questions? Minimum charge for estimates? Phone script? Long term I think branding will be the solution but when starting out I don't necessarily have that. Thanks!

I’m in the process of launching my handyman business and have become a bit paralyzed by "FSM/CRM Choice Fatigue." I can’t decide if I should save money now or invest in a "forever" system. My fear is that by picking a basic tool I will outgrow it in six months and waste weeks migrating data. Also, if I go big and choose the wrong FSM, I will still have the same problem. Currently looking at everything from Swivl (free) to Tradify (mid) to HCP/Jobber (pro). Experienced operators: What do you wish you’d started with? Also, what "hidden" feature is actually a game-changer for your daily workflow? (e.g., automated follow-ups, route optimization, etc.) Thanks! Kurt

I’m tightening up my pricing and realizing small jobs (doors, fixes, adjustments) can quietly wreck a schedule if there’s no floor. I'm thinking $200 absolute minimum but I'd really like it to be higher (obviously). Having said that maybe it's ok to have a lower number if you think it would lead to more work. What’s your: - Minimum service call? - Hours included? - Do you allow exceptions (friends, add-ons, slow season), or is it hardline? Not looking for “right answer,” just real-world numbers from people actually doing the work. Appreciate it!