What It's About
A security installer answers the call for requests to install mega TVs.
Business Model
Skills Required
Complexity
Profit Potential
Words of Wisdom
One of the simplest ways to start a side hustle is to think about a skill or area of expertise you have that can help serve someone else. In Abou's story, it's AV setup. What's a common pain point or something missing that requires your skills, abilities, and knowledge? There's a good chance, someone will be willing to pay for your help!
Fun Fact
Thanks to the additional money earned from his side hustle, Abou has been able to take his whole family on a trip to their native country of Senegal.
Notes from Chris
Episode 1048
Several years ago, Abou Toure was working as a cable installer. He would go into people’s homes and get their TV services set up. On numerous occasions, he would be asked by his customers if he could mount TVs or hide all of the wires so they weren’t visible. Abou hated the look of loose unkempt wires, but it wasn’t his job to fix them … so time after time, he would respond and tell the customer that he unfortunately couldn’t do it. After seven years of working for a cable company, Abou transferred his skills and began working for a security company installing security systems. Being in security allowed him to learn new skills such as fishing wires through walls and ceilings so they’re not visible. Once he gained this knowledge, he thought back to all of the missed opportunities of not being able to mount TVs and hide wires. And suddenly it clicked. He had the knowledge and the skill ... what if he could offer it as a service? The only thing left to do was mount his skills into action. Luckily, he didn’t have to buy a lot of equipment in the beginning. He was able to use a lot of tools he already had for his job. He spent about $100 getting a few extra supplies like screws, electrical wire, and junction boxes. He also spent $200 getting a business license and tax ID. Just like a quick install, Mega TV Installations was in business. And slowly from there, Abou began to get customers, and now averages about 7 to 10 jobs a month. After he got a handful of clients, Abou started asking his customers to write reviews on Yelp. Business increased further, and Abou found himself gaining more confidence. He used this momentum to create a website using Wix, and upgrade his business card design with someone he found through Fiverr. As his list of reviews and completed jobs piled up, so did the money in his bank account. Installations range in price, but start at $175 and go up from there. In 2018, he earned around $4,000 in profits and is on track to more than double that number in 2019. He’s also begun offering additional services including home automation, soundbar installation, and light fixture installation. This came to be because customers started asking him for it … and rather than saying no upfront, Abou said he would get back to them. He then went home, got onto YouTube, and learned the new skills he’d need for that customer. He recommends this approach to anyone doing a service-based side hustle. Rather than telling your customer or client that you can’t do something, learn what you need and finish the job. He hopes to expand Mega TV Installations in 2020 and hire a couple of full-time installers to support the workload … that way he can focus on launching an all-new project.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Mega TV Installations: Learn more about Abou and his services on his website.
- Abou launched his website using Wix.com (get 10% off) and used the online freelance marketplace Fiverr.com for his business cards.
- Woman on Food Stamps Earns $86,000 Teaching People to Bake Bread: In the face of adversity, a woman creates a series of online courses teaching the art of baking sourdough bread. Stop loafing around! If she can do it, you can too.
- Aussie Woman Earns Up to $4,000/Month Painting Faces: When she left her job, she found herself longing to reconnect with a favorite hobby. So she grabbed some paints and brushes—and within an hour, found her first client.
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Resources
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