You have already figured out a specific area you will work in. That's good. Now you need a name-
How about "Zeke's Handyman Services of (name your area)" Put it on your van or truck so people see you around the area. Put together that flyer you mentioned and have someone print it so it looks professional. Send it to your contact list, sounds like a gold mine. Good luck.

I'm a landmark guy. I know to turn on the main street, then turn at the certain business and the street that dead ends on the right, then turn again before the other business, then turn at the intersection, then turn into the alley.
Address Shmadress.

serving the Long Beach/*** area for XX years means a lot.

I won't hire contractors from Los Angeles. I use plumbers, electricians and general contractors who are tied to the Santa Clarita Valley. The contractor who is doing my patio cover, putting in a 50 amp service for my RV, replacing some rotted facia boards and painting the exterior I've used since the Northridge Earthquake. His family has been in the business here almost 50 years.

Way ahead of you. I have a commercial artist I trade work with. She did my TigMcStick logo. I have the best sign guy in the city and he did work for me on the ragamuffin.

Joe Bob did the script. The rallye decal was done by my guy. I don't have a close up, but it's way cool.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1118018696.jpg

I can't tell you the name of the business. Sorry, although I did hint at it.

Is it 'Services by TigMcStick'. Hey now!

No, TMS is for a welding accessory that I designed and thought might be useful to weldors. Seems not. I've given up on the invention business after investing over 40K in one in 1990. But I can't kill the spirit.

Hugh, always a good idea to show the time frame. I've been 'servicing' the Bixby area since the early 70's. I think I might move that up a bit should people still be able to add and subtract. Who wants a geriatric working around the house? ;)

68 in a few days.

You're not a skilled tradesman unless you have your ticket. Just like you're not a doctor unless you have your PhD.

Highly Skilled Small Job Craftsman

Need it tweeked? Call Zeke!

Handyman sounds too "pedestrian." Anybody with a toolbox could be called a handyman.

How about "home maintenance technician?" Home maintenance professional?

Lots of trade types now run businesses solely on Craigslist ads. When I needed a garage door spring, I hopped on Craigslist and found I could get it done for half was the big guys (ie those who still buy full page Yellow Pages ads) were wanting. The guy was at my house within 45 minutes of my original call. He said virtually 100% of his business came from his Craigslist ad. Same story when I needed a shower door panel done.

Ads on CL are free and you can pop them up or take them down as your work load/will to work fluctuate. You will have to deal with some flakes, people who want to trade for stuff, etc, but quite a few of my accounting clients came from Craigslist and they've been great. I just spent 1.75 hours on the phone with a woman today who responded to my ad. Never even met her. I was able to log on to her computer remotely and conduct a Quickbooks training session on her computer. She was thrilled.... as was I since I never had to leave the house or put on dress clothes.

Zeke (or your name here)
Professional Residential/Commercial Repair
XX years experience, specializing in:
Carpentry, door and window repair, plumbing, metal fabrication, welding (list those things you like to do).
Trustworthy, Dependable, and Discreet

*Your Personal Contractor On Demand!*

Greater Long Beach Home and Business Maintenance & Repair Specialists

Consult with us to maintain your home and business.

Then, when you do need a repair,

We will be there!

Let us be your service contractor, "On Demand", to assure that your home and business continues to run smoothly.

HVAC/Electrical/Plumbing/Doors & Windows/Framing/Finish Carpentry/Cabinets/Painting

Any task, just ask. No job too small.

35 years experience serving Greater Long Beach homes and businesses.

References on request.

Don't know if you are the Facebook type (I'm not), but you could set up a Facebook account with advertising, descriptions, testimonials, pictures, etc., etc. You could give all your old customers & anybody else interested the link which they could pass on to others who could contact you via that account. My wife makes jewelry and has done this. It has worked out well & could be another approach for you.

Grouchy Old Repair Guy. :)

I have seen rent a hubby. How about rent a grandpa?

How far east will you go? Corona/Norco is a straight shot down the 91. :)

I see. And you've seen some of my work? Not bragging, but just a taste:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1376627121.jpg

I designed and built this in Mandeville Canyon. You will not be able to find a nail.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1094012122.jpg

A quick pic of a roof built with an asymmetric 30º hip rafter.

I don't do this anymore, but I've paid some dues. Maybe one of these was my dissertation.

Show me yours? I've got more.

Love it. You may have the wining contribution to this thread. And we do have "Rent and Man With Tools" locally. Again, I don't want/need to compete with him.

No comment on post #53?

"You break, I fix!"

:)

You handiwork is beautiful...fantastic! Love the craftsmanship!

Here it's the law. You can't call yourself a "skilled tradesman" unless you have your ticket (journeyman papers). It's a professional designation, and comes only after much schooling, an apprenticeship and passing an exam after that with a minimum 70% score.

I take it that's not the case in the US anymore? I would say you are definitely a "Craftsman". I think "Artisan" is better? No doubt about being called either....but I much prefer the sound of "Artisan". I think many people could build something with a "Craftsman" level of skill. However, having a creative eye and attention to detail you possess bumps you into "Artisan" IMO. So I think incorporating "Artisan" somewhere into your ad might not hurt.

Show you some of mine? Sure...but not sure what it will prove as it relates to this discussion?

Here's a few...

http://goldwincar.com/wp-content/upl...tail-lamps.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7...c1e0ea2b_z.jpg

http://www.autogaul.com/wp-content/u...MW-X1-2011.jpg

http://file.kelleybluebookimages.com...43_640x480.jpg