The Handyman convention that was held at Bancroft Motor Inn created some high points that will definitely reshape the industry. This program which brought all the leading names in the industry together was tagged the most successful in recent times. One of the things that made it unique is that there is no single company in Alabama that was not represented. Many reasons were presented for this but one thing that stood through is that for the first time in many years, people are willing to strategize for the future.
The meeting had a lot of interactive sessions but it began with the first speaker trying to answer the question – Who is a Mobile based handyman? He went down history lane as he tried to piece together the evolution of the industry till date. In his remarks, he emphasized the need for everyone in attendance to understand that the playing field has changed. He said that the handymen must see themselves as professionals that are playing their role to move the society forward. The speaker pulled out some statistics that showed how many people are employed in the industry and how they are helping to make the economy of the state viable.
The next session was focused on how the handymen can offer top line customer service to their clients. The facilitator shared about his expertise as a customer service personnel. He told the house that he never dreamt he would build a career in this niche but that he has no regrets with the benefit of hindsight. In his remarks, he weighed the challenges that the handyman in Mobile, AL faces and how they can turn it to their advantage. He emphasized that people must try to build a brand that makes their clients see them as professionals. The speaker said the cheapest way is to build an excellent service system.
In the third session, it was quite practical as everyone was shown some new equipment that can help to make their job more effective. One of the instruments that got people talking was a robot which can do virtually any handyman job. The only catch is that it does not have emotions and no single individual will like to invest in it as it is far cheaper to call a human being for the job. Many of the handymen joked about the robot trying to push them out of their jobs but it was evident that it was not really a threat. For those who can afford it, the facilitator asked them to purchase one in order to make their job execution faster when they have a slim timeline.
The fourth session had a strong focus on a book titled – YOU CAN DO IT! This book highlighted the story of individuals who rose above disadvantaged situations to succeed in life. One of the names that rang through the hall was the story of a 12 year old boy who became blind due to some complications when he was three years old. This boy was able to craft one of the most beautiful furniture in his State when he was much older because he could not let go of his dream to touch the world. The book stirred the spirit of all the attendees and helped them see the big picture. Most of the handymen vowed to dream big and expand their business.
The convention gave room for attendees to ask questions about any subject of interest. One of the men asked a rather comical question. He said – When will we have the first billionaire handyman in Alabama? This question made everyone burst out in laughter but the facilitator brought something positive out of
the question. He told them to see each project they handle as a billion dollar project because putting a smile on someone’s face is a huge reward. Everyone nodded as he went philosophical in sharing the billion ways in which they are making a difference.
The conference had a light form of entertainment as a local comedian was engaged to spice up the event. Most of his jokes centered on the difficulties handymen face but he presented it in a very positive light. At the end of the convention, each of the attendees was equipped to better build their business.