Painting Curb Addresses
Description:
I went door-to-door selling the service of painting addresses on curbs. I set up a small business, had a business license, and went around doing my best to sell my pitch and services. I had a few different styles and colors that I offered and would generally do the service right then. I worked alone and that allowed me to sell when I had the time, and also to receive the entire profit.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I really wanted to have something to stay busy during the summer, and I had heard a friend talk about painting curb addresses before. So as I looked more into it, I found that it would be something I could do whenever I had some free time and as long as I was self-motivated enough to go out door-to-door I could really be successful. So the first step I took was to set up a little business. I figured out a name, prices, and the different color and style options that I would offer. Then I went and I got a business license from the city that would allow me to sell door-to-door. It was very simple to receive the license because I was only selling services instead of products. Because I was working through the city as well, I was able to get maps and focus on the better, upper-end areas of the city where people would be more inclined to want their curbs painted. I tried to avoid areas with a lot of renters and students because they wouldn’t be able to give permission on the spot. I liked to do the service right then at the time, but occasionally would set up appointments to come back. I also put up flyers as I went, so that people could call and setup appointments as well. I always took my equipment with me to be able to do it right then and there. I made a few samples previously with different colors and patterns to give them an idea of what it would look like. So after I had all of my supplies I just started out and knocked doors, doing my best to stay motivated and be successful.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
I faced quite a few challenges. First of all it was extremely hard because didn’t have any experience with door-to-door sales or painting curbs. I had to learn how to pitch a sale to people and how to be confident and business-minded. Rejection was another major challenge that I had to overcome through keeping myself motivated. If I focused on my goals and the reasons why I was out there, then it was much easier for me to stay strong and endure through the hard times. Although motivation was how I was able to overcome some of my other trials, it was also a challenge itself to maintain that discipline. Because I was able to fall back on my work ethic and the principle of finishing what I start, that helped me to stay motivated. Also enduring through the hard and awkward times door-to-door helped me to become more comfortable with my approach and it made it easier.
What I learned:
I learned a lot about how business works and how to interact with people. I learned how to enhance my work ethic, as well as to increase my self-motivation and how those things can really help to accomplish success. As I learned to deal with rejection, I became much more comfortable and confident talking to people door-to-door. It was still hard to be turned down, but I think I learned how to read people and what approach worked best. I learned how to really endure even when we don’t have anyone to rely on. But that also taught me how helpful it can be to have a mentor. It doesn’t even have to be someone to report to, or that dictates what you must do, but just someone to cheer you on and keep your spirits high. Another really important lesson I learned, is to believe in myself and not to limit myself either. You can accomplish great success if you stick with it and believe in yourself! So this experience was very useful for me and I think it is a great opportunity for anyone to develop a good work ethic and earn some extra cash!
Re-painting house numbers
Description:
Buy waterproof paint and use a cart or wagon from your house. Go around to your neighbors and knock on their door. Ask them if they would like their sidewalk curb re-painted where the number of the house is. A donation can be made or a flat rate can be charged.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
My friend Scott Paustian wanted to go to Australia when we were in the 7th grade. He was not able to work legally because he was not yet 15 years old. He knocked on the door to my house and asked if he could paint our sidewalk numbers. My dad was so impressed with his work ethic he of course gave him a hefty tip. My dad was always trying to get us to do something similar. Scott raised his money and went to Australia.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
I don’t recall any challenges he had. I did notice he used a red wagon to carry his supplies from house to house. This made his job a lot easier.
What I learned:
I learned that if I wanted to go on trips then I would need to work for it. I did work later in life and funded my own trip to Hawaii. Of course the real lesson learned was that I could start my own mini-business and earn money. I ended up doing so and mowed my neighbor’s lawn and earned money each week to help with my expenses. From the age of 15 to now 24 I have always had a job and worked while going to school.
Sidewalk Painter
Description:
Stenciling and painting the sidewalk alongside the driveway in front of a patron’s home with the home number (ex. 1430). The background is usually painted with a light-reflective white paint, and black numbers are stenciled on top of the background. Visitors can easily see the house number from the street, and the light-reflective paint also makes the number visible to drivers at night. For an extra charge, other decorative stencils can be added to the sidewalk, such as an American flag or a palm tree (a favorite with Southern Californians). Although unnecessary, this helpful decoration aids guests in finding the correct home.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
In Southern California, most track-homes come equipped with this home-labeling system. However, no regular touch-up-services are provided to re-paint the numbers on the sidewalk. Every summer, some of the boys in my neighborhood would knock doors and ask residents if they’d like their numbers repainted for $10. Their services were quick, cheap, and usually took an item off a busy neighbor’s “To Do” list. For an additional $5, these boys would add a colorful decoration, such as a dolphin, giving your sidewalk a touch of personal flare. These boys would just walk from development to development in my hometown, knocking doors, painting, and making a quick profit.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
The one challenge faced by the neighborhood boys was the physical labor of the work during the summer months. In order to paint the sidewalk, the boys would have to lie on the hot asphalt of the street. The black tar had been absorbing the hot summer sun rays during the day, so in order to provide themselves with a cooler environment, the boys would often work in the late morning or early evening. Because lying on the street is somewhat dangerous, the boys would also place orange cones around their workplace to caution drivers of their presence.
What I learned:
From my neighborhood friends, I learned that working for your money is quite satisfying. By their example, I was inspired to start working creative, odd jobs like they did. It amazed me – and still does to this day – that people will pay kids a relatively high rate for something that they can do themselves. Those summers, I learned that Americans are all about convenience, and most often feel that their time is too valuable to do the necessary tasks around the house. Therefore, any job that a teenager can do that will help out his or her neighbors will be extremely profitable.
Street Curb Address Painting
Description:
Have you ever been driving late at night when it is dark out and been looking for a specific address? Yes, we all have, and isn’t it useful to look at the curbs at the addresses painted there? Well this is what this job entails. There are few supplies, you set the price, and you choose your hours. Go to a Lowes or SEARS and purchase white and black paint, stencils of numbers, weather proof glaze, tape, and cardboard. All of these expenses should cost less then $60. Walk around from door to door asking people with faded addresses if they would like for you to re-paint it for a couple dollars. I recommend between $5 or $10.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
Over the summer my mom told me I had to get a summer job, but like any other kid I didn’t want to have one. So a couple friends and I just thought this up. Like stated above it was ideal because we made our own hours, while still getting pretty good money. We looked at it like this any high school student with a real job would make between $7-10 an hour, so we charged $10 for 15 minutes of work.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
With this summer job I had I really was problem free. Except for convincing my parents it was a real job. This job gives you so much freedom it is hard to have problems with. I do however recommend painting your and your friends curb addresses first, because if you are not well practiced and you paint your first one for money it will most likely be a quality job that is worth the money.
What I learned:
I learned that street curb painting turned out to be the right job for me. It was my own summer hours and it was with my friends. Since it was with my friends we still found we could have fun even while working. It also helps with people skills having to knock on doors and explain your business and what you do. For some people that would be a hard thing for others maybe not, but still it was good to talk to people and feel uncomfortable to hopefully become more comfortable in the future.