This feature of the side attention Q&A features Marisa Risden32, from Denver, Colorado. Risden has built a flexible, flowering business finishing traditionally predominated by men task. The answers are edited about length and clarity.
Image Credit: Taskrabbi courtesy. Marisa Risden.
What was your daily work or primary profession when you started your side acceleration?
Before the Taskrabbit, I spent nine years in public service as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, a role that strengthened my ability to solve under-pressure problem, communicate clearly and confuse with people in high stress situations. As I found the work meaningful, I wanted a new challenge that ensured flexibility and the opportunity to apply my skills in different ways.
When did you start the side hasha and where did you find the inspiration for it?
I moved to the West in 2020 and, in 2022, I discovered the Taskrabb as a way to take control of my schedule and exploit my existing expertise. My parents owned a construction company, and my mother prompted me to confidence that I could learn and do everything I thought of. Long before DIY became a trend, it was dealing with the home improvement projects, showing me in the first hand that women can do nothing! She made sure I knew how to use power tools, paint and get home projects with FAITH. What began as a way to implement those skills soon evolved into a specialized business providing advanced mounting and small electric work, combining technical accuracy with problem solving to provide high quality installations to my customers.
What were some of the first steps you took to remove your side from the ground?
Initially, I focused on projects within my skill group, but as I gained experience, I expanded to more technical services such as electrical matches and advanced assembly – tasks often supposed to be dominated by men. The Taskrabbit has allowed me to create a highly valued, demanding business business, where repeated customers trust me for accuracy, reliability and expertise.
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If you could go back to your business journey and change a process or approach, what would it be and how would you like to do it differently?
Two things are distinguished: optimizing my planning. At first, I spent a lot of time traveling forward and forth between Denver and Boulder for numerous tasks in a single day. Now, I ask with proactive customers if i have fluxing To change slots with others, allowing me to fix my way. Learning to seek adjustments has been a player of the game.
I would be even more careful with the plaster walls. When I first started, I did not understand the potential health risks of drilling in plaster, especially in older homes where asbestos may be present. The plaster is usually used before the 1970s, and exposure to asbestos dust presents health risks. Now, I always wear a N99 Drywall mask, regardless of the material I am working with – there are many harmful things in building materials I would not prefer to breathe.
When it comes to this specific business, what is something you have found particularly challenging and/or surprising that people who get into this type of work must be prepared, but are likely not to be?
One of the most overlooked challenges is to ask the right questions ahead. The more information gathers a task – such as the type of wall, client expectations and any possible obstacles – the softer the work goes. This also helps to avoid unnecessary trips to the medium task of home warehouses for a unique tool or device.
Can you remember a specific example when something went too bad – how did you fix it?
As with any practical work, you never really know what you are against until you come to office and appreciate what you are working with. Including premature task can take you so far; Surprises can and will inevitably occur. What sets me apart is my ability to flannel and solving problems in the country. During my years of assignments, I have found that my commitment to accuracy and triple control of my work before execution has been integral to prevent errors. And, of course, by performing every task with the same non -negotiable commitment, I am able to ensure that my work is done as time and, most importantly, that my customers are satisfied.
How long does it take you to see a sustainable monthly income? How much did Hustle Side earn?
When I first started, I didn't have ratings and set a lower rate per hour Build the request. I have taken over any task available, working long hours to gain momentum. Within one or two months, I was constantly reserved, and by the third month, I had a clear idea of my income potential. Initially, I did about $ 2,000 a month, working what it felt like 24/7. But that hurry was paid; I built my reputation, gained hundreds of comments and references, and I was able to escalate my business significantly in a relatively short period of time. Now, I am able to enjoy a balance of work and life with my expertise by getting a more considerable rate per hour, and I am able to set free time to appreciate my hard work.
What does growth and income look like now?
Taskrabbit has been a valuable source of income I have been able topic up or down based on my goals over the past three years. Sometimes, I have worked full time, completing 40-45 tasks per month, which equals 70-80 hours of work. The platform ensures flexibility to take as much or as little as you want, making it a great opportunity for those seeking to build a business with their conditions. I will usually earn about $ 3,500-4,500 a month when I am working “full-time” at 60-80 hours a month.
How much time do you spend working on your business on a daily, weekly or monthly basis?
The Taskrabbit operates in a client's request model, meaning that I do not always know what my week will look like in advance. I usually note myself as available and expect bookings. Unlike a traditional job with rest days, I structure my rest time around my bookings. For example, if I have planned only one morning task, I can remove in the afternoon to meet friends or enjoy a quiet day. Seasonal demand also plays a role – busy periods like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday And the holidays bring more tasks. My marketing mainly occurs through references to the words of the mouth and client. Changing the game for me was when I started looking for ratings every time before leaving a task of my customers didn't mind taking a few minutes to share their experiences.
What do you like most about running this business?
I like to see a project from start to finish, but my customers are the real reason I like this job very much. I have had the opportunity to meet and help so many incredible people, and I am proud to make their lives easier. Nothing can a happy customer referring to a friend because they had a great experience with me.
What is your best part of specific, business acting tips?
Specifically for women interested in similar work, my advice is:
1. Start within your comfort zone but push yourself to grow-Learning new skills has allowed me to get higher value tasks.
2. Invest in quality tools – having the right equipment makes every job more efficient and professional.
3. Professionalism sets you apart – clients give priority to expertise, communication and reliability over everything else.
4. Don't be afraid: just start. Expertdo expert was once a beginner, and the best way to build trust is through practical experience. Skills can be learned, but determination, problem solving, and a willingness to understand things as you go will lead you away.
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn because even small jobs matter. Smaller tasks confidencerefine your skills and lay the foundations for greater options. No job learns something new, and the more experience you earn, the sooner you will grow in the higher value.
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