Hello, Life with Justin Stephens community! Justin here, and after sharing my excitement about starting as a house manager for my parents in yesterday's journal entry (and my goal to scale it into a side business), today's Point of View post couldn't be more timely. I'm thrilled to introduce Lisa Thompson, a seasoned house manager who's turned her organizational skills into a six-figure service business serving busy families and professionals. Lisa's journey from part-time helper to full-time entrepreneur is packed with practical insights on building value, marketing your services, and maintaining work-life balance. Let's hear from her on how to transform home services into a thriving venture.

Lisa Thompson's Point of View: Building a House Management Empire One Home at a Time

Hey everyone, I'm Lisa Thompson, and as a house manager for over a decade, I've gone from organizing one family's chaotic garage to running a team that handles everything from yard maintenance to full-home overhauls for 20+ clients. Justin's story of starting this role for his parents resonates with me—it was a similar family gig that sparked my business. If you're considering turning home services into a side hustle or full-time gig, here's my point of view, with real examples and tips to get you started.

First, define your services and add unique value. House management isn't just cleaning or errands—it's about being the go-to problem-solver. I started by offering packages: Basic (yard work, organization), Premium (vendor coordination, seasonal prep), and Custom (like post-move setups). To stand out, I added "eco-friendly" options, using sustainable products for sheds and gardens, which attracted environmentally conscious clients. Early on, for one family, I reorganized their shop so efficiently they saved hours weekly—word-of-mouth referrals followed. Tip: Document before-and-after photos (with permission) for your portfolio; it's marketing gold.

Second, scale smartly with systems and pricing. Don't overcommit solo—build systems like checklists for tasks (e.g., seasonal yard prep) and apps for scheduling (Calendly or Google Workspace). I priced low at first ($25/hour) to build testimonials, then raised to $50+ as demand grew. When I hit 5 clients, I hired part-time help via local networks, training them on my standards. Example: One client needed ongoing maintenance; I bundled it into a monthly retainer ($300/month), creating recurring revenue that stabilized my income. Tie this to personal finance: Track expenses (tools, gas) with apps like QuickBooks to ensure profitability.

Third, market yourself effectively without a big budget. Start local—post on community Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or LinkedIn as a "reliable house manager for busy pros." I created a simple website showcasing services and client stories, and offered free "home audit" consultations to hook potential clients. Networking at events (like parent groups or business meetups) landed me my first corporate client managing executive homes. Remember Justin's blog consistency? Apply that to content: Share tips on social media (e.g., "5 Ways to Declutter Your Shed") to position yourself as an expert and attract leads.

Finally, balance growth with personal well-being. Scaling means boundaries— I cap clients to avoid burnout, scheduling "off days" for family. Early mistakes? Taking on too much led to exhaustion, but mindset shifts (like gratitude for flexible hours) helped. This role's manual aspect is rewarding—working with hands outdoors beats desk life, and it builds resilience for business ups and downs.

If you're pivoting like Justin, start small, deliver value, and watch it grow. House management can be lucrative and fulfilling—my business now supports my family while helping others reclaim their time.

Thanks, Justin, for the platform. Looking forward to your readers' thoughts!

Back to Justin: Lisa's advice is spot-on as I embark on this path—her tips on systems and marketing will guide my scaling efforts. It's a reminder that everyday skills can fuel entrepreneurial success, tying into our themes of personal finance, resilience, and growth.

At Life with Justin Stephens, we blend raw Journal Entries with voices like Lisa's in Point of View, plus Life Strategy, Resources, and Great Causes to inspire your journey in business, sales, marketing, and life.

Call to Action: Subscribe at justindcstephens.com for daily inspiration. Share this if you're building a service-based business, and comment: What's one home service skill you'd turn into a hustle?

P.S. Tomorrow, a Resources post on essential tools for new house managers and side hustlers. Stay tuned!

To your success,

Justin Stephens