Contest FAQ
1. Why are you running this contest?
I wasn't permitted to run
my own online business (web site) in Ontario, Canada for 18
months thanks to a condominium board of directors who must
have had the opinion that it's not a woman's place to earn
an income, contribute to the economy or file tax returns.
(Yes, that's sarcasm.) So, I'm rebuilding here in my own
country where women have equal rights to work.
2.
What inspired you to create a contest like
this?
Two things. One was a newspaper clipping I kept from about
15 years ago. A handyman couldn't get enough work in his
area and so decided to raffle his services for $2 a ticket.
If he sold 10,000 "tickets" he would relocate to the
winner's home town and work for a year. I loved the idea.
Now many fundraisers include 2-4 hours of handyman work as
a way to raise donations. I'm just doing it on a smaller
scale without an entry fee.
The other was a book I
read in 1992-93.
Positively Outrageous Service by T. Scott Gross is all
about serving outrageously and creating unexpected,
out-of-proportion, involving experiences. I've been living
the author's philosophy for the past 15 years. If you want
to understand why I created this contest....
read Scott's book.
3.
Don't you feel embarrassed hiring yourself out and taking
money for it?
Uh no. Why should I? This is 2008, not 1808. I will do
whatever it takes to earn a legitimate income and rebuild a
nest egg for my retirement. I feel good that I have useful
expertise and skills and am still healthy and strong enough
to be able to work and don't have to depend on government
assistance. I want to work, but was prohibited by certain
people who have issues about women who want to be
financially independent. Because I wasn't valued where I
was (Canada), I wanted to relocate where people do value
those of us who have a good work ethic.
4. When will you choose a winner?
Sept. 30 or as soon as I receive 100 valid entries.
5. What happens if you receive thousands of valid entries?
I'll be
delighted to know that my services are desired.
6. Will the non-winners receive
anything?
Anyone who sends a valid entry will receive a coupon for a
free third hour of services when they book two hours of my
services. That's worth $25 or more.
7.
How will you choose the winner? By
location?
I'm more interested in knowing what interesting needs
people have and what they like about their location. I also
want to know about the people for whom I will be working. I
want to do some good and it doesn't matter if the winner is
wealthy or broke.
8.
Could I enter your contest on behalf of someone
else?
Sure, so long as the recipient would not be insulted or
annoyed, I think that would be a terrific idea. I'm all for
kind acts.
9.
Could I enter on behalf of several people?
If you mean as a family? Sure. And if you mean you want to
enter multiple times on behalf of multiple people that is
fine too. You can enter as many times as you wish. Try to
make the entries different (not duplicate).
10. Do I have to list 5 services on my contest entry wish
list?
You can
list as few as 5 items... and as many as 50. I ask for 5
minimum because one service may not take a full day and
you'll want me to work the full 7 hours.
11.
How will we know how many entries have been
received?
Watch my
Handy Ande blog for the number
of valid
entries
received. Some entries may not be valid. On some entries
the contact info and other info may be missing; that
would make them invalid. So please be careful that
your entries are complete.
12.
What kinds of people do you think would want your
services?
Among many: grandparents,
single moms, college students, churches, schools,
practitioners, small businesses and small business owners.
13. Would you have to come into our home? We don't like
strangers coming into our home.
If you're not comfortable having me in your home, I could
work outside. Perhaps you would permit me to work in your
yard or your garage. I keep a canopy and a screen gazebo in
my van that I can easily erect for shade or shelter from
rain. And inside the van I have a desk, a computer,
printer, copier, and a cell phone, where I can handle
paperwork and make calls on your behalf. But... if you're
concerned about my character, I am bondable and insurable.
14.
How does it feel, knowing some people won't want you in
their home?
It's foreign to me. When I owned a bed and breakfast I not
only opened my home to strangers, but trusted them with a
key, fed them, and made them feel welcome. Now, I'm
potentially providing someone with $450 worth of my
professional services for no financial investment. My
mission is kindness; my aim is to help people in their
personal or business lives. I'm curious to know why people
would not want me to enter their home. They would be
welcome in mine.
15.
What else are you doing to bring in funds while you start
this business?
I'm
also promoting three popular e-books I wrote:
365 Critical Questions You Need to Ask
Each Other Before You Marry, The Bed and Breakfast Guest Etiquette
Quiz, and
OutSmarting Sweetheart
Swindlers and all 4 of my web
sites. I also do some advocacy for people in crisis, and
I write on when offered assignments.
16.
Would you choose a winner who was
homeless?
Sure, why not? I understand the challenges and I know how
to find solutions.
17.
Would you accept a donation?
I
don't ask for donations for myself. I prefer to do an
honest day's work and get paid. If someone wants to give me
a tip for exceptional work, I would not turn it down (but
it's not expected.)
August 1, 2008