Chris B. said it better than we could have ourselves: that “tasking isn’t always about raking leaves or assembling IKEA dressers. It’s about connecting with your community, building positive relationships, and contributing to both your and the Client’s human experience.”
Read on to hear how Chris has developed meaningful, ongoing Client relationships while also being a stay-at-home dad and studying graphic design.
What did you do for a living before becoming a Tasker?
I was a bike messenger.
What is the primary reason why you joined TaskRabbit?
I’m a stay-at-home dad, so a traditional job is hard to have. As a Tasker, I can work when I have spare time.
What helped you accept and complete your first task?
My first task was painting a deck on a really hot day. As a new Tasker, I started with discounted rates, so I think that attracted my first Clients. Since then, I have accumulated great reviews and “promoted myself” into higher rates. But I will be forever grateful to my first Clients for taking a chance on me.
How do you market yourself to Clients?
I try to be empathic as possible. If they need to reschedule, I work with them. Also, being a parent plays a role–Clients know they are supporting a family when they hire me.
What is your best tasking memory?
One of my most memorable tasks was assembling some IKEA pieces for a young guy in downtown Chicago. He had an awesome condo overlooking the city skyline. He was watching a PBS documentary about Tibet. We talked about culture and I discovered the dressers were for baby clothes. He and his partner were about to have twins. Being a new parent, I shared some solicited advice. Tasking isn’t always about raking leaves or assembling furniture. It’s about connecting with your community, building positive relationships, and contributing to both your and the Client’s human experience.
What makes a good Client?
Communicating in advance of the task is one of the best ways to get on a good footing. I use the chat thread to ask for details before the job starts in order to clarify anything that was unclear in the invitation.
What’s your top ice-breaker question you ask Clients? (If they’re present at the task)
I usually always ask if they used TaskRabbit before and what their previous experience was like. It’s also interesting to ask how they discovered the app.
What is the most meaningful connection you’ve made through tasking?
I’ve had Clients who have booked me for jobs throughout the whole summer/fall season to do Yard Work. These Clients feel like family now from all the stories we’ve shared each time I see them on a task. Their dog and kids expect to see me at least every other weekend now!
What would make you want to remain a Tasker for the foreseeable future?
I’m a stay at home parent to a 2 year-old, so until my child goes to school I’m able to control my schedule by tasking. As a Tasker, I feel that my time is respected and valued. TaskRabbit gives me financial stability as a first time homeowner.
What’s your best advice for other Taskers?
Communicate. Be clear. Be adaptable. Have a good work ethic and show up early. Open up and tell stories about yourself, and ask your Client questions. Be generally and genuinely interested. Don’t be all about the money–that will come.
How has TaskRabbit impacted your life?
It has helped me become a first-time homebuyer. TaskRabbit gave my family that mobility and option.
What’s your hidden talent?
I am a graphic designer! Most people are not aware I have an artistic side. I can also do a really long track stand on a bike. Years of messenger life paid off!
What do you do to unwind?
Now that we have a yard, I unwind by mowing the lawn. It seems strange but there is something really meditative about it to me. Another thing is watching home improvement shows while eating tons of Oreos!
It sounds like Chris has really maximized the opportunity of being on the TaskRabbit platform: he works flexibly around the demands of his life schedule, and has become a homeowner in the process–further building empathy for what Clients need when they hire Taskers.
