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Case Study: Monica

Monica worked for many years as an electrician for a small local contractor. She put in new wiring, fixed broken outlets, and added lights in houses and stores. The job was steady, but she often thought about starting her own business. She liked the idea of choosing her own customers and deciding which jobs to take.

One Saturday, she sat at her kitchen table with a notebook. She wrote down the things that could help her and the things that might make it harder. She was quick at solving problems, had good relationships with her customers, and knew the rules for safe electrical work. She could work on new buildings and older homes. But she sometimes waited too long to do her paperwork, had trouble keeping track of her spending, and found it hard to give prices right away when customers asked.

She also thought about what was happening in her town. A new housing area was being built, more people were working from home and needed upgrades, and the city was giving money to help women start businesses. Old co-workers said they would tell people about her. At the same time, bigger companies with more workers, higher prices for supplies, bad weather, and customers who might cancel could all cause problems.

After thinking it over, Monica wrote a short message to share with customers: “I offer clean, reliable electrical work for homeowners who want quick service and no surprises.” She planned to earn money from quick repair jobs, big projects that need a deposit, and monthly safety checks for landlords. Closing her notebook, she felt ready to take the next step.

Revenue stream
how a business earns money
Deposit
money paid before the job starts
Reliable
able to be trusted
Referrals – people telling others to use your service
Writing
What are some ways Monica might earn money? (CCR RI.4.1)
What is one of Monica’s strengths that helps her business? (CCR RI.4.1)
What is one of Monica’s weaknesses she needs help with? (CCR RI.4.1)
Write Monica’s value proposition in your own words. (CCR RI.4.1)
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