I am just like you! I had the same problems, but now I have a thriving business. I handed out flyers, and I also got a yard sign to put up in the front yard. It really helps because I live on the main street in our neighborhood. I started by mowing a lawn, and then it just grew to two, and then word-of-mouth increased it a lot. I have many permanent customers, and around this time I get more people who go on vacation. I also rake and shovel, and I would recommend doing all you could because if you do one of those things they might like your work and want you to mow. Or the flip side. The goal is to advertise. Even if you don't have a lot of money, advertise, advertise, advertise. If you don't do THAT, you won't get the customers and the money. I also have a website, and on my yard sign and flyers I put my email, so when people email me I put my website down at the bottom so they will hopefully check out the other services I do. If you have any other questions, I will be glad to help!