From the monthly archives:

September 2008

Referrals

September 29, 2008

I don’t  know how many contractors work to get referrals but this needs to be your #1 marketing source. If you learn nothing else from me, please learn this: You need to master how to receive referrals from every job you get.
So with every job you do, always have in the back of your mind, “how can [...]

Read the full article →

Sales Staff

September 27, 2008

Well the time has finally come to hire that first sales person and this is a big step because you have done all the sales from the beginning.
So you really need to put some thought into this, because you will have some expectations and it is important to start them off in the right direction, and [...]

Read the full article →

Contractor vs Contractor

September 24, 2008

Everyday we run up against other contractors when we are out bidding on jobs or projects. Last week I was bidding on a carport project, which by the way is my specialty in my field. I have built carports for condominiums for over 15 years and I am known for building the best carports in [...]

Read the full article →

Private – For Your Eyes Only!

September 24, 2008

I don’t know about you, but there’s something unsettling about all the information that’s available online. We do our banking, bill-paying, and purchasing online, all using account #’s, PINS, and personal information that is, well, personal. Talk about trusting the system.
Even this blog is just open to all who want to see it and read [...]

Read the full article →

Home Show Season

September 23, 2008

Yes it’s that time of year again, Show Time!
I remember doing my first home shows; I was always excited to see how many leads I could get and then turn them into sales. But yes, after awhile they do wear on you a bit. Hey I am sorry here but it seems all the people [...]

Read the full article →

Full Time Marketing

September 16, 2008

On again off again marketing is what most contractors do. They just do not understand the importance of putting together a marketing plan and sticking to it. It all begins with a budget that you can afford that is spread out over a 6 month plan.
I like to do 6-month campaigns because our market changes and so [...]

Read the full article →

What Is Loyalty?

September 15, 2008

In the contracting world loyalty used to mean a lot. But in today’s world it has changed a lot. Let’s look at some of the changes and see where things have gone wrong as far as your business is concerned.
Now for me I need to go back to working with my dad and the life [...]

Read the full article →

Win/Win

September 15, 2008

I just finished a great book that everyone with any business aspirations should read. It’s called “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” It sounds a little bit too much like a self-help book, and it can probably be found in that section of a bookstore, but once you get past the name and the first [...]

Read the full article →

Online vs Offline Marketing?

September 11, 2008

Everyday I hear contractors talk about marketing and what works and what does not work. The main thing is that no matter how they market their company, they must test all their marketing to make sure it is working first before they roll out a campaign.
Without a doubt you can test much faster and easier [...]

Read the full article →

Canvassing for Contractors

September 10, 2008

So there I was, mid-afternoon, doing some work at home, when I hear a knock at the front door. Curious, I opened it, and was greeted by an interesting sight: a young kid (I figured no older than 17), short and slight, with curly hair grown out long. He had the look of one who might have enjoyed a good [...]

Read the full article →