Contractor Learning

How contractors can learn from other industries!

As most of you know I study a ton of marketing, not only in our contracting niche but also what goes around in a lot of other retail environments.

You can learn a ton just by reading Home Depots and Lowe’s insert in the weekly paper. And if you sell products to retail clients then this is a must to stay on top of the best money can buy you.

Believe me they have the highest paid copywriters and graphics departments in our industry. So yes a lot of contractors blow smoke about the big box stores but instead of complaining start learning from them.

By the way the inserts they use in the newspapers are the least  expensive way to advertise.So wake up and get on the marketing bus of learning.

Oh and by the way when your in one of these stores and you see the thousands of products they sell grab some of there product brochures and learn from them also.

The main thing is to look at the colors they use for print advertising and the graphics because again they have the best of everything so learn from it. Remember this all free and at your finger tips. Just reach out!

Everywhere I go threw out my day I watch and learn from the world around me. Just think how many times a day you come into contact with people and think how they inter act with you in your buying process.

Now, think how many jumped out and grab your attention,you no the ones that did something kind or gave you special attention or went out of there way to help you? How many? Surprised? Not many ?

Think about your business now? What do you do to gain attention?

Does the 80/20 rule come to mind? Do you fit in the 20% or the 80%?

When you drill down to your core client does 20% give you 80% of your business?

Remember when Home Depot was courting you for your contracting business? They wanted your material business everyday. Why? Home Depot clearly understands the 80/20 rule.

Think about McDonald’s? Do you think they understand who there core clients are? Maybe kids? After all Ronald McDonald is only second to Santa Claus.

All I am saying here is to open your eyes and ears and start learning from everyone around you. The nice part of this is that it’s all free to learn.

When I see and hear contractors bitching and moaning I can only blame them for there problems, because the answers are all around them if they would just shut up and listen and learn.

Well ,I better get off my soapbox but I hope this opened your eyes and helps you to start learning.

I am off to my favorite place to learn Books A Million my favorite marketing school.

Happy Selling

Glen Kohlenberg

Tagged as: Contractor, Home Depot, Lowe's, Marketing