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getting contractor/realtor work!!! need help
- Thread starter spraypro
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CaroliProWash
New Member
Contractors and Realtors are two different animals so have to be approached completely differently.
Contractors, in our opinion, do not want a phone call or a post card. The contractors that we have landed have responded well to the "chase them down on a jobsite, shake their hand, I can do this for you" approach. These guys/women are busy and don't have time to chit-chat. They want to see what you can do, that you can meet their deadlines and how much it will cost them...period. They're not as interested in the shiny business cards or brochures. We have kept them (1) because of the stellar work Roger does (2) we ALWAYS answer their calls and (3) when they don't call us, we now call them periodically & remind them to get busy.
Real Estate Agents are the "bring me presents, ie donuts/croissants/bagels and I'll talk to you" type. It's harder to sell your services to realtors unless you're going to develop a full blown marketing program that specifically targets this market (In my opinion!) Sellers don't usually want to fork out a lot of money on their house that's selling but on the flip side of the coin, the new buyer is probably going to be broke by the time all is finished closing. The realtor isn't going to be particularly excited about paying out of pocket on the off chance that the house sells quickly but the curb appeal/sell this house quicker would be the start point with this group. Now with business cards and brochures, I'm sure that this will be the polar opposite of the contractors. Fancy may get you more calls.
For either, demonstrating proper insurancing and licensing and affiliations are going to be a crucial market edge.
Just some thoughts
Celeste
Contractors, in our opinion, do not want a phone call or a post card. The contractors that we have landed have responded well to the "chase them down on a jobsite, shake their hand, I can do this for you" approach. These guys/women are busy and don't have time to chit-chat. They want to see what you can do, that you can meet their deadlines and how much it will cost them...period. They're not as interested in the shiny business cards or brochures. We have kept them (1) because of the stellar work Roger does (2) we ALWAYS answer their calls and (3) when they don't call us, we now call them periodically & remind them to get busy.
Real Estate Agents are the "bring me presents, ie donuts/croissants/bagels and I'll talk to you" type. It's harder to sell your services to realtors unless you're going to develop a full blown marketing program that specifically targets this market (In my opinion!) Sellers don't usually want to fork out a lot of money on their house that's selling but on the flip side of the coin, the new buyer is probably going to be broke by the time all is finished closing. The realtor isn't going to be particularly excited about paying out of pocket on the off chance that the house sells quickly but the curb appeal/sell this house quicker would be the start point with this group. Now with business cards and brochures, I'm sure that this will be the polar opposite of the contractors. Fancy may get you more calls.
For either, demonstrating proper insurancing and licensing and affiliations are going to be a crucial market edge.
Just some thoughts
Celeste
PressurePros
New Member
very good advice
jandjsales
New Member
get hooked up with one contractor and it will roll from there, do them a good quailty job and they will tell their friends, which are generaly other contractors. pretty much the same with realtors, just a little harder to get in the door. 3 or 4 contractors will keep you busy. I have friends that are realtors and not much comes from them.
Jeff G
Jeff G
CaroliProWash
New Member
An excellent networking avenue is your local HomeBuilders Association. Dues for the year are about $350. For your money (at least in our area) you get:
1) Membership in National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.com)
2) Membership in state association
3) Membership in local association
4) Use of all three logos
Now for the part that makes the money worth it if you have to get more than that
Our group meets 10 times a year (skips July & December). We get a great dinner with an open bar. (Keep in mind Roger & I have 4 kids and seldom get date nights so 10 dinner/drink nights @ $35 each is a nice deal for us plus it's tax deductible). At these dinners, you are surrounded by builders and realtors - it's a much much more relaxed atmosphere, you're encouraged to exchange cards, etc...
You get listed in the local association directory. Most members will pick it up before the phone book to find someone that's a member to use.
Most local associations do a number of very public activities each year (usually this is the group that does the Parade of Homes) and all participants always get listed in any publicity that comes out of it (free advertising)
Your company has opportunities to sponsor things, ie... "Closest to the Pin" contests at a golf tournament....every golfer that passes during the tourney sees your name.
Our group also has a function where you can buy a table and showcase your work. It's like a trade show (free drinks & food again) We did one and made a ridiculous number of contacts, many of who became customers. It was an awesome return for the extra $100.
If you have a marketing budget outlined.....it is a great tool.
Celeste
1) Membership in National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.com)
2) Membership in state association
3) Membership in local association
4) Use of all three logos
Now for the part that makes the money worth it if you have to get more than that
Our group meets 10 times a year (skips July & December). We get a great dinner with an open bar. (Keep in mind Roger & I have 4 kids and seldom get date nights so 10 dinner/drink nights @ $35 each is a nice deal for us plus it's tax deductible). At these dinners, you are surrounded by builders and realtors - it's a much much more relaxed atmosphere, you're encouraged to exchange cards, etc...
You get listed in the local association directory. Most members will pick it up before the phone book to find someone that's a member to use.
Most local associations do a number of very public activities each year (usually this is the group that does the Parade of Homes) and all participants always get listed in any publicity that comes out of it (free advertising)
Your company has opportunities to sponsor things, ie... "Closest to the Pin" contests at a golf tournament....every golfer that passes during the tourney sees your name.
Our group also has a function where you can buy a table and showcase your work. It's like a trade show (free drinks & food again) We did one and made a ridiculous number of contacts, many of who became customers. It was an awesome return for the extra $100.
If you have a marketing budget outlined.....it is a great tool.
Celeste