Vol. 2 - Issue Number 1 | 01-05-09
Anybody out there want to run a successful Gutter Company?
We thought so! Now, take a look at this week's
newsletter to see what the NRGCA has for you._____________________________________________________
In This Issue
Survival Strategies - In a Bearish Economy, Part 3
Marketing Strategy- Websites on a Shoestring
Installation Tip - Downspout straps and washers
Weekly Safety Tip - Ladders and Powerlines_____________________________________________________
Successful strategies in a
"Bearish" economy.
(part 3 of a 3 part series)Phone Canvassing:
Canvassing is "the systematic contacting of individuals in a target group, often in a particular geographic area." Your target group are those folks in need of home improvement products. Where in your market area are people staying in homes that need improvement rather than moving? With the ringing_phonereal estate and credit markets in decline, many are opting to stay and renovate rather than sell and move. This creates a tremendous opportunity for aggressive direct marketing campaigns such as phone canvassing.
Home Shows and Events:
Yes Virginia, there still is a consumer out there. Despite the doom and gloom you've heard in the news there are many that need your company and the service you provide. Here are the two basic lines of action in the Home Show/Events booth attendent: Proactive vs passive lead generation. Passive lead generators are in their booths sitting down, eating food, and even texting while they're "working thesales_dude event." Proactive lead generators, however, are using a system to insure a positive interaction with prospects at a home show or event. That system consists of interrupting the prospect with a question, engaging them with disarming conversation which allows the lead generator to educate the prospect about their product offering so they can close and set the appointment.
By being proactive you'll not only survive, but you just may prosper in this challenging economy.
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Web Sites on a Shoestring
Hey, get with the times and get a Web site! A Web Site doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. If you have it professionally done and make it an extension of your advertising and print materials it could increase your bottom line significantly. It actually has the potential to become a primary source of leads if you know how to use it to it's full potential. Prospective gutter customers should be able to go to your site for more information than what they see in your print ads, your brochure or the yellowpages.
Revisit your website regularly to update and improve it. You don't need a counter on a website, but make sure your web hosting company provides a means for you to check traffic so you can monitor your marketing efforts.
If you don't have an effective Web Site and/or lack the know-how to make it all it can be consider Gutter Graphics as a source for that. Check them out at GutterGraphics.comCall Ross if you have questions 9-5 M-F (EST) at 616-425-8198
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Installation Tip
Downspout straps and Washers
The goal with every installation is, first time on the job site completion, and no return warranty service issues.
One way to help eliminate future service issues, for less than one penny per downspout strap is by adding an Aluminum Fender washer (between 5/8" and ¾") in diameter. This will in most cases prevent the downspout strap from ripping around the screw head.
Let's keep identifying and eliminating these service issues and watch our bottom line profit go up!!
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SAFETY TIP FOR THIS WEEK
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Each week we bring relevant information on 3 subjects that are pertanent to Gutter contractors; Sales/Marketing, Installation/Production & Managing your company. Also we provide a weekly Safety Training Outline to help you comply with your Local, State & Federal safety regulations.
We are excited about bringing this informative newsletter to you and hope that you enjoy it. If you have question we can help you find the answers
Sincerely,
Tony Cobb
National Rain Gutter Contractors Association
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Quote of the Week
Do more than is required. What is the distance between someone who achieves their goals consistently and those who spend their lives and careers merely following? The extra mile.
Gary Ryan Blair
www.goalsguy.com
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Professional Gutter Contractors helping Professional Gutter Contractors!
nrgca.org/forum
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Would you consider going on a Carribean Cruise?
What could you learn from 40 to 50 other Gutter Contractors?
The NRGCA is checking to see if there is enough interest to make it happen!1. 4-5 Days or 7 Days
2. Jan or Feb 2010
3. West Coast or Carribeantony@nrgca.org
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Just a little humor
A Roofer was walking down the street, carrying a brown paper bag. He ran into a Gutter Guy, who asked, "Hey! What do you have in the bag?"
The Roofer tells the Gutter Guy that he has some fish in the bag. The Gutter Guy says, "Well, I'll make you a bet. If I can guess how many fish you have in the bag, you'll have to give me one."Then the Roofer says, "I'll tell you what. If you tell me how many fish I have in this bag, I'll give you both of them."
