NRGCA Newsletter

Issue Number 52 | 11-24-08

Timely information to help run a profitable Gutter Company

Take a quick moment to review the information in this week's NRGCA newsletter. You'll find helpful tips for your gutter business. It's our members who make us what we are and we want to give you valuable strategies to make it through the tough economic times.

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In This Issue
Leads and Referrals- Proven Lead source
Marketing Strategy- Google Adwords
Installation Tip- Levels Lie!
Weekly Safety Focus - You'll be Shocked

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Sure Fire Ways To
Get Leads and Referrals

What is the best lead
for any gutter company? Is it the Yellow Pages, truck signage, a yard sign? These are all good methods for advertising but the number one reason a home owner chooses a specific contractor is because of Trust and Creditability. That is why successful companies know that referrals are the best lead.

So, how do you develop a system to consistently bring in referrals? Since 2002 I have been able to consistently bring 1-3 leads each week by attending an exclusive leads group meeting. There are a few types of networking/referral programs that are available. BNI (Business Networking Inc.) or similar types of organizations can bring gutter leads directly to you. Unlike placing an ad in the Yellow Pages then waiting for customers to come to you; you must be aggressive in the manner in which you pursue customers.

Being a member of business lead group is a low cost way to provide a consistent lead source. Business lead groups are exclusive where only one person per profession is allowed. One Mortgage Broker, one landscaper, one gutter contractor, etc. Each week you have an opportunity to train your sales force of 30 to 50 motivated people to help grow their business and yours. The one that I belong to meets 7:00- 8:30 AM on Wednesdays. Last year I booked over $72,000 in business that came directly from that group.

I suggest checking out BNI Link bni.com Masters of Networkingto find a locale chapter. You can visit up to 3 times before joining, and bring lots of business cards. If you have more than one chapter in your area go and visit each to find if you like one more than any other. Join the one that has the most construction oriented members such as landscapers, builders, roofers, and the big ones are insulation companies and water proofing companies. You can also solicit those types of contractors to visit if you need those types of members in your chapter. BNI has worked very well for my company, but like anything, you get what you put into it. "Givers Gain" when it comes to the referrals business.

Consider having all your sales people join a chapter and bring in 200-500 more referrals turn into profitable business each year.

Tony Cobb
Rain Gutter Consultants, Inc

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Inexpensive Marketing Strategies for your Gutter Company

Each week we feature proven sales and marketing tip to help gutter contractors grow thier gutter company. You'll find some of these useful, and some won't apply to your situation, but if you use your creativity you'll be able to find nuggets that could bring more gutter work your way.

Google AdWords: Although some words are being bid into sky-high prices, these text-based ads that appear on the top and right-hand side of Google searches are still a viable way to generate gutter leads because, you're not paying for who sees your ad...but only for those who act on it ie click on it and go to your website. Cost: Somewhere between a dollar and 4.00 per click. Most contractors pay $20 to $50 per gutter lead. Where as window companies may pay $100, $200 even $500 per lead. Everyday more people are disposing their phone books and turning to the internet.

If you do not have a website you should get one ASAP. A good website designer will charge anywhere from $800 to $5,000 dollars plus hosting and maintence. Gutter Graphics has works only with Gutter Contractors and can usually have a basic site up within 24 hours and they have monthly programs that start as low as 49.95 per month. Check them out at GutterGraphics.com

Call Ross if you have questions 9-5 M-F at 616-425-8198

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Installation Tip

To ensure that the gutter system flows properly it is important to
check the gutter slope with a level every 10 feet. There should be
at least a ¼" drop every 10 feet of running gutter. When the run
is complete it should then be checked with water to ensure proper
flow. Levels can lie about the slope but water only will lie to you when the wind blows.
Have your installers keep a small water bottle with
them to make the flow check quick and efficient.
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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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