Issue Number 54 | 12-09-08
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
Marketing Strategy- Magnetic Business Cards...on your Truck?!
Installation Tip - Hidden Hanger
Weekly Safety Focus - Roof Safety
_____________________________________________________
Successful strategies in a
"Bearish" economy.
(part 1 of a 3 part series)
First things First...your financial picture:
Drastic times call for drastic measures. First, assess your current financial situation, and take whatever action is necessary.
Cutting Staff/Lay-Off
It's never an easy thing to let those who have helped you and your business grow but to survive you must make some hard choices. That's why your the person with the name on the bottom of the checks. You can do this unpleasant task with gravity and sincerity to ease the inevitable discomfort associated with cutting/lay-offs.
Renegotiate Loans
You can save thousands on business loans if you can get a better interest rate or payment plan. Being savvy in this area can really take some of the pressure off your monthly overhead.
Ask for forbearance from your suppliers
Chances are your suppliers are dealing with several companies in your situation. Times being what they are and all they just may cut you a break. It is imperative that you stick to your end of the bargain though. If you fall through, you've just burned very significant bridge.
In short, get some breathing room, financially speaking. Give your company a realistic assessment & make an action plan to move forward. After the dust settles be sure you've eliminate the bad business practices that got you there in the first place.
No matter what your current business dilemma, it will be helped by generating cost effective leads and the sales that come from them. Our next installment will focus on the more positive side of revenue generation.
_____________________________________________________
Magnetic Business Cards... on your vehicles and/or trailers?!
You probably have a stack of business cards sitting around your office that you've had for some time now. Hey! Turn that pile of cards into a pile of cash!
It's as simple as this:
Pick up a pack of pre-cut business card magnets from your local office supply store. A bundle of 100 costs about $22.00.Then, attatch your business cards to them and place the cards on your service vehicle and/or trailer. Put the cards close to your company logo. Not too many...pranksters might want to take them all off. Just use enough to show that they are there to take. Keep a stash of them in your glove box. You may want to print up a sign that says something like "Free - Take One" and put that right on your vehicle too.
If you don't have business cards, company logo, vehicle signage consider Gutter Graphics as a source for all that. Check them out at GutterGraphics.com
Call Ross if you have questions 9-5 M-F (EST) at 616-425-8198
_____________________________________________________
Installation Tip
Hidden Hangers
By now you're probably using Hidden Hangers instead of
Spike and Ferrules to fasten gutters to the fascia. If your still
using Spike and Ferrules you may want to consider offering your customers another installation option.
Hidden Hangers do not interrupt the profile of the
gutter by having a spike head every 2 to 3 feet.
Another disadvantage to using spikes is that tend to work
their
way loose over time. This is due to water actually traveling
down the shaft of the spike and into the fascia board. In colder climates where the gutters freeze to the top of the lip then thaw which allows the water to seep into the fascia it can literally damage the home. Home owners often have to replace rotted fascia boards due to this occurrence.
Hidden hangers provide an extremely secure connection
between the gutter and the fascia that will last far longer
than the spike will. Be sure that you are using stainless steel
screws as some of the newer treated woods will have an
adverse reaction with any other type of screw. Also, you don't
want to prematurely erode the metals in the process known
as "electrolysis". This is the undesirable process that
happens when dissimilar metals come in contact with
each other for a prolonged period of time.
_____________________________________________________
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SAFETY TIP FOR THIS WEEK
_____________________________________________________
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
____________________
Quote of the Week
Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin
____________________
Professional Gutter Contractors helping Professional Gutter Contractors!
nrgca.org/forum
____________________
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 Carribean
tony@nrgca.org
___________________
Just a little humor
3 friends die in a car accident and they go to an orientation in heaven. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and family are talking about you, what would you like them to say?
The first guy says,"I would
like to hear them say
that I was a great doctor of my time, and a great family man.
"The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful husband and school teacher which made a huge difference in our children of tomorrow.
"The last guy replies,
"I would like to hear them say ...
Look, He's Moving!