Generating Consistent Leads
By Michael StoneThere isn’t any magic formula for quickly generating quality leads for your construction business. It requires focused long-term effort.
Depending on Referrals
By Michael StoneTake charge of your marketing and let the leads you get by referral be the frosting on the cake.
Promoting Your Business: The County Fair
By Michael StoneIt’s summer, and that means community gatherings for people wanting to have fun. In our area, the main event is the county fair. I’m confident there is a similar event in your area.
Share Your Cards
By Michael StoneBusiness cards are a simple, inexpensive way to provide everyone you come in contact with the information they need to reach you.
Canvassing: Connect with the Neighborhood
By Michael StoneOne of the more unpopular things I recommend is canvassing the neighborhood around your jobs. It’s unpopular because it’s misunderstood.
Doing What’s Right
By Michael StoneHow should you handle a mistake? What if it’s a mistake you made over a decade ago?
Can They Find You?
By Michael StoneIf you’re a dependable, responsible construction-business owner, do potential clients in your area know you exist?
Getting Ahead
By Michael StoneAs we head into Memorial Day weekend, we want to share an upbeat note we received in April from a client.
A Reputation for Cleanliness
By Michael StoneEvery day we drive by a new home under construction. I don’t know how many people pass this new home every day but I would guess it’s in the thousands; the road is always busy.
We Don’t Advertise
By Michael Stone“We don’t advertise” is well meaning mischief at its worst. It cuts your company off from a large pool of potential clients who are looking for a contractor to help them get their job built.
Let Them Know What to Expect
By Michael StoneIf you’re doing service work, make sure your client knows what to expect before you start.
Generational Differences
By Michael StoneI’ve been reading advice in a few construction magazines on how to sell to millennials, and I don’t understand the fuss.
I Don’t Need Any Leads!
By Michael Stone“I have more work than I can do. I tell new leads to call me after the first of the year.”
Working for Big Box Stores
By Michael StoneA young guy asked if signing on with one of the big box stores was a good idea. He hasn’t discovered yet that getting a lot of work doesn’t mean you’ll make lots of money.
What’s a Reasonable Advertising Budget?
By Michael StoneHow much should you spend on advertising? How much is too much?
What’s Your Specialty?
By Michael StoneIf you're one of the many contractors who start an advertising message with, "We specialize in . . . ", good for you. But if you follow that statement with a long laundry list of things you do, you're hurting your business.
Getting Involved with a Storm Chaser
By Michael StoneLast week, a contractor called to ask my opinion on getting involved with storm chasers that were in his area.
Getting Business as a Sub
By Michael StoneOne of the questions we’re asked most often is how a subcontractor can get jobs. How do you go about meeting general contractors and letting them know you’re available to build their jobs?
Watermelons and Sales Leads
By Michael StoneYou might not think of watermelons, but one of our clever coaching clients shared a method he’s used to attract new leads for his business.
Marketing is just like planting seeds
By Michael StoneFor those who don’t understand the need for an ongoing marketing and advertising program for your business, let me try this analogy:
A Bait and Switch Scam?
By Michael StoneLast weekend I passed a billboard on the side of the road. It loudly declared, "We will build your new home for $32 a square foot."
What Goes On a Business Card?
By Michael StoneOne of the topics was business cards, we spent several minutes reviewing the value of a business card and how it can help promote your company.
A Market in Holiday Lighting
By Michael StoneYou need to start planning your advertising to potential clients that you are available to install and take down Christmas lights and decorations.
Specialize in Construction – Stay Focused
By Michael StoneAfter working with a few hundred coaching clients, I believe that the key to profitability in construction is staying focused on doing a few things well.