Keep Your Business Marketing Fresh
I’ve talked with some of my fellow consultants and many contractors recently and it’s become obvious that with the hard times that we’re experiencing many of you have slashed your education and marketing budgets. Don’t to it.
The successful contractors that are staying busy during this downturn have a common thread as to why they are busy. They continue with their education and increase (not decrease) their marketing budget. If you don’t stay on top of things and don’t get the word out that you’re not a well kept secret how can you expect to get new leads coming in.
These contractors are good at thinking “Outside of the Box” I’m sure many of you have heard this term and it goes with an article I did a few weeks back called “Prime the Pump” I know these are simply clichés but when times are tough sometimes these silly sayings will spark some imaginative thinking.
So when you’re struggling coming up with new ideas that can spur some business think about the ”9 Dots”. See if you have what it takes. Draw 9 dots on a piece of paper like the illustration. Now connect all 9 dots using 4 lines without raising your pencil off the paper. (Hint – think outside of the box)
Connect the 9 Dots with 4 Lines without raising your pencil
Now go ahead and watch the short video I put together and then come back and make a comment about some of the ways that you are “Thinking Outside of the Box” in your business. Let’s get this thread going with lots of good ideas.
Also try searching “Think Outside the Box” You’ll get some great articles.
Remember to leave your comments!
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I have really learned some new things from the blog post. One more thing to I have noticed is that usually, FSBO sellers will certainly reject you. Remember, they can prefer never to use your expert services. But if a person maintain a reliable, professional romance, offering help and keeping contact for four to five weeks, you will usually be able to win an interview. From there, a house listing follows. Many thanks
Excellent post on marketing ideas mortgage brokers! I really enjoyed reading it, and my site is about Marketing Plans so I’m not just saying is lightly. Keep up the great work!
Hi Dan,
You’re always willing to share your knowledge and insights – and because I know that it takes real dedication to get those good ideas written down and published to your blog, I just want to say thank you!
You asked, so my current “outside the box” thoughts for other business owners: Discover and embrace changes in technology. Think about new and innovative ways you can use technology within your industry – two examples:
1) You could begin to have your workers report time from their Blackberry straight back into your QuickBooks file (= more accurate timekeeping and job-costing + immediate tracking results available + it cuts out almost all data entry time back in the office).
AND/OR
2) You could learn how to use GoToMeeting to conduct online meetings with clients. You can show them all sorts of pictures, or products, document decisions made in meetings, or sketch out new ideas while you’re talking to them. This is “hands on/eyes on” fun, convenient for everyone, and can keep you in closer touch with your clients.
There are lots of other ways to use technology to learn more, and work better, smarter, faster. Yes, it can be a little frustrating as you go through the front end learning curve, but everything I read says that exercising your brain by learning a new skill is the best way to keep it functioning at high levels! So if you find yourself running up a learning curve hill – and begin panting with the effort – tough it out! Think of the benefits you’ll enjoy: a new skill mastered that you can add to your “toolkit” for future use, increased productivity, and the “YES I CAN DO IT” sense of triumph when you conquer something new.
Dan,
Thank you for continuing to provide us with interesting and inspiring ideas. I have not yet started a blog of my own, but I have found that reading and commenting on blogs is a great way to build confidence in your blogging skills. I encourage all to try.
Thank you to all who have replyed
Future Blogger
Thank you so much. I really enjoyed “Prime the Pump”.
Just this morning I was listening to a CD from Brian Tracy. One line I can’t forget and make it my own: “Yes, I’ve heard about that recession but I decided not to participate!”
Folks, we create our own future. Besides Dan’s tip talking to Realtors I found Mortgage Brokers are also open for our services. Give it a shot. What can you lose?
What about any free giveways. Let’s say a free iPod in return for a As-built?
Have a great day.
Dan,
Thanks for the uplifting emails and for this blog. About 6 months ago we started exploring the purchasing of products direct from manufacturers after many of our suppliers started to get into installed sales. About a year and a half ago We had purchased a building and are currently remodeling it to install a showroom for display purposes. We are amazed as to how much feel, touch and show our design build business needed this showroom. Once we get the client we don’t have to let a supplier take them and screw it up by having no concern for the clients budget and taking them in a totally different direction. More control of the sales process.
Thanks again Dan for you efforts to keep everyone going. Happy New Year.
We have been in business since the early 70′s and knew this bubble was going to break, so about three years ago we added steel blds. to our program. We are in a farming community and this has been a great help. They can be sold for under $30.00 a sq. ft. and still show a profit . Thank you for your great site, you are also a fantastic teacher. I have enjoyed your training videos for a long time.
Dan,
You are always a breath of fresh air. After 25 years in the industry, I can forget that I don;t know everything! Thanks for being that bright spot today that I hope for every day. Happy New year!