You can say it until you’re blue in the face, “The results of your actions speak louder than words.” You can read motivational business books, post inspiring memes, promise to change or be better… but will all that help? Maybe for some; Maybe not for others. If you have made a 2017 goal to impress clients and get more business, here are few tips to get you there.
In construction, results really do speak volumes. A contractor can showcase a finished product that may look great, but that’s not the whole story. How did the process go? Was the job done with quality materials that will withstand the test of time? Was the job done on time? How was the contractor’s responsiveness to clients?
To really wow clients and get those coveted referrals, whether commercial or residential, contractors should take action and change behavior to stand out in a crowded field.
Be consistent with how you:
- Listen to client’s needs
- Follow-up on client’s questions
- Offer creative solutions to fit within client’s budget constraints
- Make yourself available and respond within a reasonable timeframe
- Show up on time, regardless if it’s a walk-thru meeting or day of work
- Use quality materials
- Keep client’s updated on progress or delays
- Keep client’s updated on changes to budget
- Don’t overextend yourself - clients will see right through you pushing them off while you sneak another job or two in between
Word of mouth is fantastic and free advertising that comes from personal experiences. An ad in a trade magazine or on Facebook will only get you name recognition. It’s the clients that are happy with not only with the finished product, but with the entire construction experience, that will have no hesitation in recommending you. But don’t forget the opposite can also happen; an unhappy client will be sure to spread the word to avoid you like the plague.
So your best bet is to be consistent on every job. A property manager, business owner, or nagging homeowner may be a pain to work with on a project, but that person may be the one so pleased with the experience that they send many, many more jobs your way. Communication and quality craftsmanship go hand-in-hand for success.
One note on using quality materials, because that’s our passion: The BECK Fastener Group® developed a line of tools that deliver the time and cost savings contractors demand, while keeping the focus on quality, versatility, and creating products that can power through projects faster. The SCRAIL® is a crossover, combining a screw and a nail that provides many advantages over the common nail or screw. View the video to see the many benefits including how they're twice as fast as the typical collated screw and eight times faster than manually installed bulk screws.