[Godsblzed1]

Hi Everyone....I am new to the Forum and I needed advise on growing my family business. I am taking over the business from my Father, who ran it more like a one man show. We only have 1 large job on the table right now but it won't startfor a few weeks....I am so slow now its scary!!!

I signed up with At&T to Advertise in the book and online...but got because the ad in book is an in column ad & SO Small and The online ad came out to be the same a my free one with them. I hate them for charging me for nothing..sorry for Ranting about that.

Can you please give me some advise to generate WORK! Thank you!!!

 

[chicken steve]

Welcome Godz

we were just discussing the concept of a loss leader here, not sure if that shoe fits your gig.....~CS~

 

[parnellelectric]

First off, Welcome,

As far as getting the phone to ring, good luck. Their is compatition everywhere, from other contractors, handymen, side work guys. There is alot of ideas on here, some good, some bad. Good Luck!

 

[3xdad]

Just start searching and reading these boards like a maniac.

Here's one to start.

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f2/advertisement-47017/

 

[HARRY304E]

Hi Everyone....I am new to the Forum and I needed advise on growing my family business. I am taking over the business from my Father, who ran it more like a one man show. We only have 1 large job on the table right now but it won't startfor a few weeks....I am so slow now its scary!!!

I signed up with At&T to Advertise in the book and online...but got because the ad in book is an in column ad & SO Small and The online ad came out to be the same a my free one with them. I hate them for charging me for nothing..sorry for Ranting about that.

Can you please give me some advise to generate WORK! Thank you!!!

Make up some fliers and get out there an pass them out ,same with business cards. Shake hands and kiss baby's create an ad and post it on craigslist..in the skilled trades section.

Do not pay for ads that require long term contracts they are not worth the money.

Welcome to ET..:thumbup:

 

[SHADOW]

One easy way,get to hardware store early in the morning,
usualy small contractor get there to get stuff they need,
so you can give business card and meet them directly,
direct contact is the key.

 

[Pearce Services]

Hi Everyone....I am new to the Forum and I needed advise on growing my family business. I am taking over the business from my Father, who ran it more like a one man show. We only have 1 large job on the table right now but it won't startfor a few weeks....I am so slow now its scary!!!

I signed up with At&T to Advertise in the book and online...but got because the ad in book is an in column ad & SO Small and The online ad came out to be the same a my free one with them. I hate them for charging me for nothing..sorry for Ranting about that.

Can you please give me some advise to generate WORK! Thank you!!!

No one can offer you any real advise, nor can you justify the expense until you define what type of work you are looking for. To market to residential work is different than commercial, new construction is different than service work. Do you just want big jobs like the one you have booked? How are you perceived in your market?

 

[Sparky J]

I am not a big fish by any stretch of the imagination but like others have said go balls to the wall promoting your business to everyone you meet. My business is pretty much word of mouth, I am not where I want to be and need to get out there more but word of mouth referrals from happy clients keep me in business.
As I grow with more men I know I will need to advertise more (necessary evil especially with service) but right now above is how it is.

 

[Sparky J]

Would anyone have flyers to view, I need to make some but am not sure how to go about it.

 

[Hippie]

Stay away from any kind of ad you have to pay for, in my experience none of them have been worth it. You might get lucky but I've yet to get much return on anything like that that I have tried.

As others have said, talk to potential customers directly, and leave them impressed if they hire you. Word of mouth and good referrals are worth more than any ad

 

[flyboy]

Talk about your business to everyone and ask for referrals.

Website - online scheduling feature, live chat and testimonials on the front page. Keep it simple and customer focused.

Organic search engine optimization.

Google ad words as much you can afford.

90% of the market looking for services is using a search engine to find it. You need to be where the majority of potential customers can find you.

 

[Godsblzed1]

Thank you u guys! 90% of our business are repeat customers & referrals. We do both Residential & Commercial - Service, New Construction & reno. I did post cards over the summer but I will try again. I will try to meet more people face to face to give out business cards...maybe I will join meetup group/Networking groups.

 

[Jbird66]

Lean in to your previous customer base. Nothing is as cheap as touching base with them and keeping your name in front of them for more work and referrals.

 

[Hippie]

Some good advice I found on here was to check out your local builder's association, its a good way to meet other contractors, I've picked up a couple from there

 

[Chris1971]

Hi Everyone....I am new to the Forum and I needed advise on growing my family business. I am taking over the business from my Father, who ran it more like a one man show. We only have 1 large job on the table right now but it won't startfor a few weeks....I am so slow now its scary!!!

I signed up with At&T to Advertise in the book and online...but got because the ad in book is an in column ad & SO Small and The online ad came out to be the same a my free one with them. I hate them for charging me for nothing..sorry for Ranting about that.

Can you please give me some advise to generate WORK! Thank you!!!

Try Angie's List.

 

[flyboy]

Lean in to your previous customer base. Nothing is as cheap as touching base with them and keeping your name in front of them for more work and referrals.

+1:thumbsup:

 

[99cents]

You have a change in your company structure and it is an ideal time to visit existing customers. Don't be scared to have heart to heart conversations. Ask questions. And here is the number one rule in selling: Ask for the business! even if somebody only wants a thermostat moved - show up on time, be professional and, when you're done, ask the customer if he's happy. Remember ABS, Always Be Selling!