Creative Ways Of Getting Sub Contracts

Fuzzycram

I have started a framing company because that is what I do best. It is the vast majority of my experience and I am very very good at it. I was remodeling and I found that I had too much to learn to be able to deliver the kind of customer satisfaction that I wanted and promised. Framing in Florida is much different from remodeling in Florida because you go from dealing with mainly HOs to dealing with contractors and builders. I was able to get many jobs in remodeling by giving the home owner a packet of information that was colorful and informative as well as expensive. It was worth the cost, though, because they called me instead of the other way around. My question is - Are there any creative ways anyone has drummed up business from contractors or builders during these rough times? I want to give them an information pack about my company but I don't know if it needs to be as expensive as the color prints and glossy folders with my big logo on the front like i gave home owners.. I don't think if I were in their shoes I would be interested in seeing that. I want them to know they are getting a quality product without the insane over head of the big framers out here. Any ideas?

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Quality over Quantity

Carport King

Since you already have the fancy stuff why not send out 50-100 and see what happens?

Builders are used to seeing a nice logo or mailing piece. Or try the true and tested method KNOCK ON SOME DOORS!

CarterConstruct

As a GC we receive a lot of flyers, folders, postcards, and other marketing material. We do look at some of the stuff, but unfortunately, most of it ends up in the trash without a second thought.

One idea, though. Why not do a small seminar for the GC's covering a topic or two in which they lack knowledge. It could be on framing technique, building codes, etc.

Another idea: put business card size magnets on your truck and when you are parked in front of your job site and or supply warehouse people can take them right off your truck. Maybe even have a sign that say "take one".

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CARTER CONSTRUCTION
Building Relationships....not just buildings

ChrWright

I get mailers & info all the time that get lost in the pile and eventually tossed.

You're competing for my attention with everything I get from manufacturers to trade orgs to the million other marketing messages every business owner receives from folks who want something from us.

I'll remember you better if I get a personal phone call introducing yourself and an offer to email me your contact info. If I want to keep you in mind for a future project, an email is the best way for me to keep your info from getting lost.

In the email, you can offer supplemental info--references, experience, etc.--stuff that proves to me you know enough about what you're doing for me to give you a shot at bidding one of my projects.

My 2 cents anyway.

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Christopher Wright, CR: President @ WrightWorks, LLC/President @ Central Indiana NARI, Named to the 2010 REMODELING Big50
www.WrightWorks.net - Facebook - Twitter - Carmel Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - You Can Get There From Here

Loren

I noticed a contractor the other day that had a hitch mounted sign on the back of his pickup. It caught my attenion because I have never noticed something like that before. I don't know who made it but it looked like a good way to promote your business. Especially if you are on the road a lot or if you have jobs where you park your vehicle on the street.

MEDIAINSTALLS

Seminar is a nice idea, however you have to get the invitations out so you know you are having one. If this is mailed it gets tossed with the rest of the stuff in the pile. Tradeshows and conventions have been around year after year and can be seen as an annual event to catch your attention and you know when it is.

So how do you get word out about a seminar that no one ever heard about?

mark the coach

Have you considered joining a builders association in your area? Associations like NARI, NAHB and your local builder associations usually hold monthly meetings. You usually can visit to check out the group without having to join. Before you go, obtain a list of the members online to see if you know any of the members. If you do, call them and ask them if you can go as their guest. When members bring guests they receive credit for it and it makes them look good with the membership.
General Contractors who join these associations are usually larger in size and they are always interested in having good reliable subs. If you have successfully worked for homeowners in remodeling, use that as a selling point and let the remodelers know you are familair with the in and outs of working on a project where there is a H/O living there. Use your existing literature to show your expertise. I have several contractor friends in NARI who are always looking to increase the number of qualified subs in order to service the customer. One of their biggest concerns is lining up subs to work and when it comes time to show up they are tied up on another job. Insure that they know you would never let that happen.

Hope this helps.

mark the coach

CarterConstruct

Here are a few ideas:
1. Go to the local Chamber of Commerce meetings. In our area it seems like a lot of GCs belong to the chambers. Our chamber even has guest speakers come to the meetings and do presentations.

2. Go to some local Associated General Contractors' (AGC) meetings. Many GCs go there and you can tell them about the seminar & give them your card with a note about the seminar on the back. In fact, give them 2 cards so they can tell a co-working. I don't think giving them a flyer at one of the meetings will be effective.

3. Call the GC's office directly and personally invite them. You may need to ask who's the correct person to speak to about this. They may even want you to go to them and do a presentation at their office.

4. Hold the seminar in a place where the GCs can eat and drink. If you can sponsor the meal that's even better. Maybe get one of your supplies to help pay for the cost.

That's all I can come up with right now. I'll give it some more thought.....

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CARTER CONSTRUCTION
Building Relationships....not just buildings