Going no where - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

STUMPFOOT · 06-09-2007, 10:22 PM

I have been in business here in Central Oregon for about 2 months and have done very little. I was reading another thread about the amount of leads in May and it got me to wondering what I am doing wrong. I live in an area thats booming, the work is there, I am just not getting the leads. I have advertized in all the local and free papers, I have sent flyers and cards and visited with all the property managers in the area (about 50. Not exactly who I want to do business with but when your just getting started you cant be picky) I put a decal in the back of my SUV and the one job I did get in May, the HO was nice enough to let me leave a yard sign in front of his house for a couple of weeks. What am I missing? It's not like I am getting leads and cant sell the jobs, my phone just is'nt ringing.

PressurePros · 06-09-2007, 10:26 PM

It takes awhile to get your name out. I don't know anyone that generated tons of leads out of the gate. Hopefully you budgeted yourrself to make very little net profit your first year in business. It gets better every year. By year three things really start taking off and by five years your advertising budget should represent a small portion of gross sales.

Wolverine-Eric · 06-09-2007, 10:28 PM

We have sold some sound deadening/damping coating to a company in central Oregon. Evidently, they are REALLY busy and are booked throught the end of summer.

Do you have a website?

Are you willing to work for someone else?

check out

www.webfootpainting.com

Workaholic · 06-09-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUMPFOOT

I have been in business here in Central Oregon for about 2 months and have done very little. I was reading another thread about the amount of leads in May and it got me to wondering what I am doing wrong. I live in an area thats booming, the work is there, I am just not getting the leads. I have advertized in all the local and free papers, I have sent flyers and cards and visited with all the property managers in the area (about 50. Not exactly who I want to do business with but when your just getting started you cant be picky) I put a decal in the back of my SUV and the one job I did get in May, the HO was nice enough to let me leave a yard sign in front of his house for a couple of weeks. What am I missing? It's not like I am getting leads and cant sell the jobs, my phone just is'nt ringing.

Well as most will tell you the first year is bound to be rough, it often takes more than a couple of months to get a good reputation, Just stick it out. If you have a high integrity to your work, then the word of mouth will follow. Just keep at it Oregon is a thriving environment.

Where abouts in central Oregon are ya at? I love Oregon, lived in Eugene for almost 20 years

Terrence · 06-10-2007, 01:25 AM

Good Afternoon Ma'am!
My name is [______], and I'm painting a house right around the corner from here. Well, I just wanted to stop by on my way to lunch to give you my card (refrigerator magnets are much better!). You see, I noticed your [______] is peeling, and thought you might want to have it done soon. Now I don't want to waste your afternoon or be a nuisance, ma'am, so I'll be along my way.

Oh, and if you don't decide to have that painted, I sure would appreciate it if you would pass that card on to someone who could use it!

Thank yah, ma'am

--------------------------------

I used to do this to 3 to 5 houses every afternoon, and I'll be damned if I didn't get an inquiry from every single day's effort.

By they way, if they want to talk, LET THEM! That closes the sale! Listen very closely, and take notes after you get back in your vehicle. Write down the address next to your notes. If she calls, she will say "Hello this is Mrs. Willis over on 78 Thurmond..." and you say, Yes ma'am, did you ever get those soffits (or whatever) painted?"

I take notes like "cat's name is Mumford... loves to make cranberry marmalade... hates republicans... " Let them know that you heard and remembered what they said, and they will hire you fer shure.

Advertising in newspapers is an invitation to PRICE shoppers -- they will get your estimate, and about three others... lowest wins.

Being your charming and loveable self makes them want you to work on their house at any price. Tried and True my friend!

**ProWallGuy** · 06-10-2007, 10:06 AM

2 months isn't hardly long enough to judge anything. Keep plugging away, and ask any customers you get for referrals. ASK THEM. Don't just assume they will. I believe it takes between 3-5 years before your phone will regularly ring for work. Until then, keep working hard.

Richard · 06-10-2007, 10:50 AM

*Truck or Van with large logo's

*Website is an absolute must

*Give out at least 50 business cards per day (paint store, businesses, in person, etc.)

*Company shirts for you and all employees

*Really good contract and warranty

Get your company on www.411.com, www.google.com, yahoo local, www.switchboard.com, www.yellowbook.com, www.yellowpages.com, local newspaper, local coupon flyers....

If you are offering good quality in a timely manner, no drugs, no swearing, clean, very knowledgable about your supplies and paint, and do the things above...I'm sure you'll work out the kinks

Good luck

STUMPFOOT · 06-10-2007, 12:40 PM

Thanks guys. I know it takes time, it's just hard to sit at home when you know theres so much going on out there.

Forry · 06-10-2007, 07:16 PM

Hey Stumpfoot- You in Eugene? PM me your info, maybe we should chat....

Mike Finley · 06-10-2007, 08:26 PM

My #1 advice to you would be to decide what you want to do.

Do you want to work as business to business or business to consumer.

That's sub for GCs, GC commerical work, tenant finish or work directly for residential customers.

Being new you think you want to do it all and take everything that comes your way. Hey, that's fine as long as those are extra jobs in addition to your focus to fill in.

But you should decide a direction and then go 100% at it.

Each type of work has a completely different way to get work, so once you focus its going to be easier to find help.

pstorey · 06-10-2007, 08:46 PM

Definitely concentrate your downtime on getting your name out there. Put your card up in coffee shops, call gc's etc. I use a mothers group e-mail list and every week theres a new mother looking for a recommendation for one trade or another. Take any job that comes your way. Make as many of your mistakes as you can early on so you don't have to make then later down the road. Stay busy. educate yourself. Reading these forums is a great way to spend some free time, especially the business and marketing forums. Plan on making no more money than you did as a wage slave, at least not until you have the signs on your truck, the t-shirts for your guys and your job signs too. Work on your contracts. improve or initiate your hiring program. Are you planning to get a journeyman or a rookie? Stay positive. Finalise your business plan.Visualise your goals vividly, then go out there and get 'em! Good luck

amauri · 06-11-2007, 06:03 PM

i'd say door hanger is a good thing ,too.

at least 250 per day,when you don't have anything to do.It's gonna make you feel busy.

Mon - Fri ------ 1250 door hangers

Someone is gonna call ,,, for sure.

PS: Good shoes , because it's a lot of walking.

Wolverine-Eric · 06-11-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrence

Good Afternoon Ma'am!
My name is [______], and I'm painting a house right around the corner from here. Well, I just wanted to stop by on my way to lunch to give you my card (refrigerator magnets are much better!). You see, I noticed your [______] is peeling, and thought you might want to have it done soon. Now I don't want to waste your afternoon or be a nuisance, ma'am, so I'll be along my way.

Oh, and if you don't decide to have that painted, I sure would appreciate it if you would pass that card on to someone who could use it!

Thank yah, ma'am

--------------------------------

I used to do this to 3 to 5 houses every afternoon, and I'll be damned if I didn't get an inquiry from every single day's effort.

By they way, if they want to talk, LET THEM! That closes the sale! Listen very closely, and take notes after you get back in your vehicle. Write down the address next to your notes. If she calls, she will say "Hello this is Mrs. Willis over on 78 Thurmond..." and you say, Yes ma'am, did you ever get those soffits (or whatever) painted?"

I take notes like "cat's name is Mumford... loves to make cranberry marmalade... hates republicans... " Let them know that you heard and remembered what they said, and they will hire you fer shure.

Advertising in newspapers is an invitation to PRICE shoppers -- they will get your estimate, and about three others... lowest wins.

Being your charming and loveable self makes them want you to work on their house at any price. Tried and True my friend!

I think I want you to come and paint my vinyl siding!

MakDeco · 06-11-2007, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolverine-Eric

I think I want you to come and paint my vinyl siding!

Come on wolverine rip that stuff off and put up some cement siding!

POOLMANinCT · 06-11-2007, 08:46 PM

from the title of your thread "going nowhere "
I'd say ditch the defeating attitude.
you said it yourself, your new & in a busy area. cruise our down & dirty marketing threads & get the bucks rolling!!!!!!!!
contracting is not for the "impressionable"
positive visualization, see yourself hustle the reward will come....
best of luck!!!!!
ray

Wolverine-Eric · 06-11-2007, 08:47 PM

lol... I know... that's gotta hurt!

I bought this house as a fixer upper... about 10 years ago.. .lol... My plan was to be here for 2 years...

Anyway, I've fixed it up considerably. Siding... Windows... Gutters... Windows... Landscaping... Painting... New Doors... Ceramic Tile... several rooms... etc...

I've done about 80% of it myself... I've got 2 bathrooms left and repaint one bedroom!

My next house is going to be stucco!!!

POOLMANinCT · 06-11-2007, 08:50 PM

& segment your markets. you can't effectively persuade gc, commercial, landlords, & residential
buyers the same way.
if you effectively execute a segment campaign one of those markets is going to crack for you.

Dave Mac · 06-12-2007, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUMPFOOT

Thanks guys. I know it takes time, it's just hard to sit at home when you know theres so much going on out there.

if your sitting at home your not going to get buisness, when you dont have paint work to do your other job should be handing out flyers, visiting decorators, etc....

STUMPFOOT · 06-12-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Mac

if your sitting at home your not going to get buisness, when you dont have paint work to do your other job should be handing out flyers, visiting decorators, etc....

Well that was just a figure of speech denoting no work. But good suggestions though.

Tom Rohland · 06-12-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STUMPFOOT

I have been in business here in Central Oregon for about 2 months and have done very little. I was reading another thread about the amount of leads in May and it got me to wondering what I am doing wrong. I live in an area thats booming, the work is there, I am just not getting the leads. I have advertized in all the local and free papers, I have sent flyers and cards and visited with all the property managers in the area (about 50. Not exactly who I want to do business with but when your just getting started you cant be picky) I put a decal in the back of my SUV and the one job I did get in May, the HO was nice enough to let me leave a yard sign in front of his house for a couple of weeks. What am I missing? It's not like I am getting leads and cant sell the jobs, my phone just is'nt ringing.

Stumpy,

Focus on the task at hand.

Check out the Marketing for Painting Contractors manual by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA).

Persevere.

Tom Rohland, Jr.
Ranger Painting & Pressure Cleaning, Inc.
Lake Mary, Florida