RAISING AWARENESS

[NS'Creter]

Hi guys. I think that all of us here are stainers and engravers and I, for one, need a way to raise awareness. Not mine awareness for what I do. My advertising budget is practically nil, so that rules a lot of conventional means out. I run a couple of FREE ads on Kijiji as I've said before...and I've gotten a decent resonse. No paying jobs, but response. Someone mentioned in another thread that their friends still think they place and stamp...that's exactly what I'm talking about. Some of my family still doesn't get it. I got a response a couple of days ago to my Kijiji ad and the guy was looking for a large patio nd screened porch floor to be placed and stamped. I answered his inquiry with a polite explanation that I don't stamp and I even included a brief, point-form comparison of the processes. I invited him to respond again for more info or to set up a time to price the job, but haven't heard back. Anyone have an idea of how to get te word out?

[Lindy]

Postcards ... only cost $.27 each to mail in the USA (not sure about Canada) and you can purchase postcard sheets (4 per sheet, 100 per package, for about $7-$8. There are some really good sales/marketing cd's that you can purchase at Best Buy, Office Depot, Office Max, etc. for about $25-$30 that will have at least 3 dozen postcard formats to choose from. Design a postcard. Use your computer to acquire a mailing list of custom home builders, architects, gc's, architects, engineers, interior designers, etc. Remember a postcard is only meant to be an appitizer in realtion to services you offer (so make it very brief, in target points form), it is not the main course meal ... you want to force them to have to call you for further details, etc.

I have found postcards to be the cheapest way as you put it "to get the word out;" as well as obtain a continuous flow of leads and specification for the type of work you specialize in. If/when these companies contact you, send them out, preferably by email attachment, the detailed information they are requesting along with a portfolio of photo's (ie: showing off the freedom of design and color you offer in a creative/artistic original way).

All these types of companies want their building to rise above those of their competition ... the individualized surfaces you offer will allow them to do just that (your creations will be a win/win for both of you). They can, and will, become your best sales associates and/or specifier ... without your paying out money for advertising. Of course, this generally means working as a sub, but who cares if your are making money and keeping the jobs coming in, obtaining the price per sq.ft. you want, without your wearing the "sales hat" (some contractors don't like to work as subs, but I have never seen anything wrong with it myself and have really benefited from doing so over the years.

Lindy A.

[NS'Creter]

Very interesting tip Lindy, thank you...I like that idea and will try it. Lord knows I get enough postcards from other businesses...I just couldn't see the forest for the trees on that one! I should be sending them one of mine right back. Duuuuh.

On a sidenote...I've never had opportunity to work as a sub, but under the proper conditions I certainly would. Why the heck not?

[Lindy]

If you work as a sub, there are few important things to remember ...

(1) NEVER discuss pricing or additional work directly with the property owner, refer them back to the person/company you are working as sub for.

(2) You are providing a professional decorative concrete service; you are not a "bank and trust," so NEVER work without your standard down payment. If they balk, give them two options: either they give you a down payment to cover all costs related to materials/freight/necessary supplies "or" you can order all necessary materials from your suppliers and have them pay for them in which case you charge them for "labor only."

(3) Set a date for work to be done, don't fall into the postponement pit as to being "on call" depending on when other sub's have finished their work ... if they deviate/postpone the work (for anything other than weather/temperature restraints) they will have to pay a per day penality (this keeps them on the butts of other subs that may be dragging their feet to finish on time allowing you to perform you to do the same on your schedule).

(4) NEVER marry only one builder. In years past I have had some of the leading custom home builders say ... "I have several houses I want to contract out to you, and I will continue to do so as long as you work exclusively for me" (ie: not their primary competitive builder in town). This is total b.s., you are an independent conctractor, you are not their employee, so walk away from these types; or, stand up for yourself no matter how bad you need the work; doing so will actually gain their respect, otherwise they will walk all over you.

Working as a sub, under a GC, is quite common on commercial, municipal/state/federal, etc. projects and can be quite rewarding (financially, reducing time and money you spend when sales/marketing/prospecting on your own, and to expand your portfolio of high profile/public accessible concrete creations.

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

That all makes sense Lindy...thanx for the tips. I can't imagine the gall of a GC asking for one of us to be exclusive. Maybe if he'she guaranteed a minimum amount of work over a reasonable time. If I were ever asked or that arrangement I'd probably have some smart assed answer like if they would work exclusively for me.

[alexwright]

We went to an appreciation partyy on Sat. night for the house I did with the oak strips in floor. This week marks the one year anniversary of last years fires and the owners are back in their home. They threw a party for everyone that worked on the house. The place looked very awesome now with all of their furniture and decorations. This is a very nice home and mind you both are design consultants for all the major theme parks. They really threw a party with different foods and valet parking at the ranch. This was high end partying and their home the way they set it up could easily be a high end restauraunt or hang out as they utilized all of their patios and indoors. The different rooms have their different themes and could also pass for a museum as they have artifacts from all over the world. Everyone loved the floors and there could be some others lining up. They all tend to use the same architect whom was also there and I talked to. They all lean to using bare concrete floors in their design. I heard it from the architects mouth as she stated in conversation that concrete floors are just the best and can't be beat by anything else. So hopefully I'll get some calls. The floors are just WOW and are really complemented by her choice of decorations and furnishings. I'll definitely try and post some pics .

[Lindy]

Wow ... sound like your floors were put on exhibition ;D just as fine artwork hanging on a wall in a gallery would. You had your own private showing , with the viewers (guests at this party) being potential customers. I believe you really chartered a new pathway to success at this event; with the icing on the cake being architect/designer that was present. Congratulations ... I'm sure this will really pay off for you big time.

Lindy

[NS'Creter]

Alex I congratulate and envy you!! What a great way for your work to be showcased. I have no doubt that referrals will come your way from that event. Awesome!! Alex, from here it seems like you're truly on the verge of makin' it big time buddy. You've got that new showroom and arrangement and this party...lookin' really good for you man!

[alexwright]

Thanks. There's really nothing to envy as of yet, but I understand, thanks. I am currently talking to all of my family in Texas and am also setting up things there. I just got off the phone with 3 of my brothers and still need to talk to sis. and other brothers. We are going to try to get some stuff lined up over there so that I can hit the ground running when I get there. If I can get let's say 3 or 4 jobs or even 2 lined up that will make it easy to just show up and get to work. My brother can go measure and take pics and email them and I can answer any questions via phone. I can get stuff ordered and sent to his house. I can just pile stuff up over here for January. I'm just trying to juggle and get stuff going, winter is around the corner and trying to gets some nuts to store for the winter before I go nuts.

[alexwright]

My contractor brother is placing an ad for me in the local Texas paper for me. See what happens. Meanwhile I'm going to try and wrap some things up around here and maybe try and plan to leave in middle of November some time, maybe sooner. Just playing everything by ear for now.