The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is proud to announce the first NARI video contest, open to any customer who has worked with you as a NARI remodeler.

This month, I’m opening up the files.  Get ready for lots of great business tips gleaned from the smartest business people I know.  I spend much of each day on the phone, talking business.  On the seminar trail, I meet lots of folks who love to tell me what works for them…and what NOT to do.  I’d love to share this wisdom with you.  So here is a collection of Do’s and Don’t’s for every area of your business.

Ready to get the phone ringing NOW?

 Al and I have come up with 3 simple, low-cost marketing “drivers” that will get your phones ringing (more leads, more SALES)…now.  You could even double or triple the business you have.  Though times are tough, some savvy business owners are going to dramatically GROW their sales.  It might as well be you.

We continue on the subject begun two weeks ago, the operation of a deluxe showroom intended to spur merchandise sales and bath and kitchen remodeling work. We discussed factors to consider in setting up the showroom and staffing it, and offered a sample chart of accounts for keeping track of its financial performance.

“Turning the Tide Towards Profit”

To Be the Focus at Nexstar’s® Owners’ Spotlight Series

Owners of plumbing, HVAC and electrical home service companies will gather at Nexstar’s Owner’s Spotlight Series, March 18-20 in Clearwater, Florida. “Turning the Tide Toward Profit” is the theme and consistently achieving results that count is the focus. Nexstar has reserved a number of VIP seats for prospective members at this event that is typically for members only. It is an opportunity to experience the rapid results of Nexstar.

It’s no secret that times are tough right now in the business world.  But on the bright side, some economic reports are beginning to look a little more optimistic and talk of economic recovery is all over the news. Markets tend to be cyclical, and in this case, it is just a matter of time before we head into another era of economic prosperity. When we reach that time and you need to hire more employees to get the work done, will you be ready and will your employees be ready?

It bewilders me when I hear comments from certain people in our industry who say, “contractors can’t afford to operate showrooms.” Hogwash. I have always considered my showroom facility a tool that is necessary to get the job done profitably and professionally. When this tool is utilized properly, it is well worth the effort and investment, and enhances the professional image we all strive to convey.
    I’ve had a showroom ever since 1962, when I was a young plumber doing new construction work. Specified materials tended not to be the best back then, so my showroom was used primarily to upgrade plumbing and heating in the new homes and other buildings for which we contracted. Our builders were open to the idea as long as they didn’t have to get involved. Homeowners were invited to the showroom to view what was specified for their new homes, and what they could get for a few dollars more. The additional profit that showroom generated was a nice plus for a young plumber doing battle in the highly competitive new housing market.

The following story is true.  The names have been changed to protect the innocent.  If you think this story is about you…you are probably right.

The Martyr and The Intimidator

 Leslie is the owner of a roofing company, a business she inherited from her father.  Back in the day, her father managed a small crew and operated with handshake-contracts and stacks of cash.  Now that her dad has retired, ambitious Leslie sees a different future.  She wants to grow her company so that she can make a fortune…and provide career opportunities for her beloved team.  And she wants to build on her (and her father’s) reputation for taking great care of her customers.