5 Ways Construction Businesses Can Gain New Clients

Published on: 18 August 2018 Last Updated on: 21 June 2021
Construction Businesses

Construction companies have historically gotten new clients primarily through referrals. However, sometimes referrals are not enough – but unfortunately, companies cannot expect customers to magically appear on their doorstep.

Luckily, there are other creative ways that contractors can boost their clientele. If your business is struggling to engage new clients, then consider the following tips to reach more potential customers and increase your profits.

1. Introduce Yourself to the Neighborhood :

When working on a project don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the residents of the neighboring houses. Showing concern for the wellbeing and satisfaction of the whole neighborhood lets everyone know that you run a caring organization. If those neighbors ever need any services in the future they will remember the personal interactions that they had with your company.

Additionally, if any neighbors need work done immediately you could offer them a neighbor discount. You will save money on transportation by working on two projects near each other so that the discount will not hurt your profits.

2. Educate the Public :

Organize meetings with members of the public to teach them about construction techniques or anything related to your field that you have expertise in. Investing in the education of the general public increases your profile. It also helps your business for the public to see you as an expert in your line of work.

You do not need to try to specifically market your business. When they have questions or concerns in the future about construction projects they will come to you for advice and possibly to even do the job. You could potentially partner with a local restaurant to provide food to engage with the public even further.

3. Follow-Up with Your Current Clients :

Offer to be of service to your past and current clients. See how the project you did for them is holding up. Offer to make touch-ups. Keeping up with connections you have made in the past will keep you in the forefront of your clients’ minds.

This will make your clients more likely to think of you again for future projects and to recommend you to anyone else they know who may need contracting help. This is a roundabout way to get referrals without directly asking for them.

4. Focus on Achieving Accreditations :

Accreditations can help build the prestige of your company; especially if you study for and gain a contractor’s license. The more you can show your clients that you are qualified and experienced the more likely they will be to employ your services.

Learning more things can never hurt you either. Getting more training can really help you to get ahead in business. You will be better able to serve your clients and your clients will easily be able to see that you have the qualifications to get the job done right. Additionally, it may be a good idea to send out press releases when you do receive an accolade to make sure that the public is aware of your recent achievement.

5. Attend Industry Events :

Attending industry events can help you to stay up to date with the latest trends in the construction industry. They also can help renew your motivation and interest in your field.

Being surrounded by like-minded individuals can help you to feed off their industry. Additionally, the right events can help to introduce you to people who can expand your business and help you to get in contact with new potential clients.

The construction industry needs to acquire new clients just like any other industry does. However, since many contractors spend a significant amount of time out in the field, they cannot spend as much time in the office or in prospecting meetings. They may need to employ some more creative tactics such as the ones above.

Hopefully, the techniques described above will help you and your business to come in contact with some new potential customers that will help your company to grow and prosper.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Upgrades Every Modern Call Center Needs

4 Upgrades Every Modern Call Center Needs

During the past decade, more customers have leaned towards online shopping for both goods and services, creating new trends in customer service needs. As last year's stay-at-home mandates dictated, many organizations used remote worker integration into the workforce, including those team members functioning as customer experience agents. With both the customer and the service agent communicating from different locations, technologies have come along to provide easier workflow and accuracy for call center solutions. Here, we will look at 4 upgrades every modern call center needs. 1. Cloud Functionality: For complete integration into the normal workflow, new innovative companies have introduced call center software platforms that include cloud functionality. This is an important aspect of any digital customer service solution, as cloud storage and operations are ideal for both remote functionality and scalability. While all contact center software includes a few of the same key features, providers such as Bright Pattern are powerful cloud contact center solutions, which is distinctly ideal for mobile app use, remote use, and the option for multiple phone lines and services agents to be connected at the same time without any loss of call quality management. 2. Multiple Phone Lines: As a perfect complement to the cloud-based structure of a good call center solution, business users should take full advantage of the ability to handle high-volume with multiple phone lines. The ease of use of the platform allows service agents to perform their duties and be on-call from home, which means a rotating schedule can give your company round-the-clock customer service and quality assurance all day (and night). With a large number of phone lines and digital channels integrated into your account, someone is always available to answer phone calls from customers in need. For the best customer experiences, multiple available agents ensure faster turnaround and troubleshooting. 3. Mobile App Capability: When weighing the pros and cons of a contact center solution, one of the greatest benefits is the potential for mobile app features. This aspect works in a few different ways. As the service agent will be plugged into the call center's interface from a remote location, their own mobile app can notify them of incoming phone calls even while they are away from their post. Likewise, the most powerful contact center software will provide admin capabilities for your organization's call center manager to troubleshoot from their own mobile device. Should there be any discrepancy with the call outcome, the service agent has true "back-up" in the form of a supervisor, who can always hop onto a call for needed assistance. For the best customer experience, an on-hand call center manager can be a necessity and with a mobile app feature, both the home office and the service agent are readily available to troubleshoot any issue. 4. Live Chat Options: Although the majority of customer issues can be solved by a service agent via audible phone calls, there are customers that find the phone inconvenient. This can be the case if the customer is at work or in a public place. For that reason, another important feature that an ideal contact center solution should include is live chat functions. The top call center in the Philippines now provides this option to customers for an easier and more convenient support experience. In a bind, a customer should be able to open their mobile device app or desktop and chat with a service agent until their problem is resolved. If that service agent is working remotely, their own laptop or desktop dashboard interface should include the option for chat or text communications. Most professional contact center platforms allow the user to access customer history and sales purchases while the call is in progress. With this option in place, a remote service agent can be enabled to meet every customer inquiry or demand without having to be at a company's brick-and-mortar location. Read Also: Why Your Business Needs Call Center Tracking Top 4 Creative Team Building Ideas for a Call Center Industry This 2020 5 Major Tips to Increase Employee Engagement in a Call Centre Industry

READ MOREDetails
Green Card Application

7 Common Green Card Application Mistakes You Need To Avoid Making

According to a report, more than one million people apply for a green card every year in the USA. However, amongst such a massive number, only 45% of them get accepted on the first try. The others, however, get delayed or canceled within the first month of the application.  Why? Well, according to a green card lawyer, the most common issue that causes such mishaps is making mistakes during the application procedure. In this article, we have explained a few of them and offered some insights on them as well. Keep reading to find out more about this aspect.  Green Card Mistakes That You Must Avoid  Making a mistake while enlisting a document in your green card is pretty common, especially if you’re doing it alone. Hence, if you are not too savvy regarding the subject, we’ll ask you to consult a green card lawyer prior to the application. Anyways, let’s get back to our topic and learn about the mistakes that you need to avoid.  Mistake - 1: Missing A Document In Your Application  Filling up a green card form is pretty tricky. In this aspect, you cannot fill out a single document and submit the same to the USA government. Instead, you have to write around eight to twelve forms at once and include various supportive papers alongside them. If you fail to provide even a single document, your application might get delayed or canceled.  Potential Loss Of Money: USD 500  Possible Loss Of Time: 6-24 months  Mistake - 2: Not Signing The Form  Creating an ideal documentation form will not be enough for your purpose. Besides, you will need to sign each and every one of them as well. Also, you will have to make sure that the person, who’s applying for the green card, is performing this task. Once you are done with it, be sure to double-check everything again to ensure that the application looks fine.  Potential Loss Of Money: USD 50-100  Possible Loss Of Time: 6 months  Mistake - 3: Missing Out On Deadlines  While you’re making a green card application, you will have to deal with multiple deadlines altogether. If you end up missing out even on a single one amongst them, the whole formal request for the documentation will get denied entirely. To avoid this, you can try to mark the important dates on your calendar or set up an alarm for them.  Potential Loss Of Time: 6 months Potential Repercussion: Denied or canceled application  Mistake - 4: Giving False Information Giving out false information accidentally is yet another mistake that almost everyone submitting a green card application makes. While it may seem not of importance to you, the US government will consider it as a “lie.” As a result, they will either deny your request to get a green card or ban you from the country for a lifetime. Potential Loss Of Time: 6-12 months Potential Repercussion: Denied or canceled application/Lifetime ban from the USA  Mistake - 5: Not Getting The Help Of A Lawyer  As mentioned before, filling out a green card application properly is a complex procedure. Hence, if you’re considering trying to do it alone, you might end up messing everything. It, in turn, may cost you a lot of money or, in the worst-case scenario, get banned from the country. Due to this reason, we’ll ask you to collaborate with a Green Card Lawyer to ensure that everything’s going in the right place.  Potential Loss Of Time: 6 months Mistake - 6: Making An Incorrect Payment  While handling too many documents at once, many of us tend to forget or make an incorrect payment. For example, while submitting an application for a green card, you’ll have to spend at least USD 1,000 on the US government. Nonetheless, if you attach a cheque of USD 100 to USD 300, then your request will get denied instantly.  Potential Loss Of Time: 6-12 months Potential Repercussion: Denied or canceled application Mistake - 7: Not Sending Document Translation  While working on a green card application, you’ll have to submit quite a few supporting documents. Amongst them, you should provide your birthdate, driver’s licenses, marriage certificates, bank accounts, passports, etc. However, if you don’t live in an English-speaking country, you have to translate everything from top to bottom. If you don’t send the same, your application will get delayed until you send the right ones.  Potential Loss Of Time: 6 months The Bottom Line  Making mistakes is pretty common while filling up a green card application. Therefore, if you don’t want your application to get delayed or canceled, make sure to be careful while working on this matter. If you're going to play it safe, you can also hire a Green Card Lawyer.  Read Also: What Are the Important Parts of a Free Business Credit Report? Credit Card Fraud the Holiday Season: Things to Consider for Next Year

READ MOREDetails
Financial Planning For Contractors

Financial Planning For Contractors: Ensuring Project Viability

Financial planning is an essential aspect of any business, and for contractors, it's no different. In the construction industry, project viability relies heavily on careful financial management. This article will explore the principles of effective financial planning for contractors and how using a bid bond can demonstrate financial stability and attract clients. The Importance Of Financial Planning For Construction Companies  The construction industry is highly competitive, and its dynamics and the economic scenario are changing continuously. Therefore, it is important to have a plan in place when it comes to navigating regulations, compliances, and even finances. This section mainly discusses the importance of financial planning for the construction companies.  1. Navigating The Landscape Of The Construction Industry As mentioned above, the construction industry is rapidly changing. Every now and then, you have new rules, guidelines, compliances, and changes in technology. It is an important aspect of the entire industry. A personalized plan can help you pinpoint these changes and be prepared to face the challenges in the future.  2. Managing The Flow Of Cash  Cash flow management is another critical aspect of any business. The construction business is no exception. The irregular scheme of payments and also the out-of-plan expenditure can, indeed, disrupt the flow of cash. A personalized flow of finance in the construction industry can help you maintain quite a healthy cash flow. It helps manage the sudden need for finance and fix issues.  3. Long-Term Sustainability  A well-planned financial plan offers a roadmap for the long-term sustainability of the construction companies. They assist companies in setting attainable goals and targets. If you do not have a solid base of finances, you won’t be able to plan ahead in the future. One of the biggest challenges that business organizations face today is the long-term sustainability. As a business, you could only attain it if you have a steady supply of finances.  4. Managing The Risks The construction industry is quite risky. There are financial liabilities, safety, legal and other issues. A personalized financial plan helps create the strategies. They help reduce the chances of financial setbacks and also the circumstances hitherto not experienced. 5. Reducing The Cost Of Borrowing  You all know that the construction industry is quite fund-intensive. You need to have a large sum of money. Under the circumstances, borrowing is the biggest way to handle it. But they have their interest associated with it, which is quite hefty at times. They may affect your budget and the prices of the products. Therefore, you must have the planning and a strong pedestal in place. But there is no alternative to a strong planning.  6. Increased Profitability The be-all and end-all of business is earning profits. Managing the expenditure is quite a challenge; therefore, you must be highly prepared with a plan in mind. A well-crafted plan of finances considers the revenue streams of the company assets and the expenses. A business owner uses their plan to make the wisest of choices. They help boost the profits and then cut the costs.  7. Attracting The Investors When you woo the investors for your projects, they look at some of the important things before investing. One of the core elements in good financial planning. If they understand that your finances are well managed and your organization is well in shape, it can drive them to invest in your vision. Therefore, you must invest in professionally prepared finance to ensure steady growth and stability in the long run.  The Core Aspects Of Financial Planning For The Contractors  In this section, we discuss some of the core aspects of financial planning that can help you stay ahead in this competitive landscape. As a stakeholder in the construction sector, you must have the planning in place. Budgeting The cornerstone of any financial plan is a well-structured budget. It’s essential to account for all expenses, including materials, labor, equipment, and overhead costs. By creating a detailed budget, you’ll be better equipped to estimate project costs accurately. Cash Flow Management Cash flow is the lifeblood of your contracting business. Timely invoicing and efficient collection of payments are critical. Moreover, having a cash reserve for unexpected expenses or delays is a wise strategy. Using Bid Bonds To Show Financial Stability One effective way to demonstrate financial stability to potential clients is by using bid bonds. A bid bond is a form of guarantee that you, as a contractor, provide to the project owner. It is a promise that if you're awarded the project, you will enter into a contract and provide performance and payment bonds as required. It assures project owners that you have the financial capacity to complete the project. By including these bonds in your bids, you signal to clients that you are financially stable and capable of fulfilling the contract. This can set you apart from competitors and instill confidence in project owners. Financial Planning For Contractors Emergency Fund As mentioned earlier, cash flow can be unpredictable. Having an emergency fund that covers at least three to six months' worth of expenses can provide a safety net during lean times or unexpected setbacks. Diversify Your Client Base Relying on a single client or type of project can be risky. Diversifying your client base and the types of projects you take on can help stabilize your income and reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations. Regularly Review And Adjust Your Financial Plan Financial planning is not a one-and-done task. It's essential to review and adjust your plan regularly, especially as your business grows and evolves. Insurance Coverage Consider various insurance options to protect your business against unforeseen events. Liability insurance, workers' compensation, and equipment insurance are just a few examples of coverage that can safeguard your financial stability. Invest Wisely Make informed investment choices for any surplus funds you may have. Consult with a financial advisor to develop an investment strategy that aligns with your long-term financial goals. Conclusion In conclusion, financial planning is a critical component of a contractor's success. It ensures project viability, stability, and, ultimately, the growth of your business. Remember to create a comprehensive budget, manage your cash flow efficiently, and explore various financial strategies to secure your financial future as a contractor. By following these principles, you can build a strong foundation for your contracting business and thrive in the competitive construction industry. Read Also: Construction Safety – What You Didn’t Know! All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software Construction Safeguards: What Are The Top 3 Leading Risks For Machine-Related Amputation?

READ MOREDetails