Five Best Practices to Build Your Business

Whether you're starting a new homebuilding or remodeling business or if you just want to build on an existing, successful company, growing your own business isn't easy. It takes time and commitment. It's especially hard to work on the long- and short-term growth plans amid the demands of the day-to-day work.

Here are five tips to build your business and spearhead growth in the right direction.

1. Have a Social Media Presence. If your business doesn't have a social media account, sign up today. Start with Facebook. Next time you begin a new remodeling or construction project, be sure to snap a couple of “before” pictures. Afterward, take photos from the same angle. Before posting, ask your customers if you can “tag” them so their friends can see. Be sure your Facebook account includes your telephone number and website information, and make sure you check and respond quickly to notifications. Set a goal to respond within 24 hours. If you feel you're successful on Facebook, add Instagram.

 

2. Join a Club. Whether it's a community, service or industry organization, meeting with other professionals can inspire you to learn and try new things. While the payoff could take months or even years, chances are strong you'll get additional leads and do business with other club members if you're active within the community. People often do business with people they know. If you're a reliable and reputable volunteer, it's likely your business and quality of workmanship will be the same as well.

 

3. Ask for a Referral or Review. While the customers are still grinning over their beautiful home, make it a point to ask for a referral or review. Many are happy to do so. The key to success is to provide clear directions for them. For example, print your Facebook profile name on the invoice and pointedly ask for a review. After the sale, send a thank you email and include a link to your Facebook page. Google and other search engine reviews are important as well, as many homeowners search both websites and social media when looking for a reputable construction firm. To get the most from your search engine review, Google has easy to understand reference articles on getting business reviews.

 

4. Go Back Through Your Old Files. If you have customer records that go back five or 10 years, it's time to follow up. Reaching out to satisfied customers can easily lead to repeat business. Is there a reason to re-visit their home? Was there a recent storm that generated some warranty questions? Do they need some tasks you can do for free (like small paint touch-ups)? Are they ready to build their next dream home? If not, you can simply call and tell them you're updating client records. Ask if they prefer hearing from you through email or phone. (Make sure you get that email address!)

 

5. Ask your Employees. People are happy when you ask their opinion, and some ideas may surprise you. Many current employees have likely worked for your competitors at one time, and they may have witnessed the execution of brand-building ideas, both good and bad. Even if some of your employees worked in different areas of construction previously, they may have seen their owners try new things to grow their business.

 

BONUS Tip – Lunch and Learn: Are you good at presenting? Most homeowners use the internet for research, but they're still hungry for in-person expert information. Consider partnering with local businesses like real estate agents and financial institutions (who are marketing home equity loans).

Think of topics your own customers typically ask you. Some ideas may include:

• What is the ROI for re-siding?
• What are the differences between engineered wood and vinyl siding?

Bring LP^® SmartSide^® Trim & Siding samples to demonstrate longevity and durability. Discuss warranties and new technologies. Representing a leader in high performance building solutions like LP Building Solutions helps increase your credibility among homeowners.

LP also offers a program that rewards members with access to product training, marketing support and helps you prioritize lead generation. Visit LPCorp.com/BuildSmart to learn more or check out this blog with four reasons to join the LP^® BuildSmart^™ preferred contractor program.