Make It Happen

Below is a terrific e-mail that was sent by CTi of Wisconsin to their Dealer network. Tom and Kathy have been representing CTi both as a Distributor and Dealer for over 10 years, so they definitely know what they're talking about!

Several dealers have been interested in more information on how to advertise conservatively and get more work for winter and spring....I have put together a list of things that we do here at our office and are currently doing to keep reminding people we are still here !! Tom and I have had one of our most successful years this year.....don't believe all is bad in the economy ! There are people out there spending money ~ it's just up to you to find them and cash in !!

1. We have been advertising in our local "shopper" paper. Our ads cost about $60 - $135 per ad depending on size and whether I use black or white print or color print. We have 2 ads going out again this weekend pushing garage floors before the holidays... Don't let the cold keep you from working!! Push Interior work!

2. For those of you who belong to a Home Builders Association or Chamber of Commerce ~ become active!! Start going to the meetings! We had one last night and I got 2 big job leads from contractors....which I have followed up with today already....this will fill up my December calendar!! Use your Home Builder Book or Chamber Book to send out emails or mailers to all the members listed! My emails offer special discounts to Members...this is free to do via email or website, however, takes a little more of your time....it also reminds customers we are still here and updates them on the latest products and designs and/or specials.

3. Go back through all your past leads and contacts from the past 2 - 4 years and resend them information. I have a call back on one garage floor that I bid out last year. That appt. is at 3:30 today - he verbally said he was ready to do the floor now and I am meeting him to pick out colors. Again ~ remind customers that you are still there and wanting their business!!

4. Followup with people you have already done work with. Call or mail to see how things are going. They may surprise you and say they need more work!! Or remind them to keep you in mind for Spring Projects! What you do today will help

you get work in the future!!

5. I recently went to a "cyber technology" seminar...there are several opportunites out there. Set up an account with Facebook or Linked In. Get your friends, customers, family to join...update photos with jobs or projects that you have done...remember ....all their friends can see this information too! What a great way to advertise for free !!

6. Are you following up on your reseals? This alone can fill up your winter interior work and spring schedule!

7. Contact your local water department for "new move in" lists. This is public information and free! We have found out that people purchasing existing homes are more likely to be spending money on improvements ! Make them spend some of that money on you!

8. Send a Flyer and letter introducing yourself to various hotels, condo associations, apartment building owners, resort areas, etc. This is the time of year they are working on budgets for 2010. Again - show them what you can do!

9. Now is the time to learn and practice the EuroBond System ! Master two or three designs to start and then start marketing countertop resurfacing ! This is great interior winter work ! Kits are available with detailed instructions !

10. We have put together binders with flyers and photo information for the "contractors" that we work the most with. Even when your not around, they have the information at hand to show their potential customers. They keep this information at their office and it is available to them whenever they want it to show. We update and add new photos periodically for them. Builders like this - gives them the "advantage" of knowing something new before others do !

We work with several flooring companies this way too....they may offer tile and carpet, but will sell a garage floor for you if the opportunity is there !! They get their commission and we get the work!

The worse thing you can do is nothing...don't just sit and wait for the phone to ring! Make it Happen!!