"Break On Through To The Other Side"

[jute]

Hi, I own and operate a small lighting and electrical buisness in So Cal. My main customer is a Property Management Co. that has aprox. 200 apartment complexes and I do alot of troubleshooting, sub panels,breakers, outlets, GFCI's, switches, etc. as well as retrofits and new installations for indoor/outdoor lighting. I do pretty good for about 9/10 months a year and then hang on for the other 2/3 months (usually Nov through Jan). I have a small yellow page ad. a web page and 1-800 number and not sure if any of them are doing me any good or not. I'm not sure of what I can do to try and expand into new construction, room additions etc... I know word of mouth is very important but my main account is a Property Mangement Co. and I'm 1 out of 4/5 electrical companies on a vendoer list the apt managers have to choose from so "word of mouth" is not getting out but rather staying within the same company. I need to know what I can do or who I'd contact to try and expand into other work and not have all my eggs in the same basket...Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks, Jerry

 

[macmikeman]

Jerry, go out and meet every AC, / Heating contractor in your whole area. Those guys will generaly treat you better than either property managers will or general CONtractors will. Why? because they are also in a similar business as you and have a closer understanding of that which you go thru.
And they need electrical work done lots of the time.

 

[Minuteman]

Jerry, run yourself a small add in the classifieds. Just for a week or so - as needed. You will get a few residential calls, and maybe a small to medium GC who is looking for a bargain. In the process, you may just get a good lead on a job that you may have never had a chance with. It worked for me!

Also, Mac is right on the money. I already had a plumber friend who directed work my way as soon as I started. Now, I have 2 plumbers and 3 A/C guys who toss us work. I am sure to recommend them on an alternating basis.

Good luck to you!

 

[bkludecke]

There is no secret formula to getting more work or being more successful. When I started out in business 28 years ago I was not only new to the contracting business but I was in a new town with no contacts. I was introduced to a major builder in the area and I asked him if this town could use another EC. He told me that the town could use another GOOD ANYTHING! It's still true today. Answer you phone, return your calls promply and do what you say your going to do when you say your going to do it. Don't cheat people and be a customer now and then so you can keep your perspective. Do these thing and be patient, it will come.

Bob on the left coast.