Many years ago my brothers and I decided that if we didn’t “own the basement” then we’d be inviting our competition in to supply the products and services we didn’t provide. That’s why we make the commitment to become a multi-trade shop and become what we called the “Total Solution Provider.”
And in this economy, making the decision to “own the basement” is no longer an option because you must get as many opportunities as possible to serve the customers who already have had a good experience with you and your company.
If you’re thinking about taking on extra tasks or a whole new trade, you can either build the systems you’ll need from scratch or you can jump-start the process by choosing to acquire a company that already does the type of work you don’t presently do.
Either way, it’s great to have a core set of customers you can provide more work to than trying to find new customers and sell them just what you do now ... But only if you have the systems and people in place that will allow you to properly handle the additional work and maximize the cross-marketing opportunities.
In addition to becoming the Total Solution Provider, you must change the mindset by you and your staff so that you go to a call with the idea you’re there to take the blinders off and look around. This way you’re able to make great suggestions that will better serve the customer.
If you already answer your phones professionally, have your office procedures locked in, then it comes down to parlaying your sales, operational and technical skills from the trades you do now to the new trade. Once this happens, adding new tasks and trades is easier than you think, and essential in these economic times.
Give Me 60 Minutes And I'll Show You The Secrets To Running A Profitable Service Business ... Even During A Recession!
Al Levi is a consultant and a contributing editor toPMmagazine and blogs for many other BNP trade magazines. Now he is presenting a free online video segment called the “60 Minute Recession Solution” Online Video Seminar.For the first time ever you’ll hear from him and just a few of the many contractors who have engaged the power of his Power! Programs. His clients are happy to share how this dynamic program worked for them – and how it is still working for them, especially in these tough economic times.
“This program has helped dozens of business owners I’ve worked with one to one,” Levi says. “The Power! Plans have also helped. But now thanks to new technology, I’ll be able to help many more contractors with my 12-Month Power! Plan Coaching Program than ever before. This program will also include the building of your own customizable Operating Power! manuals.”
These programs have been working for Levi in his family business for years and in his clients’ businesses. Now they are reaping the results. Click on the following link to learn more and see and hear for yourself:www.60MinuteRecessionSolution.com.
