Roofing is a competitive field, so it’s important to differentiate yourself from the competition in order to stand out and get those jobs. Recently, CARE (Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence) had a seminar in the Bay Area of San Francisco and asked nearly 100 contractor participants what advice they would give to a new roofer.
Here are some of the most common tips that were gathered at that seminar:
- Choose who you work for carefully and partner with great companies. We are often tempted to say “Yes” to keep the crews busy or to keep cash flow coming in, but sometimes “No” is the best answer you can give. But always be respectful – you don’t want to burn bridges.
- Use technology. GAF offers apps to help homeowners choose a shingle color or visualize the roof on their own home. Technology is an easy way to differentiate your company during the sales and installation process.
- Listen, listen, listen. In order to grow and learn you need to listen and take in any advice you receive. You may get advice from colleagues, your boss, the project manager, a homeowner, etc. Take it all in and use their comments to be better at your job.
- Keep a positive attitude and use your time effectively. What is the key to sales longevity? Optimism!
- Sell value, not price. That’s easy to say, but much harder to do. Determine the answers to these questions:How does your company identify its unique value?
- What separates you from the competition?
- Does your entire team have the same answer?
- Can your competition say they have the same thing? (Be honest.)
- Most important: what is your unique value worth to your customer?
- Don’t grow beyond your means. A complete forward-focused business plan can help ensure a company grows at the correct pace.
- Network and use the wisdom of those around you. Join business-networking groups. Start a local roofing contractor association if one does not exist in your market. Remember: “a high tide raises all boats.”
- Take an accounting class. Unfortunately, many roofing contractors know how to install a roof but don’t know how to determine job cost. Being too high can lose you jobs while being too low can lose you money.
- Be honest. Unfortunately, roofing is an industry where a few deceptive people ruin it for the rest. Be honest and upfront every time. The honest roofers will increase their good reputation and secure more jobs.
- Make sure everyone is safe. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. Constantly improving the safety culture of your company is critical to company longevity, good crew morale, and the overall success of your enterprise.
If you are just getting into roofing or need a way to stand out and grow your business, consider these hard-earned pieces of advice. By learning from others, you can avoid some of those errors yourself.
Do you have any advice to add to the list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also, see these related articles that can help your business.
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