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Tlesser · Guest

RE: Roof Cleaning Business Tips

JimGreatOutdoors · Guest

Great advice, remember we either work the job or the job works us. I believe that if you carry your own passion and knowledge to the potential customers it is very infectious. If you are not passionate about what you are doing, then why would anybody else, and customers pick up on that very quickly.

Roof Cleaning Katy Texas (281) 392-2304 · Apr 30, 2010

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 wrote:

I Like the "Know your numbers"

I always like to 'keep it simple'.

I live by these 8 rules taught to me by a very successful Direct marketer:
Good rules Bill but there are others that you can save you time if you use them from the very beginning:

1. A good accounting program. I highly recommend QuickBooks.

2. A good customer database. ACT is one of the best for a PC. Not only is what displays on the screen fully customizable but it will synchronize a laptop (that you can take with you) with a desktop computer (that you can keep in your office. Nice way to back up your data in case one system crashes. Allways best to keep them in separate locations. It also allows you to search the database anyway you want so that you can find a previous customer.

guest

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 wrote:

I Like the "Know your numbers"

I always like to 'keep it simple'.

I live by these 8 rules taught to me by a very successful Direct marketer:

1.Be on time...............................makes sense right?
2.Be prepared.............................or lose time, money and confidence
3.Have a great attitude................A winning attitude makes the worries melt away and allows you to focus on whats important. Also it reflects what you want to receive.
(with out the first three the rest are totally screwed)
4.Work correctly........................every task has a set way to be done or a system that maximizes productivity and creates results.
5 Work a full day.......................Time is either your best friend or your worst enemy. Take advantage of the time you have each day, and then you can have free time as well. Separate the two.
6.Show your service any chance you have...............because I will be and you don't want to fall behind. Remember you are a competitor and the champions are out there getting it, and so should you.
7.Hit the next sales call/ door on a sale...................You are most enthusiastic about your service immediately after a sale. Always call another client immediately after a sale and use your enthusiasm and current positive attitude to try and land some more. Only take a break after a no-sale.
8.Rehash Rehash Rehash.....This means sell more on a sale...'well, while we are here maybe we can do this also. Or 'Now that we have a date for your cleaning what about that other thing you mentioned.

Here is an example. I took a winter job this year (Got real cold earlier than usual in MD) and every day I follow these steps. Due to that I have sold and already scheduled a plethora of jobs from other people I meet at work, by showing my service to them, while being pleasant and fun to work with. Any day I don't make a sale, I can always trace it to a step I missed.

Good luck!!

Hey Bill

I like number 7, I practice that one all the time.

Green Apple Roof Cleaners LLC · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

Look professional. People seem to be more comfortable entertaining a proposal
from a person who presents themselves or their co. in a professional manor. Most people feel that the attitude and the way the contractor presents themselves will be directly reflected on the job that they are to perform for them. biggrin

Baltimore MD Roof Cleaning 410-482-4367 · guest

Good good stuff here guys!!! I love quickbooks, and the enthusiasm about closing sales!! Keep swimming sharks, and charge on rhinos!!!

B.A. · Guest

You must get in front of people! That means that direct "in person" solicitation is required. Prepare your marketing campaign to encompass both static and dynamic avenues of potential clients.

Static
-ad in the paper
-service magic
-radio
-website

Dynamic
-visiting realtors
-visiting roofers
-canvassing
-lunch with an office full of P.M's

Generating a multi-prong approach is necessary for building a database of what works at what times of the year and what does not. For instance, we do much more roof cleaning in late summer and through the fall then we do in the Spring. Your advertising philosophy (you should have one of those) will change every month, quarterly, and yearly depending on the numbers that you generate. This year we made a point of having a meeting at least once a month to see what's working what's not, and to make the necessary changes

Good Luck

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC · Jul 17, 2010

I usually do more than what is expected of me. Case in point. I'm cleaning a deck and siding on a house. I see a really filthy concrete bench out on the far side of the yard facing a garden. So I clean it. Why? Because I can..lol I hate to leave something like that when I can so easily take care of it. Her mother used to sit on that bench looking out at the garden every evening before she died. When she saw how clean I got it she told me about it and was in tears. Happy tears. I had no clue, I just did it.

I have a job Monday to power wash a house and deck and then stain the deck. She wanted me to also scrape and paint the frame around a door. I quoted her $65. She said her husband said he would do it. She doesn't think he will, but she said she has to give him a chance to do it. I have some left over paint in my garage so I am going to go ahead and do it and not charge a thing. It will take me maybe 10 min. I guarantee you she will tell someone and she will remember my company when she wants something else done.
They expect you to do a good job other wise they wouldn't have hired you. So they are pleased when you are done. Surprise them with extra that they weren't expecting and they will be ecstatic! OK, they might not jump up and down and slobber you with kisses but trust me, you will be remembered more than any other contractor they have used.
Accept maybe the "hot looking pool boy". smile

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC · Jul 17, 2010

Roof Cleaners of Southwest Pa wrote:

Look professional. People seem to be more comfortable entertaining a proposal
from a person who presents themselves or their co. in a professional manor. Most people feel that the attitude and the way the contractor presents themselves will be directly reflected on the job that they are to perform for them.

Yep. I had a women call me to give her a bid. She wanted me to do it. She said a guy came out to give her a price and he had tattoos and ear rings. He didn't get the job just because of that. I got the job on the phone without her even seeing me.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jul 17, 2010

My business improved drastically when I bought an Ipad. I purchased an app called "Invoices To Go". I cleaned up my mess of paperwork and went "Green". When I bid jobs the customer may ask, "When can I expect an estimate". I'll say "Go check you email". They're impressed. After a big job last week the customer told me he told his co-workers about my visit during an estimate. He said to them "the guy pulled out an Ipad, imagine what the work must be like!". When I send an invoice there's a Paypal button link at the bottom of the page. Even if they dont have a Paypal acct they can log in and pay by credit card which eliminates my ball and chain to some bank. I also installed a slide show of before and afters so people can see photos of my work in the most impressive manner. I can check my email on the road and dont have to wait until the end of the day to call back website leads. Landed a nice job for this week cleaning a warehouse. Googled a local store for a scissor lift. Was able to confirm delivery for this Tuesday. $4650.00 got the job on the spot.
I can keep going guys. This thing has made my life alot easier. Unlimited 3g internet for $30/mo with no contract.

Roof Cleaning New Jersey · Jul 17, 2010

I know most phones today can do alot of these things too but doesnt quite copare to this fine little gadget.

Guest

Never stop marketing.... even when you are so busy and you think you dont have time to market.

The Customer is NOT always right ..... but the Customer is AWAYS the Customer.

Continually learn more about the industry and know what your competition is doing.

Green Apple Roof Cleaners LLC · Premium Member Roof Cleaning Institute of America

Thanks for the tip on the I pad. That really seems like a great tool for this business. It can be streamlined to a point where you could order supplies, submit proposals and invoices etc. while on the go

Roof Cleaning Raleigh NC · Jul 18, 2010

I heard the I pad is great.

NoPressure · guest

For years I've been using the K.I.S.S. method, for those who have never heard of this it's KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! The customer only wants the end result nothing in between. If they looked confused stop talking.

Bruce Weber · Sep 15, 2010

Great thread, guys! Rookies like me pick up something new every day on this forum. Thanks for your help.

orlandoroofcleaner · Guest

Ive been in business for 18 years and I picked up some good info. my tip dont shoot yourself in the eye with juice.

WDE · Guest

Marketing/Branding is Key to longevity.
Referrals have really worked over the years for us.

A - When you finish a job, give them a referral discount card or part flyer (% off) for friends, neighbors and family. We also give client a discount coupon for 20% off any future work (pressure washing, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, preserving, etc). Building a referral business is the cheapest means of generating leads.

B - Keep a good database of clients, leads and follow-ups. A calendar (Outlook, Google, Etc.) is great to keep track of jobs completed, coming up and follow ups. Get the clients email address and send them an email (with permission) for holidays, follow up, promotions or to get a letter of recommendation/satisfaction.

C - Keep a good record of advertising responses. It's a great way to track performance of each method, areas and to narrow down most active targeted areas and which methods return the best R.O.I.

D - Always have a web presence. Join; BBB and display it, Local Business Associations, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Local Community Sites, Etc. Ask other local businesses to place a link on there directory web page or other. Social Media marketing is the new wave in marketing...

E - Always return phone calls and emails promptly. When a prospective client calls and leaves a message, call them as soon a possible. Longer time frames from message to call back, leads to more competitors and a stale lead.

F - Try and do a Freebie for your community. They lead to future business and are a good referral and resource. Churches, Local business associations, Beach/Park buildings, Village buildings, etc.. Also try and get permission to leave a sign on the job, be referenced in there local newsletter/email or on there web site.

G - Branding - Try to market in your targeted areas weekly. Keep at least a small ad (always use logo/name) in the local papers to brand you name/service weekly (even if your real, real busy).

These are a few things we do to stay in contact with existing clients, generate new prospective clients and to brand/market the business.

All The Best!

Roof Cleaning Cleveland (216) 323-0552 · Sep 16, 2010

hoovermaneuver wrote:

I usually do more than what is expected of me. Case in point. I'm cleaning a deck and siding on a house. I see a really filthy concrete bench out on the far side of the yard facing a garden. So I clean it. Why? Because I can..lol I hate to leave something like that when I can so easily take care of it. Her mother used to sit on that bench looking out at the garden every evening before she died. When she saw how clean I got it she told me about it and was in tears. Happy tears. I had no clue, I just did it.

I have a job Monday to power wash a house and deck and then stain the deck. She wanted me to also scrape and paint the frame around a door. I quoted her $65. She said her husband said he would do it. She doesn't think he will, but she said she has to give him a chance to do it. I have some left over paint in my garage so I am going to go ahead and do it and not charge a thing. It will take me maybe 10 min. I guarantee you she will tell someone and she will remember my company when she wants something else done.
They expect you to do a good job other wise they wouldn't have hired you. So they are pleased when you are done. Surprise them with extra that they weren't expecting and they will be ecstatic! OK, they might not jump up and down and slobber you with kisses but trust me, you will be remembered more than any other contractor they have used.
Accept maybe the "hot looking pool boy".

I used to do extras, thanks for opening my eyes. Going to start again

Kendrick Services · Guest

I sold cars for about 4 years until I burnt out pulling 70+ hours per week. Sometimes we seem to want to change what works. It seems when we start selling we get all pumped up and start looking for new ideas. DON"T, stick with what has been working. A sales trainer named Joe Verde said selling is when you take your enthusiasm and hand it off to the customer. If you are not excited about what you do don"t expect the customer to be either.

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"