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5 Things To Do This New Year

contractor-marketing-new-years-resolutions

This is a bit of a mid-year check-in to see if you’ve been a good little contractor and done your knitting. If not, it isn’t too late to start. Don’t make me knock you over the head at the end of the year because you did nothing!

1. Actually Market Your Business – Stop talking about it and really do it. Do something to promote your business every day. And don’t give me you don’t have the money. There are plenty of things you can do for free. If you are lacking imagination, check out Craigslist again as well as Backpage.

2. Set a Budget – Committing to a budget (either time or money) will help you move to action. If you have more time than money, find free services (see above) to market your business. If you have more money than time, hire someone like me to help you promote your business.

3. Give the Market Time to Absorb Your Message – One of the biggest mistakes I see contractors make is changing their marketing message too soon. Know that you get sick of your marketing first because you see it the most. Resist the urge to change up your ads just because you don’t get the results you expecting right away. Most people don’t move to action until they consume your “brand” at least 7 times.

4. Track – Once you do start marketing your business, track your results. There is nothing worse than spending money on marketing and not knowing what is bringing in new business.

5. Consistently Present a Good Image – Don’t treat Ms. Smith like gold, then have her drive past your work truck down at the local strip joint at 11am on a Monday. And don’t let your employees present your company in any way that you have to recover from. How? Make sure they know what they can talk about and what they can’t, and always, always, always make sure they are dressed appropriately and care for Ms. Smith’s home like it was their own…in fact, treat it better!

14 responses to “5 Things To Do This New Year”

  1. Tess Wittler Avatar
    Tess Wittler

    Love #3 … such a good point that I have to stress with my clients all the time. But #5 just made me laugh out loud! Nice!

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      Thanks Tess! You should hear from me soon on that thing about the guy at the place. Be good, talk soon!

      1. Tess Wittler Avatar
        Tess Wittler

        Is it sad that I understand what you are saying completely? LOL Happy New Year’s, my friend!

        1. Darren Avatar
          Darren

          You too lady! Be good!

  2. Christian Spoerl Avatar
    Christian Spoerl

    Last but not least, be sure to visit DarrenSlaughter.com every day for FREE Marketing Tips !
    Happy New Year Darren, we look forward to our continued success !

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      Nice one there Chris! Happy New Year to you too my man! To another successful year ahead!

  3. Matt Avatar
    Matt

    Darren, I have received nearly a year’s worth of advise and tips, for free no less.
    This has been, without doubt, the best contractor’s marketing content on the internet.
    Keep up the great work.
    Wishing you the best in 2012.
    Matt

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      Thanks Matt! I appreciate the compliments! Have a fantastic 2012!

  4. Sam Bradley Avatar
    Sam Bradley

    Darren,
    Here’s a bonus to add to #5, Good Image: Check your website to make sure all the links are working properly (taken today from my real world school). Have a great New Year!

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      Sam, I can always count on you to add something extra to each post you comment on! Thanks my friend!

  5. Chris Haught Avatar
    Chris Haught

    Great post Darren! Love the new look on the site, look forward to more great advice from you in 2012. Happy New Year!

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      THanks Chris and Happy New Year to you as well! Keep up the great work over at bloggingpainters.com!

  6. Allen Townley Avatar
    Allen Townley

    Thanks Darren,
    I’m a new follower. Reading your advice is helping get me re-excited about remodeling.
    I’m a Big50 recipient, past NARI president and a CGR.
    Your stuff is “spot on”. Thanks for helping me sharpen my saw.

    Good luck to all of us in 2012!

    1. Darren Avatar
      Darren

      Thanks Allen for stopping by! I appreciate the comments and hope you find the site useful in your new year!