I have recently acquired a copy of the Blue Book… a construction trades directory of commercial contractors and suppliers.
I have a meeting with a sales rep tomorrow AM and wanted to know of any other input beforehand.
I understand the book has been around since 1913. Most of their services are free and they make their money on ads in the book.
They are active in 50 some markets including mine (Cleveland).
So far they’ve sent me a free hardbound copy of their directory and tomorrw they will show me how to use their online system. I can supoposedly post projects for bid, review plans and reeive other services via their website.
Their URL is www.thebluebook.com
They are not geared toward residential work so a lot of you guys may not find them useful anyhow but I am looking for feedback from those that have used the services of this group.
Replies
Pete
Blue Book is good stuff. For Commercial.
We are in it. Just the free listing. Nothing more. They did have a trade show/Table top night that I attended. Good hor d ourves. (where is spellchecker when you need her). I knew more people there than I thought I would. But it was all commercial guys.
You work commercial?
If you are looking for TI. Maybe.
Why not just try out the free listing then put an ad in next year if it goes well? I find that Sales is belly to belly. Got to be in front of them.
What is going to happen when a commercial guy needs something you do?
1. Look through his trade base
2. Ask the other supers on site
3. Ask his bosses/inspectors
4. Ask his competitors
5. Look in a trade directory
What is going to happen if he gets down to the directory? Ask you how much. nuff said. Get in at any of the higher levels they are going to say when? then how much?
I know I get at least 1-2 faxes/wk from Blue book. And probably a few more from people that got our from the Blue Book.