The last guy I worked for would always ask anyone calling about a project if they had a set of permitted plans. This was his way of weeding out any people just wasting his time. When I struck out on my own, I also did this.
Recently I tried a different tack. I had a real estate agent contact pass on a potential client who wanted to me to discuss a project. I didn’t ask if they had a set of plans, I just set-up an appointment at the house and met with them. It turned out as way for us to meet and connect, for them to get a feeling if they wanted to work with me.
During the meeting we walked through the house and discussed the project. They were feeling me out and I was feeling them out.
Having a direct connection to an architect or draftsman that can send you business is ideal. Short of having that connection, having real estate agents feed you potential clients and then connecting the client with an architect/draftsperson and participating in that design process seems to also work.
Advertising in the yellow pages and online seems to have become a waste of money, for the type of work that I do, which is remodeling. Tapping into the two above flow of clients, as well as word of mouth from past clients seems to be default way to get business in today’s environment.
I have a website, but that is strictly something for potential clients to look at once I meet with them.
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After a stint in commercial in the 80's for a couple different small contractors (framing, finish, store fixtures, hanging board, mall work, storefronts, along with some historical restoration block reno's), I revisited remodeling, both comm. and residential. I did this on my own rather than look for work with a contractor.
For the next 25 yrs I found work off my reputation. Suppliers, other contractors, architects and the sweetest referrals-prior customers. During slow times-I'd be busy. During boom periods-too busy.
I doubt someone starting out would have the instant return I had but can vouch for the continued success a good reputation can bring.
Don't get me wrong-you can't just sit there and wait for something to drop in your lap-some form of networking with the refer-ers, keeping your eyes and ears open and whatever you can think of to get your name and number out there is most likey needed.
BUT, the beauty of direct refereral-your potential clients are already pre-qualified. Not one of my referrals are going to be a deadbeat, looking to get a price to make the shade-tree's look good. They won't be slow or no pay neither. These are grade-A referrals.
And a good part of the success can fall on the subs I have used for those 25 yrs. I treat them well, always ready when I say and never ever slow to pay them. This means alot to me, as the total volume I turn them is certainly dwarfed by the amount larger contractors with several crews might bring them. However-much like the tortoise-the long contiued run of small jobs I have for them might just take them over the dips experienced by the larger firms. Paying quick don't hurt either.
Downside to a long and good reputation.............trying to retire.
Best of luck to you.