Jeff posted a request for help on the tail end of my thread, which probably burned out everyone’s helpful nature. I was quite thrilled with all the help that I got and Jeff could use a little of that himself.
Here’s the text of his letter that he wants evaluated. Don’t pay attention to the fonts and layout…let’s just clean up his marketing…I’d help a bit, but I think there are a lot better experts at this than me.
Heres his letter.
Buck Construction, llc
24 Aztec Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone (412) 654-7668
Fax (412) 488-7086
Remodeling New Construction Subcontracting
Dear Neighbor,
Please allow me to introduce myself and our company. I’m Jeff Buck, of Buck Construction, llc. We are working in the neighborhood on a home restoration project. After some maintenance items, such as rebuilding and weather-striping the original double hung windows, we’ll design and tackle the larger projects, the complete new kitchen and master bath areas as well as a much needed back porch that will be in keeping with the original style of the beautiful older home.
While we are in the area I would love the opportunity to talk with you about any projects you may have in mind.
If you have any work that is too complex for your handyman please call us to set up an in-home consultation. We have an extensive picture portfolio and a list of satisfied clients that I would be more than happy to share with you.
Buck Construction, llc., a second generation remodeling company, works closely with a short list of trusted mechanical subcontractors. If you have any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fireplace and/or painting needs, we could introduce you to the professionals in each field whose expertise we rely on to bring our projects together and add satisfied clients to the list.
Thank you for your time and please call me with any questions you may have. (412) 654-6778.
Jeff J. Buck
President
Buck Construction
Kitchens…Master Bath Suites…Additions…Basement Conversions…Decks
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I’m a hackmeister…they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
Replies
wow ...
U think I need That much help!
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Sorry Jeff, if I implied that you needed a lot of help. I just didn't want you to cheat yourself out of some very impressive suggestions. These guys in here are very astute and I think you'll see how/why your letter will be much stronger when they offer up some suggestions.
I took my medicine...now open your mouth and get ready for yours!
blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
I'm no expert either, but if I was Jeff and passing out flyers for potential clients, I'd shorten that letter to something like this:
Dear Neighbor,
Please allow me to introduce myself and my company, Buck Construction; now in it's second generation as a premier remodeling company. We are currently doing a remodel in your area for the ____family, on _______street.
I would love to talk to you about any future remodeling projects that you may be envisioning for your home. Buck Construction can and does handle virtually every aspect in the remodeling field; including doors, windows, kitchen and bath upgrades, porch and deck construction, as well as electrical, mechanical and plumbing needs. We also are more than capable of assisting you with our design team to help formulate your own ideas into a lovely, workable solution.
My name is Jeff Buck, and I am the proud owner and president of this company. I would love the opportunity to sit down and meet with you and talk about any future projects that you may have in mind for your home.
Please know that our company keeps an extensive portfolio that accurately depicts the quality of our work and attention to detail that we always give to our clients. and we would be glad to share this experience with you.
Should you like to schedule a meeting with me personally, or simply want more information about my company, Buck Construction, you may reach me at:
phone number---- (412) -654-6778
I look forward to your call.
Sincerely,
Jeff J. Buck
President
Just my 2 cents Jeff...But I try to keep "flyers" short and sweet.....also, put a LARGE sign in the yard of the person's home that you are currently remodeling with your business name, number, and list what type of work you are doing. The sign creates as much, if not more interest in the neighborhood you are working....people see work being done, see the sign, and sometimes call because they want similar work done and don't know anyone off hand, but your sign gets their attention. Flyers are like junk mail...few people read them...and no one wants them in the first place.
Good Luck Jeff..hope lots of business comes your way.
Davo
I like that Davo's version lists specifically the kinds of things Jeff could do for the homeowner, and also these lines:
My name is Jeff Buck, and I am the proud owner and president of this company. I would love the opportunity to sit down and meet with you and talk about any future projects that you may have in mind for your home.
Please know that our company keeps an extensive portfolio that accurately depicts the quality of our work and attention to detail that we always give to our clients. and we would be glad to share this experience with you.
I don't think Jeff will be misleading enough about the size of his company to suggest he has a design team on staff. Or use the word "lovely".
I agree. The first sample letter switches back and forth between the Editorial "we" and the personal "me" or "I"
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Jeff,
You ,personally may be a second generation remodeler------as I recall your dad did a lot of remodeling work as a sideline.
However----is Buck Construction LLC technically a second generation business? I suspect not---and there is no reason to imply that it is. chalk it up as a typo---but I would definitely change that line-----
Stephen
all you need to say is....
"HI, I'm Jeff Buck....."
....the bids will roll in...:)
"knowledge without experience is just information." Mark Twain
I charge the big Jeff Buck for some reason....
I'm that good!The secret of Zen in two words is, "Not always so"!
When we meet, we say, Namaste'..it means..
I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides,
I honor the place in you of love, of light, of truth, of peace.
I honor the place within you where if you are in that place in you
and I am in that place in me, there is only one of us.
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
This is a letter to introduce Buck to potential clients remember.
Break it up into a bunch of one liners with a space between them.
Add some attitude
and have the signature pinstriped on by a real artist.
Then tatoo a picture of a super glue tube with bloody finger prints on it next to that.
and make sure it's all done perfectly on every ##$(*& copy !
Im no pro at this either . I feel less qualified cause Ive never done it , but Ive seen it before.
My reaction to the first draft was "too much information". It went here then there .
I liked the second one better "but", TMI.
Maybe somthing shorter to the effect that hes in the hood and writing free bids on this commming Friday . lalalala Thats the day for the free stuff which might even be George Foremen grills. Theres no mention of the free stuff any other day.
Then refer to a web site which gives an in depth look at his company and his work.
I would like to see a name change of his company, but thats large. The 'Home Town Consts CO. " , which gives the name of town or the area he will work. If thats taken then it should be a homey name thats comfortable to hear it and remember .
Earth Homes LLC , where dreams are made and promises are kept.
Edit; Where dreams come true
Tim Mooney
Edited 1/19/2005 12:13 pm ET by TIMMOONEY52
The web site is an excellent idea. Naturally it will include a gallery of some of Jeff's previous projects. It should also include a picture of Jeff with his cat. Cat lovers like other cat lovers. I have closed several sales with the homeowners' cat sitting on my lap.
John
Okay Jeff, I'll offer my opinion:
Buck Construction, llc
24 Aztec Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone (412) 654-7668
Fax (412) 488-7086
Remodeling New Construction Subcontracting
Your letterhead looks good. It offers a fax (sounds professional) remodeling and New work. I think the subcontracting is confusing since you are targeting retail clients.
Dear Neighbor,
That personalizes it and makes the reader feel like you are someone that they might know.
Please allow me to introduce myself and our company. I’m Jeff Buck, of Buck Construction, llc. We are working in the neighborhood on a home restoration project. After some maintenance items, such as rebuilding and weather-striping the original double hung windows, we’ll design and tackle the larger projects, the complete new kitchen and master bath areas as well as a much needed back porch that will be in keeping with the original style of the beautiful older home.
The introduction continues along the personal letter format and is good. I'm not too fond of launching into the "we are currently in your neighborhood" mode however. The idea is fine, but I think it should come after you explain how your company can solve one of their problems. Since you are trying to talk to someone that has a need, I think you need to tap into that need and explain how you will benefit them.
While we are in the area I would love the opportunity to talk with you about any projects you may have in mind.
This small paragraph implies that you might not want to talk to them about project unless you are already in the neighborhood. If you add in a marketing ploy, like a discount while the project is ongoing, then it would make it worthwile to leave it in. Otherwise, you might try to re-phrase it like "we often work in your fine neighborhood and would love to discuss your upcoming projects".
If you have any work that is too complex for your handyman please call us to set up an in-home consultation. We have an extensive picture portfolio and a list of satisfied clients that I would be more than happy to share with you.
I'm not too fond of the "too complex for your handyman" line. You are assuming that they already have a handyman, and are also implying that you only want projects that are too complex for a handyman. That forces the client to qualify themselves. Wouldn't it be better for every potential client to want to call you and then you can sort out the small jobs from the more desireable ones?
The extensive picture portfolio and list of satisfied clients is a strong selling point. I would elaborate on that.
Buck Construction, llc., a second generation remodeling company, works closely with a short list of trusted mechanical subcontractors. If you have any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fireplace and/or painting needs, we could introduce you to the professionals in each field whose expertise we rely on to bring our projects together and add satisfied clients to the list.
In the words of Joe Gerard, the world most successful car salesman...."no one cares how the car gets built. They want to know how it will improve their life, or make them feel better.
Your paragraph describing the "short list" is getting too deep into the selling process and too deep into the "hows" for retail buyers. I would focus the buyers attention to satisfying their needs with high quality professional services that is guaranteed to make their home safer, happier and more beautiful. After they call, you'll have plenty of time to explain how all this is going to take place.
Thank you for your time and please call me with any questions you may have. (412) 654-6778.
Jeff J. Buck
President
Buck Construction
It might be a typo, but Buck Construction, LLC lost it's LLC on the signature. Also, the title "president" might seem pompous to a blue collar neighborhood. I might suggest some form of descriptive word like "remodeling specialist" or "renovation expert" or "carpenter extraordinaire".
Kitchens...Master Bath Suites...Additions...Basement Conversions...Decks
and finally, here on the bottom you actually mention some very serious elements of your services. I think it would be helpfull to talk about these items in the main body. I would use flowery adjectives like "exquisite Kitchens, Stunning Master Bath Suites, Roomy additions, functional and fun basement conversions, spacious decks".
Sorry Jeff if I've been too critical. I now know how many of the guys felt when they were offereing me advice. Most of them started out by apologizing and begging forgiveness for being so bold...but hey..I/we asked for it.
Please don't get mad at me and don't stop telling your bar stories.
blue
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
Re: "....
Also, the title "president" might seem pompous to a blue collar neighborhood. I might suggest some form of descriptive word like "remodeling specialist" or "renovation expert" or "carpenter extraordinary".
While I think using something other than "President" is worth looking at I don't think using "President" is a turnoff or bad thing at all. I just think it's common place and boring. It's what everyone does.
Ya know what my job title is?
Ya know what the good thing about that title is everyone asks me what it means. That wasn't what I intended to happen but it's turned into a marketing plus. It takes me back and reminds me of one of the best marketing campaigns I ever saw or was a part of. In my teens and early twenties I was part of a summer theatre group and they gave us all these t-shirts to where that said
I am in Chappaqua Summer Theatre and I Sell Tickets
Ask Me About It.
And ya know what happened? Everyone did ask you about it and we all sold lots of tickets.
Primus Inter Pares came to me from reading the introduction to Patrick McKenna's and David Maister's book First Among Equals: How to Manage a Group of Professionals.
Primus Inter Pares is latin for First Among Equals.
Having people ask me what it means has them open the door to let me tell the story of why, in my company, I am just the first among equals.
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ParadigmProjects.com | Paradigm-360.com | Mac4Construction.com
Here are my thoughts.
Buck has already expressed his distain for DIYers here on BT, but if he wants to sell his services he needs to strike a different tone. As a DIYer, (because I have no bucks for Buck) the Handyman is me, and I can do everything. DIYers (homehandyman) come in many flavors, 1) those who do better work than the pros and choose to do the work themselves 2) those who do good work but don't have the time 3) those who do good work but are have no money to pay someone else to work for them doing what they can do given the time to get it done on a shoestring budget (I think that describes me). 4)Homeowners that think they are DIYers, 5) those with money who have no idea what they are doing and how to get it done. <!----><!---->
1-- he will never sell his services to them
2-- wife's (sexist, I know) need to hear that he will do it faster. One of the best lines I read for a handyman service is " I can do everything your husband can,,,only I'll have it done by next week".
3-- sell me that you can do it cheaper that I could, or that you can do something I can't (I can't do the texture in my house, I paided for that. I can't do/build kitchen cabinets -- I paid for that.
4 - With all of the DIYer shows on the box, doesn't every homeowner think it's easy and they don't need a handyman. Then they need Buck to come in a fix the disaster.
5-- Should be an easy mark for Buck.
Devil it is..(snork)..yer killin me here..LOLDon't you ever (please) come on my situ....I can't keep up with your wit,,please...snork
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Watch out for the edges, it's really fast out there...
Sphere, your post must be directed at someone else's wit...I don't remember postinganything funny in this thread...unless I'm funny and don't know it...which is entirely possible.
blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
Absolve me of infidelity, the business aspect shold have been my clue to the seriousness of your post.I won't participate with my untoward comments.Sorry, Jeff, and Blue and All...I caught the wrong boat.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Watch out for the edges, it's really fast out there...
Jeff- You've been there to offer me some good advice so I thought I'd try to reciprocate a bit. Feel free to use what you can and heave ho the rest... Jerry
Dear Neighbor,
I'm Jeff Buck, the proud owner of Buck Construction LLC. We're in your neighborhood working on a restoration project ranging from basic maintenance to a complete renovation of the master bath. We're also modernizing the entire kitchen while maintaining the style and integrity of this lovely home.
Buck Construction LLC is constantly striving to carry on the tradition of fine craftsmanship as a second generation remodeling and renovation company. We work closely with a select group of mechanical contractors to offer a full spectrum of services and options to our valued clients. From design to the final clean up, we make our customers' satisfaction our top priority.
If you would be interested in discussing any future projects which requires a professional service such as ours, please feel free to contact us for an in home consultation. Thank you for your time and we look forward to serving you.
Buck Construction, llc
24 Aztec Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone (412) 654-7668
Fax (412) 488-7086
Remodeling New Construction Subcontracting
Dear Neighbor,
Please allow me to introduce myself and our company. I’m Jeff Buck, of Buck Construction, llc. We are working in the neighborhood on a home restoration project. After some maintenance items, such as rebuilding and weather-striping the original double hung windows, we’ll design and tackle the larger projects, the complete new kitchen and master bath areas as well as a much needed back porch that will be in keeping with the original style of the beautiful older home.
While we are in the area I would love the opportunity to talk with you about any projects you may have in mind.
If you have any work that is too complex for your handyman please call us to set up an in-home consultation. We have an extensive picture portfolio and a list of satisfied clients that I would be more than happy to share with you.
Buck Construction, llc., a second generation remodeling company, works closely with a short list of trusted mechanical subcontractors. If you have any electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fireplace and/or painting needs, we could introduce you to the professionals in each field whose expertise we rely on to bring our projects together and add satisfied clients to the list.
Thank you for your time and please call me with any questions you may have. (412) 654-6778.
Jeff J. Buck
President
Buck Construction
Kitchens...Master Bath Suites...Additions...Basement Conversions...Decks
Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
ok .. let's see.
Lotsa replies there ...
I reposted the whole thing ... thru computer magic my layout only changed a little ...
my letterhead isn't that big ... and the name is actually centered ....
and ... my "tag line" from this site isn't at the bottom of all my letters!
the light grey "suggestions" is going to be added to the letterhead to make for stationery ... so there is a slight bit of layout to adjust and tweak ...
I'm trying to shorten it w/o weakening it.
Guess what ... I like it! I know ... I wrote it .. so that's a big surprise.
I was torn about putting in the specifics I'm doing right now ... nut the lady couldn't find anyone from that town that could do both "restoration" and remodeling.
everyone wanted to sell her new windows ... I said I could rebuild them.
she wanted a grand back porch .. with T&G flooring and a bead board ceiling ...
everyone tried to sell her a deck.
I'm guessing if she's having these problems ... her neighbors are too.
hence the letter.
It's an odd situation ... poor little river town ... so lotsa hack fly by nite carps ...
with a nice little pocket of turn of the century homes where the owners have all sunk big bucks to keep their homes in great shape. That's my target market.
who ever said I don't like DIY'er is 100% right. Not that I mind them as people ... but I don't want them for customers. They aren't my target market. They are money savers ... I'm looking for money spenders. Different market ... hence .. the "handyman" statement. I started useing that line a coupla years ago ... pisses off some people ... but really strikes home with my market. And yes ... most of them do already have a neighborhood handyman. I don't want his little jobs ... I want the bigger stuff.
Pretty much anything your average handyman can do ... is something I'd rather take a pass on. I focus on high end .. or .. restoration. This job happens to entail a bit of both ... and I think there's more of that available in this particular neighborhood.
Keep the suggestions coming ... I'll redraft and repost.
Here in PA ... since I am llc .... and yer right too ... Buck Const is second generation ... Buck Const "LLC" isn't ... but BC LLC is also just one year old ... and I ain't advertising that either! So I'll bend the rules and keep the second generation.
But ... so far as I know ... anything I send out has to have me listed as either the Prez or the CEO .... and CEO souds way more pretenscious ... even though my wife picked CFO for herself ...
Keep in mind ... this is a "neighborhood specific" letter.
I write a new one for most every job.
and .. I did typo and forget the LLC at the end too ... good eye.
the letterhead isn't up for discussion! It's on the cards ... the van ... the yard signs ... and it's gotten plenty of "customer approval" .. so I'm keeping it ... same with the name ... some places around here it actually holds weight!
Have had more than one person I never met tell me they know "our" company ...
Dad musta run a bigger operation than I thot!
Thanks to all ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
with a nice little pocket of turn of the century homes where the owners have all sunk big bucks to keep their homes in great shape. That's my target market.
Jeff...that's the line that I was needing to see to actually offer a solid suggestion instead of criticisms.
IF you truly believe that you can help preserve the "turn of the century homes, where the owners' keep their homes in great shape , then say so! These owners know and understand their neighborhood and they will respond to someone like you who is also cognizant of it and are ready and willing to help them. Appeal to their vanity, or sense of pride. Let your passion out. Let them know that you care and you can get the job done just like they want it!
One of the most successful marketers in our Detroit area simply ran a campaign saying "We do good work". That catch phrase has infiltrated our culture here in Michigan...and the company was just another remodeling company that hired multiple subs for as cheap as they could, and used high pressure sales tactix.
I'm looking for your "hook" and trying to find the excitement of your message. I need to feel your passion. You know your market, you know the people, now talk to them.....help them out.
Your getting closer.
About my suggestion to lose the President title. That's actually a really minor point. Your letter could be originated from a sale rep, a secretary, the carpenter...basically anyone in the company with any title. Henry Ford doesn't sign every sales letter that Ford sends out. Furthermore, here in Michigan, an LLC is either member managed, or manager managed and we don't have presidents, vice presidents, secretarys and treasurers, but of course everyone has the right to structure their management with any titles any way they wish. YOur PA LLC laws may very well have different specific obligations regarding sales letters...please don't take my advice as anything specific or authoritive.Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
"please don't take my advice as anything specific or authoritive."
Just keep the thots coming!
You are right ... I gotta hit that hot button.
The more I talk myself thru this exercise ... the more focused I get.
Even if this letter goes out as is .... this is still a good exercise for us all ...
just like your "30 sec ad" ...
I'm not really looking for specifics .... as this isn't that last letter I'll ever send out. I have been pretty good at getting them out in the past.
What I learned when selling security systems ... we had to hit the 5 neighbors .... at the very least .. when we'd have any reason to visit a current customer or go in for an "in home sales presentation" ....
those 5 are ... figure an average "neighborhood" ....
there's the target house.
they have 2 direct neighbors ... one on each side.
and ... there's the house directly across the street ... and that houses 2 side neighbors.
your original one ... plus the 5 neighbors.
We had door hangers, plus a door hanging plastic bag that a 3 fold sould fit into. The routine was to go and knock ... better to see them in person. If no one answered ... leave the info ....
As cheesy as cold calling and kncoking on doors is ... it was very successful in that line of work. Selling security systems. Worked even better if the first house already had your yard sign out front!
I still do that on most remodels .... I make contact with those 5 at obe point or another. I'll drive thru the neighbor and note the addresses. If I'm outside when a neighbor walks by I'll stop them and give a card ...
They say no ... I still try to get it in their hands ... an old habit/challenge from another past sales manager. People will tell ya all day long these tried and true sales "tactics" don't work ... just like telemerketing and TV infomercials ...
but RonCo is rich! And companies wouldn't try to interrupt your dinner is if wasn't working .... same with the direct contacting 5 neighbors ...
doesn't "offend" people if U just introduce yourself and walk away politely and quietly if they're unresponsive.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Jeff, I like the brainstorming too. All too often we get caught up in our own little world and outsiders can smack us in the face and wake us up a lot easier than our wives can!
I love your idea about marketing to the immediate neighbors. If I was a remodeler, I might deliver a letter that informed them that some noisy delivery trucks might be coming and that you'd like to co-ordinate them if the noise might be a factor to a late sleeping night worker or something like that. My idea is to get personal with them.....anything to create a common bridge....
I'm really not that good at retail, but I do think about things that I'd do as a retailer.
blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
"I love your idea about marketing to the immediate neighbors. If I was a remodeler, I might deliver a letter that informed them that some noisy delivery trucks might be coming and that you'd like to co-ordinate them if the noise might be a factor to a late sleeping night worker or something like that. My idea is to get personal with them.....anything to create a common bridge...."
I've done that exact same thing before ...
even making up something about a possible "noisy delivery" just to start the conversation ...
here's one for ya ... I got my to job late today ... little bit of snow backed up the whole city. My customer lady leave for work before I get there and is home long after I leave ... her walk was snowed over ... so I picked up the shovel on the porch and started shoveling ...
hit her walk .. then the sidewalk ...
then .. as I was making a quick path down the center of the sidewalk ... the neighbor lady ran out to her car. we've "waved" a coupla times before ... I asked her if she'd like me to hit her walk real quick since the shovel was out ... she said no ... but thanks ... she didn't want her kid to think he didn't have to do it!
Nice little chit chat ... will give me something else to break the ice when I do go door to door for those 5.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
What about a web site Jeff?
Tim Mooney
"What about a web site Jeff?"
what about it!
don't have one. was in talks with a close friend about him working one up for me ... then he went nuts and lost his grip on reality ... been on the back burner since. Sooner or later I'll have one ... but I'm not convinced yet it's something I "need" ...
we're in Pgh ... just got indoor plumbing last week ...
will be nice to have when I got one ... but it's at the bottom of the list.
sooner rather than later is an ad I have planned for 2 local "community mags" ...
both target market specific.
Have to get last year straightened out first ... then give advertising a try for the first time.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Jeff,
the great thing about running your own small business is that you can do it YOUR way------so if you want to declare Buck Construction LLC a second generation business---that's certainly your perogative.
Personally , however, I don't think it's smart to intentionally include something in your advertising that's demonstrably un-true,---and rather easily discovered to be untrue.
Technically---it may be only a matter of semantics----but it's often those pesky technicalities that come back to bite folks later on.
Any marginal( and it will be VERY marginal ) benefit to marketing yourself as a " second generation company" could be achieved by tweaking a sentence or two to get the same effect without declaring something that is demonstrably un-true.
BTW---sorry to be a PITA, and I know it seems like a small thing------but I would hate to see you lose a juicy project because a moderately intelligent homeowner doing VERY basic due dillegence,discovered you fibbed---and then wondered what ELSE you might fib about.
Very best wishes,
Stephen
true.
Jeff
maybe ... in there somewhere ... I'm Jeff, a second generation carp, Prez of Buck Const ...
something like that ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Or maybe you might say something like "I followed in my father's footsteps, praticing classic carpentry craftsmanship....."Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
NOW you are thinking Jeff!!!!
I think of you and I figure a guy as full of shi------uhh, errr------I mean a master wordsmith such as yourself ------will be able to finese that bit of information just fine.
You will stumble across the right phrasing and it will come across even BETTER than what you had planned.
Best wishes, Stephen
my eye's are brown ...
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
I'm Jeff, a second generation carp, Prez of Buck Const ...
Jeff, I like that phrase better than the original. It shows you've grown beyond the teachings of your mentor, and have the initiative to start your own business. You didn't just inherit your dad's business.
>>a nice little pocket of turn of the century homes where the owners have all sunk big bucks to keep their homes in great shape. That's my target market.<<
I don't know the exact wording, but as the owner of a home like those you describe who has had a heck of a time finding someone wasn't trying to sell vinyl windows to replace my original sashes, I would be really interested if I got something from someone who:
a) said he was interested in working on "classic" homes (and implied he understood and respected them),
b) said he knew what he was doing on these homes and,
c) said he would listen to what the homeowner wanted done.
Too often people in older homes who may not want a full blown historical renovation get sold inappropriate remodels because that's all the builder/contractor knows. If you can do better, and you make a practice of listening to your clients, then say so! Using phrases like "I can do renovations that are appropriate for your home" may help as well.
FWIW=====Zippy=====
Hey Zippy ...
great thoughts ...
as that's exactly what I'm in the process of doing ...
some stuff will be "restored" ... some just saved and decisions put off till later ... other stuff like the kitchen will be blown out and all new installed ...
You are right ... I should work that in somehow ...
that's the exact reason I got the job/jobs in the first place ... she said she called all the local guys and I was the only one who seemed to know an old house is different than a new one.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Jeff,I can't get past the first line.Maybe it's me, but I see "Please allow..." and the tune is already playing in my head.."....me to introduce myself..."Yup, that's how it goes. And you are now the devil.But maybe it's just me.
Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
Rich, I agree. I think its better to just introduce myself, instead of asking permission to introduce myself.
If they didn't want the introduction, they'd be screwed...The patronizing question just doesn't sit well with me either.
blueJust because you can, doesn't mean you should!
Warning! Be cautious when taking any framing advice from me. There are some in here who think I'm a hackmeister...they might be right! Of course, they might be wrong too!
I think Rich might have been referring to the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil
"Please allow me to introduce myself
I'm a man of wealth and taste
I been around long long years
Stole many a man's soul and faith"
Can't you hear the bongos?
John
"I think Rich might have been referring to the Rolling Stones' Sympathy for the Devil"Nice to see that somebody got it. I was getting worried there.Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
Blue,
I don't know what the deal is with LLC's in PA.,
But
In Ohio, when I set up my LLC------the lawyer stressed SEVERAL times the importance of seperating myself as an individual from the LLC. Specifically he told me I must make sure every step of the way that the customer is dealing with Hazlett Roofing & Renovation Ltd.-----not Stephen Hazlett. I was instructed to sign EVERYTHING business related as Stephen Hazlett, President.
Everything business related---letters, proposals, change orders, loan applications, bank accounts----and especially NEVER accept or sign a check made out to me personally.
I work primarily in a very modest neighborhood and I don't think signing things as Stephen Hazlett , President has been a handicap.
Just my opinion, Stephen
I'm not real big on it ....
but that's one we "had to" use when I was selling alarm systems ...
the body of the letter was flexible ... but there were a coupla points we had to place in there word for word.
The company spent lotsa money getting that stuff right ...
so if it was good for them ... it's good for me.
They did all sorts of testing flyers and mailers ... focus group stuff ...
maybe more people got pissed if the "please" wasn't there than cared if it was?
That's another line I always use .. the "please allow me" intro.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Yo Jeff,
Please allow me to introduce myself and my company.
I’m Jeff Buck, President and son of the Founder (if true) of Buck Construction, llc. We are working in the neighborhood on a large home restoration project. After some maintenance items, such as rebuilding and weather-striping the original double hung windows, we’ll design and tackle the larger projects, a complete new kitchen and master bath as well as a much needed back porch that will be in keeping with the original style of the beautiful older home.<!---->
While we are in the area I would love the opportunity to talk with you about any projects or repairs you may have in mind. I have an extensive picture portfolio, and a list of satisfied clients, that I really enjoy sharing with people. Please call me and I will set up an in-home consultation to show you how Buck Construction can make your home so much nicer for you.
Forget the handyman BS. Don't give them any excuse to call someone other than you.
Forget the electrician and plumber in this letter. It will just confuse your message.
Your message should always be "This is me. I'm great. I will make you feel good. Call me!"
Add little things like "I'm here right now." and "I can show you neat pictures that will make you feel good." or "Be afraid of this!" when appropriate. Like now.
Your original message was " I'm great, I'm convenient. I'll make you feel good if your handy man can't. I'll share my subs with you if you call me.
SamT
Edit: Dang, 11 new posts while I was typing.ST.
Edited 1/19/2005 11:24 pm ET by SamT
Jeff, consider this:
Dear Neighbor,
Please allow me to introduce myself and our company. My name is Jeff Buck, of Buck Construction llc. We are a second generation remodelling company with experience in most areas of construction to include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fireplace , painting and restoration needs. A portfolio is available for your review.
We are currently remodelling and restoring a home in your neighborhood, and we would be priveleged to give you a free estimate on any project you have been considering. We will design and complete work in a timely and professional manner that will match the style and period of your home. Please stop by, phone or Fax us with your thoughts and questions.
Jeff Buck,
Buck Construction, llc
Short, concise and to the point that will generate plenty of business for you. The fact that your name is Buck is information enough for potential customers to guess that you are at least a major player in the company. If they are interested, they will ask.
A couple of comments:
1. Good ecxample of "permission marketing."
2. Give 'em something with the flyer. A pen, magnet, whatever. Even a small gift ups the reponse rate tremendously
I used a letter like that, but it started off by telling the folks that the work would be noisy at times, and to contact us if they had a particular time when they preferred quiet, such as a baby's nap time.
I got a lot of response from folks who were amazed a contractor was considerate of them, and only got one request for a baby's nap time, which was easy to accomdate.
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Sojourners: Christians for Justice and Peace