Other than advertisement in the local papers etc what are some ways that you guys land contracts whether it be construction, snow removal, or even sub contracts? We're just looking for new ideas with our buisiness, it's always interesting to see what approach others take.
I'm not trying to cut into any of you gentlemen's buisiness, especially since most of you are in the U.S and we're way up here in Canada. :beerchug
I opened my business here last summer with only one contact in the landscape business.
I spent the first couple of weeks driving around from one jobsite to another and handing out business cards. I took 50 cards per day and wouldnt come home until they were all gone.
I also advertised on the web and in the local papers but those 2 didnt offer much in return.
Meeting someone face to face is the best way of doing business. Call other contractors in your area and go meet them. You are their competitor but if they get busy and want to sub out work, they will remember you.
My business is booming right now. I am consistently booked 2-3 weeks out, my dump truck is running everyday and I have started getting phone calls about snow removal this winter.
The more people you meet, the easier it will be to get introduced to other contractors.
It is like a family tree. You start by meeting one or two contractors and they each give you the names of one or two more and it just keeps multiplying.
Be honest, dont try to be sneaky with what you are doing. If you are an excavator tell the other excavating companies that you are.
Just the other day I was beat on a bid by a guy that I had met only once before. He called me today and asked if I could truck all of his material in for him. I like to develop more a "friendly" relationship rather than a "business" relationship.
Keep you frinds close and your competitors closer. Good luck!