We all know that traditionally your product rep or manufacturers rep can be a huge support system for you and your business. A Rep that reaches out even after you have bought their product and makes sure that you had a successful install, is one worth bragging on and keeping.
But another group of people that could be huge allies in you getting more jobs is your so-called “competition.” I know you’re thinking “what is he talking about? Why would I work with my competition and why would they give me jobs?”
Here is the reasoning behind those crazy thoughts:
I’m not suggesting that you reach out to every competitor that you have in your market, but what I do suggest is that you reach out to a handful of the top notch top quality professionals that you know, who are large players in your market. Find out what services or systems they install that you don’t, and vice versa.
Let’s say they only install TPO/PVC and EPDM because they are a large single ply contractor. If you were to make a good acquaintance with them and show them how you can offer a high-quality liquid applied system to their repertoire when they come in contact with a client who may not have the budget for a TPO or a layover, they can refer you or bring you in as a sub to do a coating system for them. This allows them to continue to serve their clients and still get a small piece of the pie on an otherwise lost opportunity.
In doing so, if you come across a roof that is in need of a single ply or a specific system that you currently don’t install, you can reach out to them and do the same thing. You can refer them or use them as a sub and you both get a piece of the pie and build both of your businesses.
Mutual Benefits:
Not only does this build stronger communities because of the shared wealth and growth but it also builds a stronger quality control in your market which will allow the cream to rise to the top promoting both of you to get more jobs.
If you live in a storm ridden area this will give both of you the opportunity to tackle more jobs by having more tools in the toolbox, thus improving the bottom line for both companies.
At the end of the day, when you collaborate you eliminate competition and dominate industries.
Chad Hedrick, Roof Coating Life
“We Bleed White”