A recent thread on the Linkedin NARI group has generated over 130 responses from parties interested in the relationship between contractors and lead generation sites. The purpose of the thread was to provide a forum for contractors and LGC's about the numerous problems between the two groups. We were interested in obtaining dialogue from contractors and LGC's.

This past week I posted a simple question on the Linkedin NARI group. It was, should contractor organizations and trade publications lead the charge to protect contractors from lead gen companies tactics. Little did I realize, that the thread hit a nerve in a big way with many contractors throughout the country. The responses blew me away and started a strong and passionate debate about the subject. This debate is likely to continue for weeks. The basic problem is how lead gen sites use questionable tactics to sell low quality leads to contractors. There are thousands of verifiable complaints about lead gen firms all over the web on forums.

What are you doing with your old leads? Do you throw them away or leave them in a pile to call on a rainy day? What do you do with the TIO'S (think it over)?

What allows you to have a business that works and produces profits? The answer is systems with clearly defined processes and procedures. The systems needed to run a fine tuned contractor business are marketing, sales, production and administration. In our training, we use the Four Legged Chair analogy to represent these four systems. Each leg must be strong to prevent the chair from falling over or collapsing.

When business is slow it is prudent to find cost effective ways to lower costs. Some items can be pared down wisely with minimal adverse effects to the operation, and some should not be cut, instead increased. A common belief is that marketing should be cut. Cutting marketing is a huge mistake that precedes serious damage to the health of a business. We are hearing from many contractors and businesses that they are falling short in the sales and lead generation department. We ask if they are marketing their business and most say "no we are cutting marketing and not doing that right now. We need more business then we can increase marketing." Go figure!

Traditional marketing mediums are not producing the quality leads residential remodelers, general contractors and home improvement companies need to keep busy. Newspapers, post cards, newsletters, print advertising are not producing the needed results. Contractors are saving their money and focusing on marketing efforts that have a higher return on investment. We are seeing a huge investment in time spent on networking activities.  

Homeowners have become masters at knocking out contractors with TIO's (think it over), wasting one of our most valuable resources, time.

Spring has sprung and homeowners are starting to call residential contractors for remodeling and home improvements. Even though the economy has been tough, people still need to maintain their most valuable investment.

Last week, in our Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce Referral Group meeting, two contractor coaching clients described their recent success using the power of positive thinking and goal setting. In their coaching sessions they are studying the concepts of "Think and Grow Rich" written by Napoleon Hill. The Contractor Coaching Partnership contractor course teaches clients how to use this powerful study guide to develop the right thinking habits and the power of setting goals.

Over the past four weeks we attended many trade shows and spoke with over two hundred remodeling contractors. We volunteered to work the JLC trade show in Providence and the Residential Design Conference in Boston for the Eastern Mass NARI chapter as well as attended the NARI national business conference. We acquired over two hundred business cards from contractors at these events and had the good fortune to meet outstanding remodeling contractors who are at the top of their game and a few who are not.