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View Full Version : Do You Network Locally? How to Get Free Leads.....


Ed The Roofer
July 28th, 2009, 02:37 PM
I was discussing this on the ContractorsClub Forum about 2 weeks ago and I am making a concerted effort to sharpen my daily involvement skills with other, previously unknown to me, contractors in related but different trades.

I am going to be meeting up for lunch one of the next 2 days with Dave of Tiger Electric, who I happened to have the pleasure of meeting once before at my office, when he was seeking some information and advice regarding Mechanic's Liens.

Well, we are going to follow through and meet again.

Yesterday, when I was leaving my Bank, a Hispanic Remodeling Contractor was getting out of his truck to make his way in.

I caught his attention and we wound up talking outside for about 20-30 minutes and sharing business cards.

It just so happened, that he was a very bright contractor who despised illegal labor and the proliferation of untrained immigrants into the trades as much as the next guy yo meet on the forums.

So, time ran short, but I intend on contacting him again and see if I can set up a short coffee or lunch meeting with him too.

Eventually, what I will wind up doing, is creating a cross-referral circle of trusted contractor associates, where we can each supply our customers with list, or actually a professionally printed pamphlet which describes each of the trades listed, along with some consumer advice and relative tips, which can be left as a leave behind to benefit the other members in the circle.

Additionally, statistics state, that consumers who do one type of remodeling project are more likely to do something else in the near future, economic times considering.....

So, all of the generated leads could be compiled into a local direct mail demographic list of available know consumers to create a shared data base from.

What are you guys doing to improve this type of free lead generation potential?

Ed

Mike(VA)
July 28th, 2009, 02:59 PM
Ed, I brought up this very idea several weeks back on a group in LinkedIn. I think it may have been the CT group. A bit of discussion ensued, but the consensus seemed to be that it would be difficult for everyone in the 'circle' to only recommend each other. I have my favorite electrician but the electrician has his favorite GC which isn't me. Dittos for each trade.

I thought it would be good to do something like that but I came to the conclusion that it is unworkable unless you compile a group of trades that each will support the other, pass out brochures, etc.

Ed The Roofer
July 28th, 2009, 03:12 PM
I thought it would be good to do something like that but I came to the conclusion that it is unworkable unless you compile a group of trades that each will support the other, pass out brochures, etc.

That would have to be a prerequisite key condition, where each party scratches the others back in return.

Find another good electrician who will refer the GC work back to you.

Ed