What I do. Can you help me improve

[Spencer4Hire]

I am a trim carpenter by trade. When I was first introduced to construction it was 99% be construction. By '08-'09 that all changed and I do much more remodeling jobs now. This is what I would rather do since I'm my opinion almost all new homes, even new "customs" are just big track homes with the same trim, floor plan, and builder who wants everything on the cheaper side. On the other hand most contractors I work with that exclusively remodel, are much more appreciative of being able to match existing work elsewhere in the house. I do a good amount of built-ins whether they be whole wall units that measure just a couple week wide to over 10' tall and 20' long. I wouldn't classify myself as a cabinet builder because I don't do any of the finish work. That being said, going forward I really want to start pushing staircase installations and cabinets/ built-ins. What I am looking for are any and all suggestions that you have found or were passed on to you about how to improve your business. This is my career and while I have always loved what I do I always thought there could be a time where I wouldn't want to do it forever I am coming to the realization that it is. I don't want to do anything else but also don't want to be so spread out in doing everything that comes my way. I really want to be able to focus on the jobs/ clients that I really want to do or work for. Just looking for some insight and it's possible that I'm not the only one that has ever gone through this. I appreciate any and all feedback and to be clear I am not complaining about everything that I feel I've been blessed with so far in life. Thank you

 

[Kev]

There's a lot of trains of thought on this, but the most effective in terms of cost and time is to get your client to do your marketing for you and over and above that, make yourself easy to remember and easy to contact (truck/van signage, business cards, simple web site, catchy name - but not a silly name).

This is true for almost any business.

Always make certain you go one step further (I work in an area with hundreds of coffee shops, but I always go to the one that puts a small chocolate on top of the coffee!)

The important thing to remember is that people will only talk about you if you do a great job or a bad job, average to good typically doesn't rate a mention with most people.

A final point - try to make sure you're doing the work directly for the person parting with the money and that you're always clean, presentable, professional and friendly when you're dealing with them.

Suddenly, you're a brand!

 

[Landmade]

I agree with Kev, marketing yourself as a brand.  From experience I know it's a lot easier said than done but it's one of those things that comes with time.  One thing that has been mentioned to me in the past by customers is getting reviews on mommy groups.  I know it sounds strange but it's the modern version of a sewing circle.  All the 30 something mommies get together when their kids are in school or are online to chat about how great their lives are.  Each one seems to be trying to outdo the next or at least keep up with them.  Talk to some of your current and past customers if they know of anyone looking to have built ins made or custom pieces of furniture.  Get a company Facebook page set up with lots of photos of your past work and politely invite your customers to leave feedback about your work on the page.  My website is somehow linked to my Facebook photos so each time I add photos to FB, they automatically show on my website as well.  The guy in charge of my website know how it works and that's all I need to know.  My website needs a lot more work to be all I want it to be but for now, it's working great.  Www.landmadewoodworking.com
  If your work is good and your customers are happy with the job they will gladly show off how nice their house is to the world.  Maybe inflate their ego a little and hire a photographer to come in and shoot some quality shots for your website.  I'd bet money people will be tripping  over themselves to tell all their friends about the photo shoot and then just wait for the phone to start ringing.  That and make yourself appear exclusive.  Charge for estimates and inform the customer you will take the fee off the total job if they decide to go with you.  I learned early on it's a great way to eliminate the time wasters and the cheapskates and be left with the quality jobs.  You start getting in the circle of customers  and you will find yourself with steady customers.    At the same time you will still have to do some jobs you're not happy  with.  For me that's exterior trim repair.  Hate it with a passion but I keep my good customers happy and I'm rewarded with nice kitchen jobs, custom cabinets, furniture and other little tasty jobs that are easy to do and pay nicely.  I stay away from the handyman jobs, the ones that any guy with a screwgun and a bucket of ready patch can do.  I know it can help pay the bills in a pinch but you will be known as that guy and not the skilled finish carpenter you want to be known as.
        Doing these things have worked well for me.  I have work booked out for two months and new jobs keep rolling in each week.  If you have a website please share it.