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Recession-Proof Your Business Part 2

By Terry | June 8, 2009

Five ways to help your company thrive in a slumping economy con’d

2. Do this instead of cutting prices

Some contractors instantly drop their price when estimating a job they really want (or need). Instead of lowering your price, try offering related additional services for little or no charge. Services like pressure cleaning decks, fences, or cement can help you close the deal. You can do it when you already have the equipment onsite to clean the house before painting. Or, you could schedule it on a rainy day.

Other ideas: Offer to cut back high limbs scraping the siding or roof, clean the leaves out of their clogged gutters, or even tighten up loose siding or spouting for no charge while painting. These extras cost you little but can make a big difference to customers, especially the elderly. Get creative and find new ways to differentiate yourself from your competition rather than cutting your price. You may not only earn a sale, but a loyal customer.

3. Get more productivity from your crew

When times are good, business usually grows with little effort, but when times are tough your entire crew needs to work smart as a team. Be sure everyone on your team understands you’re all in this together. Teach everyone in your company to use critical thinking skills. Your employees also know where the waste and inefficiencies are in your business. Work with them to develop better systems and processes.

In tough economic times, utilizing a proven system can add immediate cash flow, allowing you and your company to maintain the status quo until those better times right around the bend.

Part 3 coming next Monday….

Terry Begue is the owner of Begue Painting and author of the popular e-book, “The Wealthy House Painter’s Guide to Having it All.”  He’s been a successful house painter for 30 years and enjoys helping others start their own successful painting businesses, too. Terry has been published in “Professional Painting Contractor” magazine in spring 2009 for his article “Recession Proof Your Business-Five ways to help your company thrive in a stumbling economy.”

Discover more at: http://www.yourhousepaintingbusiness.com

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