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Diversify
Diversify your business. Part 3 of “Ideas to Grow Your Business.”
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? No matter what your business specialty is, you may be looking into new ways to create revenue. From contractors to entrepreneurs, HMI has helped small businesses across the world expand into new markets and increase their revenue stream. Diversifying your business is a big step for every small business to make, but reward can be very gratifying.
There are couple things to take in account when adding or expanding your business services.
Do your research. Make sure you acquire knowledge of what type of business you are expanding into. As well it is important to have stability in your business when branching out into new directions. Know your target market area and take in account of new travel destinations.
We offer you the option of polyurethane concrete raising and mudjacking equipment and materials. Whether you choose between the two or both, we are available to answer any questions you may have about our business operations and equipment. We offer multiple business packages to suit your budget and your specific needs.
Preparation and patience. Change can be exciting and frightening for some, and that is why to prepare your staff for your upcoming opportunity in this new market. Make sure that your staff has acquired the proper knowledge in your new service, so they can proceed with the expertise that you have developed. Your new service may be booming at first or it may take a little while to get the ball rolling. Get the word out about your business and try to presell your service to find what your market will be.
At our 2 day training classes we cover hands on training with our equipment and business operations. This opportunity allows you to give your new service a test drive. Become an expert in the concrete raising industry before you make the leap.
Be open to advice. It’s not a bad idea to seek the advice from others with your new concrete raising service. There may be ideas out there you have overlooked or just didn’t think of. It’s easy to talk yourself into something, but some outside feedback can be an eye opening experience. The best way to get the knowledge you need is to start with a 2 day HMI training seminar.
A few questions to ask of any business/service diversification:
1. How much does it cost?
2. How much will it make?
3. How hard will this be to add to my current business?
How does HMI answer those questions:
1. $30-50K
2. Potential 60-75% profit margins
3. With our experience in the industry, HMI offers training, onsite technicians and support, expanding to offer concrete raising is easy with HMI.
If you’re thinking about expanding into the concrete raising business give us a call 1-800-626-2464. We will answer any questions you have about the business. Whether your questions pertain to polyurethane concrete raising, mudjacking, marketing or business operations, we are here to answer them.
Diversifying your business is a big step and we are here to help and support you through this opportunity. We are a manufacturer and a contractor who have seen both sides of the spectrum when it comes to concrete raising.
by admin
Why it’s important to listen to your customers.
Part 1 “Ideas to grow your concrete raising business.”
Have you ever asked your customers how your service is? They may offer insight that you didn’t know of or offer ways you could improve your service. Understanding your customer’s thoughts on your job can create a personal connection between your business and them which can generate more business and more money. Consider asking customers how their experience was or if they would change anything. It also shows the customer that you care about the quality of work you do and also that you value their opinion. Raising concrete back up is amazing! The more impressed they are with the process and your service, the more likely they will be to tell more friends, family and neighbors. In the concrete raising industry referrals can be one of the best ways to grow your business. When they call for a lead, during scheduling or even a follow up call, do not forget to ask them for referrals.
How was your experience with our service?
You don’t know unless you ask. Measure what you hear and find out if there is trend in your customer’s feedback. Positive feedback will help you spread the word that you are doing a great job and you can tell other customers how satisfied your customers experience is. Negative feedback can provide information about employee’s performances, mechanical issues or attention too detail that need to be addressed. It also provides insight into the customer’s eyes and perception of your business.
Keep in mind that people are expressing their opinions not only by word of mouth but on multiple social media platforms reaching many more people. REMEMBER people are more willing to share a poor job done or customer experience rather than a positive, emphasizing the importance of a job well done! It is important to cultivate positive feedback, but to also embrace negative feedback. As your customers to post comments or reviews, but when something turns negative the best way to handle the comment is basic Customer Service 101. Be empathetic, apologetic and never forget Rule #1, the customer is always right. Correctly addressing a negative comment can be more impactful then never getting a comment at all.
What should I pay attention too?
If you measure your customer satisfaction levels you can compare it to how busy your concrete raising business is. You can also use that information to predict how busy you will be in the future. Do you need to improve something or can you expand your business? For example, if you have a lot of customers complaining about hole size after a mudjacking job, it may be time to look into polyurethane concrete raising. If customers complain about you taking too long to complete their work, this could be an excellent opportunity to start another crew and grow.
It also may be important to ask customers about what they least liked about your service or how you could improve it. Not to open a can of worms, but it is a way to get important feedback. More or less, the answer might be that your prices are too high, it took too long to estimate or complete the work. Again good feedback to justify growing your business or taking a hard look at your business practices and how to improve them. Don’t worry, you may not need to change your prices but improve your quality of service and prove you are worth every cent.
How did you hear about us?
This is a great question to ask to all your customers. This will not only help you realize your biggest driving source of revenue, but illustrate where you should spend advertising money and what areas of contact you should focus on.
In conclusion, the customer is the most important thing to your concrete raising business. They are the ones who pay you, recommend you to others, and share their overall experience with family and friends. Better yet ask them to share their great experience with others!
We at HMI are always open to answer any of your questions and comments.
by admin
10 steps to start your business
Have you seen how much concrete is around you? There is a huge business opportunity in concrete raising and we will show you the steps needed to start a successful business. In the concrete raising business, you are presented with the tools to be your own boss, set your own schedule and hire your own employees. You have the opportunity to reap the award of being in charge of your future.
The best thing about concrete raising is that anybody can do it. We speak to customers on a daily basis that come from many different backgrounds and are thriving in the world of concrete raising. It is important for a successful new business to have a strategy before they take off.
1) Pursue your specialty. In the world of concrete raising you have the option of traditional mudjacking and polyurethane concrete raising. These two options go hand and hand and it is not uncommon for a company to pursue both so the customers have the option between the two.
2) Develop a plan. It’s smart to develop a strategy before you start your actual work. Discover your rates, prices and competition in your area. How far will you travel?
3) Reserve a web address. Make sure your customers can find you when they enter your service in a search engine like Google, Bing and Yahoo.
4) Find your budget. It’s important to plan your investments in equipment, labor, operating costs and marketing.
5) Define yourself. Make your business a brand. Create a logo and choose your colors to give your business an identity. Choose a theme for your website that lets your customers know what you offer.
6) Be social. Utilize social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Spread the word to customers, friends and family to grow interest in your company.
7) Establish a marketing strategy. Brainstorm ideas, concepts and strategies to produce sales.
8) Create a strategic plan. Create a detailed list of your deadlines, procedures, weekly and monthly goals.
9) Develop your schedule. With your new business it will be easier to stay on track by following a planned agenda.
10) Keep track of your money and create a legal identity. An accounting system will organize your finances and transactions. Make yourself the sole-proprietor of your business.
HMI offers 2 day training classes to teach you everything you need to know about how to start, market and be successful in the concrete raising business. We will offer you support and answer any questions you may face while you pursue your dreams of owning your own business.
“This was probably the best, most informative seminar I’ve ever been too. Everyone is very nice and genuine. The information that is given you is invaluable. You truly learn there’s no reason in the world you won’t succeed if you follow what they teach you. Everyone you meet at HMI honestly wants you to succeed, it’s a fantastic learning environment. I couldn’t be happier that I attended, and know I will be successful with their ongoing help and support.”- Hugh
by admin