Sample Invitation Letter From General Contractors Asking Their Bid List to Join jobsite123.com
Apr 29, 2010 Qual-Port How-To\'s
Craig Noble
Since I’m getting asked more frequently by general contractors for some simple/good invitation language that they can use to inform their bid list of contractors, material suppliers and vendors about jobsite123.com – here’s my suggestion. Feel free to customize it to suit your personality, and put it on your letterhead or in an email. I hope this helps. Talk to you soon.
(date)
(recipient company name)
(company address)
RE: Improving our Subcontractor/Vendor Qualification Process
Dear (recipient name):
We are improving our Subcontractor/Vendor Qualification process, and we need your cooperation.
We have registered at a new website called jobsite123.com, and we are maintaining our company’s qualifications profile inside this new directory. Just logon to jobsite123.com and look us up. Our profile allows us to showcase our company’s complete qualifications, client performance ratings and industry relationships in front of the growing number of industry buyers searching jobsite123.com for commercial construction resources. The signup and listing process works the same for all construction-related companies – and it’s free for everyone.
We are confident that this new technology that inter-connects our companies (and the entire industry) will eliminate the tedious task of exchanging current information from each other via reminder letters and prequalification forms. In short, jobsite123.com will allow us to keep up with all necessary information from your company by simply looking up your company profile in jobsite123.com when we have a new project. For more information about how this new system will help both of our companies, and the entire commercial construction industry – watch this video:
http://www.jobsite123.com/cs/aboutus/what-is-jobsite123.html
We are excited about the efficiencies this new technology brings to our businesses, and we found the whole process to be easy to get up and running. However, if you have any questions – just contact jobsite123.com’s customer support people.
Thanks for getting started quickly and if you want to talk about this, don’t hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
(YOUR COMPANY NAME)
(your title)
(your name)
Creative Commercial Construction Companies Thrive in Any Economy
Apr 12, 2010 commercial construction industry, marketing tips
Craig Noble
Considering the precarious economy that the commercial construction industry is experiencing these days, it can be difficult to see the opportunities. However, just like successful Wall Street traders make money when the market is moving (up or down), the same can be said for creative construction and real estate-related business owners and executives. Skeptical? Read on.
The real estate market is not dead. It’s not growing, but there is movement. The activity surrounds banks that are taking properties back from owners that can no longer pay the commercial property debt. And until banks loosen up their purse strings and make business lines of credit and construction loans accessible again, rising vacancy rates will perpetuate this change in ownership. Sounds like more bad news, right? Not necessarily.
Banks are not experienced commercial real estate owners – their business is evaluating financial risk and lending money to commercial real estate owners. Generally speaking: banks know good credit risk concerning locations and tenants, but they know little about how to manage buildings/properties, design/build enhancements, or how to attract good tenants. Therefore, the opportunity for your construction or real estate-related business lies in your ability to get their attention with the help you can provide them in any of these areas. Once you do, give them some free advice to validate your experience, then perform as promised for a fair fee. Sounds simple, right? It can be.
For example, a prominent full-service real estate developer here in South Florida had bank representatives lined-up to lend them money – until recently. And with the economy stalling, they are now getting creative with their business development efforts by calling on those former lenders as their prospective clients. Their pitch is simple: we can help you with design, renovations and property management expertise that will get your newly acquired buildings occupied. This is a smart move for both sides, and strengthens their relationship going forward.
The above example is only one idea. First, change your mind about the gloom and doom market we are in. Then, let your creativity and execution pull your company through this difficult time.
Construction Executives Meet in South Florida – 2010's Economic Trifecta
Mar 10, 2010 commercial construction industry, construction industry events, industry videos
Constructive Executives from throughout South Florida were treated to vast amounts of knowledge presented by a panel of construction industry experts: Anirban Basu – one one of the nation’s leading economists, Terry Stiles – a prominent real estate developer and general contractor and Sonny Maken – one of South Florida’s premier commercial real estate professionals. The Event’s capacity crowd also enjoyed an opening presentation by Coty Fournier – CEO of JobSite123.com.
Here is an excerpt of Coty Fournier addressing the audience on the topic of how JobSite123.com is enabling construction companies to achieve broad exposure within the commercial construction industry.
View Part 2 of Coty Fournier’s Jobsite123 presentation series…
Other topics on the minds of commercial construction executives in 2010 included:
-Has the commercial construction market really hit bottom?
-When will we see an upturn in construction starts?
-How does the South Florida economy compare regionally and nationally?
-When will we return to normalcy in the construction industry?
-What can construction executives do to navigate these economic times?
-Do you use the new national economic data set, Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI)?
For those of you who attended…
Thank you for coming to the March 4, 2010 ABC East Coast Chapter’s Economic Symposium!
We invite you to join JobSite123 – the new instant prequalification tool for the commercial construction industry!
• Join today and start building your FREE Qual-Port™
• Request all of your industry contacts to build a Qual-Port so you can connect your companies in our search engine
• Enter all of your completed projects – and send out a performance rating request to all of your clients
Want even greater exposure in JobSite123.com as we roll out this new exciting tool nationwide? Get a jump start on your competitors and secure:
• TOP OF PAGE 1 premium search result positioning for your company at LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICES of $79/month in South Florida
• BANNER ADS in your targeted geographic markets
• SPECIAL OFFER – take 25% OFF if you purchase by March 12!
Contact advertising@JobSite123.com today.
Be a part of the change!
Construction Qualifications: Can Your Clients Find Yours on the Web? How About Your Competitors?
Jan 8, 2010 commercial construction industry
Coty Fournier
To post or not to post your construction company’s qualifications on the web? That is the question.
The answer emerges as you explore the following viewpoint commonly held in the industry…
“I don’t want all of our qualifications out there on the web for our competitors to see. I’ll make sure my clients and prospects can find the basics. When they contact us needing more information, we will make it available to them.”
Here’s the thing. This position is founded in yesterday’s communication principles. Today’s buyers seek answers to thier questions using readily accessible on-line information TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT they will contact you for any off-line information.
When it comes to your qualifications related information - particularly the good stuff - post it. Seriously, what are you afraid of? Your competitors clicking around looking at it? OMG – this is 2010. You can logon to Google Maps and read the manufacturer’s label on the patio furniture in my back yard. Anyone can find pretty much anything they want. What you should be worried about is whether or not your clients and prospects can easily find all of your qualifications related information online, because the cost of them not being able to find it far outweighs any possible downside of your competitors finding it.
Stressing about whether or not your competitors can easily find your information (online or offline) is a futile waste of time. They can. And vice versa. So knock yourself out snooping around all of thier information too, if it makes you feel better. When you’re done, see if you can answer this pop quiz correctly.
If you could only pick one, when comparing your company’s current qualifications related information to that of your competitors, which is more important?
a) To have more impressive qualifications information than your competitors
b) To have more easily accessible qualifications information than your competitors
ANSWER: ”b”
Why? The internet has changed everything. In today’s world, industry buyers demand (not prefer) readily accessible information. And what does readily accessible mean? It means these 5 things:
1) Answer all my questions
2) In one place
3) On the internet
4) In seconds
5) For free
If a client or prospect can’t easily find all of your qualifications related information, how can they determine you to be more impressive or more qualified than your competitors? Remember, they’re not likely to call you to get it.
Construction Qual-Port Set-Up: Step 1 – The Start-Up Wizard
Jan 5, 2010 Qual-Port How-To\'s, customer solutions
No special computer programming or skills required!
If you can point, click and type – you can begin building your commercial construction company’s Qual-Port in JobSite123.com today. We have made the entire process super easy!
Follow these 5 simple steps to get started:
- 1. Logon to our homepage by clicking here: www.jobsite123.com
- 2. Register for a free account. (Don’t worry - it takes seconds. We only need your name, e-mail address and a password.)
- 3. Go back to your inbox to open an auto-generated e-mail from us. Click on the link provided to validate your correct e-mail address. (This shows us that you’re a real person, and not an evil spammer.)
- 4. You will now be logged in to your Welcome Landing Page. Near the lower right hand side, you will see an icon called “Create my FREE Qual-Port”. (Click on it. Don’t be scared.)
- 5. The Start-Up Wizard will open and walk you through a series of questions designed to capture the minimal amount of information required to maintain a company Qual-Port in our search engine. (It’s very basic stuff!)
HINT: You will breeze through the Start-Up Wizard in minutes if you know the following information before you begin:
- 1. Your company’s basic contact information (address, phone, website, etc.)
- 2. Your company’s geographic service area (by U.S. states and U.S. counties)
- 3. Your company’s service provider type (i.e. general contractor, specialty contractor, material suppler, etc.)
- 4. The CSI codes that apply to your company’s services (this is not as hard as it sounds – we can help you if you get stuck)
- 5. Contact information for at least one ”Key Contact” within your company (i.e. an executive, sales person, estimator, or whomever - you will be able to add as many as you want later)
After you complete the Start-Up Wizard - your Qual-Port will be visible to the entire commercial construction industry! You can now go on and continue enhancing all of the various templates in your Qual-Port. And stay tuned for more great tips….
Need further help getting started? Click on the big red FEEDBACK button on the left hand side of any page in JobSite123.com. Send us your questions – and we’ll shoot you the answers. If you would rather talk to a real live person - call our Customer Solutions Department at 954.581.2810 from 8:30am – 5:00pm EST.
Construction Dog – Can You Learn a New Trick? Bury Your Ego and Skeptical Bone
Jan 5, 2010 commercial construction industry
Coty Fournier
They say the construction industry lags behind the proverbial technology curve. I would agree. Stereotypically speaking, we do tend to adopt cost-effective technological solutions slower than other industries, even rock-solid proven ones like email and internet search. The phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” probably originated on a commercial construction jobsite…with a few 4-letter words thrown in. That old dog wears many hard hats in our industry, from superintendents and project managers to estimators and accountants. And the new tricks they initially resisted range anywhere from fax machines and digitizers to cell phones and pay-per-click ads. I still know more than a few industry vets who refuse to touch a computer.
It’s true that we have a lot of old dogs. But doesn’t every industry have their fair share? Age can’t be the only determining factor. So, if there’s something else coming into play here and dragging our industry behind…what is it?
A) Lack of exposure
B) Fear of change
C) Just a stubborn old fart
D) All of the above
E) None of the above
Enjoying Your Winter Break?
Dec 28, 2009 commercial construction industry
Craig Noble
Me too – although my winter break this year is not as slow and relaxing as others in the past. However, the continued rapid growth of JobSite123 is a welcome challenge. So this year, between Christmas and New Year’s, I find myself with a few extra hours in the evenings and on the weekends…which feels like a bunch of mini-vacations. I’m using this extra time to reflect about what happened last year and think through how I want to execute next year’s plan to meet demand. I also find myself thinking about these uncertain times for many in the commercial construction industry, and I wanted to share two observations that I hope will remind you about your business’s opportunities. These may seem obvious when you read them, but I hope you reflect further and consider addressing both points with specifics in your Business Plan for 2010.
Your Qualifications Land you the Job
Dec 10, 2009 commercial construction industry
Craig Noble
You already know to focus significant marketing efforts on maintaining awareness for your construction company. And you do a good job of keeping your company top-of-mind in your market area by networking and advertising in the right places. So now that you are accomplishing AWARENESS for your company, what’s next? Reminder: awareness is really only Step 1 toward your goal of getting more work. The next step is to get your company on the short list for a project. To accomplish this, you need to make your prior performance, experience and overall industry credentials (aka: your current qualifications) readily accessible to your relationships.
Think about it. If you are a contractor, supplier, accountant, etc. in the commercial construction industry, unless your company can SHOW that it walks the talk (the words from your networking and advertising), you will not likely be considered for the job. The time, quality and expense associated with a buyer going to contract with a company that turns out to be the wrong fit is devastating to the project and all of the companies involved. This is why buyers in our industry go through (or should go through) painstaking investigations before awarding work – detailed qualifications differentiate competitors.
Are Your Ads Effective Among Local Commercial Construction Industry Market Players?
Dec 9, 2009 commercial construction industry
Craig Noble
Ever wonder about the effectiveness of your company’s print and online ads? Me too. So, recently I spent some time looking at both print and online ads in a variety of different marketing channels – from trade magazines to online directories – in the commercial construction industry. And since it’s mostly general contractors, facilities managers and project owners that these ads aim to reach, I decided to talk with a handful of them that I have known for many years to get their feedback. Their answers were honest and consistent. And surprisingly, all of those I talked with seemed sincerely interested in helping the businesses trying to get thier attention. When it comes to advertising, they had clear opinions on what works and what doesn’t.
But before I get into what they had to say, let me start by sharing with you what I found while looking through a lot of these print and online ads. Most of them are really creative with an eye-catching logo and an impressive image of a product or a completed project. There’s also usually some text about the company’s commitment to quality and long-standing reputation – and each ad has contact information with a website address. When the ad is larger, the additional space contains more product or project-related images, and more company descriptive text. Overall, I’d say that most companies do a pretty good job of announcing themselves in their market area – regardless of the size of the ad space they purchase. But again, the question is… are they effective?
The answer – directly from the project owners, facilities managers and general contractors you are pursuing – has everything to do with whether or not the ad helps them do their job.
This is what they said.
“ Yes, I do read the magazines and see your ads, and sometimes go to your website for more information. Yes, your ads make me aware of your company. However, that’s pretty much where my attention ends. Your ad reminds me that you are (say) an electrician, operating since 1987 and you specialize in 3 or 4 different types of construction projects. What I can’t see in your ad is ALL of the information that I need to fully qualify your company or consider you for a particular type of project that I am responsible for managing. For example, I see your great project pic in your ad, but how do I know if that general contractor or project owner highly recommends you or would use you again? How do I know if you have extensive experience in the types of projects that that my company builds? Or sufficient insurance coverage? Or bonding capacity? I have MANY of these kinds of qualifying questions, but I can’t get the answers I need from your ad. And here’s the kicker – even if I look in your website, the answers are not in there either. At best, your website has ‘more of the same’ project pics and company sales text. Yes, I see your phone number, but please understand that until I can determine whether or not you are likley to be a good fit for my need, I am not likley to call you. What would be MUCH more helpful is this: allow me to somehow quickly ’self-discover’ all of the answers to my questions, so I can quickly prescreen and consider your company for my projects. Then I will call you if your company is the right fit. ”
Good news: They see your ads. Bad news: They are not compelled to contact you.
My advice: Keep buying ads and participating in a variety of marketing and business development activites – they accomplish AWARENESS for your company in your targeted markets. However, the missing bridge that will make your ads and other activites more effective is to always include a direct link to your Qual-Port. A complete and current Qual-Port will answer 90% of the questions a client or prospective client may have for you – and propel them to contact you when they have a need for your services. BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANTLY, a complete Qual-Port will show your clients and prospects that you respect their time, by making your information readily accessible. Try this – and watch your ROI from your ads soar.
Social Marketing is the Buzz – but Traditional Networking is STILL a Must
Dec 7, 2009 commercial construction industry, construction industry events
Craig Noble
Social networking is growing and growing in terms of both popularity and effectiveness. However, in the commercial construction industry, we all know that nothing will ever completely replace a beer and a handshake. So here are some important points to consider as you balance your time and resources between online networking and on-the-ground networking.
Continue to get out there and spend some face-to-face time with real people. And while you’re out there, remember this – commercial construction industry events are NOT sales calls – they are networking opportunities for the purpose of awareness and reinforcement.
You are attending these events to represent your company and grow your company’s awareness, which takes patience and time. You are talking with current clients (to stay top of mind), you are seeking introductions to prospective clients (to begin building new relationships) and you are talking with your valued peers (to maintain your referral network). Be casual and professional, but keep your business card in your pocket until someone asks you for it.
Like everyone, I know I have put my foot in my mouth with some over-the-top, “Hey Buddy!” stuff. And I have talked about my business with patient people that never even asked about my business. I have also spent time talking to people that were safe and friendly – all the while knowing it wasn’t productive. Push yourself to be effective, but don’t be a ‘bull in a china shop’. And remember these 2 things: People do business with people they like AND people like to buy but hate to be sold. So, take it easy out there.
Be calm and attentive at these events. Let those that are interested check-up on you behind your back (first) by looking online at your Qual-Port on JobSite123.com. Make sure it is 100% complete and current. A complete Qual-Port will answer 90% of any questions a client or prospective client may have for you – and propel them to contact you when they have a need for your services. Most importantly, a complete Qual-Port will show your construction industry clients that you respect their time, by making your information readily accessible to them. This approach will make your online and offline marketing and business development efforts much more effective.
View a sample construction company profile (Qual-Port) to see how to get started now. It only takes a few minutes and it is FREE.
