Two things:
1. If you want a straight-up marketing tip – here you go:
Pick up the phone and call ONE previous client today. Simple as:
“Hey! I was thinking about you today and wanted to check in and see how you and the family are doing and how the job we did for you is holding up.”
Nothing more – nothing less. Do this regularly and you might say something like a remodeler in New York told me:
“Kyle – calling 5 previous clients every week for the last six months has turned out to be the best business advice I’ve ever received.”
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2. Not marketing related, but equally (or more?) important:
I sent an email on Friday titled ‘Reflection’ – I took the email and turned it into a blog post here. Please read it if you haven’t already.
I received a reply all the way from a builder over in Brisbane, Austrailia.
This bloke (trying my best at Austrailian slang) said it was ok if I shared his reply with you. I hope you find it helpful/encouraging – and that you’ll take similar action on what matters most:
Dear Kyle,
What a beautiful looking day in your part of the world. A complete contrast to the storms we experienced here in Brisbane (Australia) last Friday afternoon.
Upon reflection of my past week (as suggested) I feel a little guilty/hurt/angry as I have not devoted anywhere near enough time as a husband and a father.
I love my family to bits and work hard to support them, but what’s the point when I am at work most the time?
I’d like to thank you for your email as it has reiterated the importance to me of a sustainable work-life balance.
I have been so caught up in my work lately I have being blinded to the fact that I been neglecting the most important thing in my life …. family.
Your suggestion of taking time each week to reflect is a fantastic idea and is something I intend to implement immediately.
I’ve heard the phrase “work to live, not live to work” ….. no doubt I should start to take heed! Thanks again for giving me a little kick in the bum and reminder of what’s important in life.
Keep up the good work – I always enjoy reading your emails. Have a great week.
We had a quick email exchange and he added this in another reply:
Although I do enjoy reading your emails, I very seldom take time to write a reply.
However as mentioned, your email hit a nerve – enough for me to take action immediately!
Your email motivated me to undertake the following:
- Block out time and set a weekly reminder in my Outlook Calender.
I intend to spend 15 – 20 minutes (2-3 minutes / point) each Friday morning as soon as I arrive at work.
I will spend this ‘quiet’ time reflecting on each one of your bullet points.
This way I will be able to tie off any loose ends from the work week and have time to plan ‘family time’ over the weekend.
- I’ve also copied your bullet points (titling them “Friday Morning Reflection”) and pasted them to the bottom of my computer screen!
Nothing brings me more energy than helping take a remodeler who is overwhelmed and helping them feel in control of their business.
Want to set-up a time to talk? No cost to get to know each other and the agenda of the 29-minute call will simply be:
- Tell me where you’re at, where you’re trying to go and what you think is keeping you from getting there. And I’ll share my advice/ideas.
