Networking for more work

Times are slow all over, but you should see it in Michigan! 10%+ unemployment and rising and tons of snow. We have been laid off for about a month now and I have been working the phones and talking to everyone I know to drum up business for the coming year. If something is going to be built, I want to be in on the begining of the planning to be sure and get the work when it does happen. There are people with money out there that are going to build or remodel and it is important to know who they are.

Does anyone else do a lot of meeting and talking to other contractors to share infor and give recomendations. I share everything with everybody and it seems to be reciprocated. The more you give, the more you recieve. Funny how that works!>>>

I think it's a great idea OS. You just have to find the right people.

Is this something you made a plan to do, or did it fall together naturally?>>>

In your "network", you would want as an example an electrician, a plumber, a brick mason, a General contractor,a painter, an insulator and maybe a Large comercial roofer. That is assuming you are a regular residential roofer. If you have confidence in each other, it is surprizing how much work can be pushed back and forth between you. I will talk to other roofers too, as there is no way I can do all of the work.

Like I said, it works for me!>>>

I've tired everything imaginable and found most all of it lacking! Not worth the extra time and effort. I stay more than busy running the roads with our current advertising and referrals from over 20 years in business! I have a couple contractors that give me work from time to time that i refer for things i don't do. Ive worked with numerous other contractors but the vast majority of these relationships are short lived. Its amazing how hard it is just to get someone to send you a box of cards to pass out for them. I could get someone a ton of work if they really wanted it. :dry:>>>

In my small town I keep my mouth shut and try to stay to myself. Most "contractors" are simply pump & dump. Get some information out of me and go bid against me. I know, and you all know, little tidbits of information do not a quality roof make. But I am in the situation where everything I say can and will be used against me.

I really like the concept of local networking however. I did go to a BNI meeting once and liked it. Then of course I got busy w/ work.................

>>>

anywhere,and everywhere,and even drop cards in mailboxes where the roof/gutters,etc. have issues>>>