Every growing commercial roofing contractor wants to know the answer to this very important question. Figure out what those clients are looking for and your business is unstoppable! Unfortunately, figuring that out, and then meeting that need, seems to be where many of roofing businesses fail.
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Commercial building owners have a focus that is completely different than a residential homeowner. They are business-people, first and foremost. To get their attention, get their jobs, and keep them as ongoing clients, you must direct your marketing and your conversations toward that focus.
Value. Homeowners tend to worry about budget and cost. A business owner, however, is more focused on the overall value. They are much less concerned about the size of the initial investment if you can show them how it will outperform, outlast or in some other way be more beneficial over time.
When making your proposal, show the cost/benefit analysis for the various solutions you may be suggesting. If you’re suggesting a coating or single-ply option, include information on potential cost savings on labor installation, cost savings on utility bills as a result of lower cooling costs and, where appropriate, information on potential tax credits. All of these add value to the installation and makes the decision-process easier.
Follow through. As a business owner, which would you prefer to work with… the person that promises the moon, but fails to deliver; or the person, even if more expensive, that always gives you everything they promised? Now, which kind of roofing contractor are you?
Commercial business owners are keenly aware of companies that fail to deliver on their promises. Though you may be able to get that initial job, you will quickly find others getting future jobs from your clients if you are failing to follow through on your work or job quality.
Organization. Your potential client is running a business. They don’t want to have to be involved in running yours as well. The contractor that is well organized, able to set up independently and complete the job without interrupting the business owner unnecessarily is one that is a winner in that customer’s mind.
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Clean up. Seems like a trivial matter, but this is their business we are talking about. Ensure that the entire area around the site is kept clear of debris on a regular basis, and that after completion clean-up is thorough.
Paying attention to this level of detail reinforces your professionalism and underlines the level of respect you are showing to that commercial building owner and his/her tenants. Though it may never be said, failure to do these things will definitely be noted and will weight heavily against any further, future projects they may have.
Communication. The commercial business owner or property manager has a lot going on. Clear communication, whether in the form of an email, phone call or text, goes a long way.
Materials didn’t arrive on time? They’ve been there. Send an email, detailing that the shipment is expected on XYZ date. Clearly state if this is going to impact completion dates or anticipated scheduling, then, if possible, offer any options that may work for them. This is not an unnecessary interruption for your customer, rather it is an important communication as it directly impacts the promises you made and the schedule he/she may have in place.
If you think about it for a minute, this probably sounds a lot like the kind of person you want to work with. If you take the time to consider what type of person you would want to work with in YOUR business, you will have a better handle on what commercial clients want.
If you are looking for more information, have suggestions or questions, or are interested in joining our group of industry professionals, please call us at 800-670-5583 or reach out to us on the contact page.
Commercial roofing contractors are frequently too busy to sit and watch a webinar or video, regardless of how important the information may be. You’re driving to project sites, meeting with clients and multi-tasking throughout the day.
Choice Roof Contractor Group was established as a nationwide brand to help commercial roofing contractors work together while concurrently providing better service to building owners. This idea has made an incredible impact on the industry. To learn more about our initial challenges and achievements to get to this point, visit the following blog: 
The commercial roofing industry has been the beneficiary of innumerable technological advances over the last decade. Improvements in materials, installation techniques, safety and other areas have made us more efficient and cost effective.
As exciting as the past 7 years has been, we are doubly enthusiastic about what the future holds for all of us. Though our industry has faced challenge and adversity over the past 12 months, the Choice Roof Contractor Group remains steadfast in its efforts to provide you and your company with all the information it needs to be successful and profitable over the next 7 years and beyond.
Green is more than just a color. In today’s society, green is a key part of life. Looking for more environmentally conscious methods of doing things is the norm for many people and businesses. 
Solar power panels have come a long way over the years. From the initial heavy clunky panels to the development of solar roofs, where the photovoltaic cells are built directly into roofing materials, solar keeps getting better.
The most important tip to running a successful business is bringing in sales to keep everyone employed. When you visit a business owner to provide them with a quote for their roof, your first step is to exude confidence. Your confidence in your business and product offerings is what will help lead you to your potential client having confidence in you. Without this, it is difficult to convince business owners to partner with your company.
