Have you ever been in a situation where you have to prove to client that you are not like the others?  That in fact you chose this career because you want to make a difference in the practices of your profession?  Although, I do not currently sell real estate, I remember running into customers who would just lump me into the "mold" of other Realtors and assumed that I was like all the others.  I am also finding this in my current profession of construction.  This past weekend, I met with a homeowner who had been "burned" my two previous contractors and she was left with a laundry list of items that were not working (but of course she had to pay for them).  So obviously she had a bad taste about contractors and thought I was like all of the others. 

I had a great meeting with her on Saturday morning and signed her up for several projects and felt very confident that I demonstrated to her that I and many other contractors are not all bad...but only a few.  I was planning to start on Monday when she called me on Sunday morning wanting to stop the work.   She said that she was not ready and the prices were too high etc...etc....  But after talking to her in detail...(and I mean in detail), I found out that she was just frightened that I would turn out to be like the other contractors who promised everything but did not deliver.  So after much discussion and verbal promises of completion, the projects were back on schedule for the next day and my client's mind was more at ease than before.  So on Monday, it was my goal to prove to her that my firm is different from others and that unfortunately only a few are needed to spoil a profession.  As the day progressed I saw my client's mind and body relax as she finally realized that I was different from other contractors.  She felt very comfortable that she even added some additional work for that day and also added future projects.  So at the day's end, I reflected and wondered how could I make customers like this feel more comfortable at first?  Should I provide them with a written guarantee of completed service?  Should I have a customer pledge that illustrates what I will do for my customers'?   

So how do you break the mold and stand out from the crowd? What do you do or provide to clients that show them that you will complete what you promised?  Thank you!   

There is a great article in the Qualified Remodeler magazine that sort of ties into my previous blog on buying products that save energy and money.  This article summarizes many products that help the environment but also the customer's budget.  Even if you are not in the remodeling business it may be good to know this info so you can maybe pass along to your clients or even for your own home.  Also, this magazine offers some interesting info about the construction industry or products and there is free access.  The links are below.  Thanks. 

 http://www.qualifiedremodeler.com/print/Qualified-Remodeler/Green-Product-Trends/1$708

www.qualifiedremodeler.com

Vince.

As I mentioned previously in a recent blog, the Energystar.gov website is a great resource for yourself and clients who are looking to saveenergy and money.  The website has a vast amount of information even on certain products that meet or exceed the EnergyStar ratings, therefore, helping the environment and of course your budget.  This is a resource that I am going to start referring to and maybe even pass on to my clients as an F.Y.I.  The link below is very informative and inclusive so it covers almost everything an individual would want to know about which products to purchase that are environmentally friendly.  The website also includes great tips on saving energy that could prove valuable especially in the winter season.  Thank you and I hope you enjoy the website link and information. 

 http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.

(Main link: www.energystar.gov)

Vince Coccia 

Below is a great link to an EnergyStar website where it will tell you where air leaks generally come from and how to correct the problems.  The website has guidelines, images, and tools that will help you or your clients in identifying possible air leaks.  There is also great information on adding insulation and sealing duct work.  All of this could be helpful especially this time of the year.  Thanks.

www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_sealing.hm_improvement_sealing

(main website: www.energystar.gov)  

When I was in real estate, I utilized this website below to send out valuable information about everything around their home.  Individuals who received the e-mails and info seemed to enjoy what they read.  It was also a good tool for me to reach out to clients and keep in touch.  Basically I was not contacting my network of clients/contacts only to ask them if they were buying or selling a home.  I was able to keep my name in front of them while also educating them on their home.  Now that I am in the construction business, I have even thought about incorporating this program into my marketing plan.  I am not sure what the cost of the program is now but you may want to check it out.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks and lets make 2008 a great year!

www.myhomemanagementclub.com

Below are two great links that leads to information on tax credits from the IRS for homeowners installing products that make their homes more energy efficient.  These products could include insulation, exterior windows, exterior doors, and other items that meet Energy Star ratings.  Of course, an individual should consult their tax consultant prior to utilizing these credits. Many manufactures will indicate if their products meet the Energy Star Rating.  Thank you and enjoy the holiday season. 

IRS Information 

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154657,00.html

www.irs.gov/

Energy Star Information.

www.energystar.gov/

The United States Department of Energy has a great website that has very useful information on saving energy and what products are the best!  I have always been interested in tankless hot water heaters (demand water heaters) and just wanted to spread the word about these.  We have installed these before for our customers and it has saved many of our clients money!  Basically tankless hot water heaters heat water instantly rather than storing up hot water in a tank.  The website below will provide you some more great info on this and other great energy efficiency products. 

www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12820 

If the above link does not work you can always just search under http://www.eere.energy.gov/ and search for more info. Thanks and I hope you find this website interesting.