This past year has been very hard on a lot of businesses.
The construction trades have hit new lows here in El Dorado County, I've heard that 18-22% of those in the construction trades are unemployed.
Pray for these families.
Some contractors have been very fortunate in keeping busy through these times.
Why? Well they believe that they produce a quality product.
they will not do a second-rate job, even if it means losing money on that job.
Our reputation is one that some take pride in.
Every customer that they have had is their calling card for more business.
There are other reasons they have stayed busy.
They believe that good things happen to those who help others.
Some call it Karma.
Perhaps they think of it as just helping others to succeed.
It comes in a lot of different forms, at different times.
Maybe they see the neighbor struggling to get the garbage out and help him.
It may be that a brother needs some shelves put up before the big party.
Seems lately that it is more along the lines of helping local business better market themselves.
these same business people are helping other businesses to succeed.
As a self-employed, small business owner, you have to learn a bunch of things to keep the jobs coming in.
One of those things is marketing.
Maybe you can help others by showing them how to market their business.
Not for money, just to be helpful.
Let me show you some of the things that you can consider.
On Yelp (a review site for local businesses), you come across a local business that you are familiar with and write a review.
The business didn't get a phone call, text, e-mail or anything else from you telling them what a great deed that you did, You just did it with nothing expected in return.
If they do get a review from someone through Yelp, I would hope that it is because you deserve it - not because someone owes you one.
I can't tell you how many times I get the " I will link you if you link me" baloney.
Link, comment, review, tweet, fan, (or anything else) because you want to.
Here is another example.
You have noticed a trend forward video marketing lately and was hoping to work on some of your own.
While on a apartment job site for several weeks, you noticed that the trees were beginning to change colors and the thought that this would be the perfect time to make a video for the apartment community comes to mind.
So you do.
They loved it, you were impressed with your first attempt.
It was used by the community in their online marketing, and even led to families moving in.
WOW! As a result, you learned a lot from making that video for them, things that you would not have been able to do without trying to help.
There was no pressure to make the perfect video, they didn't even know you was making one.
There was no expectations of getting result from the video, the video is the only one they have.
Although you are a general contractor, it was fun getting outside yourself and doing something different.
And boy was it satisfying when you finally posted the video for the world to see.
If you search Google videos for "apartments for rent" in that city, it ranks #1.
The word got out at the property management company and others were asking that you do the same for them.
You have since done three more.
Then came the Karma thing, people were calling with construction work that needed to be done.
Construction work.
Dry rot, water damage, decks, siding, bathrooms, kitchens; none of it was the direct result of making videos.
But I can't help think that somehow you were being repaid.
Just some thoughts, help other and maybe they will help you.
Comment if you wish..
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