Follow up calls

[treehumper]

I'm a member of Angie's List and they contact you to question you on your review/experience. It's quite thorough so it would be difficult, though not impossible, to put up a false review. The company also has an opportunity to respond.

While it's not perfect it does a pretty good job of providing some insight into the contractors out there.

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

[ QUOTE ]
On your follow up if you find out that someone else got the job do you guys inquire about what the winning bid was and who bid it. I am often tempted to ask but I'm not sure it's appropriate. I think it's good info to know but people are sometimes reluctant to provide it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know what you're sayig with that one. I sort of feel the situation out. Sometimes the customer simply communicates some of that stuff before asking.

 

[southsoundtree]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
On your follow up if you find out that someone else got the job do you guys inquire about what the winning bid was and who bid it. I am often tempted to ask but I'm not sure it's appropriate. I think it's good info to know but people are sometimes reluctant to provide it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know what you're sayig with that one. I sort of feel the situation out. Sometimes the customer simply communicates some of that stuff before asking.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think that if you have a "smile" in your voice, not a "frown" or "fangs", and you say something like, "you win some, you lose some. Do you mind tellin me who will be doing the work for you?", most people are okay with saying. If its a reputable company, its okay to say, "oh Bill with Johnson's Tree Care, oh he's a reputable guy. Good Luck, he does good work. Again, if you don't mind me asking, did he beat my price, or was it something else that swayed your choice?"

If they say, "The drive by tree guy said he'd do it for 25% off my cheapest price." then I'd say, "As I always suggest to anyone having dangerous, expensive work done, I'd advice you get a copy of their current GL insurance, worker's comp insurance, and references, and check them all. I hope it all goes well for you. If they aren't insured, you may want to check with your lawyer about your liability employing them."

Just don't be angry or sound desperate, either of which will make them feel uncomfortable, and maybe prefer to try a fresh interaction with another service in the future, instead of you, whom they hopefully feel a good, comfortable rapport with.

 

[boreality]

If the customer seems resonable, and they've went with -25% crew. Could still try and salvage the sale by honestly saying if the crew doesn't look safe send 'em home and try me again. My bid will stand or be reduced if they got part of the job done.

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

I took a Business Communications class in college. I remember reading that when we do a follow up call the following is important:

Dress professional (yes even if you are just making a phone call) and watch yourself in the mirror when you talk. There is something about the confidence you see in yourself that is communicated out of your voice. Seems weird, but professionals claim it gets more closures on bids.

A long time ago I used to do that. I seemed to have forgotten about that principle until this thread...

 

[southsoundtree]

[ QUOTE ]
I took a Business Communications class in college. I remember reading that when we do a follow up call the following is important:

Dress professional (yes even if you are just making a phone call) and watch yourself in the mirror when you talk. There is something about the confidence you see in yourself that is communicated out of your voice. Seems weird, but professionals claim it gets more closures on bids.

A long time ago I used to do that. I seemed to have forgotten about that principle until this thread...

[/ QUOTE ]

My friend related an anecdote about a job interview--business communication. Surprised to get the call for the interview (not previously scheduled) while in the car on the way someplace, she said that she switched drivers, sat in the passenger seat, folded down the little mirror, smiled as though in person, watched herself throughout the interview, trying to make "eye contact", etc, and felt that it helped her to land the job.

Thanks for the reminder of the concept, Jamin.

 

[rfwoodvt]

Makes you wonder how far to take the "Dress for Success" concept to client meetings and estimates.

Been toying around with the idea that I should start wearing a shirt and tie, or at least something "dressier" than a work T or other uniform.

Thots?

 

[classictruckman]

I don't know about that I've always been told to show up for a job interview(like an estimate sort of) dressed like you would while working. Be clean and presentable of course .You wouldn't wear a tux to an interview for digging ditches or wear a t-shirt and jeans to an interview on wall street.

 

[treehumper]

Smiling on the phone is standard training for any and all people who use a phone for work. Listen to yourself when you smile and when your not, the tone is noticeable. As for dressing it can make a difference.

Some differentiate their day by changing their clothes, do you? The best way to dress is to reflect or mirror your client and their expectation of a professional trades person. This doesn't necessarily mean a shirt and tie with the possible exception of meeting corporate clients in an office environment (unless it's casual friday).

We really have to be professional salespeople when out there drumming up business.

 

[trevmcrev]

I go for an embroided company logo informal business shirt for quoting. And matching polarfleece vest & softshell jackets when cooler. Still just with quality, clean denim jeans & hiking boots (good pair, not work pair)
It's not like wearing a suit, but professional, and suited to my target market of A grade client that aren't price driven but value quality & service. This along with other measures to present professionally mean i get regular feedback that i were the most expensive quote they got and that they would like to go ahead & schedule the works. That suits me fine. It's been several years since breaking away from the price driven end of the market.