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Phone Service Tips for Electrical Contractors

April 17, 2023. phone service tips for electrical contractors

Talking to customers over the phone is not something that comes naturally to most electrical contractors. That is especially true if you spent some time working for someone else instead of running your own business and didn’t take customer calls. But phone service is now an essential part of your work. Good calls make customersContinue reading…

What is the Hardest Part of Running an HVAC Company?

April 10, 2023. what is the hardest part of running an HVAC company?

Starting their own HVAC company is a dream for many who are currently just employees. It’s an exciting thought to be the boss. But, running any company, never mind an HVAC company, comes with certain downsides. You’re smart to prepare yourself to face the toughest challenge of all: being on your own. And, if you’reContinue reading…

How to Handle Customers Faster on the Phone

April 3, 2023. how to handle customers faster on the phone

You and your staff only have so much time during the day. Handling customer calls is one of those essential tasks that you must get done but often spend too much time on. You can reduce the time you spend on each call, also called your average handling time, and get back to other tasksContinue reading…

4 Tips for Handling Customer Complaints (for Roofers)

March 23, 2023. 4 tips for handling customer complaints (for roofers)

People deeply care about their homes but often feel out of depth when discussing their roof. As a result, roofers need to deal with many passionate homeowners who are a little uninformed about their roof or what it costs to repair or replace it. This situation makes for complaints. Even the best roofers will needContinue reading…

What Do Customers Want from a Plumbing Business?

March 9, 2023. what do customers want from a plumbing business?

What do customers want from a plumbing business? You can get a call from two different people, both who need the same kind of leak fixed, and provide both the same level of service but satisfy only one of them. Why? Customers want different things. A homeowner from a nice area wants something different thanContinue reading…

How Much Profit Should an HVAC Business Make?

February 23, 2023. how much profit should an HVAC business make?

How much profit should an HVAC business make? According to Contracting Business, the industry as a whole averages from 2.5-3.5% profit margin. Still, successful HVAC businesses can improve upon that number substantially, at 10% for companies that do well and 25% for companies that do exceptionally well. Only five percent of contractors will have aContinue reading…

How to Bid on Plumbing Jobs

February 16, 2023. how to bid on plumbing jobs

In order to land the best jobs which can boost your income as well as increase your future clientele, you want to ensure you understand how to bid on jobs with estimates that are fair to the client while also being profitable for your company too. Work Backwards for Estimates In order to get theContinue reading…

How Do HVAC Companies Fail?

February 2, 2023. how do HVAC companies fail?

Most businesses fail, including HVAC companies. It’s the rare business that makes it past the three-year mark that is the exception. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to fail if you have a new HVAC company. Instead, the fact that you’re reading this and trying to predict why you might fail and how toContinue reading…

4 Inventory Management Tips for Plumbers

January 19, 2023. 4 inventory management tips for plumbers

Most plumbers carry around a large suite of parts and materials in their truck. This inventory allows them to complete many different kinds of repairs right away, saving them valuable time and impressing customers. But, as a plumber, there are so many different appliances and pipes you might work with that you can’t exactly keepContinue reading…

How to Maximize Your HVAC Company’s Profit Margin

January 5, 2023. how to maximize your HVAC company’s profit margin

No matter where your profit margin currently is, you could stand to improve it. Sometimes small decisions can take your business from a small 4 percent profit margin up to 10 percent or higher. More likely, though, if you already know and have tried to maximize your profit margin, you may need to make changesContinue reading…

3 Essential HVAC Customer Service Tips

December 23, 2022. 3 essential HVAC customer service tips

Staying on top of customer service with your HVAC company can not only expedite service calls, but can also help retain customers and encourage loyalty to your company. With HVAC systems, you will often find yourself having to enter client’s homes and work on both interior and exterior climate control systems. In order to putContinue reading…

9 Power Words for Customer Service

December 8, 2022. 9 power words for customer service

For anyone working in the customer service position, having a few specific power words to use in a variety of situations can not only help make your job easier, but can help relax irritated customers as well. Power words are words that can help drive a point home, add emphasis to a situation, and helpContinue reading…

6 Gift Ideas for Roofers

November 23, 2022. 6 gift ideas for roofers

Whether you know someone that does roofing as a part time hobby or a full time career, being able to give them practical and whimsical themed gifts for birthdays and special holidays can mean a lot. Whether you are looking for a useful organizer for their service vehicle, or would love to give them aContinue reading…

How to Hire a Receptionist for Your Roofing Company

November 15, 2022. how to hire a receptionist for your roofing company

Whether you do a few jobs per year out of your home office or manage a major roofing company, making use of a receptionist can easily improve your income while also lowering the workload requirements of your current staff. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a receptionist when it comes to yourContinue reading…

How To Sell Your Roofing Company

November 11, 2022. how to sell your roofing company

Making the decision to sell your roofing company might not come lightly. But if you do decide to sell a company you worked hard to build from the ground up, you want to make sure you get the best price for the sale. As a seller, you want to have everything in order from pastContinue reading…

5 Ways HVAC Companies Can Handle the Slow Season

October 25, 2022. 5 ways HVAC companies can handle the slow season

All businesses with seasonal lulls and peaks need to prepare for slow periods. In HVAC, business tends to drop off after people turn off their air conditioner or their furnace for the season. When it does, you have significantly less revenue but not significantly reduced costs. Some HVAC companies will cut their marketing efforts, butContinue reading…

Why You Don’t Want an Automated Answering Service for Your Business

October 18, 2022. why you don’t want an automated answering service for your business

You don’t need to answer your phone yourself. These days, you have some options to direct your calls, even if you don’t want to hire a dedicated receptionist. You can hire a digital receptionist, or you can use an automated answering service. However, automated answering services are not a great solution for many businesses. BeforeContinue reading…

5 Tips for Deescalating an Upset Customer

October 11, 2022. 5 tips for deescalating an upset customer

Being on the receiving end of complaints from an upset customer can be a stressful time for both parties. Sometimes, attempting to deescalate the situation can lead to more problems, especially if the de-escalation attempts are done incorrectly. If you work in a call center, IT department, or otherwise have contact directly with the customer,Continue reading…

Should I Become a Plumber, HVAC Tech or Electrician?

September 21, 2022. should I become a plumber, HVAC tech or electrician?

It’s common for people who want a career in the trades to not be quite sure which of the major three they should pursue. After all, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work all share the key qualities that have likely attracted you to the trades: great work stability, working with your hands and not at aContinue reading…

3 Tips for Better Speakerphone Etiquette

September 14, 2022. 3 tips for better speakerphone etiquette

Speaking to anyone on a speakerphone can seem like a run of the mill thing for you, but a few bits of etiquette can go a long way in ensuring the call is not only productive, but respects the privacy and wishes of the person on the other end of the line.   Always AskContinue reading…

6 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Roofing Business

September 7, 2022. 6 big mistakes to avoid when starting a roofing business

You’re ready to step out on your own and go from a roofing company’s employee to the owner of your own business. While you likely know a great deal about the roof, many of the aspects of running a business are likely new to you. You may not be familiar with some of the mostContinue reading…

4 Ways Plumbers Can Filter Out Spam Callers

August 25, 2022. 4 ways plumbers can filter out spam callers

Spam calls can be a real problem for plumbers and other contractors. On your personal number, you can always silence unknown callers. But on the business line, every number that isn’t already in your contacts list is an opportunity, a potential new customer. Unless it’s spam. It is easy to get tired of picking upContinue reading…

What is the “HEARD” Technique in Customer Service?

August 10, 2022. what is the "HEARD" technique in customer service?

There are many tips and tricks you can learn when working in customer service that can make your job much easier, more streamlined, and more efficient. Many of these techniques can come into play on a daily basis, but others can be especially important when dealing with upset or difficult customers. One of these techniquesContinue reading…

What is a Warm Lead Transfer?

August 3, 2022. what is a warm lead transfer?

Anyone who works with a receptionist or a virtual receptionist should know what a warm lead transfer is. Ensuring that your receptionists are using them is key to keeping customers happy, helping your business feel more professional, and getting the most out of every call that you receive. What is a Warm Lead Transfer? AContinue reading…

How to Prevent Client Call Backs After a Roofing Installation Job

July 12, 2022. how to prevent client call backs after a roofing installation job

It’s hard not to take a negative stance on callbacks if you’re a roofer. You’ve done the job, but the client calls you back with questions, concerns, maybe even complaints. You’ve already done to work, so the more time and effort you need to put into this callback, the less efficient your business and theContinue reading…

8 Tips for Improving Your Plumbing Company’s Sales Process

July 5, 2022. 8 tips for improving your plumbing company's sales process

For anyone that works in the plumbing industry, your first interest is most likely ensuring that your customers receive reliable service. Your second interest is ensuring your plumbing business continues to grow with repeat customers as well as finding new customers. That’s why improving your sales process can be a huge deal when it comesContinue reading…

How Long Does it Take to Sell a Plumbing Business?

June 22, 2022. how long does it take to sell a plumbing business?

We have bad news for you; most plumbing businesses don’t sell. It isn’t so much a question of how long it will take your business to sell but how long it will take you to prepare it for sale. If you do that job properly, your plumbing company should sell in an additional nine months.Continue reading…

7 Ways to Grow Repeat Business for Your HVAC Company

June 15, 2022. 7 ways to grow repeat business for your HVAC company

Ensuring you create a good relationship between your HVAC company and your clients is important when it comes to repeat business. Not only does a strong relationship mean those clients will return to you in the future, it also means they will spread the word to their family and friends about your good service. CustomerContinue reading…

What’s the Hardest Part About Running a Plumbing Company?

June 8, 2022. what's the hardest part about running a plumbing company?

If you are thinking about starting your own plumbing company, you may wonder about the ups and downs this type of work can offer. While you gain a lot of hands-on education when it comes to running a business in general, a plumbing company can have its own set of difficulties you may not consider.Continue reading…

How to Improve Your Electrician Business’s Profit Margins

May 18, 2022. how to improve your electrician business's profit margins

With supply shortages being a commonplace occurrence, controlled spending and higher efficiency in your business is becoming vital. Copper and steel have always been somewhat limited in their abundance, and can be high on cost, with other necessary materials following the same trend. Ensuring you have a way to improve your profit margins and keepContinue reading…

How to Lower Your HVAC Company Overhead

May 11, 2022. how to lower your HVAC company overhead

No matter how well you’re doing in sales, too much overhead can hold your company back, lower your revenue and prevent growth. You need all of the money you can scrape together to keep paying the most essential things that keep your HVAC business going, from hiring better talent to buying gas. What can youContinue reading…

How Electricians Can Outsource Their Support Tasks

May 4, 2022. how electricians can outsource their support tasks

As your business starts to grow and become more popular, it might be time for you to consider outsourcing some of your general support tasks. Having the right outsourcing partner can help provide better efficiency with your time, finances, and will even improve your bottom line over time. Outsourcing can, at times, be a somewhatContinue reading…

How Electrical Contractors Can Improve Customer Retention

April 26, 2022. how electrical contractors can improve customer retention

It is expensive to convert new customers and often much less expensive to simply retain the ones you have. As an electrician, your customers may need repeated services in a much shorter time frame than other contractors, such as roofers and plumbers. So, retaining customers can be a smart way to make more sales andContinue reading…

Developing the Perfect HVAC Dispatcher Script for Your Business

April 22, 2022. developing the perfect HVAC dispatcher script for your business

While you might get that occasional dispatcher who has an easy time talking to and converting your customers every time, it is better to have a script for them to work from. Scripts help get more consistent results. HVAC dispatch scripts also help ensure that your customers are treated the way that you want themContinue reading…

How to Handle a Customer Who is Wrong

April 12, 2022. how to handle a customer who is wrong

That famous phrase, “the customer is always right,” might be amusing to you if you’re a contractor. While a customer may always be right if they’re sitting at a restaurant, a customer who needs HVAC, plumbing, roofing, or other home services can easily be wrong, and dangerously so. You don’t want to let a customerContinue reading…

How to lower your roofing company’s overhead

March 20, 2022. how to lower your roofing company's overhead

Did you know that there are currently close to 110,000 roofing contractors in the U.S.? That’s an increase of 1.8% compared to a year ago. So, there’s a lot of competition in the industry. How will your roofing company stand out from the crowd? Are you strategically positioned to meet the needs of homeowners whoContinue reading…

How to Grow an Electrical Service on a Budget

March 10, 2022. how to grow an electrical service on a budget

You could always stand to grow your electrical service business some more. But, what if you’re working with a small marketing budget. You can’t afford to invest in large campaigns, and even small versions of direct mail or pay-per-click can be too expensive per lead. The only way to get a bigger marketing budget isContinue reading…

Electrical Contractor Industry Statistics

March 3, 2022. electrical contractor industry statistics

The electrical industry has seen unusual and sometimes competing forces that can make it hard for you to get an overall sense of the market. For example, while there is an overall ongoing labor shortage, there was also lower demand for electrical services at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. This created both lowered workContinue reading…

How to Brand Your Plumbing Company

February 21, 2022. Your Plumber in Tracy and Beyond

You can run a plumbing company without developing a strong brand presence for it, but you can be much more successful if you have an identity. That’s what a brand is–something customers recognize, understand and can connect with. Strong branding makes your company more alive for customers, and when done right, it also makes themContinue reading…

What Do People Actually Look for in a Roofing Company?

February 3, 2022. what do people look for in a roofing company?

Most roofing businesses want more people to choose them and fewer to choose their competition. As with much of marketing, the secret to success is to offer customers what they expect. Knowing how a customer will assess your business is important to understand how to sway them best. Let’s discuss what people look for inContinue reading…

5 Ways Pest Control Companies Can Avoid Giving Bad Customer Service

January 20, 2022. 5 ways pest control companies can avoid giving bad customer service

The occasional bad customer service experience can really do harm to your business in the days of online reviewing. Potential customers reading reviews don’t know how reasonable or unreasonable a reviewer was. So, it is important to have steps in place to provide good customer service and processes in place to avoid giving bad customerContinue reading…

How to Get More Reviews for Your Roofing Business

January 11, 2022. how to get more reviews for your roofing business

When potential customers are looking at reviews for your roofing business on Google and other sites (and they frequently are), they look at two things: your overall rating and the number of reviews. Naturally, potential customers trust your overall rating the more reviews you have. That signals that you’ve been in business longer and thatContinue reading…

Should Your HVAC Company Offer Financing?

December 21, 2021. should your HVAC company offer financing?

There are many third-party financing companies offering partnerships to contractors. If your client needs financing, you suggest the thirdparty to them. This obviously benefits the financer, but what about your business and your customers? Should your HVAC company offer financing? There are some excellent reasons you should strongly consider this option. Financing as a SalesContinue reading…

5 Ways to Lower Your Plumbing Company’s Overhead

December 9, 2021. 5 ways to lower your plumbing company’s overhead

Overhead has a way of weighing on a business. Even when you have plenty of calls coming in, you can quickly get your business into the red if you take on unnecessary overhead. While plumbing businesses tend to be streamlined, there are definitely some ways you can even further cut your overhead. This can helpContinue reading…

Handling a Service Call with and without a HVAC Answering Service

November 23, 2021. handling a service call with and without a hvac answering service

You’re used to handling service calls without an answering service. You’re so used to it that you may not realize how much smoother your whole service call will go if you start using an answering service. Below, we’ll compare some of the best and worst-case scenarios for how you deal with a service call, andContinue reading…

Why Plumbers Need an Answering Service in Winter

November 9, 2021. why plumbers need an answering service in winter

Do you have an answering service that can pick up your customer’s emergency calls, no matter the time of day or night? There are many important reasons that you should have this service, especially through winter when plumbing emergencies are a little more likely to happen. Are you not sold? Here’s why your business couldContinue reading…

How to Craft the Perfect HVAC Business Card

October 20, 2021. how to craft the perfect HVAC business card

When you run into someone who could use some HVAC services, or you’re leaving a potential client’s home without dropping off an estimate, having a business card can help you draw that lead in and convert them to a customer. The look of your card, and the information on it, can help make or breakContinue reading…

What to Include in the Call Answering Script for your Plumbing Service

October 6, 2021. what to include in the call answering script for your plumbing service

If you’ve hired a call answering service for your plumbing company, you will need to write up a script for your new receptionists to use when they answer a call. You’re used to personally defining the way your customers perceive your business with every call. But now, you won’t be able to pick the wordsContinue reading…

Does Sending Callers to Voicemail Hurt Your Plumbing Business?

September 21, 2021. does sending callers to voicemail hurt your plumbing business?

No one can answer every call they get, especially as a contractor. If you’re a plumber and your current strategy is just to send callers to voicemail when you’re busy, then you may be surprised at how much this affects your business. It wastes your time and undermines your reputation and profitability. Here is howContinue reading…

6 Qualities to Look for in an HVAC Answering Service

September 21, 2021. 6 qualities to look for in an HVAC answering service

When you trust someone to answer your calls, you trust that they’ll take good care of your customers and help you have a more productive, efficient business. You’re making a big leap of trust when you bring in an HVAC answering service because they’ll be interacting with your customers and, if they offer the rightContinue reading…

6 Ways an HVAC Answering Service Can Help You Avoid Missed Calls

September 7, 2021. 6 ways an HVAC answering service can help you avoid missed calls

Everytime you miss a call, you miss a customer. These days, most people will simply scroll down to the next HVAC company listed on Google and call them when you don’t answer. So, minimizing the number of calls that you miss is critical. An answering service is a great way to help avoid those calls,Continue reading…

Why Your Customer Service is Especially Important to Millennials

August 17, 2021. why your customer service is especially important to millennials

Your HVAC company might not have focused on Millennials yet, but this generation now makes up a large proportion of homeowners. Currently, 47% of Millennials own homes, and they are expected to increase in numbers as time goes on. As they increasingly make up your potential customer base, it is a good idea to changeContinue reading…

5 Big Tips to Help You Grow an HVAC Business

August 5, 2021. 5 big tips to help you grow an HVAC business

Your business is your livelihood, and you’re always looking for ways to make it stronger and bigger, not just to make more money but also to make it more stable, valuable, and simpler to run. These ten tips will show you how to grow your HVAC business. 1. Generate More Leads The most important wayContinue reading…

How to Improve Your Plumbing Company’s Dispatching Process

July 20, 2021. how to improve your plumbing company’s dispatching process

The more calls your plumbing company can take per day, the more revenue you can generate. Getting your dispatching process right is key to make each call more productive and get more out of your day. Improving your dispatching process is a worthwhile effort that can improve your average call times, your calls per dayContinue reading…

HVAC Scheduling Software: How to Shop for Your Perfect Solution

July 8, 2021. HVAC scheduling software: how to shop for your perfect solution

One of the best parts of working with our HVAC scheduling service is that we can use your software to schedule your technicians. That means you get to choose the right software that works for your business, instead of being pigeonholed into the kind of “solution” that just creates more problems. In our time schedulingContinue reading…

5 Tips for Starting a Blog for Your Contractor Business

June 22, 2021. 5 tips for starting a blog for your contractor business

Is your business website missing a blog? Then you’re missing out on opportunities to generate more business and make your contracting company seem more trustworthy and at the leading edge of your industry. Still, if you have never written a blog before, especially not a professional one, you may not be sure where to startContinue reading…

Customer Satisfaction Survey Best Practices

June 8, 2021. customer satisfaction survey best practices

It’s a wise idea to find out how satisfied your customers are with your services. However, customer satisfaction surveys can be misleading if you don’t design them carefully. It’s simple to end up with vague answers, few responses, or unhelpful information. Here are some customer satisfaction survey best practices to help you get the realContinue reading…

How to Effectively Schedule HVAC Jobs During the Busy Season

May 26, 2021. how to effectively schedule HVAC jobs during the busy season

As the busy season approaches, it seems like your time starts to shrink. Making the most of your limited time is key to maximizing the number of jobs you can perform through the season and thereby maximizing your profit. While you can do many things to save time, efficient scheduling is one of the mostContinue reading…

8 Tips for Putting a Customer on Hold and How to Avoid It

May 18, 2021. 7 tips for putting a customer on hold and how to avoid it

No one wants to wait on hold because it makes people feel like the person that put them on hold isn’t that interested in their business and doesn’t value their time. Whenever possible, you should avoid putting someone on hold. But, sometimes, it is necessary. There are ways to minimize the impact of putting aContinue reading…

4 Ways to Connect with Your Customer Over the Phone

May 12, 2021. 4 ways to connect with your customer over the phone

Talking over the phone without body language and eye contact can be challenging. Even if it is easy for you to connect with your customers in person, you may find it hard to do the same over the phone. And when you don’t make a great connection with a customer, their perception of your customerContinue reading…

How Active Listening Can Improve Customer Service

April 20, 2021. how active listening can improve customer service

Anyone who has taken a seminar on active listening knows that it is tougher than it looks. In our jobs, we get used to the same customer inquires and stop listening the same way that we did when we started. However, refreshing our active listening skills can help improve customer service greatly. Here’s how activeContinue reading…

How to Measure Customer Service Performance

April 14, 2021. how to measure customer service performance

When you’re trying to achieve a goal, it is always wise to measure your progress. Otherwise, you won’t know if your efforts are paying off or where you could use improvement. Customer service efforts are no different. Measuring customer service in your business is critical to improving it, but how matters too. Customer experience isContinue reading…

7 Unexpected Benefits of Hiring an Answering Service

April 6, 2021. 7 unexpected benefits of hiring an answering service

An answering service can do much more than take your calls. Your virtual receptionist can be responsible for scheduling, pulling permits, reminding your clients to pay, and many more duties. The broad skill set of an answering service, and the low cost, can benefit your business in many ways. Here are seven unexpected benefits ofContinue reading…

How to Sell Your Roofing Business

March 23, 2021. how to sell your roofing business

When you’re ready to exit the roofing industry and enjoy your retirement or start another business, you can sell your business to outside parties. Most roofing businesses are passed onto family or simply close up, but if you don’t have family interested in the business, there’s no reason to leave money on the table. AContinue reading…

HVAC Industry Statistics

March 11, 2021. HVAC industry statistics

Like much of the economy, the HVAC industry saw some major changes in 2020, not just with the Covid-19 pandemic but also with changing technologies and consumer demands. While the HVAC industry overall saw a reduction in revenue in 2020, there are still opportunities for growth and change in 2021. These HVAC industry statistics willContinue reading…

8 Answering Service Problems and How to Fix them

February 19, 2021. 8 answering service problems and how to fix them

Using an answering service can save you time and money and get you more customers. However, depending on the answering service you choose, you may soon run into problems. Not all virtual receptionists get the same quality training or have the same natural ability. The way your answering service runs its business will soon startContinue reading…

Plumbing Industry Statistics: Where is the Market Heading?

February 12, 2021. plumbing industry statistics: where is the market heading?

It’s safe to say that 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. For plumbers, Covid-19 put competing pressures on the market. While some consumers are less likely to need plumbing services, some are much more likely to demand them. While the construction industry is lagging on new installations, it is likely to rebound well fromContinue reading…

What Do Clients Expect from Your HVAC Company’s Customer Service?

January 14, 2021. what do clients expect from your HVAC company’s customer service?

Customer service isn’t about doing everything right. It’s about meeting your customer’s expectations. If you do that, customers can forgive mistakes and think of their experience and your business in a more positive light. So, understanding your customer’s expectations is the critical first step to understanding how to provide the best customer service, and thereforeContinue reading…

Holiday Gifts for Plumbing Employees

December 11, 2020. holiday gifts for plumbing employees

Your employees work hard all year. During the holiday season, many plumbers choose to give out gifts to their employees to show appreciation and boost company morale. However, it can be hard to find good gifts that your employees will appreciate. Too many gift lists focus on gag gifts that people don’t actually like. OthersContinue reading…

101 Gift Ideas for Contractor’s Clients & Tips on How to Choose One

December 2, 2020. 101 gift ideas for contractor’s clients & tips on how to choose one

Contractors can make the most of the holiday season by using it to reconnect with old clients and demonstrate your customer appreciation. Developing a strong relationship with your customers can help you get good reviews, referrals, and more of their business in the future. While holiday cards may work for many businesses, sweetening the potContinue reading…

How to Value and Sell a Pest Control Business

November 25, 2020. how to value and sell a pest control business

Selling a pest control business can be very rewarding. While pest control is a 17 billion dollar industry, according to IBIS World, it is very challenging for newcomers to enter the market due to regulatory burden and small profit margins. Plus, there are some major players in the space, Orkin and Rentokill, that are alwaysContinue reading…

How to Sell More HVAC Maintenance Contracts

November 12, 2020. How to Sell More HVAC maintenance contracts

HVAC maintenance contracts are great for HVAC companies. The contracts provide a more consistent source of revenue than piecemeal work, and they help you keep strong relationships with customers. Ideally, those customers will go on to buy more HVAC equipment. However, some companies find that it is a challenge to sell maintenance contracts to customers.Continue reading…

Pest Control Generalists vs. Specialists: Which Business Model Works Better?

October 22, 2020. pest control generalists vs. specialists: which business model works better?

There are many pests in your service area from bed bugs to termites, cockroaches, and mammals. Is it wiser for you to be a pest control generalist who can get rid of every pest in the area, or should you specialize in just one or two pests? There are advantages and disadvantages to each businessContinue reading…

8 Tips for Managing Remote Employees

October 8, 2020. 8 tips for managing remote employees

If you’re used to having a mainly in-person team, it is a whole new management challenge when you need to deal with remote employees. Remote employees are more productive, working an equivalent to an extra day per month, according to Business News Daily. However, they may also feel distant, overworked, and distrusted. It can beContinue reading…

How Roofers Can Target the Historic Home Market

September 24, 2020. reroofing a historic home

Are you looking for better customers? Those who might spend more on their roof, pay on time, and even need regular maintenance and repairs? Some contractors and real estate agents spend their time marketing themselves to the historic home market because these wealthy homeowners make excellent customers. For roofers, capturing some of this business canContinue reading…

The 7 Most Essential Customer Service Skills for Receptionists

September 8, 2020. The 7 most essential customer service skills for receptionists

Receptionists rely on their soft skills much more than many other professionals. These aren’t skills that apply to any specific career, but skills that could benefit people in most positions, and even just in their daily lives. Soft skills can be more challenging to learn than other skills because there aren’t exactly courses on them.Continue reading…

5 Ways Roofers can Save Time and Streamline their Business

August 24, 2020. 5 ways roofers can save time and streamline their business

In every business, time is money. In roofing, where homeowners want to know when you’ll be done hammering, how you manage your time is a huge reflection on your business. The more effectively you can work, the more money you can make. Here are five ways that roofers can save time and streamline their business.Continue reading…

5 Ways Roofers Can Handle the Labor Shortage

August 12, 2020. roofing contractor performing labor on a commercial roof project

Why is it so challenging to find skilled labor as a roofer? The job has many benefits, from being outside in the fresh air all day to the satisfaction of knowing you helped to protect someone’s home. Still, few people think of roofing as an option for them, which means it can be a realContinue reading…

6 Tips for Handling Pest Control Customer Complaints

July 23, 2020. 6 tips for handling pest control customer complaints

Pests can be clever and unpredictable, which means they can return despite your best efforts. Pest control companies receive complaints about returned pests, as well as complaints about miscommunications and errors. It’s a given that you’ll get complaints, but how you handle them will define your company and your success. Here are our six bestContinue reading…

Scaling Your Pest Control Business

July 16, 2020. scaling your pest control business

No matter how small your current pest control business is, you likely have dreams of making it larger. You want to run a team, open franchises, or become a state-wide phenomenon? Whatever your goals, you need to scale your pest control business carefully. In every business’s quest to grow, they can become overburdened with costs,Continue reading…

Roofing Industry Statistics: Where is the Industry Going?

June 18, 2020. roofing industry statistics: where is the industry going?

The roofing industry has seen more change in the last few years than most. Technology, especially drone technology, is giving commercial and residential roofers new tools. New products, such as metal roofs and green roofs, are also becoming more popular. While there are changes on the horizon, the roofing industry is also still struggling toContinue reading…

4 Tips for Managing HVAC Seasonality

June 4, 2020. 4 tips for managing HVAC seasonality

Those who run HVAC businesses are very used to the seasonality of the work. People need HVAC services, and often emergency services, on the hottest and coldest days. That’s when their air conditioner breaks, or their furnace stops working. At other times of the year, when temperatures are mild, people are much less likely toContinue reading…

7 Ways to Leverage Your Roofing Company’s Customer Database

May 21, 2020. 7 ways to leverage your roofing company’s customer database

Are you looking for more work? You can get new business from past customers. In fact, it can be significantly easier to connect with and covert old customers who had a positive experience with your company than to find new ones. If you’ve kept a record of past customers, which you should, you have aContinue reading…

How to Generate More Pest Control Leads

May 7, 2020. how to generate more pest control leads

What marketing systems have you chosen to help boost your sales? There are many marketing strategies out there, but not all will give your business new leads. Pest Control companies need to focus on local advertising strategies that can really reach local people who are likely to be dealing with pest problems. Here are fiveContinue reading…

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Expanding Your Roofing Business

April 23, 2020. 6 mistakes to avoid when expanding your roofing business

Expanding your roofing business comes with many potential rewards, and many risks. Whether you’re a new company that is just stepping into the roofing industry, or an older company looking to grow, there are many mistakes you might make on your way. Learn about these mistakes ahead of time to avoid making them. 1. OpeningContinue reading…

What to Look For In a Virtual Receptionist

April 16, 2020. what to look for in a virtual receptionist

When you’re looking for a virtual receptionist to handle your calls and clients, you’ll want to be sure that they possess a particular set of skills to handle the tasks laid out for them. A good virtual receptionist should be able to balance a number of duties and responsibilities that are standard throughout the industry.Continue reading…

11 Tips for Growing Your Roofing Business

April 7, 2020. 10 tips for growing your roofing business

Growing a roofing business isn’t easy. It takes a lot of tenacity, patience, and hard work to make it past the hurdles that stop most new roofing businesses from ever getting off the ground, and that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re a solo operator or you manage a small team, here are a few tipsContinue reading…

6 Ways Contractors Can Deal with Robocalls

March 26, 2020. 5 ways contractors can deal with robocalls

Robocalls, or automated spam calls, bother everyone. However, the problem may be more frustrating for contractors who need to answer unknown numbers in case it’s a customer calling. You may waste a lot of precious time on spam callers, even cutting of discussions with customers early to try to take the call. Plus, you can’tContinue reading…

What Makes a Good HVAC Dispatcher?

March 19, 2020. what makes a good HVAC dispatcher?

Every day you and the people that you employ are driving to your customer’s homes, to your supplier, your local hardware stores, and then home at the end of the day. A good HVAC dispatcher can make all of this driving more efficient with field service management. They should plan out the most convenient orderContinue reading…

How to Improve Your HVAC Lead Quality

March 5, 2020. how to improve your HVAC lead quality

If your lead generation is working too well, it can be counterproductive. You might spend too much time following up on leads that don’t result in sales, or that don’t result in the kind of sales you want. Perhaps your leads are interested in an HVAC service you don’t offer or that don’t make youContinue reading…

Virtual Receptionist vs. Virtual Office Manager: Which One Do I Need?

February 20, 2020. virtual receptionist vs. virtual office manager: which one do I need?

Are you in need of a new receptionist? Is your office lacking efficient management? Are you looking for a cost-effective alternative to hiring a new employee? If so, you’re the perfect candidate for our virtual receptionist or office management services. We specialize in outsourcing professional, efficient, and dedicated people to customers in need of office-relatedContinue reading…

Three Advanced Customer Service Tips for Electricians

February 6, 2020. three advanced customer service tips for electricians

Customer service is more complicated than just being kind to customers. Sure, basic customer service tips for electricians like being polite on the phone can help you avoid losing customers. However, advanced customer service efforts can help you grow your business by creating such a seamless customer experience that more of your leads become customers.Continue reading…

Is an After Hours Call Answering Service Worth the Investment?

January 21, 2020. is an after hours call answering service worth the investment?

An after hours call answering service may be a bit of an investment, leaving business owners to ask “is it worth it?” Depending on your business, this service may be able to increase your revenue or reduce your costs enough to pay for itself several times over. Or, it might be a poor fit withContinue reading…

Customer Service Phone Etiquette 101

January 14, 2020. customer service phone etiquette 101

It may seem odd to give a new employee phone etiquette training or to spend time making your own phone etiquette better. After all, everyone has at least a little experience answering the phone and making calls, right? However, customers respond deeply to how they are treated on the phone, and without body language, thereContinue reading…

How to Increase the Value of Your HVAC Business

January 7, 2020. how to increase the value of your HVAC business

If you’re wondering how to increase the value of your HVAC business, chances are you’re looking to sell—at least eventually. When you leave the industry, retire, or start over with a new business, you could sell your company to get some value out from it. Many people may be interested in buying your company, includingContinue reading…

What to Say on a Thank You Card for an HVAC Customer

December 12, 2019. what to say on a thank card for a hvac customer

Sending a handwritten card thank you card to your HVAC customer is an excellent way to win their long-term loyalty, but if you find yourself struggling to decide what to say, you’re in good company. Too much sales information will turn off a customer and make the card seem insincere, but not including any informationContinue reading…

How to Handle an Angry Customer on the Phone

December 12, 2019. infographic - how to handle an angry customer on the phone

No one likes dealing with an angry customer. Handling them over the phone means that you won’t be able to use your body language, which means you’ll have to be even more mindful and tactful with your responses. Share this Image On Your Site Please include attribution to Front Office Solutions with this graphic. <aContinue reading…

How Small Business Owners Can Avoid Burnout

December 5, 2019. how small business owners can avoid burnout

Almost all small business owners have experienced burnout and understand that too much stress and work can have a serious impact on their quality of life. It may seem like burnout only costs you in mental well-being, but it costs you in dollars too. The American Institute of Stress estimates that burnout costs the UnitedContinue reading…

How to Handle HVAC Customer Call Backs

November 19, 2019. how to handle HVAC customer call backs

We get it, call backs can be frustrating. It seems like no matter how professional you are, and dedicated to the job, some customers will always call you back. You can blame the occasional mistake, manufacturer defect, or overly concerned customer for wasting your time. They may be frustrating, but how you handle call backsContinue reading…

How to Overcome Phone Anxiety

November 12, 2019. using the phone

Do you ever look at your ringing phone, feel your heart start to pound, and decide that you just can’t answer it? This is one symptom of phone anxiety, a type of social anxiety that can make starting a phone call or answering one very difficult. These days, most people with phone anxiety can simplyContinue reading…

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