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By Gil Foltz, Executive Vice President
Today's economy just stinks! And it is not going to change overnight. With that in mind SCHULTE is striving to find new opportunities for you to expand your business. For instance, look at what builders are doing. They have started moving into remodeling and commercial projects.
In the last few months we have witnessed the opportunities out there. We have dealers that are finding unique and profitable ways to sustain themselves. For example, one such dealer created a program to network with professional organizations and offer freedomRail By the Job. Think about the organizations that you and your colleagues are part of and how you can network with them.
Another worthy opportunity that exists are window treatment dealers that typically work from their home. They have very good contacts with designers and custom builders and many struggle to find good installers. Because of the economy, these dealers also are trying to expand their offerings - some are getting into window tinting and awnings.
So, what does this mean for you? New business! You could provide them product by the job and even install it as well. You could offer this at a discount for cash and carry or offer an installed price.
How do you get connected to this new opportunity? Start networking with the local M&B window treatment representative (or other manufacturer) to get their customer list, use the yellow pages, and search online for dealer locators.
Once you locate some contacts, you can develop a business opportunity with them. Offer copies of your strongware software for $400 (gives you some control) or offer to do designs for $20 per home. If they buy a copy, they can attend the SCHULTE training webinars. They can sell at list or list plus 10% and make 20 to 40 points. Invite them to an open house to view opportunity - just be careful not to get competitors into the same room.
There are other ways to skin this cat too. Brainstorm with other dealers to create a similar program. You'll find that just by combining contacts and sales efforts you'll drive business. Start networking more to discover what the opportunities are in your market. Start leaning forward and diversifying!
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