As we begin fresh with a new year, it’s always a good time to sit down and evaluate your business. Determine where you want to go with it and how you can achieve the goals you have in 2017.
It’s not always easy to just sit down and plan out the future for your business, but at some point you have to do it, otherwise your business will grow stale.
As you look ahead to 2017, consider what you can improve upon for your business as well as for your professional self. Do you need to strengthen your plumbing, marketing or accounting skills? Whatever it is, consider how improvements can help your business thrive in the new year. Here are a few ideas for you.
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
So, you’ve been a plumber for many years and think you know everything about the job you are handling. Chances are you do know quite a bit, but there is always room to learn more.
Make it a priority to participate in various learning opportunities in 2017. There are plenty of conferences and shows you can attend that have educational components. This issue previews a show coming up at the end of January — the AHR Expo in Las Vegas from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.
While at the AHR Expo, attendees can take part in free seminars by associations and other industry groups, new product and technology presentations by exhibitors, or one of the paid programs with certification opportunities.
Not only will you find many educational opportunities there, but you can also head to the show floor and check out the new and improved equipment available for your plumbing business.
WORKING ON YOUR SHOWROOM
Superior Plumbing, featured in this issue, has a 5,000-square-foot showroom where customers can browse and also talk to the professionals doing the installations.
If you’ve been looking for a way to expand your business, adding a showroom or expanding your current one might be the way to go. This can help your business in several ways — making you an expert for homeowners to turn to, providing better products than those at big-box stores, and creating more work for your plumbing crews as customers select fixtures they’ll want in their home or business.
If you are looking at adding a showroom, take a page out of Superior Plumbing’s handbook and pair up with a manufacturer. Early on, Superior paired up with Kohler to display a majority of their products and customers have come in looking specifically for those items.
BECOMING A FACE IN THE COMMUNITY
Another way to boost your business in 2017 is becoming a recognizable face in the community — join community groups and sponsor events.
Just imagine how many parents will see a sign reading “Sponsored by Your Plumbing Company” at a Little League tournament. Then, when they have a plumbing emergency, they’ll think of you because you were a face in the community.
You could talk to the local chamber of commerce about holding learning sessions and invite the community. You could teach them how to handle basic plumbing situations or give them tips on what to look for when looking for hot-water heaters, furnaces or something similar.
Become that plumber who isn’t afraid to help. Being out in the community will be a good thing for your business.
YOUR IDEAS
I’d like to hear your ideas for improving plumbing businesses. What has worked for your company and what hasn’t? Email me at editor@plumbermag.com or call me at 800/257-7222.
Enjoy this issue!
