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Repeat Business Through Small Projects

⏱️ 41:37 🎤 Michael Pletz
AUDIO EPISODE
Repeat Business Through Small Projects
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Small Project Long-Term Gain
    The host introduces the episode's topic: how smaller projects, even initially less profitable ones, can lead to significant long-term business growth and recurring work.
  • 2:01
    Foot in the Door Strategy
    The host recounts taking on an initial 'lift and re-lay' project in a new community at a lower price point to establish a presence, leading to multiple subsequent projects from neighbors.
  • 3:42
    Full vs. Partial Lift & Re-lays
    The discussion shifts to the company's policy of only performing full lift and re-lays, highlighting the problems and headaches associated with partial repairs.
  • 5:08
    Creative Burnout & Diversification
    The host shares how an abundance of repetitive 'lift and re-lay' projects led to creative burnout, prompting the start of the 'How to Hardscape' podcast as a creative outlet and a strategic move.
  • 6:41
    Strategic Pricing Considerations
    The host explains that pricing projects involves more than just profit margins, including factors like desired clientele, portfolio building, and lead source quality.
  • 8:36
    Quantity of Clients & Word-of-Mouth
    The benefits of taking on a higher volume of smaller projects are discussed, including increased client base, more opportunities for word-of-mouth referrals, and greater potential for Google reviews.
  • 11:08
    Brand Building & Longevity
    The host likens brand building to SEO, emphasizing the importance of longevity, quality work (content), and positive referrals (backlinks) for long-term business success.
  • 12:47
    Future-Proofing Your Business
    The host explains how strategic decisions made years ago, like starting a YouTube channel and taking on diverse projects, helped future-proof the business against economic downturns.
  • 16:02
    Upselling & Welcome Packages
    The host details how welcome packages and clear communication about design-build capabilities and project options can lead to upselling opportunities from smaller projects.
  • 18:08
    Profitability of Small Projects
    The financial benefits of 'lift and re-lay' projects are highlighted, specifically their high profitability due to minimal material costs, making them excellent for cash flow and schedule fillers.

Speakers

M
Michael Pletz
Host

Key Takeaways

Strategically price smaller projects (e.g., 'lift and re-lays') to get a 'foot in the door' in desirable communities or with specific clientele, even if initially less profitable.

Focus on full 'lift and re-lays' rather than partial repairs to avoid headaches, ensure quality, and offer a more comprehensive, warrantied service.

Use smaller projects to build your client base and generate word-of-mouth referrals, which can lead to larger, more profitable design-build projects down the line.

Develop a welcome package that showcases your design-build portfolio and offers clear options (e.g., lift and re-lay vs. full replacement) to upsell clients and expand project scope.

Embrace 'lift and re-lays' as highly profitable schedule fillers, especially during slower periods, due to their low material costs and high labor component.

Continuously build your brand by consistently delivering quality work, generating positive client testimonials (like Google reviews), and establishing a strong online presence.

Prepare for future economic fluctuations by diversifying your services and marketing efforts, ensuring a steady lead flow even during difficult times.

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