 What Could You Do with an Extra Hour or Two in Your Day?
By: Christina Patterson
The Internet and e-mail are saving valuable time for remodeling industry professionals across the country. A recent survey conducted by NAHB found that more than 80% of home builders, remodelers and specialty trade contractors polled had access to the Internet. It also reported that remodelers use the Internet with slightly more frequency than builders. Are you using e-mail and the Internet in your business to their full potential?
Time Saving Uses of E-mail
E-mail is a great way to communicate and alleviate "phone tag". This can not only save you time in dealing with clients, suppliers and subs, but it will also give you a written record of ALL communication. Here are a few specific examples:
1) Provide clients with:
- Up-to-the-minute production schedules.
- A list of selections that need to be made. Include in your e-mail links to possible suppliers' Web sites.
- Last-minute reminders (i.e. Please leave dog in backyard today as the plumber is coming.).
2) E-mail change orders instead of mailing them or hand-delivering them.
3) Communicate with sales reps for ordering products, checking the status of existing orders and setting up delivery dates.
4) E-mail your company newsletter. This will save you postage as well as time on addressing and mailing your newsletter.
5) Use your e-mail address in classified ads to screen prospective new employees and/or subs.
Time Saving Uses of the Internet
The Internet has even greater timesaving potential than e-mail. Remodeling industry professionals can use the Internet to:
1) Seek out product specifications.
2) Purchase materials, tools, office supplies, etc...
3) Find new subs.
4) Stay in tune with the latest technological advancements in the industry.
5) Research new products.
6) Search for new employees. A company Web site can also save you time and money on classified ads when searching for new employees.
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