The Don’ts of networking

If you follow all the dos of networking, you are halfway to mastering the art of networking. However, there are some essential don’ts to consider and we’ve outlined them here. Don’t…

• Avoid being overly aggressive. Focus on cultivating a genuine relationship and avoid being pushy or excessively aggressive when networking or finalizing a deal.
• Neglecting your online presence. Keep your online profiles and company website updated and professional.
• Ignoring small opportunities. Smaller local networking events can lead to valuable connections.
• Forgetting to listen. While your needs must be heard, actively listening to others at networking events is equally essential. Understanding their needs and perspectives builds stronger, more meaningful relationships.
• Overlooking the follow-up. We discuss the importance of follow-up in the Do’s section and failing to follow up with contacts may lead to missed opportunities. Always, always follow up after networking events to continue the conversation.

As you can see, many of these recommendations take time and don’t necessarily have immediate payoff. Networking requires patience, commitment and a long-term view of the success of your business.

Consider your business like a sports franchise. When you are networking, it’s like selecting draft picks that will payoff, not necessarily this season, but the next, and the next after that.

Effectiveness of digital marketing channels

Digital marketing is a powerful and highly effective tool for builders. It enables you to showcase projects and engage directly with your audience. Essential digital marketing platforms include social media, advertising and word of mouth—yes, word of mouth. Below, we’ve outlined how to approach each platform.

• Social media. Earlier we talked about using social media to seek out industry forums. Social media also effectively showcases your projects, engages with your audience and builds your brand. Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are the most active places to do this.
  • Pros: cost-effective, broad reach, direct engagement with prospects and current customers.
  • Cons: requires consistent effort and content creation. For information on how to create content, see our blog, Small Home Builders Can Boost Business.

• Word of mouth. Word of mouth is one of the most trusted forms of marketing, providing third-party credibility. Positive reviews and referrals from satisfied customers can boost your reputation and attract new business.
  • Pros: builds trust and credibility, highly persuasive.
  • Cons: relies on client satisfaction

• Paid advertising, such as Google and social ads, quickly increase your visibility and generate leads. Ensure your ads are targeted and reach specific demographics and geographic areas.
  • Pros: immediate results, highly targeted, scalable.
  • Cons: can be expensive, requires ongoing investment.

Digital marketing strategies offer practical ways to reach your target audience and build a strong online presence, which can help you grow your business.

Continuing our analogy, if your business is like a sports franchise, digital marketing is the way to let your draft picks know you have a winning record.

Streamlining networking with software

Even the most organized person can find it challenging to manage networking effectively. However, using the right software tools can simplify networking and enhance efficiency. Leveraging the right technology means staying organized and easily tracking your connections.

“Building pros are always searching for easier, faster ways to do their work,” Webb said. “It’s why texting the lumberyard has replaced visiting or even calling the store. And it’s why builders increasingly want to buy online. The primary thing holding them back is that it still can be relatively difficult to do construction work online, what with challenges getting prices, finding products and even paying bills.”

How Buildxact helps

Buildxact is designed for builders and trades. It offers features like lead tracking, job  management and streamlined communication. The lead management capabilities allow you to organize prospects, track budgets and store client details in one place, keeping you connected and competitive. With Buildxact, you can focus on building connections while the software handles the logistics.

Build stronger connections with Buildxact

Buildxact is your secret to beating the competition. It is a dependable tool for clear, organized and professional customer communication. Our centralized platform enables you to share real-time project updates, budgets and schedules with clients, fostering trust while showcasing transparency. Improving your communications can nurture stronger relationships, reduce misunderstandings and enhance the client experience.

To see how our estimating and job management software platform can help you win more work.

Start a free trial and experience Buildxact for yourself