As the temperature begins to fall, so does revenue and call volume. Hopefully, your residential electrical contracting business enjoyed a successful summer season. Despite all the turmoil going on around us these days, many of our businesses have continued to perform well. Making strides forward is great, but if you end up giving all your summer profit away in the colder months, then what was the point of all your hard work? Throw a presidential election, global pandemic, and uncertain financial markets into the mix, and navigating the next few months is enough to make your head spin.
First, we must identify what is certain and what is not. Events happening across the country, severe and unpredictable weather, and people’s perceived needs are all difficult to determine. Although we are not mind readers, we are not powerless either. It is important to consider every possible way your residential electrical contracting business can thrive in the coming months versus everything that is working against its success. Below are some tips to consider when trying to make the autumn months fall into place.
- Take advantage of the slower pace to pursue training opportunities with your techs. Coming off the high of summer means they may need to push the reset button on their sales process.
- Consider pulling out some season-appropriate creativity for your next marketing campaign. This can help get the phone ringing during the downturn in calls.
- Stock up on inventory and planning your slow-time marketing. January and February are typically downtimes for electrical contractors in the service industry.
- Start rehashing estimates given to customers in the past month or two. You never know unless you ask. Perhaps there was a change in circumstances for the client. A previous “no” might become a “yes.”
- Concentrate on refining your skills as a manager/owner. Don’t forget to touch base with your technicians on quality of work and warranty issues that may make them better electricians. Look at areas of connections, panel neatness, twist radius of pigtails, sealant of outdoor fixtures, and electrical boxes.
- Check in with your clients. A lot of events can happen during the summer months that may leave clients feeling neglected. This is a common challenge during peak season. Make sure your customers know you are thinking about them and that you value them. A happy client may tell a few people about your service, but an angry one will certainly tell everyone in their circle of influence.
- Replace your technicians’ uniforms. Uniforms inevitably take a beating in the peak months. Purchase new ones and present neat and newly dressed technicians in the fall. As I have said before, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
It’s no secret that seasons change, bringing new challenges and hurdles. How you prepare and respond to these challenges will determine your overall success. Make time to evaluate your business and prepare for the next few uncertain months.
Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 19 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he oversees a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and enjoys flipping houses. He can be reached at [email protected].
