Keys To A Successful Image In The Asphalt Paving Industry

Jan. 31, 2009 - PRLog -- In the pavement maintenance industry, the image you and your company portray can make the difference between success or failure.  Both residential and commercial customers alike want to see the kind of quality in a contractor that will translate to the quality of work they expect.  Customers are more demanding in this age.  Your first impression will create a picture in your clients’ minds that will lay the foundation for your business relationship.  If your image does not project superiority, competency, and consistency; you might not stand out amongst your competitors.

Here are some guidelines that will help you make the best impression with your customer.  Most of these tips are very common sense. - Just ask yourself how you would want to be treated in every aspect of interaction between yourself and a business you were looking to hire.  
Make sure your patron is responded to promptly.  Try to avoid answering machines.  If you don’t have someone on staff to answer the phones, simply hire an answering service.  People want to talk to people, not machines.  Be sure there is a method of how calls are handled.  Consistency starts at the first phone call, and should be followed throughout all manners of your business.  When interacting with your client be sure to remove yourself from all distractions.  Focus on their problem with all of your attention.  
If you are to meet your client in person, be sure to be well groomed.  This means having proper attire too.  Make sure you present a business card that has all necessary information on it such as: Fax number, Office number, Mobile number, Address, Website, and e-mail address.  This will show your client that your company is prepared to communicate through all avenues.  Also be articulate with your customer.  Always look them in the eye.  Never face them with a controlling or confronting attitude.  Face the problem at hand from their point of view by standing side by side with them.

Your vehicle should also represent your company to the fullest.  Avoid magnetic signs.  A truck with a magnetic sign does not make a firm distinction of who you are.  Your client may think you operate under other names.  Dedicate a vehicle for sales and apply signage in a tasteful manner.  Also be sure your signage distinguishes itself as a local company.  Put your phone number on your vehicle with the local area code.  If you only have an 800 number, be sure your customer is able to discern that you are a local contractor by placing the city and state your company resides from.  Travelers often use 800 numbers and magnetic signs to easily blend into many regions.  You don’t want to be perceived as a traveler do you?  Also avoid lots of flashy items on yourself and your vehicle.  Items such as jewelry or big fancy wheels may cause   your client to think that they are funding such luxuries by paying too much, or not getting what they are paying for.

The fastest growing segment of a good image is your website.  If you don’t have a website, or the site you have isn’t up to par you are losing precious marketing value.  Your customer has a problem to solve.  The easiest way for consumers to solve their problem is going to the internet.  Make your website will appear with the greatest professional image by utilizing lots of pictures, important content that addresses multiple scenarios, and by providing any conveniences that will persuade the consumer to choose you over your competitor as their solution.

Once you have secured a contract, be sure to fulfill it as promised.  Keeping in constant communication with your clients builds trust.  If there is a change in plans, be sure the customer is made aware of those changes as soon as possible.  Once your crews are onsite make sure you arrive with clean, up to date equipment and vehicles.  You want to reinforce the perception that your customer is getting the best value for their dollar.  If you show up with dirty or broken down equipment, your customer might believe they have chosen an incompetent contractor.  The same goes for your employees.  Make sure they are tastefully dressed.  Do not allow them to littler job sites with snack wrappers or cigarette butts.  Also be sure they do not use profanity or offensive slang.

Be sure to use equipment that is intended for your line of work.  People can tell when a vehicle or piece of equipment has been modified from its intended use.  For example don’t convert an old tired semi truck into a dump truck by removing the sleeping quarters and installing a dump bed.  The truck was not intended for such work and will give you problems, which in turn will potentially create problems for your client as well.  Always pick equipment that will serve your customer the very best.

Be concerned about how consumers identify your business at all times.  Competency, consistency, and care will always portray a strong positive image to your costumers.  Always try to reinforce trust as much as possible by being honest and informative.  These are the key ingredients to building a strong reputation which is also a leading factor in creating the most positive image.

Creve Coeur Paving:
A St. Louis based; family-owned paving company focused on delivering the best possible solutions for its clients.  Motivated by the company’s highly regarded work ethic, it’s owners and employees have been striving for perfection in paving for over thirty years.  “Our Reputation Rides On Our Service.”  Author is also available for consultation to businesses and paving companies.


Contact:

Richard Dinkela II, Operations
Creve Coeur Paving
314-427-3303
www.ccpstl.com

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Asphalt paving contractor located in Saint Louis Mo. Specializing in anything asphalt related. Commercial and residential paving contractor for over 35 years.