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Posts Tagged ‘Marketing’
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010
In your business, one of the most often overlooked areas that can make-or-break your new franchise is the importance of training front-line employees in customer service.
No matter how well your business is run, the customers deal with your front-line staff. If your service company employs those with little to no social skills, it’s up to you to train them to be on time, courteous AND to clean up after themselves.
Without customers, your business is history. Although you can’t control the market or what other businesses do, you can control your business. It’s time to practice some old-fashioned HR. The following bullets are tips from Eddy Goldberg at Franchising.com:
- Customer service – This can be your most powerful marketing tool. Volumes have been written on the “customer experience,” too numerous for this article.
- Show up – Not only for training employees and monitoring the business, but also because you’re the owner. Making direct contact with customers as an ambassador for your business goes a long way in creating connections and trust.
- Upselling – Good business owners look to serve the interests of their customers (and make money). If someone orders a $1 burger special, train your staff to ask if they’d like a better deal for $1 more. If someone wants an inexpensive kitchen floor replacement, ask them to consider the long-term value of investing in a higher-quality product. Open the door to possibility, but don’t push too hard.
- Loyal customers – This is simple: reward your “frequent flyers” through discounts, special treatment, members-only offers, and the occasional giveaway. Everyone likes to be treated special, even if it’s only when buying a coffee or a couple of tacos; so treat them to specials. They’ll keep coming back … and they have friends.
- Gift cards – These have become a very popular birthday or holiday gift. They’re easy and quick to buy for the last-minute shopper. Sell them, of course, but also offer weekly or monthly gift card giveaways to new customers, loyal customers or through a random drawing.
- Charity box – If you have a store, prominently display a box on the counter to support local organizations. You can change the beneficiary each month or when a goal is reached. Instead of a tips jar, offer your customers a way to support local community groups by parting with some of their change after each transaction. You can balance the lost tips with your employees through other rewards.
At The Dwyer Group, it’s about reaching financial and personal goals while maintaining a commitment to integrity. It’s about creating businesses that communities can look to for more than just service. Through our superior franchise system and years of experience, we know how to build the best and most successful franchise businesses in the service industry. It is our mission to teach our principles and systems of personal and business success so that all people we touch will live happier, more successful lives.
We live our Code of Values by…
RESPECT
… treating others as we would like to be treated.
… listening with the intent to understand what is being said and
acknowledging that what is said is important to the speaker.
… responding in a timely fashion.
… speaking calmly and respectfully, without profanity or sarcasm.
… acknowledging everyone as right from their own perspective.
INTEGRITY
… making only agreements we are willing, able and intend to keep.
… communicating any potentially broken agreements at the first appropriate opportunity to all parties concerned.
… looking to the system for correction and proposing all possible solutions if something is not working.
… operating in a responsible manner: “above the line…”
… communicating honestly and with purpose.
… asking clarifying questions if we disagree or do not understand.
… never saying anything about anyone that we would not say to him or her.
CUSTOMER FOCUS
… continuously striving to maximize internal and external customer loyalty.
… making our best effort to understand and appreciate the customer’s needs in every situation.
HAVING FUN IN THE PROCESS!
For more information, visit www.LeadingtheServiceIndustry.com.
Tags: franchise, franchisee, Marketing, new franchise owners, PR, public relations, The Dwyer Group
Posted in Marketing, The Dwyer Group, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
First of all, what is a blog?
A blog is a type of journal arranged online in the form of a web page, typically linked or included in the main web page of a site.
There are many types of blogs, but for this, we will focus on differentiating between two: Personal and Business blogs.
Personal blogs can have a vast range of topics, posts and links. They can be personal, opinionative, political, etc.
Business blogs can be an amazing social tool for communicating with customers and employees in order to share knowledge and build a customer following. They are about seeming impersonal while connecting with potential customers and building web traffic on your site.
Another great thing about blogs…They are completely traceable! You can measure your success, your website’s success, your business’ success; the list can go on.
- Why do I want a blog for my small business?
- Superb question! First of all, why not? Blogs are absolutely simple!
- The software is far easier to manage than what it used to be. Beyond that, most small businesses have a Facebook. Included in that profile is a blog! Simply write in it, link your thoughts to resources or further reading, and publish! That blog will be available for all of your friends to see!
- Don’t have a Facebook, and don’t want one?(First of all, shame on you! Free advertising and a way to get customer feedback, free of charge? Don’t pass that up!)
- There are other options, besides Facebook, believe it or not. Blogger.com, Movable Type, Typepad, these all offer simple ways to get started!
- Blogging offers you not only a free to low-cost way to get advertisement, web presence and customer feedback, but it also is an inexpensive alternative to learning html, hiring a web designer.
- Making the commitment to blog at least 2-3 times a week is highly accomplishable for many. Find a topic that relates to your audience. It doesn’t always have to be solely about you! For example, perhaps an electric company wishes to post a blog. A rational topic could be how to cut back on that electricity bill, how to rewire something, the possibilities are endless!
Finally, business blogs allow your small business a chance to get a vast web presence and share your expertise. It can be a powerful tool in gaining customer trust and assurance, while establishing your name!
Have a look at some of The Dwyer Group concepts’ blogs here:
http://www.rainbowintl.com/blog/
http://mrsrooter.com/
http://www.mrappliance.com/blog/
Tags: franchise, franchisee, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Rooter, PR, public relations, Rainbow International, The Dwyer Group
Posted in Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International, The Dwyer Group, The Grounds Guys, Uncategorized | Comments Off
Friday, March 26th, 2010
Anyone else noticed how crazy the weather has been this year? Believe it or not at one point this winter there was snow in at least some part of 49 of the 50 states, over 60% of the country blanketed in snow at one time.
Owning your own home service business can be unpredictable, too. At times, there’s too many calls coming in, and there’s no way you can get everything done. Other times, you’re begging for the phone to ring just once. How do you find a balance?
Systems. Plain and simple.
If your business is running on solid systems, like the franchises at Leading the Service Industry, you’ll be better suited to handle variables in the marketplace. Marketing, planning, training and support are just a phone call away.
Keep your customers happy. Keep your staff happy. Find balance with systems.
We have systems in place that easily help you prepare for the unexpected. We can assist you with new technologies, cross marketing, national advertising, an established brand and networking that can help you avoid the dry spells by constantly increasing your customer base.
When times are busy, our customer delivery system, pricing system, and technologies will help ensure that you have the most efficient route, quick and easy pricing and estimates, and technology that will help you and your crew get the job done faster.
Get prepared for whatever storm may come your way.
Tags: Aire Serv, Aire Serv franchise, franchise, franchise ranking, franchisee, Glass Doctor, HVAC franchise support, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International, snow, storm, Texas, The Dwyer Group, The Grounds Guys, unpredictable, Waco
Posted in The Dwyer Group | Comments Off
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
It’s almost that time again. The grass is starting to get greener, temperatures are starting to get warmer, it means spring is right around the corner and with spring comes spring cleaning. Our franchises focus on getting houses in tip top shape, but have you ever thought about what kind of cleaning up your business needs?
When you join our team we can help you clean up and organize your business so it runs more easily, efficiently and effectively. We have tried and true methods that can help you “clean up” a number of different aspects of your business, including:
- Adding technologies that will improve your customer delivery system, saving you time and money.
- New strategies for recruiting, compensation and retention that can help improve your employee turnover rates, increase your profit margins and help you build a base of loyal customers.
- Assistance with financial management and “keeping up” the books.
- Statistical tracking, research and development to help you better focus your business efforts and marketing campaigns on the groups that will be most profitable.
- Providing you with an already established brand name and reputation as well as free national marketing and a huge network of other franchisees you can cross market with.
Who says spring cleaning can’t be fun? Clean out your business life and start fresh this year. Get the systems. Get the support. Get in gear – your solution is just a click away.
Tags: Aire Serv, Aire Serv franchise, franchise, franchisee, Glass Doctor, HVAC franchise support, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International, Texas, The Dwyer Group, The Grounds Guys, Waco
Posted in The Dwyer Group | Comments Off
Friday, February 19th, 2010
1. Learning From Experience. Leading the Service Industry is about systems. We’ve developed these systems after years of experience in the field with customers. The “front line” of home service. This experience and expertise is immediately at your fingertips. Your franchise coach and other franchise owners are there to help you navigate through day-to-day business with ease.
2. Brand recognition. Your company has a recognizable and respected brand. Years of marketing, national exposure and a history of quality instantly make your business the most trusted service brand in town.
3. Help with Business Functions. Do you know your numbers? Do you know exactly how efficient (or inefficient) your business is operating? Your franchise coach and a team of small business experts are only a phone call or e-mail away. And they’re working every day of the year to research the industry to keep all of our franchise owners on the cutting edge of home service.
4. Training. The cornerstone of a solid business starts with the right training. After becoming a franchisee, you will be part of a world-class initial training course. And throughout the year, there are ongoing training meetings that are regional, online or on-site at your location. We can help you stay ahead of the changing marketplace.
5. High Success Rate. We succeed when you succeed. Year after year, studies and surveys prove franchise businesses have a much higher success rate than independent businesses. That’s because with a franchise, you have a full support team, advice from other franchise owners and much more purchasing power (more on that later).
6. Cross Marketing. You’re not alone in your local market. Because of the different concepts in our franchise network, your customers now have a hometown service team. You can partner with other franchise owners in your market to create a home service powerhouse.
7. Purchasing Power. Buy more. Pay less. It’s simple. Leading the Service Industry partners you with other franchise owners to deliver the best materials for the lowest prices. With so many franchisees, we have negotiated great rates on everything you need to run your business. Discounts and rebates on your favorites – vehicles, insurance, tools, parts, supplies, marketing materials and more. We want to make sure you don’t waste a penny.
8. Improve Your System. Time is money. And fuel is money. Don’t waste anything. Our systems and use of technology can help your company run more efficiently so your technicians aren’t wasting valuable time on service calls. We can help you find the best customers, deliver fast, quality service and be on the cutting edge.
9. Networking. Leading the Service Industry is made up of more than 1,500 franchise owners – their expertise and experience are at your service. Regional meetings and our annual Reunion (in June in San Antonio this year) are a great place to exchange ideas and improve your operations.
10. Prepare for Future Competition. With a stronger, more solid foundation, your company will be well represented in your local market. We’re working every day to help you succeed.
Tags: Aire Serv, franchise, franchisee, Glass Doctor, HVAC franchise support, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, Rainbow International, Texas, The Dwyer Group, Waco
Posted in The Dwyer Group | Comments Off
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
 My Home Life is coming soon to an inbox near you. Our customers get the best in service and now they’ll get the best in home news. Tips from our companies’ top experts, recipes and more. Do your customers get this level of service?
What do your customers expect from you in between service calls? How do you keep your name fresh in your customers’ minds? With a Leading the Service Industry franchise you will be the name in home service in your city. And with the help of our other service brands in town, even more customers will find you because of cross-marketing pieces like My Home Life.
Check out My Home Life today. It also has a home on Twitter and Facebook. There will be many issues each year. Join Leading the Service Industry to get the marketing edge you need to succeed. Contact us today to find out how MyHomeLife can be sent to your customers.
Tags: Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter, My Home Life, Rainbow International, Texas, The Dwyer Group, Waco
Posted in Marketing, The Dwyer Group | Comments Off
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010
This video from KMGH 7 in Denver, is a great example of what good media exposure can do for your business.
A local Denver homeowner called Channel 7 about the odor coming from her front-loader washing machine. She had no idea that this smell was a common problem with front loading washing machines. In fact, it’s been dubbed “stinky washer syndrome.”
The local Mr. Appliance franchise in Denver was featured on the evening news. Follow this link to go to the story.
With front-loader washing machines growing in popularity, do your customers know where to turn for help? Mr. Appliance has a dedicated PR team to help your business jump to the top of your local media’s list of experts.
Tags: appliance repair, franchise, franchise ranking, front-load washing machine, home service, Marketing, Mr. Appliance, stinky washer syndrome, Texas, The Dwyer Group, Waco, washing machine
Posted in Mr. Appliance | Comments Off
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
Is your company in the news as often as it should be? Does your local media run stories about seasonal checkups and how your company can help?
With a franchise, you get active public relations support to share your good news with your local media. You’ll be the number one source for any news about home service. This article about effective media relations comes from Julina Macy, the PR Specialist for Aire Serv. Join our team and you’ll have a public relations and marketing team working to make your business stand out.
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Whether you’ve witnessed the demise of a local newspaper firsthand or just heard about the collapse of newspapers and TV stations, you may be thinking that the general public isn’t interested in the news anymore.
While a common idea, it just isn’t true. In fact, a recent study on American journalism from the Pew Research Center found that audiences consider newspapers more valuable now than in past years, but readers are turning to more online sources for information instead of print media.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of resources or manpower from media down sizing, information provided to them must be timely and relevant. Today’s news environment is in overdrive and a consumer’s news interest must be fed 24/7 to keep them coming back for more, whether that news is sent in real time to Internet news Web sites or mobile phones.
In order to adapt to the new forms of communication, it’s more important now than in ever (while it was always important) to provide timely and interesting news stories to your local reporters. To grab their attention quickly — and not lose their interest in the first three seconds of a press release — it’s important to provide solutions to their readers’ problems and to make community interest stories available as they happen.
Gone are the days where a story would sit in a reporter’s inbox or take 24 hours to get printed and read by its audience. Now a story becomes old if it takes 24 hours to get into the reporters hands. As the forms of communication continue to expand and evolve, remember that it is not an option to hold on to a story opportunity for a couple days or more.
With an Aire Serv franchise you get the marketing and public relations support you need to make your company the name in home service.
Tags: Aire Serv, franchise, home service, HVAC franchise support, Marketing, PR, public relations, Texas Monthly, The Dwyer Group, Waco
Posted in Aire Serv, Marketing | Comments Off
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