A Metaphor For Beauty
I recently read the article, “Like Jewelry for Your Home,” published in the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Stone Dimensions magazine, a consumer magazine produced by the MIA. 
I felt the title described natural stone perfectly. As a fabricator and installer of natural stone, we are one of the last sub-contractors in a remodel, or new built home. When we install a customers granite countertops, they are often able to visualize the completed project. It is like, “Frosting on a Cake,” or “Jewelry for Your home.” The natural beauty of stone stands out and draws your attention to it, like a fine piece of jewelry.
Over the years, we’ve had many comments from our customers who were just delighted with their granite countertops. Why not add a granite island, marble bathroom vanity, onyx bar top, or slate fireplace, etc., as jewelry for your home?
Thanks for reading!
Barbara Rodgers
Posted in Granite on May 2nd, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Referrals—Still The Best Way To Grow Your Business!
I recently read several blogs talking about referrals, which I found to be interesting. An E-Myth blog, 
“Your best customers are advocates for your business-use them to get referrals,” basically stated that your best customers believe in you and your products and you should utilize them to help promote your company to get new prospects. Another blog on an About website, “7 Sure-Fire Ways to Build Your Referral Business,” stated that referral business can help reduce your sales expenses by reducing the amount of cold calls needed in a given time period. It also gave 7 ways to build your referral business, which include the following:
- Set a target: Set a clear goal and timeline to increase referral business.
- Timing: Give your customers some time to experience your service before asking for a referral. Asking for a referral at closing is not typically the best time to ask.
- Top 20: Not all customers are good referrals. It is often best to ask your top 20% of customers.
- Give and you’ll receive: When you give your customers extra service, or a special favor, make sure to ask them for a referral. They will be more receptive and grateful.
- Type of customer: Inform your customer about who your customers are. Give them some stats and demographics.
- Rewards Program: Provide some special reward to your customer after they’ve given you a number of leads.
- Thank you: Send out a personalized thank you when someone gives you a referral. Gratefulness goes a long way.
Thanks for reading!
Barbara Rodgers
Posted in Business on May 1st, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
