According to a recent article from the ARA – while foreclosures are at record rates the vast majority of homeowners are still current with their mortgages. Between the low interest rates and the fact that most of these homeowners are opting to remain in their current houses, it is providing more opportunities for home improvement and remodeling businesses. There are …
Continue ReadingWhen we go into a client’s operation one of the things that we frequently hear is that they are doing their best to follow up with prospects who have expressed an interested in their business. Yet despite this, we have yet to interact with a client who has the time or resources to follow up with all interested parties on …
Continue ReadingIn this posting we’re going to wrap up the series of Energy Tax Credits questions and answers. So, on to the next question. Q. If I’m not in the window, insulation, roofing, etc. business, is it difficult to get those products? A. Get an alliance with a window, insulation, roofing supplier or retailer. They will help you work this out. …
Continue ReadingLet’s pick up where we left off in the last posting with some more questions and answers about the Energy Tax Credits. Q. How do we present the tax credit to prospects? A. It is best to have it as a page in your presentation book together with a copy of the certification they will receive. Prospects can be advised …
Continue ReadingWe discussed the excellent marketing potential the new Energy Tax Credits in the massive government stimulus package provide for us in the last posting. There is $6 billion available for home improvement manufacturers and retailers. In order for you to benefit from this opportunity, you need to be well informed and capable of showing the homeowner how they can gain …
Continue ReadingYou are probably aware that there is an energy tax credit incentive for home owners built in to the government’s massive Stimulus Bill. Let’s recap this tax credit incentive and examine how this can be a massive opportunity for home improvement retailers. First, it’s important to understand that this is a tax credit not a tax deduction. There is an …
Continue ReadingLet us prepare ourselves for what is to be! A renowned philosopher once opined that, “in times of great change, it is the learners who have the greatest potential for success, for the learned find themselves equipped to deal only with a world that no longer exists.” Join me, as we and others, not unlike Don Quixote, buckle on our …
Continue ReadingIn 2007, while researching for a book I authored entitled Why. . . Buy Replacement Windows? I found that there were 22 million windows manufactured for new home construction. During the same period, there were 33 million windows manufactured for replacement installations. The majority of these replacement windows were custom manufactured – to size – and delivered within two to …
Continue ReadingYes! We face economic challenges in our business and personal life. Yes! Our country is enmeshed in a crisis of transition and adjustment. And, yes, we are challenged by the lack of cooperative research and understanding by the political pundits as well as those we have elected. Irrespective of the political party, we have expectations that they will be practical, …
Continue ReadingAs you read in my last posting, I was commenting at the 2009 Home Improvement Economic Summit earlier this month, on those who denigrate, are critical naysayers and prophets of doom – usually the media. I reminded those in attendance about a former, wordy Vice-President – I’m sure you remember Spiro Agnew. As you’ll recall, he eventually came into great …
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