Best Way to Cashflow GC Business; Other than Doorknocking?

Question

Other than door-to-door hangers, having kids run around a neighborhood, or begging for contracts from past colleagues; what is the best way to market an established, design-build/CM/general contracting business that took a few year hiatus..?

Social Media Marketing seems to create phishi'y leads; linkedin is too (TBNT), Craigslist now charges...

$1 Billion+ in construction projects delivered, and years later I am rusty about how to source new construction and general contracting leads..  What new strategies exist for entrepreneurs entering the market as self-employed after extensive success and career achievements?

Christopher Telles · Answer

Your not going to want to hear this, but you need to rebuild a network. That network may need to include former colleagues if you want to jump start revenues.

Building a network takes time, and a whole lot of effort. Places you can begin are by connecting with people in direct contact with potential clients.

Will you work residential or commercial projects? In either case local real estate agents could be a good source for referrals. Call a large real estate office and ask when they have their weekly sales meetings. Then show up about an hour before, or an hour later if it's early early AM/ Take a large box of chocolates into the office with you and offer a chocolate to the receptionist(s) then walk around offering one to anyone who looks up. Once engaged hand them a flyer. Calling insurance agents is another source to see if you can get referrals from them to potential customers. Offer something useful they can offer their clients like a free heater bracket inspection/installation. It'll cost you nothing and should take you very little time.

For commercial simply call the office of each commercial real estate office and ask the receptionist to email (or fax) you a list of their agents. Then get on the phone and cold call them after you've developed a decent speil (pitch).

As with all marketing, especially networking, it will required consistent effort even when results are not immediately apparent.

Now. Go. Do. and win some business.