1.) Acid stained floors using CHEM-STONE Reactive Stain. CHEM-STONE reactive stain is a permanent stain that reacts chemically with concrete and polymer concrete overlays to add an antique coloring effect.
Advantages:
- Creates natural looking color variations that are unique to each and every application.
- Can be used on conventional concrete and cementitious overlays.
- Will not chip, flake, or peel off.
2.) Dye stained floors using HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain. HYDRA-STONE dye stain is a highly concentrated, metal complex dye used for coloring polymer modified overlay systems and concrete. Available in 20 20 base colors that can be used full strength or diluted to achieve even more color effects.
Advantages:
- Instantaneous color determination.
- No rinsing or washing before sealing like with acid-based stains.
- Virtually unlimited colors to choose from.
3.) Custom seamless flooring using MICRO-FINISH Pre-Mixed Overlay. MICRO-FINISH pre-mixed overlay is a high strength, cementitious material designed for creating an extremely smooth finish to the top of THIN-FINISH.
Advantages:
- "Just add water" overlay means no guessing, no incorrect mix designs, increased long-term performance, and increased product coverage.
- Sold as white and can be colored integrally with Portion Control Colorant or stained with Chem-Stone Stain or Hydra-Stone Dye.
- Create a smooth finish like that of a hard troweled surface with very little effort or time.
- Cost is just a fraction of self-leveling type overlays.
4.) Garage floors using SPARTIC-ALL RM Polyaspartic Coating. SPARTIC-ALL RM is an extremely high solids, clear protective coating based on the popular polyaspartic ester technology. No protective coating is stronger or resistant to wear.
Advantages:
- Dry and re-coat time in 2-3 hours.
- Vinyl flake and colored quartz applications can be completed in one day.
- Decreased downtime for your customers.
- Surface can be opened to foot or vehicle traffic the next day.
5.) Retail and restaurant floors using REFLECTOR ENHANCER and E100 PT1 Epoxy. REFLECTOR ENHANCER creates a new dimension to coloring conventional concrete, decorative concrete, floors and walls offering shimmering effects that cannot be achieved with acid stain, topical stains, oxide pigments or dyes.
E100-PT1/4 is a clear or colored user friendly epoxy coating for commercial and industrial surfaces.
ADVANTAGES:
- No need for a primer to achieve optimum bond.
- Unlike other "clear" epoxies, E100-PT1 is a true "water clear" finish that will not amber the substrate color when used indoors.
6.) Company logos can quickly and easily be installed on floors and walls with THIN-FINISH Pre-Mixed Overlay and standard sign shop vinyl. THIN-FINISH pre-mixed overlay is a high strength, cementitious topping material designed for resurfacing, overlaying, and texturing concrete floors and surfaces.
Advantages:
- Will stand up to foot and vehicle traffic.
- Can be multi-colored to match corporate branding.
- With a prepped floor, you can be complete in as little as one day.
- Size options are unlimited.
Where can you do all of this? Here's a start:
- Retail stores
- Hotels and casinos
- Living spaces
- Office buildings
- Schools and colleges
- Auto dealership showrooms
- Garages and parkades
- Medical offices
- Sports arenas
- Shopping malls
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
CSS EMULSION: The ultimate concrete sealer
All acrylic sealers are not the same!! Elite Crete Systems CSS Emulsion is a 53% solid methyl methacrylate laced acrylic. This is an extremely versatile sealer. We recommend using it cut 3 to 1 as a cure and seal; 2 to 1 on acid stains, stamped concrete and some overlay applications; 1 to 1 on spray downs and stamped overlays inside or out. CSS will allow vapor transmittion during and after cure and cost pennies a square foot.
Off the shelf, acrylic sealers are a dime a dozen with different solid content, names and so on. 90% of them are acrylic pellets or resin dissolved in solvent (xylene) with some UV inhibitor thrown in. Some companies try adding a little styrene (which makes them Brittle) or silicone (not sure why), but the bottom line is a lot of contractors have problems with sealers.
Here is a bold statement: CSS will out last and is more forgiving than any acrylic on the market.The majority of our customers love it and would never use anything else. It accounts for over 30% of our sales. At every seminar we have done in the last 5 years, I have challenged the participants to show me something better, and I will start stocking it. It hasn't happened yet!!
Off the shelf, acrylic sealers are a dime a dozen with different solid content, names and so on. 90% of them are acrylic pellets or resin dissolved in solvent (xylene) with some UV inhibitor thrown in. Some companies try adding a little styrene (which makes them Brittle) or silicone (not sure why), but the bottom line is a lot of contractors have problems with sealers.
Here is a bold statement: CSS will out last and is more forgiving than any acrylic on the market.The majority of our customers love it and would never use anything else. It accounts for over 30% of our sales. At every seminar we have done in the last 5 years, I have challenged the participants to show me something better, and I will start stocking it. It hasn't happened yet!!
FREE JOB is Priceless...
This is actually a post I copied from www.concretelocator.com from a contractor in Ohio... Read on.
I gave a free job away. I drove around last Monday looking for the right area. It is about 25 minutes away but I found a area with some older 5 years or so home and about half new ones and a lot of lots left for future building. I wanted to be near the main road going in and I stopped by and talked to this husband and wife but they were real skeptical and said they needed to think about it for a while. I told them I couldt wait and wanted to get started right away. So they declined. I was stumped. It was a free job. So I went across the street. It was a better job anyways because they kept the grass and bushes nicer and the house had more earthy colors. I knocked on the door and just the wife was home. I told her that I was starting a new business and showed her a brochure. She loved the look and asked how much. I thought for a minute that I would actually get full price out of this one. I told her that my normal price is 3 dollars for spraying and 5 dollars for stamping. She said they were cash strapped and would have to wait for spring. Then I told her my intentions that I wanted to give her a free job so I would have a showplace. I told her that I would invite people to look at her driveway and people might knock on the door to ask questions. She was excited alot. I told her I would occasionally come by and rewash it for her but she should still keep it from getting oil spots and gas on it. I told her I would have a yard sign and brochure box on her lawn for about two weeks afterwards. I told her that I would work closly with her to pick colors that would work well with their home but I was the professional and I would ultimatley have design and color say. She wanted it but had to ask her husband and I was to come back that night to talk to him. When I arrived he acted like I was him best buddy and even gave me a cold beer but I dont drink much so I sipped it to be nice. I took a sample board of a brown brick border spray job and light tan brick stencil and told them I thought this would work best and they both loved it. We talked about my schedule and that I wanted to get started Tuesday and that they would have to stay off the drive for a full week. I had them sign a regular agreement but it showed it was a free job that would have normally cost them 3000 dollars. On Tuseday I started and put a sign in the front lawn and had two skimmed coats on by the evening. I had a lot of people drive by real slow but no one stopped to talk to me. I was kind of bummed out about that. So Tuesday night I wrote a short letter about what I was doing and what my services provide and stapled it to a brochure and earley Wednesday I drove about all of the closer streets to the job and put them in the newspaper slots. The letter told then that they could stop and talk to me or the owners of the house anytime. I spent the day taping the borders and secureing the stencils. It took longer than I thought to cover and mask off the gargae door and bushes but I wanted to be safe. I sprayed my borders first and coverd them with stripps of cardboard. Then I sprayed the stencil. I drung my foot once and tore the stencil so that took some time to fix but I got it all sprayed and sprayed two more fleck coats on. I wanted to seal it but it was getting dark so I pulled the tape and plastic and vaccumed. But still no one had stopped by to talk to me. I go up earley to seal it before the sun made it over the treeline and I put three coatings on before mid morning. While I was loading up and raking mulch back to the edge the first man I asked for a free job came over and asked if I would give him a price to do theirs the same way but a different color. When I got home I had three calls from other people and I gave prices on them this past Saturday and I know one is sold. One of the persons is the president of the HOA and they are very excited about dressing up homes in the area. One person told me it was way to expenseive but you cant sell them all either. Next is a discounted stamp overlay on a driveway to show that off to. But it wont be totally free. Thanks again for the advice.
I gave a free job away. I drove around last Monday looking for the right area. It is about 25 minutes away but I found a area with some older 5 years or so home and about half new ones and a lot of lots left for future building. I wanted to be near the main road going in and I stopped by and talked to this husband and wife but they were real skeptical and said they needed to think about it for a while. I told them I couldt wait and wanted to get started right away. So they declined. I was stumped. It was a free job. So I went across the street. It was a better job anyways because they kept the grass and bushes nicer and the house had more earthy colors. I knocked on the door and just the wife was home. I told her that I was starting a new business and showed her a brochure. She loved the look and asked how much. I thought for a minute that I would actually get full price out of this one. I told her that my normal price is 3 dollars for spraying and 5 dollars for stamping. She said they were cash strapped and would have to wait for spring. Then I told her my intentions that I wanted to give her a free job so I would have a showplace. I told her that I would invite people to look at her driveway and people might knock on the door to ask questions. She was excited alot. I told her I would occasionally come by and rewash it for her but she should still keep it from getting oil spots and gas on it. I told her I would have a yard sign and brochure box on her lawn for about two weeks afterwards. I told her that I would work closly with her to pick colors that would work well with their home but I was the professional and I would ultimatley have design and color say. She wanted it but had to ask her husband and I was to come back that night to talk to him. When I arrived he acted like I was him best buddy and even gave me a cold beer but I dont drink much so I sipped it to be nice. I took a sample board of a brown brick border spray job and light tan brick stencil and told them I thought this would work best and they both loved it. We talked about my schedule and that I wanted to get started Tuesday and that they would have to stay off the drive for a full week. I had them sign a regular agreement but it showed it was a free job that would have normally cost them 3000 dollars. On Tuseday I started and put a sign in the front lawn and had two skimmed coats on by the evening. I had a lot of people drive by real slow but no one stopped to talk to me. I was kind of bummed out about that. So Tuesday night I wrote a short letter about what I was doing and what my services provide and stapled it to a brochure and earley Wednesday I drove about all of the closer streets to the job and put them in the newspaper slots. The letter told then that they could stop and talk to me or the owners of the house anytime. I spent the day taping the borders and secureing the stencils. It took longer than I thought to cover and mask off the gargae door and bushes but I wanted to be safe. I sprayed my borders first and coverd them with stripps of cardboard. Then I sprayed the stencil. I drung my foot once and tore the stencil so that took some time to fix but I got it all sprayed and sprayed two more fleck coats on. I wanted to seal it but it was getting dark so I pulled the tape and plastic and vaccumed. But still no one had stopped by to talk to me. I go up earley to seal it before the sun made it over the treeline and I put three coatings on before mid morning. While I was loading up and raking mulch back to the edge the first man I asked for a free job came over and asked if I would give him a price to do theirs the same way but a different color. When I got home I had three calls from other people and I gave prices on them this past Saturday and I know one is sold. One of the persons is the president of the HOA and they are very excited about dressing up homes in the area. One person told me it was way to expenseive but you cant sell them all either. Next is a discounted stamp overlay on a driveway to show that off to. But it wont be totally free. Thanks again for the advice.
Las Vegas Training
Ken Freestone (Elite Crete Systems Corporate), Steve Johnson (California Regional Director) and Brad Holmes (Mid South Regional Director) spent a few days in Las Vegas helping with a training for our newest distributor Bruce Holm (Elite Crete Nevada).
Steve showed off some of his Californian style acid stain on MICRO-FINISH which started out looking like a murder scene but ended up as an extremely cool floor. Ken demonstrated REFLECTOR Enhancer in our E100-PT1 Epoxy and the effects were off the chart amazing.
We had a great time and Bruce was very excited about becoming the newest Elite Crete Systems distributor
Bruce just informed me that he was flying out to attend a training in Hot Spring, Arkanas followed by a training in Edmonton, Canada and Winnepeg, Canada. Come meet our new "Vegas Connection"!!!!
Steve showed off some of his Californian style acid stain on MICRO-FINISH which started out looking like a murder scene but ended up as an extremely cool floor. Ken demonstrated REFLECTOR Enhancer in our E100-PT1 Epoxy and the effects were off the chart amazing.
We had a great time and Bruce was very excited about becoming the newest Elite Crete Systems distributor
Bruce just informed me that he was flying out to attend a training in Hot Spring, Arkanas followed by a training in Edmonton, Canada and Winnepeg, Canada. Come meet our new "Vegas Connection"!!!!
Product Announcements
SPARTIC-ALL™ RM - Polyaspartic Protective Coatings:
Available as a clear protective coating SPARTIC-ALL™ Polyaspartic is the next generation of two component protective coatings offering benefits that simply are not possible with conventional epoxy systems.
SPARTIC-ALL™ RM is a high solids and no filler coating. This product is used when extraordinary amounts of traffic are to be excepted and when the time frame to complete the application is small.
Clear SPARTIC-ALL™ RM is used to protect decorative concrete finishes, interior custom flooring applications, paint flake or colored quartz systems and industrial floors coated with SPARTIC-ALL™ Pigmented. Pigmented SPARTIC-ALL™ is used in more industrialized settings such as garage floors, warehouses, service bays and manufacturing facilities.
Advantages
Strength: No clear or pigmented epoxy coatings are stronger.
Fast Application & Fast Cure: Although the application is similar to that of conventional epoxies, SPARTIC-ALL™ RM actually cures hard enough in just a few hours that it can take foot traffic the same day and be open to full traffic the next day.
VOC Compliant.
Disadvantages
Non-Breathable. Because of the high two component nature it will not allow vapor transmission for most exterior applications.
REFLECTOR™ Enhancer:
Created to add sparkle, shimmer and added highlights to finished applications. REFLECTOR™ Enhancer is ideal for conventional concrete, decorative concrete overlays, custom floors, walls and countertops. REFLECTOR™ Enhancer can be added to any of approved clear sealers and specialty coatings and is available in 12 distinctive flavors.
Available as a clear protective coating SPARTIC-ALL™ Polyaspartic is the next generation of two component protective coatings offering benefits that simply are not possible with conventional epoxy systems.
SPARTIC-ALL™ RM is a high solids and no filler coating. This product is used when extraordinary amounts of traffic are to be excepted and when the time frame to complete the application is small.
Clear SPARTIC-ALL™ RM is used to protect decorative concrete finishes, interior custom flooring applications, paint flake or colored quartz systems and industrial floors coated with SPARTIC-ALL™ Pigmented. Pigmented SPARTIC-ALL™ is used in more industrialized settings such as garage floors, warehouses, service bays and manufacturing facilities.
Advantages
Strength: No clear or pigmented epoxy coatings are stronger.
Fast Application & Fast Cure: Although the application is similar to that of conventional epoxies, SPARTIC-ALL™ RM actually cures hard enough in just a few hours that it can take foot traffic the same day and be open to full traffic the next day.
VOC Compliant.
Disadvantages
Non-Breathable. Because of the high two component nature it will not allow vapor transmission for most exterior applications.
REFLECTOR™ Enhancer:
Created to add sparkle, shimmer and added highlights to finished applications. REFLECTOR™ Enhancer is ideal for conventional concrete, decorative concrete overlays, custom floors, walls and countertops. REFLECTOR™ Enhancer can be added to any of approved clear sealers and specialty coatings and is available in 12 distinctive flavors.
Why is the demand for Elite Crete Systems training so high?
There is not another company in the industry that even comes close to the proven track record of Elite Crete Systems. Our "just add water" bag mixes were introduced in 1998; same formulation today. Millions of square feet in every environment around the globe. It works; Period.
CSS Emulsion and Ultra-Stone Stain were both formulated in the mid 80's; same product, same formulation today.
There has been quite a shake-up in the decorative concrete industry in the last year or so with companies being bought out or going under. Elite Crete Systems has just built a new 28,000 square foot manufacturing facility and has acquired additional land for future expansion. We are here to stay!!!! We have introduced several new products including 24 colors of powder release and color hardener. We are also bringing several LEED compliant products to the table.
Our product strength, combined with our dedicated distributors who are committed to the success of their contractors make Elite Crete Systems the decorative concrete company of choice! There is no better way to learn the decorative concrete business than through an Elite Crete Systems distributor.
CSS Emulsion and Ultra-Stone Stain were both formulated in the mid 80's; same product, same formulation today.
There has been quite a shake-up in the decorative concrete industry in the last year or so with companies being bought out or going under. Elite Crete Systems has just built a new 28,000 square foot manufacturing facility and has acquired additional land for future expansion. We are here to stay!!!! We have introduced several new products including 24 colors of powder release and color hardener. We are also bringing several LEED compliant products to the table.
Our product strength, combined with our dedicated distributors who are committed to the success of their contractors make Elite Crete Systems the decorative concrete company of choice! There is no better way to learn the decorative concrete business than through an Elite Crete Systems distributor.
Slowing Economy Marketing Tips...
This is part of document sent to distributors for giving contractors ideas for marketing. Thought it might help.
Whether we fall into a recession or not, the economy is slowing. The housing market has come to a near screeching halt in many parts of the U.S. New commercial construction projects are slowing or tightening their budgets and people that do have money to spend are just holding onto it a little tighter these days.
So with all that said, how is it going to affect your business? If you play your cards right, it wont hurt you at all… This document will provide you with some suggestions and tips (perhaps some unorthodox) that will keep you growing not slowing.
The extent of the marketing assistance that most contractors know of is just to read the manual, read the website and implement all of the various marketing ideas. Contractors really need to take advantage of speaking with their distributor and talk specifically about what areas of their business are they lacking in. Tell your distributor what you are doing to promote your business. Detail what is working for you and what is not. You literally need to speak with them on a weekly basis
The fact is, even though construction and remodeling slows during a poor economy, consumers don't just stop spending money. When the economy is good, people will spend money on expensive, luxurious items. When the economy slows, people will still spend, they just want more bang for their buck. Something cheaper but just as nice and durable. Contractors have to change their marketing programs to highlight terms like; more affordable, costs less than tear out and replace, more durable, etc.
Another thing you can do is go over each and every line item on the "Marketing for Success" document. Not everyone has the available funds to implement all of these suggestions and even if you do, you want to focus more of your efforts towards the less expensive but immediate return suggestions.
I have heard of a number of great sales and marketing techniques that contractors are using these days that are working. Here are a few.
- Imaging Software: Yes you already know what it is but there some contractors going into nice neighborhoods and taking pictures of driveways, detailing the condition of the driveway and then using the imaging software to add a few different patterns to the driveway. Then they mail the homeowner the three or four pictures of their driveway with the pattern on it along with a letter explain the benefits (salt resistant, chemical resistant, weather resistant, etc.) and a brochure.
One contractor I spoke to actually does a minimum of 5 homes a day and more on the weekends. He also has a laptop and a portable printer and does it from his truck and just hand delivers the packet when he is done. He has been doing this since November and sold 13 jobs already.
- Constantcontact.com: What an an invaluable marketing tool. One distributor has all of his contractors using Constant Contant to market to builders, architects, pool contractors, landscapers, realtors, etc. to promote their services and product benefits. Have them do three different newsletters each month, one highlighting exterior, one for interior flooring and another specifically for garage floors.
- Rocks in a Bag: Sounds silly I know but one contractor is printing a nice letter explaining their services and using a brochure and putting the documents into a clear zip lock bag with 2 to 3 rocks. Yes rocks. Then they drive through nicer neighborhoods tossing the bags onto driveways. They do this to the same homes three times about 1 to 2 weeks apart. They are finding that it takes about 2 to 3 times of repeating this until they start to get responses. Repetition is the key here.
- Windshield Wipers: Similar to the rocks in a bag packet but without the rocks. Some contractors are putting packets under windshield wipers at home improvements stores, malls, landscape design centers flooring stores and more. People shopping at these places obviously have a disposable income and are spending money.
Good luck guys.
Whether we fall into a recession or not, the economy is slowing. The housing market has come to a near screeching halt in many parts of the U.S. New commercial construction projects are slowing or tightening their budgets and people that do have money to spend are just holding onto it a little tighter these days.
So with all that said, how is it going to affect your business? If you play your cards right, it wont hurt you at all… This document will provide you with some suggestions and tips (perhaps some unorthodox) that will keep you growing not slowing.
The extent of the marketing assistance that most contractors know of is just to read the manual, read the website and implement all of the various marketing ideas. Contractors really need to take advantage of speaking with their distributor and talk specifically about what areas of their business are they lacking in. Tell your distributor what you are doing to promote your business. Detail what is working for you and what is not. You literally need to speak with them on a weekly basis
The fact is, even though construction and remodeling slows during a poor economy, consumers don't just stop spending money. When the economy is good, people will spend money on expensive, luxurious items. When the economy slows, people will still spend, they just want more bang for their buck. Something cheaper but just as nice and durable. Contractors have to change their marketing programs to highlight terms like; more affordable, costs less than tear out and replace, more durable, etc.
Another thing you can do is go over each and every line item on the "Marketing for Success" document. Not everyone has the available funds to implement all of these suggestions and even if you do, you want to focus more of your efforts towards the less expensive but immediate return suggestions.
I have heard of a number of great sales and marketing techniques that contractors are using these days that are working. Here are a few.
- Imaging Software: Yes you already know what it is but there some contractors going into nice neighborhoods and taking pictures of driveways, detailing the condition of the driveway and then using the imaging software to add a few different patterns to the driveway. Then they mail the homeowner the three or four pictures of their driveway with the pattern on it along with a letter explain the benefits (salt resistant, chemical resistant, weather resistant, etc.) and a brochure.
One contractor I spoke to actually does a minimum of 5 homes a day and more on the weekends. He also has a laptop and a portable printer and does it from his truck and just hand delivers the packet when he is done. He has been doing this since November and sold 13 jobs already.
- Constantcontact.com: What an an invaluable marketing tool. One distributor has all of his contractors using Constant Contant to market to builders, architects, pool contractors, landscapers, realtors, etc. to promote their services and product benefits. Have them do three different newsletters each month, one highlighting exterior, one for interior flooring and another specifically for garage floors.
- Rocks in a Bag: Sounds silly I know but one contractor is printing a nice letter explaining their services and using a brochure and putting the documents into a clear zip lock bag with 2 to 3 rocks. Yes rocks. Then they drive through nicer neighborhoods tossing the bags onto driveways. They do this to the same homes three times about 1 to 2 weeks apart. They are finding that it takes about 2 to 3 times of repeating this until they start to get responses. Repetition is the key here.
- Windshield Wipers: Similar to the rocks in a bag packet but without the rocks. Some contractors are putting packets under windshield wipers at home improvements stores, malls, landscape design centers flooring stores and more. People shopping at these places obviously have a disposable income and are spending money.
Good luck guys.
Elite Crete of Minnesota
Elite Crete of Minnesota likes to fill our decorative concrete classes. We would like to offer you a special. Register now and attend our training seminar for only $125. That is savings of 50%. This offer is ONLY good for new registrants who can attend our November or December Advanced Training seminar.
This class is unlike any you've attended in the past. We do not push or twist your arm to buy high dollar packages. We do not sell territories or regions. We do not try to sell you grinders, vacuums or other expensive equipment.
We want to prove to you our products are superior. We want to prove to you our technical support is directly from an experienced professional. We want to prove to you we offer customer service unparalleled by our competition!
What will you get?
Training and insight into the amazing world of decorative overlays by the industry leader!
Hands-on experience of proven systems and the opportunity to take home samples.
Follow-up and support on planning, estimating, selling, marketing...
Last but not least...fed for 2 days - you can't go wrong!
Schedule
Fri 8am to 330pm
Thin-Finish - Skimcoats
Texture-Pave - Stamped Overlays
Micro Finish - Smooth finish Overlays
Spartic-All RM - polyaspartic coatings
Saturday 8am to 330pm
Chemstone - acid staining
HydraStone - concrete dyes
UltraStone - overlay coloring system
Thin-Finish - Broomcoats
Thin-Finish - Splatter textures
100% solids epoxy top coats
Call right away for information on this awesome opportunity!
Dan Ryan
952-270-5035 cell number
952-884-5118 office number
This class is unlike any you've attended in the past. We do not push or twist your arm to buy high dollar packages. We do not sell territories or regions. We do not try to sell you grinders, vacuums or other expensive equipment.
We want to prove to you our products are superior. We want to prove to you our technical support is directly from an experienced professional. We want to prove to you we offer customer service unparalleled by our competition!
What will you get?
Training and insight into the amazing world of decorative overlays by the industry leader!
Hands-on experience of proven systems and the opportunity to take home samples.
Follow-up and support on planning, estimating, selling, marketing...
Last but not least...fed for 2 days - you can't go wrong!
Schedule
Fri 8am to 330pm
Thin-Finish - Skimcoats
Texture-Pave - Stamped Overlays
Micro Finish - Smooth finish Overlays
Spartic-All RM - polyaspartic coatings
Saturday 8am to 330pm
Chemstone - acid staining
HydraStone - concrete dyes
UltraStone - overlay coloring system
Thin-Finish - Broomcoats
Thin-Finish - Splatter textures
100% solids epoxy top coats
Call right away for information on this awesome opportunity!
Dan Ryan
952-270-5035 cell number
952-884-5118 office number
The U.S. Economy vs. the Decorative Concrete Industry...
The U.S. economy seems to be affecting almost all aspects of our daily lives, from massive foreclosures, job layoffs, difficulty for consumers and businesses to obtain credit and soaring fuel prices. Most of us cannot help but wonder, "When is it all going to end and start getting better."
The concern for most contractors as it pertains to business is how is the state of the economy will really effect the decorative concrete industry and the businesses that installers own and operate. We have said for many years that the decorative concrete overlay industry is not affected by slowing economies but those comments didn't specify how bad the economy could get before it did become an issue.
Everyone understands that in most parts of the U.S., new home construction has come to a screeching halt and new commercial construction has slowed down. However, there has been a surge in the restoration and remodeling aspect of the decorative concrete industry that we simply could not have predicted.
Looking back over the past 20 years, historically years in which there was a presidential election were the only years that Elite Crete Systems sales did not surpass the previous year. However this election year has proven to be a stronger than expected year with sales actually higher than we anticipated. The question that many of you surely ask is, "How is that possible?"
Aggressive contractors in most areas of the country are still busy. Many are busier than they ever have been. Sure, some contractors aren't making it and this is where Authorized Distributors need to step in and assist with marketing and business development assistance.
Why are some installers struggling? To understand this, you must first ask, "What are successful installers doing to succeed in this business during this economy?" We have published for years that one of the unique aspects of the decorative concrete overlay industry was the ability to modify the product offerings as well as the service type.
Example:
When the economy is good - Property owners spend money on more expensive construction products such as elaborate landscaping and interior design, expensive and exotic floor coverings, custom faux finish painting, etc. This even applies to new construction because when consumers financial confidence is high, they are more open to buying luxury items for their homes and businesses.
However, when the economy is struggling - Pennies and dollars start being pinched. If new construction is going on, property owners as well as their builders or architects want to look for cost savings, inexpensive alternatives to building exteriors, flooring, landscaping, etc. In addition, remodeling projects although not halted become more of a budgeting process as well. But in either case, construction projects new or existing don't just stop.
Being aggressive and understanding when and how to market decorative concrete services is really the key to survival as a contractor. When the economy is good, contractors can and should market their services as high end finishes in the same breath with marble, Italian slate, European cobblestone and exotic hardwoods. However, explain the benefits of decorative concrete overlays being more durable, extremely customizable and completely unique.
When the economy is struggling, contractors need to emphasize that decorative concrete overlays are very cost effective alternatives to tearing out and replacing deteriorated concrete because these products can transform old, pitted concrete to the look and feel of a new fresh pour for considerably less expense.
As it pertains to interior flooring, not all of the available finishes decorative concrete overlays create can complete with the low cost of tile, carpet and wood flooring but many applications are more cost effective. In addition to a cost savings, none of those flooring options can compare to the overall strength and durability of a decorative concrete overlay interior floor finish.
Don't forget public awareness. Just because the economy is slow doesn't mean people let their property's appearance and value intentionally drop. Flooring stores still have customers shopping for tile, wood, carpet, linoleum looking to remodel and improve their property. Exterior deteriorated concrete still remains a problem and property owners continue to be in need of solutions. It is simply up to contractors to inform potential property owners of alternative, cost effective solutions to their problems and needs.
How does a contractor on a tight marketing budget do that? Well, we are not going to tell you to take out expensive full page newspaper ads or sign up for a yellow page advertisement. Successful contractors have to get creative in their marketing plans and be aggressive in their advertising. We have a plethora of proven suggestions for contractors with none of them being the only answer but when all used together solidifies a contractors success in any economic climate.
Want to learn more about how decorative concrete overlay contractors are not only surviving but earning more profit than ever before? Here are a few links that are worth checking out:
- Contractor Marketing Tips
- Slowing Economy Marketing Tips
- Marketing & Advertising Forum
Contact us today and we will be happy to discuss your business model and marketing advice with you.
To receive a free informational CD Rom or to sign up for a training seminar near you, visit us online at www.elitecrete.com for additional information.
The concern for most contractors as it pertains to business is how is the state of the economy will really effect the decorative concrete industry and the businesses that installers own and operate. We have said for many years that the decorative concrete overlay industry is not affected by slowing economies but those comments didn't specify how bad the economy could get before it did become an issue.
Everyone understands that in most parts of the U.S., new home construction has come to a screeching halt and new commercial construction has slowed down. However, there has been a surge in the restoration and remodeling aspect of the decorative concrete industry that we simply could not have predicted.
Looking back over the past 20 years, historically years in which there was a presidential election were the only years that Elite Crete Systems sales did not surpass the previous year. However this election year has proven to be a stronger than expected year with sales actually higher than we anticipated. The question that many of you surely ask is, "How is that possible?"
Aggressive contractors in most areas of the country are still busy. Many are busier than they ever have been. Sure, some contractors aren't making it and this is where Authorized Distributors need to step in and assist with marketing and business development assistance.
Why are some installers struggling? To understand this, you must first ask, "What are successful installers doing to succeed in this business during this economy?" We have published for years that one of the unique aspects of the decorative concrete overlay industry was the ability to modify the product offerings as well as the service type.
Example:
When the economy is good - Property owners spend money on more expensive construction products such as elaborate landscaping and interior design, expensive and exotic floor coverings, custom faux finish painting, etc. This even applies to new construction because when consumers financial confidence is high, they are more open to buying luxury items for their homes and businesses.
However, when the economy is struggling - Pennies and dollars start being pinched. If new construction is going on, property owners as well as their builders or architects want to look for cost savings, inexpensive alternatives to building exteriors, flooring, landscaping, etc. In addition, remodeling projects although not halted become more of a budgeting process as well. But in either case, construction projects new or existing don't just stop.
Being aggressive and understanding when and how to market decorative concrete services is really the key to survival as a contractor. When the economy is good, contractors can and should market their services as high end finishes in the same breath with marble, Italian slate, European cobblestone and exotic hardwoods. However, explain the benefits of decorative concrete overlays being more durable, extremely customizable and completely unique.
When the economy is struggling, contractors need to emphasize that decorative concrete overlays are very cost effective alternatives to tearing out and replacing deteriorated concrete because these products can transform old, pitted concrete to the look and feel of a new fresh pour for considerably less expense.
As it pertains to interior flooring, not all of the available finishes decorative concrete overlays create can complete with the low cost of tile, carpet and wood flooring but many applications are more cost effective. In addition to a cost savings, none of those flooring options can compare to the overall strength and durability of a decorative concrete overlay interior floor finish.
Don't forget public awareness. Just because the economy is slow doesn't mean people let their property's appearance and value intentionally drop. Flooring stores still have customers shopping for tile, wood, carpet, linoleum looking to remodel and improve their property. Exterior deteriorated concrete still remains a problem and property owners continue to be in need of solutions. It is simply up to contractors to inform potential property owners of alternative, cost effective solutions to their problems and needs.
How does a contractor on a tight marketing budget do that? Well, we are not going to tell you to take out expensive full page newspaper ads or sign up for a yellow page advertisement. Successful contractors have to get creative in their marketing plans and be aggressive in their advertising. We have a plethora of proven suggestions for contractors with none of them being the only answer but when all used together solidifies a contractors success in any economic climate.
Want to learn more about how decorative concrete overlay contractors are not only surviving but earning more profit than ever before? Here are a few links that are worth checking out:
- Contractor Marketing Tips
- Slowing Economy Marketing Tips
- Marketing & Advertising Forum
Contact us today and we will be happy to discuss your business model and marketing advice with you.
To receive a free informational CD Rom or to sign up for a training seminar near you, visit us online at www.elitecrete.com for additional information.
Interior Flooring Like Nothing Else You've Seen...
Most decorative concrete contractors focus nearly all of their time and efforts on beautiful exterior applications replicating the look of stone, brick, slate, etc. forgetting that interior flooring offers a huge potential for additional work and profit.
When most homeowners, business owners and achitects need interior flooring they think of tile, marble, carpet or wood. Each of those flooring products have obvious disadvantages and limited custom design options. With flooring applications from Elite Crete Systems, you can create totally custom, seamless flooring systems with unlimited colors, designs and textures with finished durability previously unseen and unsurpassed. Because these flooring systems are fluid applied, the finished design can match or enhance surrounding colors and themes like no other flooring product can.
Whether you are needing one of our flooring systems or if you are interested in attending one of our training seminars that teach you how to install them, we can be of assistance. Visit us at www.elitecrete.com and we can be of assistance.
These flooring systems are ideal for:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Educational
Medical
Retail stores
Shopping malls
Garage floors
Kitchen areas
Hotel
Auto dealerships
Sport arenas
And so much more.
Listed below is just a fraction of the better known business that utilize our flooring systems:
Abercrombie and Fitch Stores
Banana Republic Stores
Bass Pro Shops
Burger King Restaurants
Cadillac Dealerships
Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino
Chase Field (Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks)
Chevrolet Dealerships
Coors Field (Home of the Colorado Rockies)
Ford Motor Company Dealerships
Great American Ball Park (Home of the Cincinnati Reds)
Harley Davidson Dealerships
Harrah's Casinos
Hilton Properties
Home Depot Stores
Honda Motors Dealerships
Hummer Dealerships
Jaguar Dealerships
Kinds Island Theme Parks
Limited Stores
Mama Fu's Restaurants
Marriott Hotels Worldwide
Mazda Dealerships
McDonalds Restaurants
Minute Maid Park (Home of the Houston Astros)
Mitsubishi Motors Dealerships
Mobil Gas Stations
Oldsmobile Dealerships
Oshkosh Bigosh Stores
Pac Sun Stores
Palace of Auburn Hills (Home of the Detroit Pistons)
Qualcomm Stadium (Home of the San Diego Chargers)
Ralph Lauren Polo Stores
Raymond James Stadium (Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Reebok Stores
Safeco Field (Home of the Seattle Mariners)
Sheridan Hotels
Six Flags Amusement Parks
Soldier Field (Home of the Chicago Bears)
Sonic Restaurants
Turner Field (Home of the Atlanta Braves)
U-Haul Dealerships
Universal Studios
Venetian Hotel and Casino
Wal-Mart Stores
Wendy's Restaurants
Walt Disney World Resorts
Wynn Hotels
Yamaha Motors Dealerships
When most homeowners, business owners and achitects need interior flooring they think of tile, marble, carpet or wood. Each of those flooring products have obvious disadvantages and limited custom design options. With flooring applications from Elite Crete Systems, you can create totally custom, seamless flooring systems with unlimited colors, designs and textures with finished durability previously unseen and unsurpassed. Because these flooring systems are fluid applied, the finished design can match or enhance surrounding colors and themes like no other flooring product can.
Whether you are needing one of our flooring systems or if you are interested in attending one of our training seminars that teach you how to install them, we can be of assistance. Visit us at www.elitecrete.com and we can be of assistance.
These flooring systems are ideal for:
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Educational
Medical
Retail stores
Shopping malls
Garage floors
Kitchen areas
Hotel
Auto dealerships
Sport arenas
And so much more.
Listed below is just a fraction of the better known business that utilize our flooring systems:
Abercrombie and Fitch Stores
Banana Republic Stores
Bass Pro Shops
Burger King Restaurants
Cadillac Dealerships
Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino
Chase Field (Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks)
Chevrolet Dealerships
Coors Field (Home of the Colorado Rockies)
Ford Motor Company Dealerships
Great American Ball Park (Home of the Cincinnati Reds)
Harley Davidson Dealerships
Harrah's Casinos
Hilton Properties
Home Depot Stores
Honda Motors Dealerships
Hummer Dealerships
Jaguar Dealerships
Kinds Island Theme Parks
Limited Stores
Mama Fu's Restaurants
Marriott Hotels Worldwide
Mazda Dealerships
McDonalds Restaurants
Minute Maid Park (Home of the Houston Astros)
Mitsubishi Motors Dealerships
Mobil Gas Stations
Oldsmobile Dealerships
Oshkosh Bigosh Stores
Pac Sun Stores
Palace of Auburn Hills (Home of the Detroit Pistons)
Qualcomm Stadium (Home of the San Diego Chargers)
Ralph Lauren Polo Stores
Raymond James Stadium (Home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Reebok Stores
Safeco Field (Home of the Seattle Mariners)
Sheridan Hotels
Six Flags Amusement Parks
Soldier Field (Home of the Chicago Bears)
Sonic Restaurants
Turner Field (Home of the Atlanta Braves)
U-Haul Dealerships
Universal Studios
Venetian Hotel and Casino
Wal-Mart Stores
Wendy's Restaurants
Walt Disney World Resorts
Wynn Hotels
Yamaha Motors Dealerships
Training = Profit
Not part of the Decorative Concrete & Flooring industry yet? What are you waiting for? The demand and profit for contractors in this rapidly growing business has never been greater.
Imagine being able to transform old, pitted, stained, ugly concrete into beautiful exterior finishes or ultra durable interior flooring. Think about all the concrete that is withing just 30 square miles of where you are sitting right now that can use this application.
In just two days, we can train you to turn ordinary concrete into the authentic look and feel of real brick, stone, slate, marble and more by applying a thin but durable coating with an average thickness of 1/8" to 1/4" thick. These applications are ideal for driveways, patios, sidewalks, pool decks, residential and commercial flooring and more.
Wondering about profit potential? The average driveway is about 800 sq. ft. After training you will be able to complete an average driveway in less than 2 to 3 days and pocket between $2,000 to $3,000 dollars minimum.
Just pick a date from the training seminars listed below and let us know which one you would like to attend. We will do the rest. This is a hand on, professionally instructed training that will should you everything you need to know to be ready to tackle your first job. In addition to application training, we will show you how to sell and market your services. Show you how to bid jobs and help you start a business that is immediately profitable from your first job forward.
What are you waiting for? Visit www.elitecrete.com for training locations and dates near you.
Imagine being able to transform old, pitted, stained, ugly concrete into beautiful exterior finishes or ultra durable interior flooring. Think about all the concrete that is withing just 30 square miles of where you are sitting right now that can use this application.
In just two days, we can train you to turn ordinary concrete into the authentic look and feel of real brick, stone, slate, marble and more by applying a thin but durable coating with an average thickness of 1/8" to 1/4" thick. These applications are ideal for driveways, patios, sidewalks, pool decks, residential and commercial flooring and more.
Wondering about profit potential? The average driveway is about 800 sq. ft. After training you will be able to complete an average driveway in less than 2 to 3 days and pocket between $2,000 to $3,000 dollars minimum.
Just pick a date from the training seminars listed below and let us know which one you would like to attend. We will do the rest. This is a hand on, professionally instructed training that will should you everything you need to know to be ready to tackle your first job. In addition to application training, we will show you how to sell and market your services. Show you how to bid jobs and help you start a business that is immediately profitable from your first job forward.
What are you waiting for? Visit www.elitecrete.com for training locations and dates near you.
Dont Let Winter Slow You Down...
For most decorative concrete contractors, winter means a slow down in outside work so it is time to focus on interior applications to stay busy. However, fall and winter are also the ideal time to begin marketing and promoting your decorative concrete services for next year as well.
One fatal mistake that many decorative concrete contractors make is waiting until spring to begin marketinge exterior jobs. This appoach leaves many contractors lacking work in the spring and some dont even make it...
Here are some basic marketing ideas taken directly from www.elitecrete.com and ee think you will find some of them very helpful regardless of the market you are in.
· Trade Shows:
Exhibit at as many trade shows per year as possible. Home and garden shows, county fairs, exhibits at parade of homes, open exhibits in shopping malls, interior design shows, exhibits held by local builders associations, business spot-lights with your local Chamber of Commerce, State ready mix associations and more. The objective is to get your company name and service out to as many people as possible. Understand that these types of exhibits tend to fill up quickly and many times months in advance. Do your homework and ask other construction trades where they exhibit their products and services.
When exhibiting at a trade show, put your best foot forward and represent yourself as a professional. Too many contractors exhibit at various shows only to sit in a chair and look all together unapproachable. Be open, enthusiastic and courteous but don't be a bump on a log or a high-pressure salesman either. Be sure to exhibit your services with brochures, sample boards to touch and feel, flooring made of your favorite overlay for them to walk on, a photo book for people to browse through and a computer to run your video presentation through.
Dress for success but not for a wedding. Remember, you are selling architectural concrete overlay finishes so although a three- piece suit is certainly overkill, you still want to look like a professional, trust worthy, knowledgeable representative. As it pertains to leads, you want quality not quantity. The "free drawing" ploy is ages old and will have you running ragged trying to bid and sell leads that many of which cannot use your services if they wanted to. Talk with the people coming by your booth, take the time to answer their questions before they ask. You have to remember that in most of the markets and regions around the United States and Canada, people have no idea of what architectural concrete overlays and surface restoration even is. People are sure to walk past your booth only to assume and think that you are a tile, brick or stone installer. It is your job to get them thinking otherwise. All of these things add up and are certain to yield results, just don't cut corners.
· Website and Internet
With the vast amount of people using the internet, it has become the first resource people use to locate, find, investigate and educate themselves on almost everything.
Websites can be designed and hosted for as little as ten dollars a month and it provides people with a method of learning about your services without the return of a sales pitch.
· Yellow Page Ads:
This is often an advertising method people view as a waste of time and money because of the lack of knowledge people have about architectural concrete overlays and surface restoration.
Your task is the same. Educate the community about products and services they know little or nothing about. Don't expect to place an ad in an "Architectural Concrete" section, because that section probably doesn't exist. However, sections such as "Concrete", "Decks" and "Flooring" are very good places to get response from.
· Local Publications:
Not newspapers, but smaller publications such as neighborhood newsletters can yield a tremendous amount of leads and based on the home value in the area you can be assured that you are targeting a specific income range. These publications generally print their newsletters monthly to keep residents informed as to what is going on in their area. Finding these newsletters may be the hard part but certainly worth the effort.
Another local publication you want to take advantage of is the newsletter published by your local builders association. These are typically a low budget print but you know that builders, other contractors and business owners will see your ad.
Yet another local publication is "higher income home & design magazines." These type of magazines are most prevalent in medium to large metropolitan areas, but quiet often these publications are glad to print articles about new or innovation building materials and services for free with the cost of an ad.
Target Mailings:
With the new software available today, direct and targeted mailings are easier than ever. Once you target your customer base you can draft a letter pertaining to their specific needs and by mail merging a database, you can easily print multiple letters to different persons at once and in a short period of time. Programs such as Sales Genie and American Business Lists (to name just a few) can assist in locating the exact target group you wish to target.
These lists are also very effective when used in conjunction with a specific job location. As an example, lets assume you are getting ready to begin an installation at 101 Jones Street. Use the program to locate all residents on Jones Street. Then draft a letter explaining your services and detail the fact that you will be installing your products and services at the specific address. Be sure to invite the recipients of the letter to stop by and watch the installation process.
Newspaper Press Release:
This is certainly one of the most effective forms of FREE advertising. Newspapers look for local stories to print about new businesses. Draft a short press release letter explaining what services and products you provide. Try to keep the sales pitch out of the letter and detail more the owners background, years in business, etc. Then fax this letter to all of your local newspapers with a cover sheet explaining the purpose of the letter. Be sure to refer to the letter as a "press release" and be very up front about what your intentions are, "you would like to have the newspaper print a story about your new local business." You will want to follow up each fax with a telephone call the same day the fax is sent. Be persistent with newspapers that seem not to be interested. Fax them monthly if needed.
· Newspaper Inserts:
Again, contact your local newspaper and inquire about have them print you an inexpensive flyer and then insert it into the paper for Wednesday or Sunday deliveries. Most Newspapers will allow you to pick and choose specific areas so you can control where the leads will be coming from. You will be surprised at how affordable this is.
· Auto & Trailer Lettering:
Yes this is common sense, but you need to take full advantage. We have even seen durable, weather proof brochure holders mounted to vans and trailers so people can obtain information even when you are not around.
· Yard Signs:
Aside from the normal yard sign, be creative. Have two types of yard signs printed. One that says something like, "Coming soon, watch us transform this pitted, stained and deteriorated driveway into a beautiful finish for a fraction of the cost of tear out and replace." Then once you begin application, leave the first sign and place the second sign that has your company's pertinent information; business name, telephone, brief description, etc. Even once the job is complete, leave the sign in place for a week or two.
· Door Hanger:
This is especially effective if done to residences in the surrounding areas of a job currently being worked on. A task for times when you have waiting periods. Similar to target letters, you can include the address of the job you are currently working on and invite people to come view the application process.
For more ideas on marketing, follow this link:
http://concretelocator.yuku.com/forums/4/t/Marketing-Advertising-Business-Development-Topics.html
One fatal mistake that many decorative concrete contractors make is waiting until spring to begin marketinge exterior jobs. This appoach leaves many contractors lacking work in the spring and some dont even make it...
Here are some basic marketing ideas taken directly from www.elitecrete.com and ee think you will find some of them very helpful regardless of the market you are in.
· Trade Shows:
Exhibit at as many trade shows per year as possible. Home and garden shows, county fairs, exhibits at parade of homes, open exhibits in shopping malls, interior design shows, exhibits held by local builders associations, business spot-lights with your local Chamber of Commerce, State ready mix associations and more. The objective is to get your company name and service out to as many people as possible. Understand that these types of exhibits tend to fill up quickly and many times months in advance. Do your homework and ask other construction trades where they exhibit their products and services.
When exhibiting at a trade show, put your best foot forward and represent yourself as a professional. Too many contractors exhibit at various shows only to sit in a chair and look all together unapproachable. Be open, enthusiastic and courteous but don't be a bump on a log or a high-pressure salesman either. Be sure to exhibit your services with brochures, sample boards to touch and feel, flooring made of your favorite overlay for them to walk on, a photo book for people to browse through and a computer to run your video presentation through.
Dress for success but not for a wedding. Remember, you are selling architectural concrete overlay finishes so although a three- piece suit is certainly overkill, you still want to look like a professional, trust worthy, knowledgeable representative. As it pertains to leads, you want quality not quantity. The "free drawing" ploy is ages old and will have you running ragged trying to bid and sell leads that many of which cannot use your services if they wanted to. Talk with the people coming by your booth, take the time to answer their questions before they ask. You have to remember that in most of the markets and regions around the United States and Canada, people have no idea of what architectural concrete overlays and surface restoration even is. People are sure to walk past your booth only to assume and think that you are a tile, brick or stone installer. It is your job to get them thinking otherwise. All of these things add up and are certain to yield results, just don't cut corners.
· Website and Internet
With the vast amount of people using the internet, it has become the first resource people use to locate, find, investigate and educate themselves on almost everything.
Websites can be designed and hosted for as little as ten dollars a month and it provides people with a method of learning about your services without the return of a sales pitch.
· Yellow Page Ads:
This is often an advertising method people view as a waste of time and money because of the lack of knowledge people have about architectural concrete overlays and surface restoration.
Your task is the same. Educate the community about products and services they know little or nothing about. Don't expect to place an ad in an "Architectural Concrete" section, because that section probably doesn't exist. However, sections such as "Concrete", "Decks" and "Flooring" are very good places to get response from.
· Local Publications:
Not newspapers, but smaller publications such as neighborhood newsletters can yield a tremendous amount of leads and based on the home value in the area you can be assured that you are targeting a specific income range. These publications generally print their newsletters monthly to keep residents informed as to what is going on in their area. Finding these newsletters may be the hard part but certainly worth the effort.
Another local publication you want to take advantage of is the newsletter published by your local builders association. These are typically a low budget print but you know that builders, other contractors and business owners will see your ad.
Yet another local publication is "higher income home & design magazines." These type of magazines are most prevalent in medium to large metropolitan areas, but quiet often these publications are glad to print articles about new or innovation building materials and services for free with the cost of an ad.
Target Mailings:
With the new software available today, direct and targeted mailings are easier than ever. Once you target your customer base you can draft a letter pertaining to their specific needs and by mail merging a database, you can easily print multiple letters to different persons at once and in a short period of time. Programs such as Sales Genie and American Business Lists (to name just a few) can assist in locating the exact target group you wish to target.
These lists are also very effective when used in conjunction with a specific job location. As an example, lets assume you are getting ready to begin an installation at 101 Jones Street. Use the program to locate all residents on Jones Street. Then draft a letter explaining your services and detail the fact that you will be installing your products and services at the specific address. Be sure to invite the recipients of the letter to stop by and watch the installation process.
Newspaper Press Release:
This is certainly one of the most effective forms of FREE advertising. Newspapers look for local stories to print about new businesses. Draft a short press release letter explaining what services and products you provide. Try to keep the sales pitch out of the letter and detail more the owners background, years in business, etc. Then fax this letter to all of your local newspapers with a cover sheet explaining the purpose of the letter. Be sure to refer to the letter as a "press release" and be very up front about what your intentions are, "you would like to have the newspaper print a story about your new local business." You will want to follow up each fax with a telephone call the same day the fax is sent. Be persistent with newspapers that seem not to be interested. Fax them monthly if needed.
· Newspaper Inserts:
Again, contact your local newspaper and inquire about have them print you an inexpensive flyer and then insert it into the paper for Wednesday or Sunday deliveries. Most Newspapers will allow you to pick and choose specific areas so you can control where the leads will be coming from. You will be surprised at how affordable this is.
· Auto & Trailer Lettering:
Yes this is common sense, but you need to take full advantage. We have even seen durable, weather proof brochure holders mounted to vans and trailers so people can obtain information even when you are not around.
· Yard Signs:
Aside from the normal yard sign, be creative. Have two types of yard signs printed. One that says something like, "Coming soon, watch us transform this pitted, stained and deteriorated driveway into a beautiful finish for a fraction of the cost of tear out and replace." Then once you begin application, leave the first sign and place the second sign that has your company's pertinent information; business name, telephone, brief description, etc. Even once the job is complete, leave the sign in place for a week or two.
· Door Hanger:
This is especially effective if done to residences in the surrounding areas of a job currently being worked on. A task for times when you have waiting periods. Similar to target letters, you can include the address of the job you are currently working on and invite people to come view the application process.
For more ideas on marketing, follow this link:
http://concretelocator.yuku.com/forums/4/t/Marketing-Advertising-Business-Development-Topics.html
Imaging Software Helps Sell Jobs...
In a conversation with a decorative contractor a few weeks ago, I was questioned why we don't push the imaging software in our classes? As arrogant as this sounds, my response was "we try not push anything in our classes because we don't have to and our products basically sell themselves." He went on to say, "this software is the best marketing tool a decorative concrete guy could possibly have and the guys that are not using it are missing the boat".
Imagine being able to show a potential customer colors, textures and patterns and then being able to apply it to a picture of their pool deck, driveway or interior floor.
For the record, distributor cost for the software is $300 and we are passing that price on to all contractors. If you are not using it, you really might be missing out.
Check out this demo to see how it works:
http://ivp.depictionsoftware.com/movie/elitecrete/elitecrete_Demo.html
Imagine being able to show a potential customer colors, textures and patterns and then being able to apply it to a picture of their pool deck, driveway or interior floor.
For the record, distributor cost for the software is $300 and we are passing that price on to all contractors. If you are not using it, you really might be missing out.
Check out this demo to see how it works:
http://ivp.depictionsoftware.com/movie/elitecrete/elitecrete_Demo.html
Concrete Curbers Love Decorative Concrete
Beau McDowell of Prairieville, LA. attended a training seminar back in the fall of 2005. At that time he was doing landscape curbing but was getting a lot of requests for decorative concrete. I told him that once he got going doing overlays and staining he would park his curb machine. Of course he disagreed but a couple of months ago he told me he had just sold his curb equipment and admitted he had not used it in well over a year. Not being an "I told you so" guy, I didn't.
Decorative Concrete as Interior Flooring
Decorative concrete installed as interior floors are becoming the chic alternative to tile and carpet. The versatility of style and design with concrete overlays are catching the eyes of designers and architects world wide.
Staging an interior project has it's benefits (more profit and no weather concerns) and it's disadvantages... Interior floor finishes are more time consuming in inhabited spaces. More prep work, dust control and a sharper eye to detail are a must. Wet vacs and dust shrouds with a good dust collection system are your new best friends. This equipment can be rented at reasonable rates.
1. Keep it simple: Less is more, keep your sample boards muted. Most property owners, commercial or residential do not want their floor to be the dominant feature of the building or home.
2. If saw scoring a pattern, always include a border around the perimeter. (you can't saw right up to the wall)
3. Lighter earth tones with an accent seem to a good starting point. Start out with a border of darker color and a tile cut on a 45 degree in large tiles and design from there.
That's a start. I will include more tips in upcoming posts and lots of tips in the upcoming classes.
Staging an interior project has it's benefits (more profit and no weather concerns) and it's disadvantages... Interior floor finishes are more time consuming in inhabited spaces. More prep work, dust control and a sharper eye to detail are a must. Wet vacs and dust shrouds with a good dust collection system are your new best friends. This equipment can be rented at reasonable rates.
1. Keep it simple: Less is more, keep your sample boards muted. Most property owners, commercial or residential do not want their floor to be the dominant feature of the building or home.
2. If saw scoring a pattern, always include a border around the perimeter. (you can't saw right up to the wall)
3. Lighter earth tones with an accent seem to a good starting point. Start out with a border of darker color and a tile cut on a 45 degree in large tiles and design from there.
That's a start. I will include more tips in upcoming posts and lots of tips in the upcoming classes.
Advanced Decorative Concrete Training Seminars - designed for contractors already in the business...
Nearlt 70% of all decorative concrete, stamped concrete and acid stain contractors using Elite Crete Systems products now started off using products from other companies first. This is why we have designed our "Advanced Classes" specifically for those of you already in the decorative concrete industry.
These classes are completely hands on trainings. We wont bore you with silly sales pitches and get rich quick schemes. We will however show you how to save a lot of time and money while increasing your productivity and service offerings instructing you how to use our products.
In addition, we wont charge you the typical training class fee if you are in the business already. We realize that your time is important and the fact is, if you are already in the business, you have probably already paid to attend a training somewhere
What do you really have to lose? We will train you, feed you, water you and ask for nothing in return execpt for your time and attention.
Sign up for one today and expand your business, save time and money and see why Elite Crete Systems has more contractors using our products everyday than any other company out there.
For more information about the seminars or to find one near you, follow this link:
http://www.elitecrete.com/training-dates-locations-decorative-concrete.htm
These classes are completely hands on trainings. We wont bore you with silly sales pitches and get rich quick schemes. We will however show you how to save a lot of time and money while increasing your productivity and service offerings instructing you how to use our products.
In addition, we wont charge you the typical training class fee if you are in the business already. We realize that your time is important and the fact is, if you are already in the business, you have probably already paid to attend a training somewhere
What do you really have to lose? We will train you, feed you, water you and ask for nothing in return execpt for your time and attention.
Sign up for one today and expand your business, save time and money and see why Elite Crete Systems has more contractors using our products everyday than any other company out there.
For more information about the seminars or to find one near you, follow this link:
http://www.elitecrete.com/training-dates-locations-decorative-concrete.htm
CHEM-STONE Reactive Stain
With concrete staining becoming increasingly more popular, CHEM-STONE Reactive Stain has become the professional decorative concrete contractors choice for acid stains.
CHEM-STONE Reactive Stain is available in eight popular colors; Antique Tan, Antique Red, Antique Brown, Antique Black, Antique Umber, Antique Gold, Antique Blue and Antique Green.
Visit the products section at http://www.elitecrete.com/ for technical documentation, photos and color chart.
CHEM-STONE Reactive Stain is available in eight popular colors; Antique Tan, Antique Red, Antique Brown, Antique Black, Antique Umber, Antique Gold, Antique Blue and Antique Green.
Visit the products section at http://www.elitecrete.com/ for technical documentation, photos and color chart.
HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain Sample Packs
HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain Sample Packs include all 20 colors packaged in 4 ounce bottles and an additional 4 bottles of HYDRA-STONE Reducer for your experimentation.
Unlike an acid stain, HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain requires no neutralizing, rinsing or post clean up. Simply spray on two coats, let it dry and seal it. Although some of the colors look identical to conventional acid stain applications, HYDRA-STONE is actually available in many other colors that cannot be achieved with acid stain. Bright colors like red, blue, yellow, purple and more are available.
In addition to acid stain contractors, stamped concrete contractors, pre-cast manufacturers and others are finding that HYDRA-STONE provides them with the color they desire in a very fast time frame. Check out the color chart and product information sheets at www.elitecrete.com and find out how you can add HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain to your current list of available products.
Unlike an acid stain, HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain requires no neutralizing, rinsing or post clean up. Simply spray on two coats, let it dry and seal it. Although some of the colors look identical to conventional acid stain applications, HYDRA-STONE is actually available in many other colors that cannot be achieved with acid stain. Bright colors like red, blue, yellow, purple and more are available.
In addition to acid stain contractors, stamped concrete contractors, pre-cast manufacturers and others are finding that HYDRA-STONE provides them with the color they desire in a very fast time frame. Check out the color chart and product information sheets at www.elitecrete.com and find out how you can add HYDRA-STONE Dye Stain to your current list of available products.
Concretelocator.com is Breaking Records...
What started out as a website designed for locating information about decorative concrete, acid stain, stamped concrete and concrete flooring has trasformed into the largest, most visited interactive discussion forum pertaining to the decorative concrete industry on-line today. With over 5,500,000 visitors and nearly 71,000 individual posts, virtually anything you need to know can be found in the various forum topics. Get answers from industry professionals, experienced installers, specificers and more. And the best part is, joining is free. Check it out today at www.concretelocator.com.
The World of Concrete is Almost Here...
The 2009 World of Concrete exhibition held in Las Vegas, Nevada is only a two month away and like always, Elite Crete Systems will be their showing off new products, finished samples and answering any questions about the various decorative concrete products and applications we offer.
Our exhibit will be located in the South Hall at booth number is S10749. If you need free entry passes to the World of Concrete, please visit our website and click on the "Free World of Concrete Passes" link. We hope to see you there.
Our exhibit will be located in the South Hall at booth number is S10749. If you need free entry passes to the World of Concrete, please visit our website and click on the "Free World of Concrete Passes" link. We hope to see you there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
