Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/335339
JULY 2014 25 THE JOURNAL Tri-State Distributors, Inc. We are a full line distributor for after market products. We are proud to offer Intertherm products, including Gas Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning, and More. Serving The Manufactured Housing Industry www.tri-statedistributors.com Whatever Your Heating/Cooling Needs... We Have You Covered! GREENVILLE, SC 1-800-303-4185 ROYSTON, GA 1-800-476-6164 AUGUSTA, GA 1-866-736-4560 GAINESVILLE, GA 1-800-866-1232 OCALA, FL 1-800-476-0172 COLLINS, MS 1-866-391-5535 No. 15 on Get It Quick Page interest and compile a short list of builders that do. To make the cut, you must have an inter- esting and compelling website. When was the last time your site was re- freshed? If it's been more than 18 months, you might be due for a redesign that includes fresh photos, up to date plans, current incentives, compelling copy and reasons to buy now – tax credits, rebates, energy savings, etc. More shoppers are using mobile devices to surf the web. Do you have a mobile version of your website? Also, are you engaged in social media – a blog, a company Facebook page, your own YouTube channel with videos of home tours? These are some of the 'must haves' in current website marketing. 6. Join a Mastermind group. "No man is an island," the saying goes. That holds true for companies, too. Mastermind, or peer groups, allow you to interact with business owners in other areas who are facing the same challenges you are and to discuss solutions. The National Association of Homebuilders has their Builder 20 groups. Some housing manufacturers are initiating mastermind groups for their representatives (and several have hired me to facilitate their programs for them.) Find a program that you fit into. Or, consider start- ing your own group. After all, a dozen heads are better than one. 7. Get Face to Face Even with the growth of social media and the fact that more business is being conducted over the Internet every day, the ultimate form of contact to build trust and relationships is still face to face. In fact, all the online marketing and 'connecting' you do through your website and blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. should be to move the relationship toward a face to face meeting. That said, live events still have a lot of drawing power for prospects – open houses, home buyer seminars, grand openings, fund raisers, etc. Don't be lulled into moving all your marketing online; give your prospects as many reasons to get belly to belly with you as you can think of, and they will. 8. Reconnect with past buyers. Your website is your second-best lead source; referrals are still #1. How many of your sales come from referrals? If it's less than 30%, then you're in the 'danger zone.' The good news is that you've just identified a goal that should be high on your list of 'Implement Immediately' actions. If you've been keeping in touch with your buyers after the sale and offering exceptional service and support, then good for you! You're perfectly poised to formalize a referral program where you don't have to ask for referrals, they are offered. Ask this: What would my sales, cash flow, marketing budget and profits look like if 50% of my sales came from referrals? Now, make it so. Scott Stroud is a Business Development Manager for Power Marketing & Advertising, a full-service marketing firm specializing in the housing industry. Scott is a Certified Marketing Automation Special- ist with over 30 years of exceptional results in mar- keting factory built homes, and can be reached at scott@Power-marketing.com. T J 7 YEARS WARRANTY COVERAGE "The Perfect Addition For Your Home Sales" Most Competitive & Comprehensive Program in the Manufactured Home Industry Up to 7 Years Structure Coverage 7 Years Systems (Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical) 7 Years Appliance Coverage Component Only Coverage Coverage Available for New & Pre-Owned Homes FHA/VA/HUD Coverage Offered Renewable Coverage Available Coverage Available For: Manufactured / Modular / Park Model Homes HomeCarePlus A Complete Package Designed for Today's Homes For More Information Contact: Diversified Profits, Inc. (800) 851-3738 Office 651-458-2905 Fax E-Mail: diversifiedprofits@comcast.net Welcoming Former American Modern Manufacturer's, Lenders, Communities & Dealers No. 14 on Get It Quick Page Got News? Send your company news releases to news@journalmfdhousing.com. Please send them in Word Document format. If you have photos, send them as a separate attachment.