The Painting Contractors Newsletter™
Making Your Business a Happier, More productive Place to Work
What's New?
Painters Academy: A Fresh Canvas with Exciting Updates
As the colors of the entrepreneurial landscape continue to evolve, so does Painters Academy, and we're thrilled to unveil the latest strokes of innovation and growth within our community. With a new Chief Operating Officer, Tara Riley, at the helm, we're charting a course towards even greater success and prosperity.
Meet Tara Riley: A Visionary Leader
Tara Riley, the former President of Fresh Coat, has joined Painters Academy as our new COO, injecting a potent blend of experience, vision, and leadership into our organization. With an impressive track record in the industry, Tara brings with her a wealth of expertise in operational efficiency, strategic planning, and business development. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for Painters Academy as we embark on an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation under her guidance.
Empowering Peer Groups: Fostering Accountability and Growth
At Painters Academy, we understand the power of community and collaboration in fostering success. That's why we're excited to introduce our new initiative: peer groups designed to empower contractors to thrive in their businesses. These peer groups provide a supportive environment where like-minded professionals can come together to share insights, challenges, and best practices.
The primary goal of these peer groups is to foster accountability among members, encouraging them to set ambitious goals and hold each other to them. By regularly meeting and exchanging ideas, contractors can gain valuable feedback, insights, and encouragement from their peers, helping them stay focused and motivated on their path to success.
Moreover, these peer groups serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, providing members with opportunities for continuous learning and development. Whether it's refining sales techniques, mastering project management skills, or exploring new marketing strategies, participants can leverage the collective wisdom and expertise of their peers to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
Navigating the Mystery:
Why Your Google Review Might Be Playing Hide and Seek
Diving into the digital world can feel like deciphering a new language, especially when your Google reviews decide to play a vanishing act. Before you reach for the paint thinner in frustration, let's look at some of the issues that can cause this starting with: an unverified Google My Business (GMB) profile. Think of it as your digital storefront; without verification, you're practically invisible on Google's vast map. So, grab that virtual "Open" sign by verifying your profile and making your business 'searchable.' Keep in mind, this is not an instant fix. There are steps you will need to go through for your verification and the time for approval can range between 1 to 7 days.
The Waiting Game: Patience is a Virtue, Even for Reviews
You've got a customer singing praises about leaving a glowing review, yet there's no sign of it on your page. Just remember that Google reviews like to take their sweet time, sometimes up to a whole week! It's a bummer, I know, but hang tight. Good things (and reviews) come to those who wait.
The Case of the Misplaced Info: Keep Your Details in Check
Imagine inviting folks to a grand unveiling of your latest mural, but you've accidentally sent them to the wrong address. That's what outdated or incorrect info on your listing can do to your Google reviews. Regularly updating your business info isn't just good practice; it's like leaving breadcrumbs for those rave reviews to find their way home. Remember, Google prides itself on excellent “user experience” and if your info is outdated or just plain wrong, it can and will hurt you.
The Duplicate Dilemma: Too Many Cooks in the Google Kitchen
Having multiple listings for your business is like accidentally cloning your pet cat. Sure, more cats might seem fun until they start causing confusion. Ensure there's only one "you" on Google by consolidating any duplicate listings, keeping your review section tidy and in order.
For the longest time if you wanted to be found in multiple cities, you needed multiple GMBs. But now you can simply add the areas of service within your main Google My Business and be found for all locations.
Don't Ghost Your Profile: Google My Business Needs Love Too
Just like a fresh coat of paint needs upkeep, so does your GMB listing. Neglect it, and Google might just revoke your verification badge, making your business and its reviews disappear. Regular check-ins and updates can keep your profile looking sharp and accessible. Post updates (i.e. blogs, completed work pictures and/or coupons) regularly!
Big Changes, Big Consequences: Keep Google in the Loop
Massive makeovers to your business, like a new name or location, might send your reviews into an existential crisis. While Google's usually ok with minor updates, big changes can make your reviews question their very relevance. If you're altering your business, keep Google in the loop to avoid review amnesia.
The Vanishing Act: When Reviews Decide to Bail
Ever notice your review count drop overnight? Sometimes, a customer might just change their mind and retract their review. It's like hosting a party and having a guest leave early—nothing personal, just part of the gig. This can also happen if the customer deletes their personal account. If they go, so does all of their reviews.
Beware of the Spam Monster: Google's Got a Keen Eye
In the world of reviews, there's a beast known as Spam. If Google sniffs out anything fishy about a review, it's gone faster than you can say "lead-based paint." Keeping your reviews genuine and spam-free is the way to go, ensuring they stick around for the long haul.
Crossing the Line: Inappropriate Content Gets the Boot
Reviews can be flagged for several reasons. Some of these include reviews that are offensive, misleading, mature, or dangerous. Reviews that contain URLs or phone numbers are also considered inappropriate. Keeping your reviews clean and relevant ensures they remain a part of your digital landscape!
The Third-Party Shuffle: Reviews from Elsewhere
Your Google listing might also showcase reviews from other platforms like Yelp or Facebook. It's like hosting a gallery featuring works from different artists. But if those external reviews disappear, they'll vanish from your Google listing too. Diversifying where your reviews come from can help maintain a robust online presence.
Temporary Blackouts: When Google Has an Unexpected Timeout
Occasionally, Google might hit the pause button on reviews due to technical glitches or extraordinary circumstances. It's rare, but it happens. Even Google can have its problems, but things should be back to normal once it comes back online.
When Google Catches a Cold: Outages Happen
Even tech giants like Google aren't immune to the occasional hiccup. If reviews are mysteriously MIA, it could just be Google having a bit of a moment (i.e. making an update). Patience is key, as these issues usually resolve themselves.
Embrace the Ebb and Flow: Reviews Come and Go
Let's face it, the world of online reviews is as unpredictable as a color-mixing experiment gone wild. While it's a pain to see reviews disappear, remember that the fresh, recent ones carry the most weight (85% of consumers think reviews older than 3 months are no longer relevant). Keep encouraging your happy customers to share their experiences, ensuring a steady stream of genuine, impactful reviews.
So, while the path to maintaining a stellar online presence may have its twists and turns, armed with these insights and a touch of humor, you're more than equipped to navigate the ever-changing world of Google My Business reviews.
Latest Brandon Videos
How Painting Business Is EXACTLY Like My '72 K5 Chevy Blazer
(A Look Under the Hood!)
Client Update
Hughes Painting
Through the past year John Hughes has implemented updates to his marketing calander which has netted his company an extra $30,000!
More info about what the client has done will be added here
Are You a Member of APPC?
Are you tired of feeling like your painting business is stuck in neutral? Are you ready to break free from the limitations holding you back and unlock the true potential of your company? Look no further than Painters Academy (APPC) – your ticket to unparalleled growth and success in the painting industry.
At APPC, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a painting business. That's why we're dedicated to working alongside you every step of the way, utilizing time-tested methodologies to propel your company to new heights. From mastering time management to optimizing employment strategies, estimating with precision, and implementing simple yet effective marketing techniques, we've got you covered.
But that's not all – as a member of Painters Academy, you'll gain exclusive access to 100% painter-focused digital marketing solutions, crafted by the nation's leading experts. Say goodbye to generic marketing approaches that miss the mark – with our tailored strategies, you'll attract the right clients and grow your business like never before.
Don't let another day go by settling for mediocrity. Join Painters Academy today and embark on a journey of growth, prosperity, and fulfillment. Together, we'll paint a brighter future for your business – one brushstroke at a time.
Upcoming Events at APPC
Thursday 8/8: Marketing Mastery Zoom
Thursday 8/22: Q&A Zoom
The Importance of Focusing on the Metric of “Weekly Work Produced” in Your Business
Are you on track to hit your revenue goals for this year? If you are like a lot of business owners I’ve coached over the years, you may not be sure!
If you want to guarantee you’ll reach your annual revenue goals, it's important to focus on how much work your team is producing each week. Breaking down your big yearly goal into smaller weekly goals makes it easier to manage and track progress. By doing this, you can handle busy and slow seasons better and make sure your team stays on track.
Setting Weekly Revenue Targets
To hit your revenue goals, you’ve got to focus on maximizing your “throughput” each week. In order to do this, you need to set weekly revenue targets. This means deciding how much money you need to make each week. For example, if you want to make $1 million in a year, you need to aim to make about $19,230 each week. By setting these weekly targets, you can see how your team is doing and make changes if they are falling behind. This helps you stay on track and reach your goals by the end of the year.
Dealing with Seasonality
Seasonality is a big factor in our industry. The busiest time of the year in most parts of the country is from April to October. During these months, exterior projects add a lot of demand for painting services. To account for this, you should set higher weekly targets during the busy months and lower targets during the slower months.
For example, during the peak season, you might aim to make $25,000 per week. In the off-peak months, you might lower that target to $10,000 per week. This accounts for the advantage of the busy season and still keeps you on track during the slower times.
Benefits of Focusing on Weekly Production
- Better Cash Flow: By focusing on weekly targets, you can ensure a steady flow of money.
- Higher Productivity: When everyone on your team knows the weekly goals, they work harder and more efficiently to meet them. This helps the company get more work done.
- Early Problem Detection: Weekly monitoring helps companies spot problems early, like low performance or resource shortages. Fixing these issues quickly can prevent bigger problems later.
- Quick Adaptation: Focusing on weekly work allows companies to quickly adapt to market changes, customer needs, and competition. This flexibility is important in a changing industry.
How to Focus on Weekly Work
To successfully focus on weekly work, you should follow these steps:
- Set Clear Weekly Goals: Break down the yearly revenue target into manageable weekly goals, considering the busy and slow seasons.
- Track Progress: Use tools or software to monitor weekly progress and performance.
- Be Flexible: Be ready to change strategies based on weekly results and market conditions.
- Motivate the Team: Make sure everyone understands the importance of weekly goals and is motivated to achieve them. Regular communication and performance reviews can help keep the team focused.
Focusing on weekly work is crucial for you to meet your yearly revenue goals. By setting clear weekly targets, managing seasonality, and staying flexible, you will improve your financial stability, productivity, and overall success.
Why Peer Groups are Essential to Your Business
Peer groups, also known as peer networks or peer communities, are essential to businesses for several reasons:
- Knowledge Sharing: Peer groups provide a platform for members to share experiences, insights, and best practices. This collective knowledge can help businesses stay updated with industry trends, innovations, and emerging technologies.
- Networking Opportunities: Being part of a peer group allows businesses to connect with other professionals and potential partners or collaborators. Networking within the peer group can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, or even mentorship relationships.
- Support and Encouragement: Running a business can be challenging, and having a peer group provides a support system where members can share their struggles and receive encouragement from others facing similar challenges. This support can be invaluable in overcoming obstacles and maintaining motivation.
- Accountability: Peer groups often provide a level of accountability as members set goals and hold each other accountable for progress. Knowing that others are watching and expecting results can motivate individuals to stay focused and committed to their objectives.
- Feedback and Validation: Peer groups offer a forum for members to receive feedback on ideas, strategies, and projects. This feedback can help businesses refine their plans and strategies, identify blind spots, and validate their decisions before implementing them.
- Diverse Perspectives: Peer groups typically consist of individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences. This diversity of perspectives can offer fresh insights and alternative approaches to problem-solving, fostering creativity and innovation within the business.
- Professional Development: Participation in peer groups can contribute to the professional development of business owners and employees. Through interactions with peers, individuals can learn new skills, gain knowledge, and expand their professional network, ultimately enhancing their capabilities and career prospects.
Overall, peer groups play a crucial role in supporting the growth and success of businesses by providing a collaborative environment where members can learn, connect, and thrive together.