Three Ways Spring Can Be Your Money Season
May 7, 2013 2:45 PM
With the pop of flowers and melting of snow, spring is in the air and people are coming out of hibernation. Check out some easy ways you can turn the signs of spring to dollar signs for your company.
1. The tax-man
Spring can mean a nice tax rebate for some people, a little extra cash they can use on some new technology. Spring can be a good time to check in with some of your clients to ensure their system is working well for their needs. Don’t be the technician that installs and never calls. All relationships take attention, and your relationships with clients should be a priority. Check in with them, a short phone call or email could yield a new project or a simple upgrade. It will only cost you a few minutes of your time, and even if they don’t have any projects on the horizon they will appreciate that you took the time to check in.
2. Outdoor Entertaining
Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and many parties in-between, spring marks the beginning of outdoor entertaining season. You have the skills to do outdoor entertaining systems, so what are you waiting for? The market is full of speakers, lighting, and even home theater products that are built to withstand the elements. Let clients know that these types of systems are in your wheelhouse by making outdoor systems the topic of your marketing efforts. Even a small job can help your bottom line. You never know where a set of outdoor speakers can lead you.
3. Home Buying Season
Spring is not only marked by sunnier days and warmer weather but also the beginning of what many refer to as the home buying season. According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, the months between April and July are when the most house sales take place. You may not believe it but this is an opportunity for you too! Maybe it’s a retrofit project or putting an automation system in a new home build. The key is to make a few key contacts that can connect you with the homeowners. Showing your value to architects, builders, and interior designers can seem like a tall order. Where do you start and how do you help these partners recognize what you can bring to the table?
CEDIA offers resources to help you assert your value to this audience through the registered outreach instructor (ROI) program.
CEDIA’s ROI program enables CEDIA members to present relevant and timely education to industry partners while also gaining leads for future business. Start offering continuing education opportunities to your local industry partners to learn about home technology while also earning credit. Currently CEDIA is an approved provider of continuing education for eight industry groups including the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Designers, and the National Association of Home Builders.
The ROI program helps establish your company as THE technology expert within your area, boosts profitability and referrals, and differentiates you from the competition. So how do you start? To become an ROI, you must be a CEDIA member and you must pass the “Train the Trainer” course.
The good news is CEDIA has made it even easier to take and pass the “Train the Trainer” course by bringing it to you on demand! Requests are on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability. Visit www.cedia.net/roi to learn more about requesting training in your area.
Spring has sprung, and there is no reason your business shouldn’t take advantage of it.
