Forming business alliances

tigerwash

New member
Lately I have been considering the benefits I could conceivably get by allying my business with other, related businesses that could bring me consistent referrals (and the other way around, too). Some businesses I've considered include contractors/construction companies, roofers, deck building companies, realtors, window installation, pool installation, gutter repair and the like.

Anyone have experience doing this? What kind of businesses did you target and how did it work out for you?
 
I think Ron would say you should form alliances with other pressure washing contractors in your area. I think its a good idea for sure. You are at someones house and they say, you dont happen to know a plumber do you? I think if you are in biz in your community you should be well connected with other bizs. No one ever got rich on their own.
 
I think Ron would say you should form alliances with other pressure washing contractors in your area. I think its a good idea for sure. You are at someones house and they say, you dont happen to know a plumber do you? I think if you are in biz in your community you should be well connected with other bizs. No one ever got rich on their own.
I agree with that. I've already done that with a few in my general area, mainly as mentors, but also to help with projects etc.

BTW I've gotten random questions like "Do you know a plumber?" so often, I now have some people to refer them to.
 
There is a book called Never Eat Alone http://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Secrets-Relationship/dp/0385512058 I havent read it but i have heard it recommended by lots of succesful folk. I am lacking in networking but when things start to pick up I think it would be a good idea to try and have lunch with another business owner or leader in the community every day. Imagine if you could meet 250 people this year who are all shooting for success.
 
I stopped recommending contractors around here. they have a bad habit of not calling people back or not showing up.

Yeah, I just don't understand that.

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I am connected with a landscaper who does pressure washing. We work together, You will find Cutting grass is their field of expertise. They can get you a lot of jobs as long as you take them with you.
How did you go about partnering with someone who does the same thing you do? Did you just take over the pressure washing side of their business?
 
I stopped recommending contractors around here. they have a bad habit of not calling people back or not showing up.

I have been through a few as well. But it is worth it continue to find some good ones. I tell them flat out up front, they miss one appointment or dont call them as scheduled, they never get another referral from me.
 
We do it - I have a great relationship with 2 window cleaning companies that send us housewash and deck customers and a couple deck builders that keep a steady flow of work coming in. It's a decent addition to our gross numbers every year for sure.
 
My work is all based on referrals. I have two deck builders and a few builders for wood work. A Pool builder for Patio work and stone cleaning, couple of landscapers, a gutter installer for roofs and a roof installer for roofs. The gutter guy was very interesting. They install this screen and tell people to have there roofs cleaned and when warranty is needed( screens are clogged) they call me. Very rich families they talk to each other and entertain a lot. I got a huge job from a client whose teak furniture I care for had some peeps over for dinner and had just screwed up their furniture . 50 pieces to start with .

And what do all of these referrals also leed to ? Washing the property. Pool people are goods ones ! My deck people are the best . I get all there calls pertaining too restoration work and they get a few.
 
This is BNI. Givers gain. I really built my business with this program. Its a 1 time a week meeting of business people who help each other by referring each other. You learn quick enough who you can and cant count within the group. Its really all about business referrals not social like Lions or Chamber, which have there place to be sure. BNI is a commitment of 1 meeting a week usually 7am.Which in and of its self is a good divider of the serious and no so serious in business. Join the biggest group you can get in within a decent drive from your home and in the area you want to work which is hopefully a decant drive from your home too. Visit one or two chapters before committing.

I know people say it too expensive like $350 yr (I think) and that they can net work on there own but its a good formula and it works if you are serious about forming business alliances. Its not quick but nothing good usually is. I was in it 4 yrs haven't been in it in 3 years and still get and give referrals from that group. No need to reinvent the wheel. Just my two cents
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I am doing my 2nd BNI meeting next week Brad. I am doing a commercial for the group and going to offer members a 10% discount from then through end of May for their first time service purchase with my company. BNI is $500 to join the first year then $350 per year renewal fee. A friend of mine who owns Socially Present had an 82% gain in sales last year from BNI referrals. He is 2 years in BNI. That's huge gains.
 
BNI is a great way to network with other people. When I was in a group I got the most work from Insurance people, Real Estate folks, and builders. Very few have anyone that pressure washes. But like everything else you have to work it. I also found it a great benefit to know people to refer if someone needed someone like a electrician or plumber.
 
I have good referral relationships with window cleaners, a real estate agent, an insurance agent, and a company that maintains wood and leather in corporate settings. I've also struggled with contractors dropping the ball on my referrals, which is really tough to deal with.
 
There is a book called Never Eat Alone http://www.amazon.com/Never-Eat-Alone-Secrets-Relationship/dp/0385512058 I havent read it but i have heard it recommended by lots of succesful folk. I am lacking in networking but when things start to pick up I think it would be a good idea to try and have lunch with another business owner or leader in the community every day. Imagine if you could meet 250 people this year who are all shooting for success.


Good read and more good info. It's only about an hour long read so quick and easy to get through.
 
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