26 Aug 2018 Recommendations

We have already looked at the things people look out for when hiring a plumber. Be sure to read it to understand what they are so that you can prepared for them. If you meet these credentials, you will be able to get some good jobs and lots of referrals. 

Today, we shall focus on the Plumber's business side and try to answer these three questions:

• How do you sustain a plumbing business?
• How do you move from an apprentice or novice to a success?
• How do you get to even have a plumbing business with lots of other plumbers and contractors with you?

In response, here is a highlight of eight things you need to do to make it in the competitive and trust-driven business of plumbing.

Keep yourself updated:

With so many new products and new technologies, you cannot afford to remain behind in your knowledge. So, read, read and read some more. And here we are talking about product manuals – yes, most installations come with manuals and these are manufacturer specific. 

Sometimes you may be even lucky to get distributor or manufacturers to train you; but don’t wait for that. Look out for new products and machines out there and then grab the manuals and read! It will save you when it comes to making diagnosis and also giving quotations. 

You can also go online to check out the installation, maintenance and repairs of the same and this will pay off in a big way. If you can, watch the ‘how to’ videos as they offer good visuals and are less boring than reading!

Make use of all the time you have to work, and not just when you are on a project. 

Everyday counts and as an artisan, you must learn to make it work for you. Sometimes you may not even be on a project and this can go on for some time. Use this time well: keep yourself updated or embark on a project to become proficient in something. I always caution artisans thinking down-time is bad time. This is the time to build your business and the biggest business asset is your skills and and your business structures. So, set up your accounting system, documents for quotes and proposals and catch up on all that ‘office’ work that has been lagging behind. 

Market yourself

You cannot rely on referrals alone. Being an artisan is a lonely career patch where you have to jump through a log of hoops before people can know you well enough. So, get ahead by telling people about you! Set up a begin by simple things like setting up a Facebook page, creating a logo so that you can have a consistent look and then give your business information.

The best way to market yourself is to make sure people see your work and testimonials. So, have those in full display. Always take the before, during and after photos of your projects and update them in galleries so that people can look at them in context. Also, set up an email address and make sure to answer your phone. These basics will help you to connect better with people in person and online. Another way is to make proposals – this is very proactive because it’s not like you can go into people’s homes and buildings to make inspections. One way is to create a flier and share it on WhatsApp through friends and if you have the cash, print some (and get the license) to distribute them around estates and in people’s offices. It will come in handy!

Build a network

Plumbing jobs are mostly part of a construction contract given out by foremen, contractors and others. So, network with these guys – know your local hardware store and make sure they have your number or even business card and flier. Send your profile/contacts/portfolio to the contractors and foremen around your area. How do you know who they are? Well, this is also what to do as part of your schedule – search for them. You can use social media, ask for connections and search online and then introduce yourself. Make sure business goes both ways!!!

Learn to communicate effectively

Good communication is key to starting and keeping business relations. So, learn to use professional language with your clients and contacts. One of the issues clients will complain about is having a ‘fundi’ who has no respect or badly behaved. This may not be you – but be on the lookout for rude behaviour, whistling at girls and women while on a job or making too much noise. Answer the phone in a professional way and always return calls and respond to emails as quickly as possible.

Keep and practice good customer relations.

Closely related to communications is customer relations. This issue has become a common topic in many contractor meetings. Many people were complaining that they have to deal with women who don’t seem to know what they want and how hard it is to work with them. Well, being polite helps – just like you would be with a man. Also, they may be asking a lot of questions or not know what the issue is because they used to technical experts not taking them seriously or overcharging them because they don’t know. So, my advice is to simply be respectful, explain all the technicalities as best as you can and learn to give all details of your quote (and explain it) to them. This way, the work contract is clear and there are no misunderstandings. Remember, if you get one female client in an estate, chances are you will get the entire estate plus their chama. Women clients are increasing and this is a group you cannot dismiss.

Be a team player

This may sound like an oxymoron considering you are an artisan, but in the building and construction business projects come with other people. While a simple repair job may have you on site alone, other development projects have lots of other technicians and artisans doing their work. This is where teamwork comes into play. Be nice and respectful to your fellow workers and build more relationships here. These are the contacts you’ll need and if they like working with you, they will invite you to other jobs. 

Quote well and learn to negotiate.

Don’t negotiate yourself out of business – use a logical system to make your quotes so that you know how much discounts you can give without going at a loss. This is the only way you will succeed and sustain your business; after all, profit is the bottom-line for any business.

Next in Wazimart STAT: How to quote for a plumbing job.  

As always, if you have more ideas and tips, remember to leave them on the comments below. Also remember to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can receive the weekly tips on the Successful Technicians and Artisan Series to help you start and grow a successful business! #WazimartSTAT