NOVEMBER 2023 EDITION
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, where we dive into key facets of success for HVAC businesses. In this issue, we explore the art of building robust customer relationships in the HVAC industry, offering insights into fostering trust and loyalty. Additionally, we unravel the power of collaboration with a spotlight on leveraging Slack to enhance teamwork within your HVAC business. Lastly, don't miss my recommendations on the top work boots and work pants, providing invaluable insights into outfitting your team for success. I hope you find this edition both informative and inspiring.
Building Strong Customer
Relationships in the HVAC Business
In this article, we focus on the importance of building strong customer relationships and how it impacts the success of your business. As a business owner, I know that expertise matters, but what matters even more is showing our customers that we truly care about them and their needs.
It’s been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Customer Experiences Matter: A Recent Study
According to a recent study, 84% of customers are willing to spend more money with businesses that provide great experiences.
Furthermore, 77% of customers would recommend a company that offers personalized experiences. This data highlights the significance of forging meaningful connections with our customers.
Getting to Know Your Customers
The foundation of strong customer relationships lies in truly understanding their needs and preferences. Train yourself and your employees to engage with customers by asking pertinent questions, such as:
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What are their specific needs for the situation?
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What is their budget?
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What is their time frame?
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What options have they already considered?
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Why did they choose your business, and why now?
More important than asking the questions is remembering the answers. Customers appreciate being recognized and remembered. Here's what the study revealed:
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66% of customers want to be known by name.
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56% of customers want their previous conversations remembered.
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55% of customers want their purchase history acknowledged.
But how can you remember all of this?
This is something I have struggled with too. However because I’ve learned that the value in building good customer relations is so crucial, I have had to put into place systems that help me remember the details.
WHAT HAS HELPED ME:
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Schedule Time to Review the Day
I make a scheduled time slot each morning to review which clients I will be servicing for the day, their names, and any specifics that they have asked me to keep in mind when at their homes. This helps me not only with my clients, but with simple things they have mentioned to me in the past, ie. where is the easiest place to park, where is the lock box, or easiest access to their property, additional phone numbers, and the like. This also requires a time slot each evening, or immediately after leaving the client's home to note any specifics, not only regarding the job, but information the client has relayed.
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Use Technology to Your Advantage:
CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software: While there is great value in keeping all of this in mind, time is a factor for everyone. I rely heavily on software that keeps each customer’s information and history together. In this way, I can access all of their past information with minimal effort and only brief notes are needed on each follow-up visit. I’ve found using a CRM like Housecall Pro to be a very effective tool in this regard.
Cell Phone: I’ve also found it time-saving to simply use my phone and take pictures of the things I will need to recall.
But whether it’s a program that is specific to your industry or lifestyle, or it is simply your phone’s camera- we all need tools to help us remember the important things (our customers) in a time-efficient way.
Maintaining Customer Loyalty
So once you have spent the time to establish a customer relationship how do you keep them loyal? Consider the following strategies:
- STAY CONNECTED
Stay connected through a newsletter or direct email campaign, sharing new offerings and insights that may benefit them personally. Again time is a factor, my office staff tries to look ahead and be prepared a season in advance for any upcoming offerings, and then they can take advantage of any downtime to be sure that these newsletters and direct campaigns will appeal to our customers. There is then a schedule set for when things will be sent- this is automated to go out on a certain day and time.
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PERSONALIZED SERVICE
Actively seek feedback and check in with customers between visits to demonstrate the value placed on their opinions. 79% say personalized service is more important than personalized marketing. This is something we have also been able to automate, a link is provided on each invoice for customer feedback and then a follow-up postcard has been used as a reminder to show our customers that we are interested in knowing how they felt about their experience.
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WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEE & CUSTOMER EDUCATION
Offer guarantees on your products or services to build trust and assurance. Educate your customers about the next steps and how you can support them in planning. I try to take care of this while I am servicing my customers. By having looked things over before their visit I am at times able to review with them the work that has previously been done, along with the service they are having done, and explain to them what this says about their system, and expected upcoming costs.
Does it all work? Notice what one customer had to say:
"We were impressed with Julian and the entire team at JD Air from start to finish. They took time to explain our options, the pros and cons, and never pressured us. They arrived on time, completed the work on time, and they showed a strong commitment to getting it done correctly. We plan to stay customers of JD Air for a long time, and we recommend them unequivocally."
Thank you for being part of our community. We value each of our customers and look forward to sharing further insights with you!
If you have any questions, additional suggestions, or your own success stories to share, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to delve deeper into any specific tip or discuss your unique challenges, feel free to reach out to us to chat.
Elevate Team Collaboration with Slack in your HVAC Business
In our journey toward excellence within the HVAC industry, fostering streamlined collaboration takes center stage. Today, I'm excited to call attention to an exceptional tool that has reshaped how my HVAC business operates: Slack*. In this newsletter, we'll delve into what Slack entails, the transformative impact of its Huddle feature on team dynamics, and concrete strategies to amplify its potential within your HVAC business.
What is Slack?
Slack is a messaging platform that offers real-time communication, file sharing, and team collaboration. It's designed to simplify and streamline communication, enabling teams to work together seamlessly, whether they're in the same office or spread across different locations. Slack can be used via the desktop platform or mobile platform for techs on the road.
How Can Slack Benefit Your HVAC Business?
Slack enhances communication by providing a centralized hub for team discussions, file sharing, and updates. It's especially relevant in the HVAC industry, where coordination among technicians, office staff, and management is critical. Here's how to make the most of Slack for your HVAC business.
8 Tips to Use Slack and Its Power For a More Efficient Business
1. Organizing Channels for Effective Conversations
Begin by creating distinct channels for various aspects of your HVAC business. Whether it's "Service Requests," "Installation Projects," or "Technical Support," well-structured channels encourage clear-cut discussions and smoother interactions. To keep things further organized, consider separating these channels by department and date.
Example (see pictures below):
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#dept-office-2023-11 This channel houses communication about the office for November 2023
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#schedule-2023-11 Keep your schedule organized for a specific month
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#service-requests-2023-11 Don’t miss another request!
2. Using Threads for Focused Dialogue
Threads are your allies within channels. They enable focused discussions without cluttering the main conversation. Threads prove invaluable for dissecting intricate projects or troubleshooting technical matters. Threads also keep the feed from looking complicated and prevent a feeling of being overwhelmed.
3. Emojis for Quick Responses
Harness the power of emojis to quickly acknowledge messages or responses. Use emojis that indicate where a project is in its cycle (🚀 for "in progress," ✅ for "completed," ❓ for "need clarification," etc.). Emojis add clarity and efficiency to your conversations.
4. Custom Emojis for Visual Project Management
Elevate collaboration by crafting personalized emojis that feature team members' initials. Assign colors such as green, yellow, and red to denote different project stages. Visual cues like these provide instant insights into a project's status.
5. Integrating Apps for Unified Operations
Utilize Slack's app integrations to seamlessly connect platforms like Google Drive, Google Calendar, Trello, or CRM software. These integrations facilitate smooth file sharing and ensure vital information remains accessible within Slack itself.
6. Setting Reminders and Notifications
Prevent critical tasks or conversations from slipping through the cracks using Slack's reminders and notifications. Timely alerts ensure that deadlines are met and follow-ups stay on track.
7. Harnessing the Power of Slack's Huddle Feature
Embrace Slack's Huddle feature, designed to enhance team engagement and communication. The Huddle feature enables impromptu audio or video calls with just a click. Use it for quick brainstorming sessions, on-the-spot problem-solving, or even a virtual check-in with remote team members.
8. Nurture Casual Conversations
To maintain a sense of community, establish a channel for informal discussions, much like the camaraderie around a physical water cooler. This promotes team bonding, even when working remotely..
TIP: Use Canva* to design custom emojis with your team’s initials and import them into Slack
See how organized your team communication can be with Slack:
Julian's Top Picks: Work Boots and Work Pants for HVAC and Construction Trades
In the world of HVAC and construction, the right gear can make all the difference. From the tools you use to the attire you wear, quality is key. That's why I want to share two of my favorite go-to brands that have stood the test of time in the industry: Timberland Pro* work boots and Dickies* work pants. These reliable and durable choices have become staples for many of us, ensuring comfort, safety, and performance on the job.
Timberland Pro Work Boots: Built for Comfort and Durability
When you're on your feet all day, comfort is non-negotiable. Timberland Pro understands this and has crafted work boots that offer exceptional support and cushioning. Whether you're climbing ladders, navigating rough terrain, or working on rooftops, these boots provide the stability you need. The anti-fatigue technology is a game-changer, helping to reduce foot fatigue during those long shifts. Plus, their durability means you won't have to replace them as often, making them a cost-effective choice. Timberland Pro Work boots come in a variety of options and colors to match your style and needs.
Dickies Work Pants: Rugged and Functional
As an HVAC or construction professional, you need work pants that can withstand the demands of the job. Dickies work pants are renowned for their rugged construction and functional design. With reinforced knees and a variety of pockets, they're ideal for carrying essential tools and staying organized. The strong fabric holds up against the wear and tear of daily work, making them a long-lasting investment. Dickies pants are all about utility and reliability.
Where to Get Your Gear
Now, you might be wondering where to find these reliable brands. One of the best places to purchase Timberland Pro work boots and Dickies work pants is at your local workwear or outdoor gear store. Walmart, Kohl’s, and DSW are also local stores to check out that often have coupons and sales for a good deal.
Additionally, you can explore online retailers, like Amazon or Zappos, where you can compare prices and read reviews to find the best fit for you. Don't forget to check for sales and discounts, as you might snag a great deal on these quality products.
In the world of HVAC and construction trades, having the right gear can make your job easier and more comfortable. Timberland Pro work boots and Dickies work pants have consistently proven themselves in terms of durability, comfort, and functionality. When it comes to reliable workwear, these brands have got you covered, so you can focus on what you do best—getting the job done right.
* Neither JD Air nor I receive any compensation from the companies mentioned in our recommendations. Our suggestions are based solely on our independent assessment of their products or services.
In this newsletter, we have discussed:
Thank you for taking the time to explore the insights and ideas shared in this newsletter. We hope you've gained valuable knowledge that can enhance your HVAC business operations. To ensure you don't miss out on future newsletters packed with even more valuable information, tips, and strategies, we encourage you to subscribe. Stay connected with us to stay ahead in the dynamic world of HVAC. Your success is our priority.