These days, you probably need all the help you can get to stay ahead of the slump in residential real estate. The good newsâ€"today there are many inexpensive software tools (and even some free ones) to help you efficiently create proposals and manage remodeling projects. You can also find a number of free and low cost resources online to help you build your business and your reputation as a professional painting contractor. Follow these five tips below to gain a competitive edge with your professional painting business: 1. Use technology to propose, win and manage interior painting projects According to the TopTenReviews website, interior design software packages (home-design-software-review.toptenreviews.com/interior-design) can "take your mental images and turn them into a virtual reality." Starting at well below $100, these programs are available for both Mac and PC platforms. Your clients can visualize changes before investing resources in the real world, while you gain a competitive edge by increasing your productivity. You can also try the Paint Your Placeâ" application within ColorSmart by BEHRâ". (behr.com/Behr/home#view=24;vgnextoid=6f7ee50350f4a110VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD;channel=EXPLORE) This free tool will allow you to virtually test a variety of color combinations to suit your project. Paint Your Placeâ" lets you upload a photo of your room and then you can apply any color available through ColorSmart by BEHRâ" to see what it would look like painted in that color. This state-of-the-art technology can be an invaluable asset to your decision making and provides one more value-added benefit you can offer to your customers. More robust construction estimating software packages (construction-estimating-software-review.toptenreviews.com) range from under $100 up to $5000. These programs can accurately project costs, speed up the bidding process, and manage day-to-day functions. But if you'd simply like to avoid running out of paint, or finishing a job with gallons remaining, free paint calculator tools are available online, such as this one in the Tools (behrpro.com/BehrPro/prohome#vgnextoid=a33bd3f6d0d22210VgnVCM100000516310acRCRD;channel=PROJECT_CENTER;view=6) section of the BehrPro website, or this paint calculator (easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_calc_index.asp?page_id=35720769) on the Easy2DIY website. 2. Find savings in the details Since labor is the most expensive factor in interior painting, you may be able to increase your profit margin by investing in quality paints that pack in more paint particles, providing a professional paint job with fewer coats. Using a brand that combines paint and primer together also saves a step. One product that combines paint and primer is BEHR Premium Plus Ultra. (behrpro.com/BehrPro/prohome#vgnextoid=a96859978f9c0210VgnVCM100000516310acRCRD;channel=EXPLORE;view=13) Other small cost cutting measures can add up, too. Cut your phone bill by carefully tailoring your calling plan, use VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, or bundled Internet, phone and cable packages. Reevaluate insurance coverage, and shop around. Consider raising deductibles, and put the money saved into an interest-bearing account. Look for more cost-effective banking services, too. Use Bankrate.com to compare checking account rates and research credit card offers. 3. Build your reputation as a painting professional When things are slow, use your extra time to reach out and expand your network of professional contacts. Check in with past clients to see if they, their friends, or their relatives are considering undertaking remodeling projects, and ask for referrals. Increase your visibility as a professional painting contractor by donating time or materials to non-profit building projects within your community. Check with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity (habitat.org/cd/local/) for opportunities in your area. 4. Take advantage of low-cost interactive marketing techniques Most painting professionals have websites these days. If you don't, build-it-yourself tools and hosting packages are available from companies like Network Solutions (networksolutions.com/). Include testimonials from satisfied customers and images of completed projects on your website. Don't overlook additional methods for reaching prospects online (pdca.org/pdcaarticles/articles/66/1/E-Marketing/Page1.html) and follow up with leads promptly. 5. Find the silver lining in the economic cloud Build relationships with real estate agents, and offer your services to help increase the perceived value of the homes they are selling, particularly if you notice one that's been on the market for a while. And take note of the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/). Congress has allocated $4 billion to go toward refurbishing and selling foreclosed homes. According to the Los Angeles Times (articles.latimes.com/2009/jan/04/nation/na-abandoned-homes4), the local city and county governments that submitted plans to HUD by December 1st, 2009 "have 18 months to spend the money." Find out if your community has received funds, and offer your services. These are but a few of the many ways you can make the best use of your time and available online resources in this slow economy. Your diligence and research can really pay off with a wider network of potential customers, a vibrant and informative website and streamlined business management processes that can save you time and money.
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