The most common view of a painting project is simple maintenance and facilities up-keep. Justifying painting and coating projects as preventative maintenance is relatively easy because the surface treatment can prevent damages to the underlying structure. If the budget separates preventative maintenance funds from operating costs, you could package the painting project according to its true purpose to get the funding.

However, painting and coating can be a lot more than simple up-keep. In a retail setting, the appearance of a structure can a have a direct impact on the amount of business the facility is able to attract. If the current maintenance budget cannot support a painting project, perhaps the marketing budget could.

Changing the Contracting Process

As a commercial painting budget solution, changing the contracting process may seem like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut. However, the savings from a new way of administering contracts can be significant, especially if your facility does a lot of outsourcing.

Many large organizations adapt a job order contracting system (JOC ) to handle their contracting process. A JOC system is a type of indefinite demand and indefinite quantity contracting system which relies of pre-defined base prices for services. Contractors bid by multiplying the base prices by a selected co-efficient.

JOC systems are often used by schools, government agencies and other organizations to streamline their contracting process. The real savings come from reduced advertising costs, reduced administrative needs, and a quicker RFP to finished project time.  According to a white paper published by Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc., the savings associated with a JOC system can be up to 21 percent of standard costs.

The advantage of a JOC system is that once in place to cover a painting project, the system is equally applicable to virtually every other outsourced aspect of facilities budgeting.  However, if you are not currently using a JOC system, you should strongly consider hiring an expert consultant to help you implement the program.

Final Words

Facility budgets are not likely to increase anytime soon, so creative solutions are a must to find room in the budget for commercial painting, construction and maintenance projects.

The innovations in steel building designs streamline the planning process of almost any combination of structural, roofing, and facade applications. Steel roofing comes in a variety of styles, including standing seam applications, and can be painted with your choice of colors and designed with parapets and mansards in any required pitch. The clear span frame, another popular option, can reach up to three hundred feet in width, have almost unlimited length capabilities, and requires no walls or columns to allow your store all of the necessary space it requires in an unobstructed and adaptable environment.

You can appreciate a cheaper cost of labor. Typically, a small amount of professional assistance is necessary. In fact, with regards to smaller structures there are times even when no professional aide whatsoever is needed. The majority of steel structures can be put together quickly, yet with systematic precision with the cost-effectiveness of a single work crew (with some exceptions from local labor costs).

Steel building advances have also created improved wind resistance, enhanced steel roofing systems, and amenities such as ridge vents, skylights, and louvers. Despite the climate and surrounding building codes, a pre-engineered steel building can be built to withstand most any conditions. Additionally, a steel building in a heavy snow or rain region will faithfully provide a secure and safe work-area for your employees as well as your customers because of its tight connections.

Innovations in energy conservation technology has enhanced greatly in recent years to make it more cost-effective and help reduce energy costs. The “smart” pre-engineered steel building engineering will save your business money through its capability to effectively and dependably conserve both heat and air. A completely insulated pre-fabricated steel building can out-perform lumber-based structures and maintain a constant temperature year-round for far less money. The attractive choice for today’s retail store owner and the best choice for tomorrow’s business needs is the steel building.

Another problem with FFA pages are they are usually designed to scroll. As new information is added the older information is advanced off of the page and out of sight. Before FFA pages were as popular as they are now, your line of advertising may have been visible for a day. That is why the FFA hosts had instructed you to submit your information to the FFA page daily. Today, now that FFA pages are a dime a dozen, your submission may be scrolled out in as little time as half an hour. This in turn means that you have to go and submit your information again and again throughout the day. However, you still have the first problem to deal with. People who look at FFA pages are there to sell, not buy.

A third problem with FFA pages are that sites known to advertise on them are in a number of instances either banned or ignored by the search engines. The search engines look at FFA pages as a page filled with irrelevant links, and whenever a search engine is aware of an FFA page it avoids that page whenever it can. The goal of search engines is to look for information/links that is highly regarded as helpful by other users, to pass on to their current users, and FFA pages produce links without producing the high quality information that the search engines are looking for. As a result, instead of giving you credit for your link, the search engines penalize URL’s that come from known FFA sites.

You see the people who run FFA pages are just a little bit ahead of the game than the FFA page submitter. The first thing you are asked to do on an FFA page is to register your email address. This way the user has your information and is able to promote his products to you at will. So the ones to benefit most from FFA pages are the ones who actually host the page.

So are FFA pages a waste of your time? Maybe they are, maybe they are not. If you go there as an advertiser, it may be a huge waste of time. But if you go there as the FFA site host, you may have just hit the jackpot. When FFA users sign up to post their information on your FFA site, you will advise them that when they post to the site they also have to agree to get emails from you as well. Herein lies your opportunity to promote, and herein lies the way you can probably take best advantage of using FFA pages and sites.

Invoice Factoring

If your biggest business financing challenge is that you have clients who take as long as 60 days to pay their invoices, then the solution is to factor your invoices. Factoring, or invoice factoring as it is often called, accelerates your clients’ invoice payments and gets you paid in about 2 days. Factoring does not involve changing your customers’ payment habits, but rather, financing your slow paying invoices through a factoring company. With factoring, you can capitalize on your invoices and get the funds you need to meet payroll and pay suppliers.

Purchase Order Financing

If you are a reseller or wholesaler and your biggest challenge is that you cannot afford to pay your suppliers, then purchase order financing is the best tool for you. Purchase order financing provides you with the necessary funds to pay your suppliers (usually by a letter of credit). This enables you to buy the goods to fulfill your orders and make the sale.

Both purchase order financing and invoice factoring can be obtained from a factoring company (rather than a bank). Both solutions are very affordable, but they work best when the business has profit margins of 15% or more.

So, if you own a business that needs financing, be sure to look at these non-traditional business financing tools.

The abovementioned items are all shipping containers that require certification under the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) as standardized by International Maritime Organization (IMO). This certification testifies to the suitability of the containers for “continued safe handling and transportability in the commercial intermodal transport environment”.

Container sellers can sell you new or used containers with CSC certification. But container sales are not restricted to shipping containers. We look at some of the offerings you will find at container sales yards.

Storage Containers

These are containers that might have been retired from shipping functions. They could also be from the large quantities of empty containers that tend to accumulate at places where inward flow of containers always exceed outward flow. This happens because there are more imports than exports, and it is uneconomic to ship empty containers back.

Such surplus containers are excellent for storage of household articles, boats, equipment, or anything else you want to store. Self-storage facilities use containers extensively as they offer closed spaces that can be under the lock and key of the hirer.

Container Houses, Offices and Shops

Container sales companies typically offer remodeled containers for various purposes. One major use is as temporary or longer-term living accommodation. The containers are fitted out inside to provide livable interiors with windows and doors, and living facilities like fold up beds and furniture, kitchen units, toilets and storage shelves. Power can be made available through solar panels and equipment.

Instead of fitting out for living accommodation, the containers can also be fitted out as offices, canteens, market stalls or for other similar functions. It is also possible to incorporate a multi-level structure, either by having smaller levels or by stacking containers over one another.

One major advantage of container houses, offices and shops is their mobility. They can be easily moved around using trucks with container handling equipment. You can thus move the living quarters to different worksites; your market stalls to different markets or entertainment venues, and so on.

We have seen only a sampling of how containers can be modified and converted for different kinds of uses. The possibilities are huge, and if you want any kind of structure that can be easily moved around, or accommodated in a compact space, container modification could be your answer.

Of course you have–we all have, and it’s painful. So, can you keep from getting dropped? Yes–With the Unlock The Game™ Mindset, you can abandon the salesperson role and come from a place of integrity that stems directly from your personal brand that doesn’t compromise your authentic self. This opens communication with your potential clients so you can learn the truth about their situation–and that’s what you always want.

These suggestions will help:

Don’t assume the sale. Potential clients are used to the traditional buyer-seller relationship, so they may decide not to tell you things that might make them vulnerable to you. Until you’re sure you know the complete truth, you can never assume the sale.

Keep making it easy for potential clients to tell you their truth. Toward the end of your conversation, ask, “Do you have any more questions?” If potential clients say no, follow up with the 100-percent-final truth-gathering question: “Now, are you 100 percent sure that there’s nothing else that I can do on my end to make you feel more comfortable with this situation?” You’ll be amazed how often people then say, “Well, actually, there is one more issue…” And it’s at that point that you really start to hear their truth.

Call back to get the truth, not close the sale. Most potential clients who suddenly “disappear”  will be expecting you chase them down by calling them and saying, “Hi, I was just wondering where things are at?” Instead, eliminate all sales pressure by telling them that you’re okay with their decision not to move forward, based on their not having called you back. In other words, take a step backward. Most of the time, it’ll open the door to a new level of open, trusting communication.

Reassure potential clients that you can handle a “no.” Of course we’d rather not hear a “no.” But the only way to free yourself and your clients from subtle sales pressures is to let them know that it’s not about the sale but about the best choice for them–and if that means no sale, it’s okay, because it’s ultimately not about you but about them.

Ask for feedback. Whenever potential clients “disappear,” call them back (e-mail them if you have to, but only as a last resort because dialogue is always better) and simply ask, “Would you please share your feedback with me as to how I can improve for next time? Now that our sales process is over, I’m committed to understanding where I went wrong.” This is not being feeble or weak — it’s being humble, which often triggers the truth.

Don’t try to “close” a sale. If your intuition tells you that the sales process isn’t going in the direction it should be going – which is always toward greater trust and truth–trust those feeling. Then, make it safe for potential clients to tell you where they stand. It’s simple–all you have to say is, “Where do you think we should go from here?” (But be prepared: you might not want to hear the truth of how they’re feeling. You can cope with this by keeping your larger goal in mind, which is always to establish that the two of you have a “fit.”)

Give yourself the last word. Eliminate the anxiety of waiting for the final calls that will tell you whether the sale is going to happen–instead, schedule a time for getting back to each other. This eliminates chasing. Simply suggest, “Can we plan to get back to each other on a day and at a time that works for you–not to close the sale, but to simply bring closure regardless of what you decide. I’m okay either way, and that’ll save us from having to chase each other.”

You’ll find that these suggestions make selling much less painful because, with Unlock The Game™, you learn to focus on the truth instead of the sale.

2. Table of Contents – Do not elaborate. Keep it short and to the point. You get to explain later.

3. Company Description – This should cover the basics of your business. What industry and what products/services your business provides. It should also cover what makes your business stand out from the competition and how you will be successful.

4. Market Analysis – This is where you prove that you have done your marketing research. You should explain about the industry, including target markets. Explain your competition and compare your business to them. Explain your marketing strategies and plans.

5. Technology – Explain the technology you will use and how new developments may affect your business.

6. Business Operations or Manufacturing – Explain how you will conduct business. What makes you better than the competition as far as operations.

7. Management and Ownership – Here you will need to name all the key personnel. Explain their skills, education and what they bring to the company.

8. Organization and Personnel – This is where you explain your personnel needs. State how many employees are needed, how you will pay them and what you will pay them. Also explain the personnel organizational structure.

9. Capital and Usage – This should be very detailed and explained. Starting with how much is needed to start and then projection of needs.

10. Financial – Here is where you get to project future gains and losses. You should list them quarterly until the business breaks even then annual reports are fine.

12. Appendices – Any resumes, references, copies of studies done or anything else to back up information in the business plan should be included here.

These 12 steps should help you put together a solid business plan. Just keep in mind that you should stick to the facts and back everything up with evidence.

Some of my successes have included:

- Before my last book was published I pre-sold over $8,000 in books
- Over 250 people registered for a recent seminar in less than 2 weeks and the cost to promote was under $25
- One company used my strategies for a career expo and made over $180,000 in consulting fees
- One speaker sold over $23,000 in product sales back of the room at a two hour seminar with strategies outlined in my program

I don’t share this to impress anyone, rather to impress upon you when using the right strategies for your market, you can realize some incredible results.

People have also come to know me as someone who is a stickler when it comes to putting systems in place. My marketing successes are a direct result of the systems I have implemented.

With a bit of forethought, planning and desire, you can successfully market your business in a very effective manner. Below are seven proven strategies sure to increase visibility, leads and sales.

1. Business Cards
Business cards are often one of the most underutilized tools in one’s marketing.
Use the front and back of your business card to gain full benefit. Depending on your market you can put some very valuable information on the back such as a sports schedule, emergency numbers, or special dates people want to remember.

Keep some in your wallet, your automobile, on your desk, and some at home. Be sure to carry them with you wherever you go and be willing to hand them out as opportunity presents itself.

Creatively distribute your card. When you eat out you can leave one with the tip.
If you borrow a library book, use one as a book mark. Hand them to clerks in stores who may know other people who could use your product or service.

When someone gives you their business card be sure to enter their information in your database. Send them a short note or email within 48 hours of meeting them to keep your name fresh in their mind.

2. Send a picture
A great way to keep your name fresh in a customer’s mind is to send them a picture of when they purchased a product or service from you.

Put a picture of a buyer’s auto purchase in a beautiful calendar. Likely, the proud owner of the vehicle will display the calendar for the next 365 days.

For specialty gift shops, when a customer makes a substantial purchase, have a picture taken with the shop owner. Frame the picture and send it to the customer.
Chances are very good the picture will be displayed proudly for friends and family to see.

A dentist who specializes in smile makeovers can easily arrange to have a professional makeup artist and photographer capture the patient’s beautiful new smile. No doubt the patient will be more than happy to show others their new look.

3. Associations
Associations particular to your market are a great resource for marketing. There are associations specific to virtually any industry, job type or business. A quick web search will likely show you how much is available.

A major opportunity within many organizations is the chance to network. Additionally, to make presentations. Along with presentations come publications.
Often, when you do a presentation, you will get a mention in the association newsletter, their Ezine and/or on their website.

In many cases, when an organization has a newsletter or Ezine, they welcome the presenter writing a press announcement for them. It saves them time and often assures you have a better chance of the information making it into the publication.

They may also welcome you writing an article for their publication or website.
This lends itself to pre-presentation visibility. Additionally, you will position yourself as an expert and increase credibility.

Most organizations have the following opportunities that can help you to gain visibility and do some very effective marketing:

-Newsletters
-Internet listings
-Links to you website
-Discounted advertising rates
-Networking opportunities
-Business referral services
-Special recognition events
-Education seminars
-Business and membership directories

In many cases you will need to be a member of the association to take advantage of the multiple marketing opportunities. In other cases membership is not necessary.

4. Committee Involvement
Committee involvement is a great way to give back to the association or community while building visibility for you and your business. In some cases, you may even want to get involved in a committee where you have little experience or knowledge. This will give you an opportunity to stretch yourself and meet and network with individuals you may not have otherwise had the chance to meet.

5. Contests and drawings
Contests are a favorite for many businesses such as restaurants or those that have high foot traffic. Contests are a great way to build your database quickly.
You are generating very hot leads when you have a contest with people who have already frequented your place of business. The key though is to do back -end marketing. Far too many businesses hold contests, get lots of names and do nothing with them. In this case, it is a complete waste of time to hold a contest.
You can advertise a contest to gain new foot traffic in your place of business.
Trade show booths are a great place to hold a contest. Pre-show marketing helps to generate traffic at your booth. Invite people to stop by booth # _____  (whatever your booth is) to enter to win. Creative contests can also generate free publicity.

6. Cross-promoting
Join with other companies who have products or services that compliment yours and promote each other. Let’s say you have a massage business. You could partner with a candle company to sell their candles to your massage clients. They can give out coupons for your massage business. Or the candle company can partner with a gift basket company. Cross-promoting is only limited by your imagination.

This can considerably cut down the cost of business promotion and allow each business to use promotion techniques that might be too expensive to implement alone.

7. Bonuses
Secure special offers from various businesses who want to share a similar market as you. When a customer buys a minimum amount they receive a bonus packet with the various offers from the other vendors. This is a win/win all the way around. The other vendors gain visibility, you have something extra to offer you customers and the customers get incredible value for their purchase.

Be aware of who you cross-promote and joint venture with. You want someone who will be equally committed to a campaign.

With work from home assembly jobs you will be located at your home, and the companies or people will ship things to you to be put together. There are all sorts of these things that you might be interested in, and all sorts of things that will need to be put together. Therefore, work from home assembly jobs are very popular and are jobs that you will be easily able to find.

When you  have work from home assembly jobs you will have to have a home area or an office where parts can be brought or shipped to you. Once you have them you will put them together in whatever way you would like to ,and then either ship them on or wait for them to be picked up. This is how work from home assembly jobs and they are very good jobs for lots of people.

There are some things to remember about work from home assembly jobs however. First of all, you want to be sure that as you are doing work from home assembly jobs you are understanding the various things that you have to put together. Also be sure that you are leaving yourself enough time to do the actual work so that you are able to get all of the work done in the right time frame. Be sure as well that you have researched the company so that you know you are working for a company that is legit and that the job will also be legit. This is something that will be very important with any work form home job. When you have work from home assembly jobs, you want to be sure that you are able to know where the parts are coming from, what you are supposed to be doing with them, and what to do with them when you are done. Remember that you should not take work from home assembly jobs that are requiring you to do anything illegal. Make sure the pay is right for you as well.

Many people view factoring as a short-term stopgap to plug the working capital hole that inevitably presents itself in almost every growing business.

Although factoring can many times help a business refresh its working capital in the midst of a ‘cash crunch’, it can actually be a highly profitable long-term strategy. With adequate cash flow, a business has the ability to not only avoid stoppages in business, but to increase customers and sales. Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business and with out it, regardless of profitability, a business can cease to exist.

Also consider the fact that by factoring, debt is not shown on your financial statements. This reflects strong numbers and if you have the opportunity to sell your company, this can be attractive.

Factoring is one of the few forms of financing that can support rapid growth in a business. As the receivables increase, so in turn does the funding, as long as your customers are credit worthy. Therefore, it stands to reason that by reducing working capital requirements, a company can more rapidly reach their long-term growth plans. The net effect is increased sales, increased production, and decreased stress.

Factoring is typically more expensive than traditional financing, however, the cost of factoring is usually significantly less than the loss of net profits that would have otherwise been generated by the substantial growth that it supports.

Ways to offset the cost of factoring if it applies to your industry is to use the positive cash flow and take early pay discounts from your vendors and also buy in bulk using volume discounts. These savings can be deducted from your factoring cost if not eliminate them completely.

If you are turning down business due to the lack of capital, you need to explore the benefits that factoring can provide. It is a form of commercial finance that is very powerful and must not be over looked.