These tools and resources can give your business a competitive advantage

In a crowded painting market, you want to give your business every possible advantage. Standing out from the crowd means consistently reevaluating your business practices, seeking out learning opportunities for you and your crew, and finding the right tools and resources—like the ones found in the Sherwin-Williams PRO+ program—no matter what your business needs are. These are the things that can help you gain an edge over your competitors.

Here are some business tips to help you stand out from the field and show your value to customers:

• Make a strong first impression. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression on a customer. For the best possible first impression, psychologists say you should strive to appear confident, prepared, and professional. Know what the client is likely to ask about and be ready with information. One way to do that is by bringing customized marketing materials—such as product guides and sell sheets with your logo & contact info—with you. Available through PRO+, give these resources to your client to showcase your preparation and professionalism.
• Share previous reviews. When customers have a great experience with you, ask them to write you a review or give you a quote you can share. These word-of-mouth references can go a long way toward securing your next big project, especially if you have a good reference in the immediate or adjacent neighborhood you are creating a proposal in.
• Build accurate estimates. Use the professional estimation template in the PRO+ app’s Project Bids tool to give clients tailored estimates quickly. This can help you convert potential customers into paying jobs and gives them a reliable idea of what the job will cost.
• Provide excellent customer service. You can’t always control what perks your competitors offer, but you can control how you make customers feels when they talk to you. Treat your customers like royalty. Listen to what matters to them. Answer all of their questions. Follow through on your commitments. Stay in constant communication with them about any project updates. Take before and after pictures, and share them with the client; it’s great to see the smile on their face and show them what you’ve accomplished. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a loyal customer who will recommend you to all their friends.
• Offer Virtual Color Consultation. Choosing the right color can be many homeowners’ biggest pain point. And if a homeowner’s indecision delays the start of the job, it can quickly become your biggest pain point too. With a FREE Virtual Color Consultation through Sherwin-Williams, you can not only stand out from the crowd by helping homeowners solve this problem, but you can also get jobs started faster.
• Set up a Google Business Profile. If you don’t already have a Google Business Profile, you’re missing out on potential free advertising. Set one up today with these easy instructions.
• Keep Learning. Salesman Zig Ziglar once said, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” Even the most experienced painter can benefit from learning a few new tricks. The PRO+ Training Series and PCA’s Business Training are great places to get business management advice that can help you grow your business.
• Train your team up. Learning doesn’t stop with you! Your team should also keep growing through professional training. Some great resources include Paint Pro Training for new painters joining the team and Paint Your Path for general support from painter recruitment through the employee onboarding process. Training can both bring your newest recruits up to speed and help you retain veteran talent. Customers will be impressed at the quality of a well-trained team’s work.

As a painter, you know the importance of using the right brush, roller, or sprayer for the right situation. It’s the same when it comes to running your business; take advantage of every tool and resource you have available. Using them well will help you to stand out from your competitors and carve out a place for yourself in the market.