Category Archives: The Homestead Post
Build a Business That Works for You Using “Company of One” Concepts
September 26, 2023Part 5: The Power of Trust In this fifth article based on insight gleaned from the book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing by Paul Jarvis, we talk about trust. As a contractor, your success depends on how much people trust you. Trust is about demonstrating competence, instilling confidence, and…
Product Spotlight: Promenade PVC Decking by Fiberon®
July 26, 2023Fiberon® Promenade PVC Decking features the aesthetic appeal of handcrafted wood decking and the superior performance of premium PVC. Promenade is quickly becoming a customer and contractor favorite! Why Customers Love It High-end look with low-maintenance needs: Looks like natural wood without the upkeep. No-slip safety: Its mold- and slip-resistant surface texture makes it an…
Three Tips to Avoid Unwelcome Surprises When Buying Decking or Railing
According to Bill Hursh, inside sales representative at Homestead Outdoor Products, attention to detail makes the difference between a project that goes smoothly and one that hits bumps in the road. Decking and railing jobs are no exception! A project’s trajectory is set in motion when contractors order the decking/railing material. Here are Bill’s top-three…
Build a Business That Works for You Using “Company of One” Concepts
Part 4: Leverage the Personal Touch The book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing by Paul Jarvis shares how small businesses can stand out from larger companies. In this issue of The Homestead Post, we’ll share two tips (inspired by chapter 7 of the book) about how contractors can leverage…
Do you really need a business plan?
May 17, 2023Running a small business involves a lot of moving parts, and it’s important to make sure they’re all going in the right direction. That’s where a business plan—a document that captures a business’s objectives and provides a road map for achieving them—comes in. Three Big Benefits of Having a Business Plan 1. Helps you steer…
Four Tips for Successful Cable Railing Installation
Cable railing—with its sleek profile—has become a popular choice among homeowners wanting durability and a minimalistic aesthetic. According to Mike Stoltzfus, outside sales representative at Homestead Outdoor Products, “Installing it can be challenging, though, because every manufacturer has their own unique cable railing system.” Inexperience and lack of unfamiliarity with a brand can ultimately lead…
Build a Business That Works for You Using “Company of One” Concepts
Part 3: Mindset and Personality Welcome to our third article inspired by Paul Jarvis’s book Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. In the first two articles we covered: Part 1: Is Growth Really Necessary? Part 2: Leadership Qualities Now, let’s talk about mindset and personality! Mindset Matters Jarvis…
Business-Building Breakfasts
March 29, 2023Join us on March 31, April 28, and May 26 to enjoy a free breakfast along with insight and tips from Wolf® Home Products and affiliates. New Holland Coffee Company • 7 to 8 a.m. R.S.V.P. to reserve your seat! Space is limited to 40 people per session, so hurry! Send an email to sales@homesteadoutdoorproducts.com…
Rainy Day Tips for Contractors
Even when spring showers put a damper on working outside, there’s plenty you can do to maintain momentum. Stay busy and productive by: Making sales and customer follow-up calls Preparing invoices, paying bills, and getting caught up on other paperwork Planning your marketing strategy Cleaning and doing maintenance on equipment and tools Preparing your truck…
Add Value Through Upselling—How to do it the right way!
Upselling, when approached with purpose, can be a win-win for contractors and their customers. It can add value and increase customer loyalty. Sadly, many businesses give upselling a bad rap because they look at it as a way to push products or services on customers—even when customers don’t need them—for the sake of making more…