The construction industry is no stranger to uncertainty. Today, with the back-and-forth debate around tariffs, builders encounter significant challenges in managing material costs while keeping their bids competitive. Tariffs on fundamental materials like lumber can disrupt supply chains, inflate prices and create nervousness regarding project budgets.
“Headlines about tariffs, immigration, regs, the economy and more can feel like incoming missiles, threatening to blow up your world,” said Craig Webb, president of Webb Analytics, who has been covering the construction supply industry for over 18 years.
Navigating this uncertainty can be challenging, but for savvy builders, the circumstances also represent opportunity. The key to success during these times lies with the mastering of local and regional networking opportunities to secure a competitive advantage, win more work and achieve more stable pricing.
Relationships matter and are key to thriving a shifting market. Networking enhances your ability to source more advantageous pricing and opens doors to new projects, clients and other valuable insights.
Building strong connections in your local community gives you access to resources that transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Let’s explore how the power of networking keeps you competitive.
The gateway to building strong, lasting relationships
Let’s face it: time away from your business is a challenge. Should a builder take time to network when it seems they barely have time for a weekend away with the family?
The time it takes to network may not pay off immediately, but in the long run the momentum your network generates behind lead generation will pay off. Successful builders understand that networking is an investment in their business and don’t let discouraging news pull them away from the long-term view.
“Often, dealers retreat to their shell; ‘I don’t even listen to the news anymore,’ you’ll hear them say,” Webb added. “But this is precisely the time you should reach out and get as many outside ideas as possible.”
Here are several do’s and don’ts to leverage networking and boost your presence and growth in the industry:
The Do’s of networking
To help you navigate networking effectively, we’ve compiled a list of networking do’s that will make it easy for you to build meaningful connections.
Attend industry events and tradeshows Look for local and regional construction conferences, tradeshows and events, as they provide excellent opportunities to connect with potential clients, suppliers and partners.
- Professional associations. Consider joining a professional association that aligns with your business, such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), which offers local chapters or associations.
- Use social media platforms. LinkedIn and Facebook both host industry-specific forums where you can connect with professionals. These forums are perfect for striking a topical conversation, sharing industry news and showcasing your expertise.
- Develop relationships with suppliers and contractors. Research and identify local suppliers through industry directories, trade associations and online platforms to create your supplier list. Assess their ability to meet your needs and participate in their events.
- Use construction estimating software that allows you to connect with your favorite dealer’s online catalogs so that you have the latest material pricing and availability.
- Engage in community activities. Participate in local community events to build a positive reputation and connect with potential clients and partners. Consider attending local festivals or fairs, charity or volunteer events, chamber of commerce gatherings, or sponsoring local sports teams or the Rotary golf tournament.
- Follow up and stay in touch. Part of networking involves being proactive. Maintain regular contact with your network. Send follow-up emails, holiday greetings and updates about your projects. A thoughtful message holds significant value for the recipient.
“If you’re in Alabama, somebody in Montana might have an insight to help you survive and even thrive,” said Webb. “But those potentially lifesaving connections are possible only if you reach out and connect with others. Bad news travels faster than good, useful news, so you need to make an effort to find it.s
The Don’ts of networking
If you follow all the dos of networking, you are halfway to mastering the art of networking. However, there are some essential don’ts to consider and we’ve outlined them here. Don’t…
- Avoid being overly aggressive. Focus on cultivating a genuine relationship and avoid being pushy or excessively aggressive when networking or finalizing a deal.
- Neglecting your online presence. Keep your online profiles and company website updated and professional.
- Ignoring small opportunities. Smaller local networking events can lead to valuable connections.
- Forgetting to listen. While your needs must be heard, actively listening to others at networking events is equally essential. Understanding their needs and perspectives builds stronger, more meaningful relationships.
- Overlooking the follow-up. We discuss the importance of follow-up in the Do’s section and failing to follow up with contacts may lead to missed opportunities. Always, always follow up after networking events to continue the conversation.
As you can see, many of these recommendations take time and don’t necessarily have immediate payoff. Networking requires patience, commitment and a long-term view of the success of your business.
Consider your business like a sports franchise. When you are networking, it’s like selecting draft picks that will payoff, not necessarily this season, but the next, and the next after that.
Effectiveness of digital marketing channels
Digital marketing is a powerful and highly effective tool for builders. It enables you to showcase projects and engage directly with your audience. Essential digital marketing platforms include social media, advertising and word of mouth—yes, word of mouth. Below, we’ve outlined how to approach each platform.
- Social media. Earlier we talked about using social media to seek out industry forums. Social media also effectively showcases your projects, engages with your audience and builds your brand. Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn are the most active places to do this.
- Pros: cost-effective, broad reach, direct engagement with prospects and current customers.
- Cons: requires consistent effort and content creation. For information on how to create content, see our blog, Small Home Builders Can Boost Business.
- Word of mouth. Word of mouth is one of the most trusted forms of marketing, providing third-party credibility. Positive reviews and referrals from satisfied customers can boost your reputation and attract new business.
- Pros: builds trust and credibility, highly persuasive.
- Cons: relies on client satisfaction
- Paid advertising, such as Google and social ads, quickly increase your visibility and generate leads. Ensure your ads are targeted and reach specific demographics and geographic areas.
- Pros: immediate results, highly targeted, scalable.
- Cons: can be expensive, requires ongoing investment.
Digital marketing strategies offer practical ways to reach your target audience and build a strong online presence, which can help you grow your business.
Continuing our analogy, if your business is like a sports franchise, digital marketing is the way to let your draft picks know you have a winning record.
Streamlining networking with software
Even the most organized person can find it challenging to manage networking effectively. However, using the right software tools can simplify networking and enhance efficiency. Leveraging the right technology means staying organized and easily tracking your connections.
“Building pros are always searching for easier, faster ways to do their work,” Webb said. “It’s why texting the lumberyard has replaced visiting or even calling the store. And it’s why builders increasingly want to buy online. The primary thing holding them back is that it still can be relatively difficult to do construction work online, what with challenges getting prices, finding products and even paying bills.”
How Buildxact helps
Buildxact is designed for builders and contractors. It offers features like lead tracking, project management and streamlined communication. The lead management capabilities allow you to organize prospects, track budgets and store client details in one place, keeping you connected and competitive. With Buildxact, you can focus on building connections while the software handles the logistics.
Build stronger connections with Buildxact
Buildxact is your secret to beating the competition. It is a dependable tool for clear, organized and professional customer communication. Our centralized platform enables you to share real-time project updates, budgets and schedules with clients, fostering trust while showcasing transparency. Improving your communications can nurture stronger relationships, reduce misunderstandings and enhance the client experience.
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