From The Detroit News | By Ken Calverley and Chuck Breidenstein
DETROIT, Feb. 6, 2025 ~ Some say there is no such thing as a “win-win” negotiation.
The Guys strongly disagree. We believe there should never be a loser in a valid negotiation because the parties to most agreements in our industry want different things.
As busy homeowners, we hire people every day that know what we don’t and can accomplish what we cannot. Whether it is that great mechanic who always takes care of our vehicles, or the medical professional we count on to help us stay healthy, we want to find these people and build a relationship with them.
If you hire our building company to design and create a beautiful new home for you, you want your new home as drawn at the cost agreed in the time frame we established.
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Feb. 02, 2025 ~ Chuck “The Inside Guy” Breidenstein and Ken “The Outside Guy” Calverly offer the knowledge and resources you need to make the home of your dreams a reality.
(CONTINUED) As builders, we want the opportunity to do what we love; design and build a home. We want the pleasure of seeing you enjoy both the process and the completed project, and we want to be compensated for the work as agreed. Since we each want something different from the experience, there is every reason for both of us to be winners and no good reason for there to be a loser.
So how does this great company find awesome clients that meet the requisite of win-win?
Referrals. Good referrals. Great referrals.
A phone number from the friend of a friend of Uncle Bob who just bought a saw and a pickup is not the type of referral we are talking about. The people who run great companies have experience, usually under the tutelage of older professional mentors. These people are passionate about what they do, how they do it, and are always looking for ways to improve.
Ask about the history of the professionals you are considering. You will often be fascinated by the story. They turn down work from potential clients who are not aligned with their mission. They refuse to enter the low bid competition engaged in by lesser companies — where everyone ends up losing. Good clients are what they build their reputation and their careers upon. And referrals after the job completion are a part of that.
When you find a great contractor, you want to tell others about the experience. Such referrals lower the cost of client acquisition. This is one of the ways well-performing companies can often deliver first-class products and service at a better value. Referrals from happy clients translate into higher conversion rates in new customers which, again, allows for a lower cost of doing business. These firms also have well-trained staff at every level which leads to better communication, adherence to high standards, and faster job-cycle time; yet another potential cost saving for all parties.
When a job goes as it is supposed to, and customer angst is lowered, greater trust develops between the client and the business. This puts people at ease regarding future calls about service or warranty and, again, can keep the cost of doing business down by expedited communication. These businesses want to know when you have a question or an issue. They are confident in their product, process and people and are always looking for better ways to accomplish what the homeowner wants. Great customers help them accomplish this through timely and clear communication.
The Guys hear all the time from business owners who lament an issue they didn’t even know existed with the rare former client who didn’t contact them when they had a question. The firms that the Guys refer are in it for the long term. They not only want you as a customer today, but they also seek a lasting relationship where they can be your “go-to” professional for years to come. This works for both parties and is part of the objective with strong companies.
When considering who to hire for that next home project, do not discount the need for a great referral.
Visit the InsideOutsideGuys.com to see a list of people we trust and know you can, too.
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For more advice, listen to the “Inside Outside Guys” every Saturday and Sunday on from 10 a.m.-noon on 760 WJR or contact us at InsideOutsideGuys.com.
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