Are we in Switzerland?

It would be nice. Many trades need to raise the bar in their industry just like the real estate. 

There are different levels in all industries, those extra frills come with a higher price tag and often with a less skilled tradesman.

Most of those we use suck at the frills, but are seasoned and skilled at what I hire them for.

Results don't lie....applies here. If they deliver, they get free P.R. via word of mouth...If they don't make good....kiss of death

No, they need common sense. 

Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, CRS Yes it would help their business. Most tradesmen only have one thing on their mind when working and that is their next job.

I would be happy with half of that, sometimes they forget the hand that feeds them

There are some tradesman we use that follow this business model and I recommend them every chance I get!

Thomas we actually have a couple of those really good contractors on our team....pretty amazing really. I was floored the first time I got a follow up email.

This depends on the tradesmen. Showing up for a job on time, doing it well at a fair price, and guaranteeing your work should result in increased business. Just like with any other line of work, good customer service should be rewarded with referrals and more work.

It would be nice if the handyman I'm trying out on a plumbing repair would f'in show up!

Many tradesman I know just need a really good executive assistant or manager to take care of all of the detail stuff (appointments, invoicing, follow up, calls, marketing, communicating).  A lot of them are "one man shows." with no staff, office and just work on their own.  We know some contractors, handymen, tradesmen, etc that are amazing at their trade but are terrible communicators. -Kasey

they could all use that type of person, but don't hold your breath....

Tradesman. Very often they are CEO of their company.

While the sun shines they get dirty. When the sunsets they too have family and other obligations. When they can, they offer RAINMAKERS value propositions that sustain loyalty.

They are hustling, grinding. I appreciate that and will cut them some slack. However, should a problem surface, their response dictates their future.

Yes, all of those things are nice, but do not believe them essential. Essential is the value relationship with those providing the referrals.

I honestly don't know of any marketing that any of my trades do - they all work by referral, word-of-mouth!  If you're a tradesman and do exactly as you described, Thomas - arrive on time, do the job they were hired to do and follow-up properly, the business will come to you.

I agree with Nina Hollander they are the one we send referrals to.  A

Identifying the reliable people can sometimes be a challenge.

They need more customer service

Yes I agree. They each don't seem to understand that they need assistance of some sort! Either an appt or billing person that tells them where to go & what to do when they get there.

I think they would make 50% more money if they were managed & treated themselves like a business.

Jennifer McKay nailed the answer to this one!

One could only dream

It sounds good but in todays rapid world you still need PR to be relevant, sorry to say, because its all about instant gratification.

It depends on the particular business operations.

Dream on.

I actually have some trades people who do just that. I love it! Shows they are paying attention. And I continue to use and refer people like that.

Everybody needs somebody to LOVE... do you need any body ;)

That would be awesome.  But most don't have a clue.

This is a nice thought....

Thomas - Boy, I couldn't agree with you more on this one. I believe many tradesmen would benefit in a number of ways by having a PR and HR department.

We attempt to protect our clients from the Yellow Pages people !

They would be extremely successful. Most tradesmen are good at their job but terrible at their business.

You mean behave like a professional??!! 

Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor, CRS - wishful thinking?

I actually  do not want their thank their note and numerous follow up calls. Just do your  job well the first time and I'll love and admire you forever. 

Some times it would be good to have.

       My people are all word of mouth.  A couple of them have spouses helping them out with appointments, paperwork, taxes. 

     If they don't show up and do a good job, I wouldn't use them anymore. 

I think it depends on the size of that comapny