The TradeMarke

Continuing to Train Your Technicians in the Summer

On this episode we are joined by TJ Hartnett of Service Rocket
TJ has been in the trade since '94. (sorry to date you!) He believes that he was put on this planet to serve others. TJ and Eric discuss the importance of having a commitment to training. TJ touches upon some steps to implement training. Some of them include:
1. Manufacturer and distributer relationships--both have training resources.
2. Internal training at company level.
3. Technical skills 
TJ also puts emphasis on the importance of the best way to learn something and to gain a new skill is to teach it to others.

Maximizing Your In-House & Outsourced Marketing Efforts

On this episode, we are again joined by Matt Tyner from MAX Service Group. Eric and Matt touch upon the importance of progress, not perfection and how to best serve the industry.  Matt also discusses how to manage marketing whether it be in house or a hired agency.
 
We are so happy to bring him back on the show! He was one of our first guests.
 

Simple Ways to Improve Technician Recruitment

On this installment of Marketing Real Talk, Eric breaks down recruitment. Eric says that recruitment is essentially people marketing. He discusses what you should have on your website to spark interest in future employees.
Some of his tips include an about page, sharing your team on both social media and your site and to always be recruiting no matter what season it is.

Questions To Ask When Hiring a Marketing Agency

On this episode, we bring you another edition of Marketing Real Talk. Eric discusses the right and wrong questions to ask when you're hiring a marketing agency.
Some of the questions include:
1. Where is the website being hosted?
2. What CMS is this being built on?
3. Will I own the content/website?
4. Who is writing copy?
5. How are edits going to he handled and what is your management fee?
Here at Rival Digital, we want to make sure you're prepared!

Growing Your HVAC Business Through Acquisitions

Live Oak bank was founded in 2008 in Wilmington, NC. They focused on supplying loans to Veterinary practices when they first got their start. 
Jordan touches upon how acquisitions and working capital can help grow your business. The founder of Live Oak wanted to provide financing to the HVAC and plumbing space because he understood the need for HVAC and plumbing businesses and their vital role they play in keeping communities comfortable.
What makes Live Oak different is the fact that they give loans based on cash flow of the business and not the collateral.
Live Oak is dedicated to the doers. They say "small business is the backbone of our country. It drives jobs, creates prosperity and boosts local economies. We’re proud to contribute to that growth by investing in America’s small business owners. When you bank with Live Oak, you can be proud too."
 

How to Build a Thriving HVAC Business in 2022

On this episode we are joined by Tom Peregrino of Service Nation.
In this episode Eric and Tom touch upon the importance of being a better leader and how leadership directly influences the organization. Tom puts emphasis on leadership by saying, "The better the leader, the better the organization. In order to build a thriving HVAC business, you must work from the ground up. A business can only be as good as the leader allows it to be. Tom and Eric also discuss the importance and influence that culture has on whether or not your contractors stay for decades or leave after a few months. 
About Service Nation:
Service Nation Inc was founded in July 2002 as The Service Roundtable. We started with 200 members which, for year one, we considered quite the achievement. It was and remains a revolutionary organization founded by a collaboration of leading contractors to share information and help other contractors improve their sales, marketing, operations and profitability.
 

The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

On this episode, we are joined by John Michel from BDR
BDR is a company focused on coaching and training exclusively in the HVAC space.
BDR’s business coaching services help you increase your business profitability, cash flow, and personal wealth. They help business owners build a strong, self-sustaining company where employees are well paid and morale is high.
We discuss the importance of making sure you have a marketing strategy centered around your maintenance program, giving your staff the tools to sell, and being upfront about costs on your website. 
 

Strategies for Managing Busy Season Demand

Kiss shoulder season goodbye!
On this episode, we are joined by Alyssa Lavik in our part 2 segment with our friends at Schedule Engine
Alyssa and I discuss some strategies for training effective CSR's, how to prioritize jobs without losing leads, and how if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
We also discuss Will Smith and King Richard. It all makes sense and is relevant, I promise!

Spring HVAC Strategies to get the Phone Ringing

On this episode, we bring back Marketing Real Talk for its 3rd segment! We talk about the 4 things to do to get your phone ringing as the shoulder season wraps up. (spring is on the horizon, we promise!)
Eric's expert advice include:
1. Using a 3 month tiered system
2. Replacement strategy
3. Duct cleaning
4. Home inspection offer
Eric breaks out his singing skills to let y'all know where Rival is headed in the next couple weeks--stay tuned.

Marketing Made Simple: Back to the Basics

On our ONE-HUNDREDTH episode, we are bringing back another installment of 'Marketing Real Talk.' 
Eric talks Girl Scout Cookies, (what is your favorite cookie?) the importance of the right message and the importance of creating a want or a need.
The basics of marketing and the key to success is getting the right message to the right person, and the right offer at the right time.
Eric talks about the importance of creating a want or a need in the trade industry.
A special thank you to all of our loyal listeners as we celebrate out 100th episode of The Smart HVAC Marketing Podcast.