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Table of Contents
Are you a building material supplier looking to become a supplier for general contractors? Connecting with general contractors and subcontractors can be tricky, given current circumstances, but building and developing these relationships are key to your business’s success. Here are four ways you can find and connect with GCs and subs.
Key Takeaways
- Join a local contractor's exchange or bid center to get your business in front of GCs and subs through directories, events, and sponsorships that boost your visibility in the market.
- Create a free profile on PlanHub so contractors searching for your products can find you easily and you can reach out directly to GCs and subs on active local projects.
- Reach out to contractors one-on-one — whether in person, by visiting a job site, or through a virtual meeting — because personal connections are still one of the most effective ways to get your products specified.
- Host an open house or social event and invite local GCs and subs to meet your team, see your products, and build the kind of relationships that turn into repeat business.
- Diversify your outreach strategy by combining online bid sites, industry organizations, and direct relationship-building so you always have new opportunities in your pipeline regardless of market conditions.
1. Join a contractor’s exchange or bid center
Contractor’s exchanges and bid centers can be found in most major cities. They are membership organizations that help contractors and suppliers get more work and run their businesses. One of the benefits of these organizations is that you can meet contractors easily at local events and by getting involved. Join a committee or get on the board of directors to get extra visibility for your business.
The centers often have a directory of members in which you can get listed and purchase advertising space. They may also have newsletters, publications, and events that you can purchase advertising in or sponsor.
2. Search bid sites
Signing up for online bid sites, like PlanHub, is a great way to meet contractors. Registering is quick and free, and being active on the site makes it easy for contractors to get in touch with you regarding your products. Users can even search for suppliers providing specific products in their local area. You can also use the search feature to find local projects looking for your supplies. From PlanHub’s site, you can reach out directly and send messages to general contractors and subs offering your products.
Check the site directory for contractors near you, and ask GCs about the subs they use. Developing relationships with multiple contractors in different trades will expand your network and create several new opportunities, ensure you can always find work regardless of the project.
3. Reach out directly
This has become more difficult in the past 2 years with the pandemic, but connecting on an individual level is one of the best ways to build relationships with contractors. Offering a free lunch or visiting their office or job site can be the perfect opportunity to learn about their business and talk to them about your products. If in-person visiting isn’t possible, setting up a virtual meeting is easy and effective. Be sure to provide a catalog and brochures, as well as plenty of business cards.
4. Hold an open house
Another way to connect with general contractors is to hold an open house, barbecue, or other social events. Invite all the general contractors and subcontractors in your area to your event, and try to make it worth their while. Keep refreshments simple and have product info and samples available for attendees to view.
It’s important that your sales team is at the event and proactively tries to connect with contractors that attend. One-on-one relationships are the best way to get more business.
Find more work with PlanHub
The key to connecting with contractors and subcontractors is consistency and diversifying your approach. Get your business listed in as many places as possible through a contractor’s exchange and sign up for bid sites, like PlanHub, to find and connect with contractors. Making a personal touch will also go a long way in trying to develop successful business relationships. Always be looking for your next connection!
If you’d like to find out how PlanHub can help you find general contractors and subcontractors, sign up for free today.
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