This year is my first to GC on my own. I’d say I’ve built a couple hundred houses for other builders from starter homes to multi million dollar homes that take a whole year just to trim out, but it’s a whole new ballgame when your not just scheduling subs or laborin’ on houses. The business, marketing, insurance, legal mumbo jumbo, and all the other treasures that are find you unexpectedly can take it’s toll.
Here is the first MCS Construction yard sign.
Edited 2/27/2005 12:54 pm ET by Matt S
Replies
Good job, guy. No doubt about the work involved. Its surprising how long it takes to get stuff going.
Im going to paint a sign once the darn graphics guy gets done with my logo type and layout.
Keep at it, it will happen.
-zen
Thats nice. But where is the area code?
Kipherr
That's a rhetorical question, right?
:)
"That's a rhetorical question, right?"Matt,It might be a rhetorical question where you live, but here in Southern California, there are more area codes than you can shake a stick at! Around here, if you don't have your area code prominently displayed, people are very unlikley to bother trying to find out what it is - you'll just lose the business.-Jazzdogg-Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Edited 2/26/2005 10:33 pm ET by jazzdogg
I'm in middle Tennessee. There's no area code change for a couple counties in each direction of me. Honestly, I left the area codes off because I want people to be able to see both phone number's while they are driving. I can put a brochure box on the sign for people who are interested enough to stop.
What are your thoughts about having my name on the sign? My brother said I should, but I want to project my company as a well,,, company. I felt having my name on the sign would lend the impression that I am working alone.
matt .. nice sign.. it looks very professional..
truth is , it looks like a hundred thousand other signs out there.... and there are a million that are not as nice..
you want to start thinking about differentiating yourself so people will see your sign and remeber it..
you should read some marketing books to help launch your company...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Let me offer my background: Construction has been a part of my life since I was eight years old. I have been employed in some facet of the industry since I was old enough to work. I have an AS in Business and Commerce and a BS in Business Management, but know that degrees don't guarantee success. That's why I posted this thread, and why I'm a member of this forum.
Let me justify why I designed the sign like that.
My short-term goal is to build houses that are located on roads with a high amount of traffic; 4,000 vehicles per day during daylight hours. The road would ideally be a "favorite" of Sunday afternoon drivers. Since I'm new at this game, I want most people to see my logo and recognize from a distance that I'm building the house. That is why picked yellow for the background. It's the first color in the spectrum that people notice. (my business cards are yellow) One other bit of trivia: Yellow inspires people to buy things. Think Blockbuster Movie Rental.
In three years, I want to have built 15 houses. This year, I'm shooting for two. Remodels and additions will fill in the gaps. Next year, I want to build 4-6 homes and after that, 7-9. I will adapt my plan to fit market conditions as necessary.
Anyway, I ordered "the E-myth" and will order more books in due time. I'm glad I found this forum. The information is astounding!
Thanks for the advice!
"That is why picked yellow for the background. It's the first color in the spectrum that people notice. (my business cards are yellow) One other bit of trivia: Yellow inspires people to buy things. Think Blockbuster Movie Rental."
hmmm... this explains why I needed to have the Dewalt 18v finish nailer
My thoughts are these.
Since you want to appear as a "company," rather than just a one-man-show, change your answering message for both phone numbers to, "XYZ Builders, leave a message at the tone for John Doe."
Then change your habits so that both phones get answered live, with, "XYZ Builders, John Doe speaking."
Others have said that having a website isn't so great, but I disagree. I am designing my sign now, and intend only to have my web address on it. No phone numbers.
XYZBuilders.com
For one thing, I think it is easier for a someone driving by to remember your business name as a dot com address, than to get a phone number.
For the class of client I want, virtually everyone is wired.
I'm in touch with some web design pros, freelance people, and have said that a model website I like to show a portfolio of work is http://www.salaarc.com
They are architects, not builders, but I like the way the site is organized and the project pics shown and accessed.
Answering machine message begins with: Hello, you've reached Matt with MCS Construction...
I agree with you on the website. I had the blue bar placed at the bottom so I can add a web address once I have a site built. I already have the domain: mcsconstructiontn.com
Give 'em your first and last name on that phone message.
Not giving it, just saying your first name, sounds unprofessional to me.
matt... IMNSHO .....you've got a few things going for you.. the color...
and the shape of the roof line
it all gets lost (except for the color) in the sign shape
if i put 10 of the real estate signs up on a wall, i'd never recognize yours as being different (except the color)
View Image
it is exactly the same size & shape as every other yard sign..
if you expanded the house sillouette and included all of your info inside the house then it would start to register on people's radar screens
this is your sign.. what is your logo?.. what is your letterhead?.. what is your weekly news ad? what is your business card? & what is your truck sign ?
yellow is going to be you.. that's great...
the most successful remodeler in our town used yellow also..
but i could tell his signs from a block away.. and each thing reinforced the next..
how will your sign fare in Black & White print.. ?
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
I'd appreciate some opinions about my yard sign. Not to highjack Matt's thread, but as long as we're talking...
Jim,I hate to be blunt, but I can't read your phone number, nor would I know who to ask for when someone answered the phone, based on the photo of your yard sign. If I get out of my car, walk up to your sign, and take notes you're in luck; if I'm driving by, you're SOL.
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
jim... shy as i am.. i will venture a couple things
View Image
the picture frame around the sign is unbalanced.. either extend ALL corners or none
there is something muddying up the space between "A small & WoodworkinG" and also between "WoodworkinG & Company".. it's some kind of background thing that from a viewing distance just looks like clutter or mud.
you have a logo.. i think i've seen it.. it should be more prominent on your sign to cement the experience to the viewer..
ie: every time they see something realted to your company they should havea repeated experience.. the phrase i remember is
no one will be concious of your company until they have 7 blips on their radar screen
if every time they see your ad , or your sign, they get a different message..it will all get lost as background clutter..
it's ok to experiment until you find what you think is the most effective, but once you find it...you must repeat it
your logo is
A Small
WoodworkinG
Company
get that into your logo and start repeating it.. same font, same color, same shape
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Looks good to me Jim. But if you're a woodworker what's with all buckets of paint?
and how come your top cross support is longer on the left than the right?
Barbara always says my mustache is longer on the left than the right.
Maybe it's to counterbalance the weight of my hammer....Or
Maybe it's just a guy thing?............:-)
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Is it just me or have you been missing? I have missed your insight. Maybe I have just been on other threads (or in a fog).
Bob
I've been missing.............
A little to do with too much work and too little time.............
and what's with that anyway?.............when you get older time really does pass you by.
I'm just going to have to get MORE POWER!
For my tools and my old body........
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Good to see you back. Life's too short.
Jazzdog - Don't worry about blunt, that's the clearest way to communicate as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for taking a look. You're right, someone driving by would certainly have trouble getting my number. Do you think if someone doesn't take time to write a phone number down they're likely to remember it anyway though? I have a neighbor who's a tree surgeon, his buisness number is "458-TREE". Except for something that cleverly connected, I think a person pretty much has to write something down.
Mike - thanks. That photo didn't shrink very well when I reduced it in Infranview. That sign is exactly the same layout, colors, fonts and scale as my truck lettering, which you might be thinking of when you say you've seen my "logo" (that's all I have man!). The ballance of the sign frame is I guess a matter of taste, but you're probably right that more folks react favorably to more familliar shapes and symetry than my usual tastes.
Bob - that top bar supports a hanging plant, you can just barely see it in that photo. The sign is two sided so it can be read by people driving either direction and usually sits perpendicular to the road with the flowers toward the road to catch the eye. And I'm with RASCONC, nice to see your name on my screen. Nice weather we've been having, huh?
Free the Sancho!
"You're right, someone driving by would certainly have trouble getting my number. Do you think if someone doesn't take time to write a phone number down they're likely to remember it anyway though? I have a neighbor who's a tree surgeon, his buisness number is "458-TREE". Except for something that cleverly connected, I think a person pretty much has to write something down."Jim,I think you may have answered your own question: "I think a person pretty much has to write something down." I have been known to jot down the name and telephone number of a company based on how professional and well-maintained their work truck looked as is passed me on the freeway, or how professional, creative, or orginal their sign was - IF their signage was crisp, legible, and easy to read (I admit that I cannot stand signs that are so "creative" that the lettering is a challenge to decipher, or buried in graphics).On the other hand, I have ruled-out some tradesmen when their rigs were poorly maintained, dirty, etc. AND their presentation wasn't exceptional. Yes, I've had some fantastic experiences with guys whose work has been exceptional, but whose signs and trucks have left a lot to be desired. In my experience, however, guys with amateurish signs, poorly maintained rigs, an unprofessional demeanor, etc. have been more likely to take unacceptable shortcuts on the jobsite, less likely to show up on time, less concerned about leaving the job clean, less likely to have terrific relationships with their subs and so forth.The above may sound harsh, but 30+ years of experience have led me to draw these conclusions.My $0.02,-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
You still didn't tell us what you were doing with all that paint? Are you dolling up that sweet shop of yours?
This weather has been fantastic but I fear we will be taking showers with bottled water if we don't get some rain or snow soon."Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Now that's a true Northwesterner for ya. Get some nice weather and all you hear from folks all day is "yeah, but we sure could use some rain". B.S. to that idea. Been here almost 30 years myself and one thing's certain, we'll have enough rain soon enough. Heaven forbid we have to wear sunglasses or go a day with wearing rain gear and golashes (sp?).
Hey. Kathy and I are celbrating our 25th anniversery this week. Who'd a thunk it? Some people call that "Silver Anniversery". I tend to think of it as "Grey".
Paint? Well, I, er, um, yeah, I guess I'll own up to painting and staining every once in a while. Just about time for you to go hit that little white ball around, isn't it?Free the Sancho!
"I already have the domain: mcsconstructiontn.com"if I saw that on a sign I might remember mcsconstruction, but probably forget the tn.took a second or third look to realize that it waws there. first thought construction was mispelled.driving by wouldn't get the the opertunity to double check.an opinionedit: you probably already know there is an MCSconstrucion.com, GB or Cananda.bobl Volo, non valeoBaloney detecter
Edited 3/3/2005 9:52 am ET by bobl
don't ya wanna build for any older people?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
Matt - I don't know squat about marketing, graphics, or what you expect your sign/logo to say about you but I like the simplicity of it. I think it's easy to read at a glance and has contact information.
I thought about that, Jeff. My thoughts were that older folks, and they are the not-wired segment of the populace, don't generally come to a snow-country ski town to build their retirement home. Also, they don't want the travel hassle associated with going to and fro to deal with a weekend house.
for your target market ...
I'd say the www might be just the ticket then.
makes me think of another question ... do U have a great "I.T." sub to recommend ... or a really far thinking electrician.
with that market ... and that strategy ... I'm thinking a well wired house would be almost a given. You'll need a good computer/stero guy plus an electrician that'll work in conjunction with them.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry in Carpentry
Pgh, PA
"What are your thoughts about having my name on the sign? My brother said I should, but I want to project my company as a well,,, company. I felt having my name on the sign would lend the impression that I am working alone."Matt,I feel very comfortable reading a sign like yours, that's crisp, clean, concise, and is easy to read - quickly - from a distance, as when driving by. Adding your name is fine if there's a reason for it to be there: calling a realtor's office without knowing who to ask for can be frustrating, so if your sign says "Ask for Matt" or "Matt S_____, Owner/President/Proprietor..." it might make callers more comfortable because they'll know who to ask for when they call.If I call the number on your sign and the person who answers doesn't use his/her "business voice," and says "hello" instead of "Good afternoon, MCS Builders," etc. all bets are off. BTW, I believe "warm-up phrases" like "Good afternoon" are important, not only because they convey cheerfulness and professionalism, but, more importantly, because they give the caller an opportunity to zero-in on the speaking voice of the person who answers the phone, making it more likely that they'll have your voice "in focus" and understand what you say next.
I hope this is the kind of feedback you wanted,
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
"warm-up phrases" like "Good afternoon" are important, not only because they convey cheerfulness and professionalism, but, more importantly, because they give the caller an opportunity to zero-in on the speaking voice of the person who answers the phone, making it more likely that they'll have your voice "in focus" and understand what you say next
Brilliant! I never thought of it like that before, but you're right, your brain needs a second to figure out the voice on the other end of the phone.
Matt, your sign is easy to read, good colors for recognition, though maybe not "quality" colors. I like the basics of your business plan. Why do you need two phone numbers? I would use the area code and the phone I want people to call, instead of giving them multiple phones to leave multiple messages at. But then, I don't like the phone much.
One other question, at 26, how can you have built hundreds of houses? Or did I misread something? Anyway, good luck on your venture, looks like you're off to a great start!
Mike
"Why do you need two phone numbers?"
Well, because I have a cell phone and an office phone. If someone calls one of those numbers, I'll answer or they can leave a message and I'll return the call ASAP. I have both numbers listed on my business card designated by office or cell. I just thought it would be a good idea to have both numbers on my sign. It may also alleviate potential buyer's concern that I may be a "truck" contractor.
"One other question, at 26, how can you have built hundreds of houses? Or did I misread something?"
I probably mislead you. I haven't physically "built" 200 houses. In the first year that I worked in construction, the tract home builder that employed me built 108 houses. I worked on every one of them in some capacity or another. I repaired stuff that the subs messed up. I scheduled subs. I did warranty work. I got an education in the school of hard knocks. Being 17 years old didn't get me much respect from subcontractors, but hard work and dedication to quality did. After I graduated high school, I worked in various building trades. I don't know exactly how many houses I've worked in, but it has to be over 100.
Thanks for the well wishes!
Looks good Matt....like the color, design, layout.
I was wondering about the two phone numbers as well. Too much information confuses some folks.
I`m piggybacking your thread here...hope you don`t mind. I`m attaching my current sign which I`ll be updateing in the not too distant future. Here in NY we now need to include our license #s. Nobody has busted my horns about it thus far, but I figger why ask for trouble.
What do you guys think? As always, all input appreciated.
PS. I blocked the phone number so as not to break any forum rules and avoid any wize azzes with too much time on their hands.
FREE SANCHO RON
Is there a meaningful difference between home improvements and residential remodeling to the average HO? Saying both seems a little redundant to me.-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Actually, the business name is J. D. Reynolds Home Improvements.....which is why it is in blue and residential remodeling is in red.
Basically just wanted a bit more specificity as to what we actually do.FREE SANCHO RON
J.D. Reynolds
Residential Remodeling
(123) 456-7890-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
jay... let's take a look see >>>>>>>>
View Image
ok.. where's the license # ?
and same thing.... from across the street .. looks just like every other sigh on a lawn..
you gotta differentiate it.. and
i'm with jazzdog.. it's redundant..
looks professional & all.. but it does nothing for me
you gotta do some marketing research.. spend some money on graphics..
fer cryin out loudMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Lic. # is the reason I`ll be getting a new sign.
Perhaps it is redundant, but I am often asked what exactly do I do even after mentioning the business name........I`m not too concerned with it looking different from others, so graphics weren`t a concern. (Although I chose the colors for originality in my area)
Being able to read it from across the street was what I felt most important......few and far between take the time to get up close.
But yer input is exactly what I`m lookin` for.FREE SANCHO RON
at the risk of getting it back in spades..
here is a sign... and a logo ... and a message..
and my license numbers..
and the color/shape and background color ( all the truck s ( both of them )) and the trailer... are red
View Image
they know who it is without reading a thing
just like you know mcdonalds
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 2/27/2005 11:27 pm ET by Mike Smith
wanna move in a little closer ?
View Image
or the trailer ..
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Edited 2/27/2005 11:34 pm ET by Mike Smith
I don't need no steenkin' signs, but my oldest is trying to crank up a flooring biz out in Montana...This is his first sign, am I going to still have to get his mother to send him moola? Don't worry, we can fix that later!
snort.. good sign.. has a lot of possibilities for logo application...
View ImageMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
That's funny...he's got a degree in graphics w/ a minor in biznez...where did I go wrong<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!