Starting a new business is no small task. That's why we're sharing a small business template – seven proven steps to starting a small business in decorative concrete. How are they proven? These are the steps I took to launch my own decorative concrete business in 2013 and are the same steps I walk my clients through to successfully start their own decorative concrete businesses.

In this week's video, I’m sharing seven proven steps to launch your own decorative concrete business.

And if you’re a current decorative concrete professional, there may be some ideas tucked into this list that can improve your current business. As a bonus, I’m going to share five tips for building a digital portfolio for use in estimates and marketing.

Step #1: Develop an entrepreneurial mindset

An entrepreneurial mindset is a way of thinking that enables you to overcome challenges, be decisive, and accept responsibility for your outcomes.

In any business, it’s important to improve your skills, learn from your mistakes, and take continuous action on your ideas.

Anyone willing to do the work can develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

Step #2: Partner with a quality manufacturer

It is vital to partner with a manufacturer that can provide not only superior products but ongoing training and support.

I recommend interviewing potential manufacturers before partnering with them.

Step #3: Set up your business and start marketing

You are launching a small business, not starting a new hobby. Take the time to structure your business correctly and execute a marketing strategy.

Step 4: Master your top three systems

Your manufacturer will have many decorative concrete solutions to meet your customer's desires. Spend time studying all of the products and specifications in your arsenal, but choose three to learn in-depth to start.

Step #5: Conduct free estimates weekly

Do not wait until the installation job you are on is complete before scheduling your next project. Schedule face-to-face estimates weekly to keep your calendar full and provide a steady stream of income.

Step #6: Schedule and perform installations

When a customer accepts your estimate, collect one-third of the job's total cost as a down payment and schedule the installation. The deposit should cover the cost of the materials needed. On the first day of installation, you will collect the next third. Collect the final third upon completion of the project. 

Step #7: Keep the funnel full

Don't relaunch your business between each project! The best way to avoid this is to keep your business funnel full of prospective customers.

For more details on each step, we’ve created a pdf guide with all of these steps spelled out for you.

Bonus: Tips to create a digital portfolio

Here are five tips to create a digital portfolio for use in your marketing and estimates. Start implementing these tips from your first project, and you’ll have a portfolio of useful images before you know it.

Tip #1: Take before and after pictures.

Be sure to stand in the same place for both photos for a true comparison of the before and after of the project.

Tip #2: Prepare for the photo.

Make sure all of your tools are picked up, and there aren’t any cords or items cluttering the photo.

Tip #3: Check for good lighting.

Specifically, watch for shadows – people want to see a good photo of the installation, not a giant shadow of you taking the photo.

Tip #4: Evaluate the surroundings.

Sometimes the customers have junk in the background that you can avoid by choosing a different angle.

Tip #5: Take a close-up photo and one from further away to give different perspectives.

Some people want to see the texture and techniques, and others are more inspired by the overall feel of the installation.

Follow these tips went taking photos of every job, and you’ll build a digital portfolio of your own projects that you can use on your website, on social media, and during estimates to help customers envision how you can transform their concrete into something beautiful.

A Cheat Sheet Just For You!

Don’t forget to access the pdf resource we’ve created for you. And if you don’t have a preferred manufacturer and want to talk about options, I’m offering a limited number of complimentary consultations on a first-come-first-served basis. Click here to see if I still have availability and schedule your call today.

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