You may think selling your first roof is about:
- Getting everything perfect before you get to the appointment…
- Watching every Youtube video about roofing sales you possibly can.
- Roleplaying for days and weeks on end to get your script down.
But in this video – Adam Bensman, The Roof Strategist shares his unconventional thoughts on selling your first roof, that might surprise you!
Breaking Into Roofing Sales: Unlikely Beginnings and Big Bucks
If you think getting into the roofing business is a typical career choice, think again. Most don’t just stumble into roofing – except for the few whose family’s been in it for ages.
But let me tell you, once you’re in, it’s a wild ride!
Roofing sales isn’t about being the flashiest talker or the slickest salesman. Nope. It’s for those who’ve got the knack for solving problems and making things simpler for others.
The First Steps: Where to Begin in Roofing Sales
So, you’re dipping your toes into roofing sales? Where do you even start? Here’s the deal:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Before you even think of stepping onto someone’s doorstep, get your pitch down pat. Practice, practice, and then practice some more. Roleplay with friends, family, or even in front of a camera.
- Know Your Audience: When you’re at that door, remember, people want to know who you are and what you want, pronto. Cut to the chase, make it relevant, and throw in an open-ended question to get them talking.
The Top Earners are Humble
You might think the big earners in roofing are all about charisma and flash. But that’s far from the truth. These folks are understated, organized, and great at managing their time. They understand their clients and cater their sales approach to different needs and mindsets. And above all, they love what they do and the people they serve.
Some top tips from other roofing professionals:
Jamie Fortier of Scott Meadows Construction says:
“If I could give someone one tip and only one tip, it would be to care about the customer. If you can show them that, you’ll beat a better salesman and sometimes even a better company.
With that being said, there will be a point where they’ll need to learn that they can’t care MORE than the customer. Some customers do not care and will not put the effort in – and it’s important to be able to sniff that out. If you can’t, you will run that empathy reservoir dry and/or burn yourself out more and more frequently.”
Mark Aumen of Colorado Preferred Roofing says:
“Arrive at your appointment early and prepared with all the sales material and paperwork you may need. (Samples, contracts, iPad, etc)”
Chris Diroll of Tresnak Roofing says:
“When selling your first roof, think about how you tend to make purchases. Identify the aspects you appreciate in a buying process and what you avoid. Then, you can apply this understanding in reverse & look for buyers who have similar buying preferences to you. This should help you craft an approach to your sale that you can build on with confidence.”
This is my selling my first roof – LOL, my biggest tip is practice with the ladder!
1. The Art of Comprehensive Roof Inspection
At the heart of a successful roofing project lies a thorough inspection. It’s not merely about ticking boxes off a checklist. The professionals in the video emphasize the importance of going beyond the obvious, ensuring that every potential issue is documented. This thoroughness is key, not only for the integrity of the roof but also for maintaining transparency and trust with the client. Here’s what makes their approach stand out:
- Detailed Documentation: Every damage, no matter how small, is carefully noted.
- Client Involvement: Keeping the clients in the loop throughout the inspection process.
- Beyond the Surface: Looking for underlying issues that aren’t immediately visible.
2. Building a Connection Beyond the Roof
A significant aspect of this job is the interaction with the client. The roofing professionals are not just inspecting a roof; they’re building a relationship. They understand that trust and rapport are as crucial as the technical aspects of the job. Here’s how they excel in client relations:
- Clear Communication: Explaining the process and findings in an understandable way.
- Responsiveness to Queries: Encouraging questions and providing comprehensive answers.
- Respect for Client Preferences: Taking into account the client’s schedule and choices for future work.
3. The Human Side of Roofing: Learning and Mentorship
Interestingly, the video also touches on the human aspect of roofing – the learning curve of new employees. Witnessing a new team member’s first job and his candid admission of needing practice with the ladder adds a personal, relatable touch to the video. It’s a reminder that behind every professional service, there’s a team of individuals, each with their own learning journey. Key takeaways here include:
- Mentorship and Support: Experienced members guiding newcomers.
- Learning in Action: Embracing on-job learning as a crucial part of professional growth.
- Humility and Teamwork: Acknowledging areas of improvement and working together to enhance skills.
The Last Hurdles: Facing Rejection and Finding Success
Let’s be real – starting in roofing sales is tough. There will be rejection, there will be days when you question your life choices. But here’s the golden nugget: success in roofing sales is just on the other side of discomfort. Stick with it, lean into the challenges, and remember, two-thirds of newbies don’t make it past the first year. So, if you’re still standing, you’re already ahead of the game!
Final Thoughts: Dive In and Keep Learning
If you’re itching to make a mark in roofing sales, the best advice is to just do it.
Get out there, face your fears, and keep pushing. And hey, don’t forget to check out resources like The Roof Strategist on YouTube and the Roofing Sales Survival Guide.
Trust me, they’re goldmines for anyone starting in this field.
Check out this inspiring story of Roofing Sales Millionaire, Dan Walrack!
And there you have it. Roofing sales might not be the most conventional path, but it’s one filled with potential for those willing to tackle the challenges head-on.
Remember, it’s not about being the loudest in the room; it’s about understanding, serving, and solving problems for your clients.
So go out there, give it your best shot, and who knows?
You might just be the next big thing in roofing sales!