(From the Contractor Talk forum which is, by the way, a terrific resource.)

“One contractor I know taught his men how to ask for referrals while they were working on the job. They would give a card to the neighbor and ask them to fill out the information on the back of the card. Then they would take that card and give the prospect another. Then the employee would call in the lead before the end of the day to the office. If the lead resulted in a face to face visit a small referral fee was given to the employee whether the job sold or not.”

Construction Marketing Blog Review:

This is an excellent idea you can use in your business right now, today.

You can give your field guys business cards with a small form on the back for these “neighbor prospects” to fill out. Tell your employees they will make an instant, cash commision each time one of these leads turns into a face-to-face meeting.

This method eliminates the uncertainty and the lack of “quick cash” potential that can thwart some construction industry commission referral plans.

Train your guys to take 15 minutes and knock on 2 or 3 doors at the end of every day around the neighborhood. Have them introduce themselves and say something like, “Hello, I’m Seth. We are working on the project next door, and we like to always check with each neighbor face-to-face to let you know we’re good honest guys…most of the time.” (use some humor)

Also, have your guys keep their eyes peeled throughout the work day for opportunities to interact in a friendly, positive way with neighbors who are poking around the jobsite surroundings. Most residential  jobsites have an abundance of this type of activity you can take advantage of.

Go print some cards for your guys, and let us know how it works!