Make Buddies with Builders Over Breakfast

So, you’re an interior designer who wants to hook up with builders.

Good idea.

Problem is, so does every other designer within a 500 mile radius. What to do?

Well, you can do what those others do. You can hang out at local HBA meetings, and pass out business cards.

Or, you can get a list of local builders, and start smilin’, dialin’ and leavin’ — lots of messages.

Then again, you can do something which makes a lot more sense: invite builders over for breakfast.

I’ve helped several designers create “Builders for Breakfast” events.

Invite a select group to a “builders networking event” at your showroom, or a nice local restaurant. Let ‘em munch and meet. Give a 15 minute presentation. Offer your design services. And then, send ‘em on their way

Promote it the right way, and you’ll be surprised how many builders show, and how many relationships you can develop.

Some Builders for Breakfast ideas to get you started:

+ Create a 20 minute presentation on how area builders can increase sales (sample topic: “How to Add Magic to Your Model Homes”

+ Promote your “builders networking event” and your presentation with personalized invitations.

+ Have the event catered. Or, select an upscale local restaurant to host it.

+ Include a simple handout, such as a tip list, and include your contact info and bio.

+  Announce your plans to partner with a few local builders, and offer yourself as a design resource for them.

+ Send handwritten thank you notes following the event.

Fred Berns coaches interior design professionals on how to increase their business by connecting with builders and developers.