Commercial clients are a funny lot
This is one area I seem to have done quite well on.
I put that down to the business window, the updates on the blog (that are going to be updated this weekend - slow this year).
Commercial can seem like the holy grail - I put three significant invoices in on December the 5th, still no payments, waiting on second signatures!!. can you handle that?
Do I say no more work till I get paid or do I go and view the substantial works, at three sites and just keep reminding them of late payments.
Spoke to the head of facilities for a NHS hospital two weeks ago - we have completed works for them and are looking at a larger project (priced already) - how did he get my details, looking through the web and liked the work I have done with the supermarkets.
We didn't just get big jobs, much the same as Simon, it is development from a smaller beginning but it is critical to show clients your capabilities and that comes from leaflets, smaller works all backed up by the best website you can afford and being very good at doing what you do.
When you do get to that place where you want to be commercially there is a lot of handling the client, we give a polite, succinct, get the job done attitude. We never let the client down. I work and get my hands dirty, the directors of the principle contractors see this but I also have excellent relationships with them and their business owners
Rob
