An office for a roofing company can be big or small.
While you may have experience as an office administrator, new employees at roofing companies may be surprised by the field-specific knowledge they need to acquire in order to run the office. Because roofing is in the construction field, a knowledge of insurance, publicity, and building client relationships are important to the running of the firm. Nevertheless, with some practice, you can successfully apply your administrative skills to running an office for a roofing company.
Instructions
1. Equip the office for basic administrative duties. Before you even have any clients, make sure that your office is set to handle them once they do arrive. To do this, you will need a computer, a client management system, such as Filemaker, to help you track client contact information and communications, a telephone (preferably one with multiple lines), a filing cabinet, a printer with paper supplies, and an Internet connection. Other office equipment, such as a fax machine or a postage machine, are optional but not necessary right away.
2. Check local regulations and make sure your company is in accord with them. As the office administrator or manager for a roofing company, keeping up with liability and other insurance coverage will most likely fall to you. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for advice on the regulations in your area; attending meetings of government affairs committees, as well as presentations on issues such as insurance and liability, can help keep you connected to updates in the laws.
3. Educate yourself about roofing. When clients call to book their services, you will need to be able to advise them on their options. Though complicated technical questions should go to the contractor or workmen themselves, knowing the basics about the procedures, the time each one takes, and the pricing will help you build good relationships with your clients and cultivate long-term relationships. Community colleges in your area may offer programs in roofing or certificates in roofing apprenticeship. However, you can also learn on the job by discussing each service in-depth with workmen, or even spending several days on job sites to observe and learn what the workmen do.
4. Publicize the company for greater profit. Though many people only turn to roofing companies in times of need, you can establish your company as the "go-to" company in your area through a variety of networks. Traditional advertising, from fliers to billboards, can be effective, as can Internet search marketing. Taking out prominent space in the Yellow Pages with a large ad under "Roofing" can also help to bring you business.
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