I have an update on the Alzheimer's Association auction that featured a day of work from T. C. B. Residential Services. The auction was held tonight at a large event that included catered food from a fine restaurant, major corporate sponsors, and hundreds of donated goods and services, some bundled together to make attractive bid packages. Many of these bundles were offered as "silent auction" items with starting bids as low as $30. My donated labor was auctioned with a separate group of bundles that were saved for a "live" auction later in the night, hosted by a local television personality. My group had an "Extreme Home Makeover" theme and included help from an interior designer, my company, a painter, a piece of artwork, and dinner at a restaurant. The starting bid for this was $500. I will post again when I find out the result of this charity auction, and the winner contacts me.

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   I was recently solicited by the local chapter of the  Alzheimer's Assn. to ask if I would consider donating a day's work, to be auctioned off at an event, with the proceeds to benefit the programs and services that they provide. Why would I do this? Well, for several reasons: First, I think this is a good cause, and I believe in giving to the community in general and to favorite causes in particular. My own father suffered from Alzheimer's and this organization certainly does good work in service and research. Second, some of the people attending this event and auction will be the families of Alzheimer's patients. The idea is that the patients who are still in their homes may have repairs or handicap accomodations that they need but couldn't do for themselves.
   But another benefit comes from getting my company's name out there in front of people who could become customers, but who don't know about T. C. B. Residential Services. Along with the certificate that I sent them to display at the auction, I also included my promotional brochures and plenty of business cards. The other benefit comes when the winner calls me for their donated day of labor. They get to experience quality work done where they need it most. What if they need other work done and don't know who to call? Here's my opportunity to sell myself as the service provider they can rely on for honest work done well, on time and on budget. I think this is something that all of us should think about doing, both to help others and to help ourselves. You can choose any amount to donate and put restrictions such as mileage, etc., into the deal as well. I will post to my blog to let everyone know how this worked out for me. I have done this before for other charities, with varying results. Don't be afraid to try something new!

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    How should any of us price our work? This can be a tough call, especially when the phone isn't ringing and you were underbid twice last month by the hack across town. But it's important to remember that working cheaply can only be counterproductive. In general, people everywhere recognize that they truly get what they pay for. And, while I believe in discounts for family and friends, I am also not afraid to price my work at a fair rate that compensates me the way I deserve to be. It's not unusual for clients of T.C.B. Residential Services  http://www.tcbproperties.com/ to tell me that others have bid lower than us to try to get their work, but they decided to hire us based on our professional image, my well-written proposals, and word-of-mouth references given by previous clients. Personally, I can respect an individual or company who knows the value of their work and can price it accordingly. But it is also important to give your customers great value for the money they are paying. Naturally, everyone expects good work from the tradespeople that they hire. But, if each of us can go the extra mile to deliver excellent service, it not only brings repeat business from that customer, but you will get many more referrals from that customer to friends and neighbors who may need the services that you provide. As an added bonus, taking the time and effort to deliver excellence in your work raises the expectations that people have for all of us. Professionalism is what raises us above the "hacks" who have given contractors and other business trades bad names in the past. So don't be afraid to take the extra time and material necessary to turn out an excellent job. The results will be more business, and at the rates that you deserve!

Tags: T.C.B Residential Home Improvement Work Price

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