How to Build a Database and Recession-Proof Your Business Ft. Timberdoodle Sawmill

September 12, 2022

How to Build a Database and Recession-Proof Your Business Ft. Timberdoodle Sawmill

“Right now, we’re definitely struggling with where the economy is going. We don’t have big projects lined up for next year yet, which is new for us. We’re also trying to start working with more of the architect and design side of the process, to start doing some chain of custody sourcing and helping that process.”

Katrina Amaral

The question of what is coming next, economically speaking, is on a lot of people’s minds right now, Steve’s included. He has been working a lot on developing plans to handle a recession from the perspective of a wood business and provides a lot of vital information to Katrina for her business.

“You said that you have five home projects that you’re working on. Those people came to you for those projects specifically; whoever they are, there are probably more people like that. So now you need to start investing in building your brand and getting your name out there.

I haven’t met too many people like yourself, but the fact that you work with landowners to help them repurpose their lumber in their own projects that’s a unique sort of value proposition. I would build a marketing campaign strictly on that and create a marketing package for your ideal target audience.”

Steve Larosiliere

Establishing a Database

Getting jobs and projects is vitally important for the success of any business, but almost equally valuable is a marketing list and database of future potential clients. The first step in this is creating a database that details your ideal target audience for your products, and then build a marketing list the same way.

“The same way realtors can get your address to tell you about the home that’s for sale down the street, you can do the same thing but for your services. The second thing are these architects and millworks and it’s a very similar thing where you can put together and harvest the list. Make three to five calls a day, to tell them what you’re doing and then lock in the pricing for your projects right now then you can get agreements and contracts for next year.

You could go to contractors and developers and tell them, ‘We have room next year for five more partners. I’m inviting you to be a part of this.’ It’s about making them feel special. Then make sure you get testimonials from clients you’re working with now. Like, ‘Oh, Katrina and Timberdoodle farm are great. They do this, this and that.’ You need to know who you’re targeting, where they inhabit, and you need to communicate in this style, by selling your features, your benefits, and social proof. That’s all you need to do.”