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Connected Contractors

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About this Web Site

Quick Info or Powerful Resource: You Decide

As a homeowner you can choose to use ConnectedContractors as a tool that helps you to organize and track your home improvement project online, or simply browse the website for home improvement contractors, business services, information and products your project may require.

As a business manager you may use ConnectedContractors.com only as a means to generate new leads that flow directly to your email inbox, or as a full-blown mobile computing solution that drives your company’s efficiency to the next level.

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Mission
We are committed to making home improvement projects more efficient, less stressful and better organized for consumers, businesses and suppliers.
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Organization

By nature the home improvement industry is based on local business relationships – typically, businesses and clients are in close proximity to one other.

With this in mind, ConnectedContractors.com creates local hubs or marketplaces. Each marketplace is assigned to service a specific geographic region. Businesses become members only in the areas where their business operates. Consumers browse the web site and connect with those businesses that serve their specific geographic area.

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Easy to Use

Often, when people hear ‘software’ they think ‘complicated’. Simplicity is a core value at ConnectedContractors.com.

Anyone with basic keyboarding skills can master all of the features and benefits ConnectedContractors.com offers. If you can check, send and receive email, create and save a document in word processing software, you’re more then qualified to be a power user of ConnectedContractors.com.

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First Mover Advantages

We value companies that accept the challenge of moving before others and believe in rewarding those companies. All of our business directories are organized by seniority (not alphabetically). Your company coming on board before your competitors provides you with a first mover advantage (that translates into more business for your company).

Our directory positions are not for sale to the highest bidder and there’s no need to purchase a bundle of keywords that describe your business. More importantly, it’s not possible for a new member with deep pockets to cut into the success of established members simply by outbidding them. There are no tricks or tactics to advance their location above another in our directories. Every company has the same equal opportunity to lock in a favorable directory position by being a “First Mover”.

Membership applications are processed in the order they are received. New members are posted to the directory when all information is complete and payment is processed. (Business checks are deposited promptly and clear in 3-5 business days; PayPal processes credit card payments instantaneously and securely.)

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I Don’t Have Time for Another Task on My “To Do” list

Now more then ever we have to “work smart not hard”. ConnectedContractors.com was constructed with this simple reality in mind.

Any time a business owner or customer receives new information to their online workspace at ConnectedContractors.com an alert is forwarded to their email account. Businesses and customers are never obligated to log on to ConnectedContractors.com – our system will notify you when there’s a need to log on. The details of the update are included in the email alert.

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Innovation Drives Efficiency

ConnectedContactors.com provides businesses with easy to use, low cost, web-based software. We also provide homeowners with a separate set of free tools that improve organization and record keeping.

ConnectedContractors.com’s core innovation is that the two sets of simple tools are compatible and interactive. For the first time, the business and client are working with a standardized platform for communication allowing them to share information accurately and seamlessly.

The result is every request and keystroke are saved and recycled for the business and the client enabling them to more efficiently. Redundant typing is eliminated and there’s no such thing as lost notes or forgotten commitments. ConnectedContractors.com software automatically updates the business and client dashboards when new information is shared or sent via the website.

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Guaranteed to Improve Customer Service, Speed & Accuracy


New to Technology?

If your business is new to technology, ConnectedContractors.com might be the only customer service software your company will need. Say goodbye to scribbled notes, forgotten opportunities and missed appointments. Our service helps you stay on track by providing simple tools keeping existing as well as new client opportunities organized.

ConnectedContractors.com creates an online file drawer for every new account. New accounts maybe added manually or automatically when a client contacts you through ConnectedContractors.com. Any time you create a document or send information to that account, the appropriate files are updated. All of your account information is neatly organized with minimal effort.


Tech Junkies

For the first time your online workspace is compatible and interactive with your customer’s. Your business is streamlined for meaningful customer service transactions (even after business hours). Information can be shared directly, with complete accuracy. Requests and updates from customers are automatically added to your database (no manual data entry). A new prospect reaching out to your company via ConnectedContractors.com is instantly added to your database. You’re ready to create proposals, invoices, work orders, directions and more for that customer. The info is direct from the customer, free from the possibility of human error on your end. Going forward you’ll never have to retype that customer’s info into any business form or work order.

ConnectedContractors.com is complimentary to your existing operating system. ConnectedContractors.com will be a vital supplement to your current program, erasing the lines between advertising, operations, sales and customer service while connecting your business to clients in ways not previously possible. ConnectedContractors.com allows your business to collaborate with customers, instead of just serving them.

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Static, Unrelated Web Information Meets a Dynamic, Integrated Operating System

Well-conceived professional web pages do a great job of informing prospects; however, a website’s functionality is limited by the investment made by the business owner. Turning an informational website into a meaningful customer service tool can be an expensive proposition. ConnectedContractors.com has made this investment for your company. ConnectedContractors.com transforms a simple web page into a customer service powerhouse. Requests from clients and prospects are automatically captured and saved to the business’ online database.

Account management is web-enabled allowing the business manager to share account data with field techs and to access/create files remotely. The business’ web capabilities now include creating documents like customized proposals, change orders and invoices including the company logo and web site. These documents can be saved right to the customer’s Project Organizer ensuring a long useful life for the information.

As an even greater convenience for the client, ALL of the contacts, web sites, documents and related project information are stored together in one place. ConnectedContractors.com provides the customer with a free project command center, driving all activity to a single source; this project command center utilizes one standard way of doing things.

Once a client or prospect saves a company web site to their Project Organizer, the site is immersed in an entire suite of new capabilities. The web site now has simple short cuts to Rolodex info and direct email. Functions such Request for Proposal, Schedule an Appointment, Appointment Tracking, Budgeting, Notes, Maintenance Reminders and much more are now apart of the web sites functionality. The company web site is now virtually integrated with other vendors that client is using. This virtual integration forms a cohesive, integrated team using the same tools and standards to benefit all parties involved in the project.

Without doubt, ConnectedContractors.com helps businesses and their clients to organize, network and communicate.

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For Companies Without a Website

Haven’t gotten around to creating a web site for your company yet? That’s understandable – today’s business owner is under enormous pressure to produce and to cut expenses simultaneously. Often important tasks have to wait.

In the meantime ConnectedContractors’ system works for businesses with or without a web presence. If you’re company has a valid email address, you can take advantage of all of the features and benefits our web site offers. There are really only two differences between members with and without a website.

If you have a website your company name located in our directory listing(s) is a hyperlink to your website. And if your client/prospect saves your company name to a Project Organizer, a ‘visit company web site’ button is available after clicking the ‘info’ link under your name in the Organizer – opening your web site in another window.

For companies without a web site the company name in the directory listing is black text, (as it is not a hyperlink to a web site) and the ‘visit company web site’ button is not available from the client’s Project Organizer (but all of your other company contact data is available from the ‘info’ link).

A business without a web site has access and full use of every other feature and benefit ConnectedContractors.com offers.

If your company is new to the web, or if you’re thinking about increasing your web presence, our annual $300 membership fee is by far the least expensive way to begin to explore the marketing advantages the Internet offers.

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Cost Effective


Homeowners: Free!

ConnectedContractors.com is available free of charge to homeowners. Finding and working with local companies, access to Project Organizers, web tools and classified ads, coupons and employment message boards are included.

Please check ConnectedContractors.com first for your home improvement and maintenance needs.

Businesses: Less then $1/day

Membership includes listing your business in our directory in as many as three categories that represents your line of business. You’ll be represented in the drop down lists that drive our Project Organizers, have access to web-based account management software and unlimited use of classified, employment and real estate ads. Eight coupons are included as well. These coupons can be targeted to members or homeowners.

For less then a dollar per day ConnectedContractors.com promotes your business, helps it operate more efficiently and brings local marketplace opportunities to your fingertips.

There are no additional charges or usage fees. The flat rate membership fee includes all Connected Contractors.com features and benefits that aid in advertising, operating, selling and serving customers. We challenge you to find a better value, not only on the web, but also in any advertising medium OR in any Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software product.

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Software Updates

ConnectedContractors.com’s software is web-based. There’s no need for expensive upgrades or time wasted downloading updates. New features and benefits are automatically available to the membership!

Our development team is executing an extensive roadmap of new features/benefits, and is committed to consistently improving our current suite of tools.

We fully welcome your comments and suggestions for making the software better and the web site more useful.

Any thoughts? Please email our design team: designteam@connectedcontractors.com

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Due Diligence

Visiting ConnectedContractors.com is just one step in the important process of Due Diligence. While our members agree to abide by our membership contract, and acknowledge their business meets our standards for membership, we strongly encourage visitors to continue the vetting process by checking references, requesting proof of credentials and collecting certificates of insurance.

ConnectedContractors.com, nor its employees, partners, agents or sponsors endorse or recommend any business listed on the web site. We do monitor the performance of our members. Any company that develops a record or non-responsiveness or poor quality will be removed from the web site as per our Membership Contract.

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Consumer Services/Homeowners

ConnectedContractors.com provides an extensive catalogue of features and benefits that help make managing home improvement projects easier. Here’s a brief summary of the free tools at your disposal:

(Please refer to the On Screen Help for additional information and instructions on using these tools.)

My Reminders:
Set automated email Reminders for anything, business or personal.

Directories:
Find progressive, service-oriented businesses in your area that want and value your business:

  • Contractors
  • Suppliers
  • Retailers
  • Financial Institutions
  • Professional Services

Appointments:
Request and track appointments/receive appointment offerings from members.

Proposals:
Request and track proposal requests/save proposals to your workspace.

Invoices:
Receive, pay (securely via PayPal) and save invoices.

Maintenance Reminders:
Establish Fixed Maintenance Plans for recurring maintenance tasks.

Project Organizers:
Consolidate your project data to a single source. Find and save businesses to your organizer, quickly access contact info, track appointments, budgets, notes and reminders, store proposals, change orders and invoices.

Classified Ads:
View supplies, materials, vehicles and equipment for sale in your area.

Small Projects:
Have a small job you can’t get done? Post it to be viewed by members only.

Coupons:
Goods and services on sale in your area.

Real Estate:
Access web sites of local brokers and listings posted on our website.


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Tradesmen
Relocating? Looking for better pay or benefits? Are you ready for a new challenge? Just graduated from a vocational school? There are a lot of reasons to look for a new job, or change careers.

ConnectedContractors.com provides a free online Employment section for those seeking employment. Post your credentials for FREE and review help wanted ads posted by companies in your area.

ConnectedContractors.com’s Employment Classifieds are completely confidential. Credentials/Resumes posted on the site do not include the name and contact information of the candidate. Members reach out to prospects via confidential email, direct from the member to the candidate’s email address (unspecified to the member). The candidate then has the option of pursuing the opportunity further.

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Member Services

Contractors and Maintenance Companies:

ConnectedContractors.com provides an extensive suite of support tools that help make managing a home improvement business easier. Here’s a brief summary of the tools included in the annual $300 membership fee:

(Please refer to the On Screen Help for additional information and instructions on using these tools.)

My Reminders:
Set automated email reminders for anything business or personal.

Directories Listings:
List your business in directory categories that describes what you do. Businesses directories and the drop down selection lists that drive our Project Organizers are ordered by enrollment and seniority, not alphabetically.

Hyperlinks:
Your directory listings are hyperlinks to your website.

Web-based Account Management:
Establish accounts manually or automatically when customer requests are sent via ConnectedContractors.com forms. Merge manual/auto accounts.

Automated creation of online filing cabinet for each account, automated driving directions for verifiable addresses, programmed storage of documents and account info to ensure consistency, organization and easy recall.

Email alerts when new info arrives. Automated organization of incoming email requests through ConnectedContractos.com.

Email ready Work Orders, preset scheduled service reminders for upcoming appointments (sent to the customer in advance of a confirmed appointment.)

Customizable Settings:
Create and save blocks of text, pricing information, logos, web site information, terms & conditions as well as sales tax fields. Quickly build custom business documents with minimal data entry.

Appointments:
Receive and offer appointment requests/manage confirmations.

Proposals/Change Orders:
Create fully customizable proposals and change orders that are email ready and compatible with your client’s Project Organizer.

Sales Forecasting:
Each new proposal automatically updates your Sales Forecasting Tool. Track win rate by opportunity and project new sales based on probability of closing deals in your pipeline.

Invoices:
Create fully customizable invoices that are email ready and compatible with your client’s Project Organizer. Automatic collection of payments via PayPal.

Forecast Maintenance Revenue:
Companies that provide recurring maintenance services can project and track revenue by month, year and customer.

Project Organizers:
Find and save you’re A-List of businesses partners, quickly access contact info, track appointments, budgets, notes and reminders, store proposals, change orders and invoices.

Fleet & Equipment Maintenance:
Set up maintenance plans with automated email reminders, and track costs for each vehicle in your fleet as well as capital equipment you own.

Classified Ads:
Post & View supplies, materials, vehicles and equipment for sale in your area.

Coupons:
Promote sales, seasonal discounts and clearance events to other business members, consumers or both.

Employment:
Post job openings, view resumes/credentials posted by employment prospects
.

 

Suppliers:

  • In addition to the tools above, receive supply and material order requests from business members, convey status of out-of-stock items and coordinate order deliveries.

Real Estate Brokers and Agents:

  • In addition to the tools above, link your web site to our directory, enabling access to your real estate listings or post listings directly on our website at no additional cost.

Professional Services and Financing:

  • Project financing, site planning, home inspection, legal and accounting issues are all critical elements of construction projects. Promote your business in specialized directories for these important services, and get your business listed in the drop down lists that drive our Project Organizers.
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