Early Morning Strategies

1. Coffee Shop Power Play – Go to local coffee shop. Buy 3 contractors coffee from 6-9 AM. Strike up a conversation. (Shoutout to WoFB Ambassador, Sandy Sauer,* who invented this move.)
2. Be at the Supply House – Hang out at general supply stores.
3. Lumberyard Runs – Frequent your local lumberyard or big-box store early in the morning.
4. Gas Station Run-ins – Contractors fuel up early; chat with them while getting your coffee.
5. Breakfast Diners – Sit at the counter and network where contractors grab their morning bite.

Social Media & Online Outreach 

"The whole idea is that you're trying to create a relationship. Most likely they're already using a flooring company/person. So it's best approach it in a way that is more curious... learn about them. Follow them on  social. Like their stuff, comment- but don't be creepy and weird. (Lol). Maybe attend a home builders event that they're attending. Listen...it sounds a lot like stalking but you're just getting on their radar. Maybe check to see who you have a connection to on their team, (LinkedIn is great for this.) Then you can approach them... see if you can get coffee togethrtask them about their business. Be inquisitive and curious. How can you make their life easier, so they can do what they do best!?!? Oh... and also if you want to email them. Send them a video email. You'll have a much better chance of them remembering you!" -Rachel Berlin

6. Instagram Lead Gen – Search for local contractors and engage with their content.
7. Facebook Groups – Join local builder/trade Facebook groups and provide value.
8. LinkedIn Networking – Connect with general contractors and start conversations.
9. TikTok Engagement – Follow and comment on contractor videos about their work.
10. Google Business Reviews – Leave thoughtful reviews for contractors you know.
11. Nextdoor Networking – Use Nextdoor to find contractors in your area.
12. Thumbtack & Houzz – Find top-rated contractors in your area via these platforms.
13. Craigslist & Marketplace – Look for contractor job postings and reach out.
14. YouTube Comments – Engage with local contractors who post how-to videos.

Trade Shows, Events, and Industry Gatherings

16. Attend Builder Events – Go to local NAHB meetings, regional trade shows.
17. Visit Home & Garden Shows – Builders attend these to showcase their work.
18. Sponsor a Trade Event – Get your flooring store’s name in front of contractors.
19. Join a Networking Group – Get referrals through structured networking.
20. Attend Open Houses – Say hi to builders on-site.
21. Parade of Homes Participation – Network with builders showcasing their projects.
22. Real Estate Investment Meetups – Many flippers need flooring suppliers.
23. Contractor Appreciation Dinners – Host an invite-only dinner for top contractors.
24. Hold a 'Lunch & Learn' – Provide free industry knowledge at your store.
25. Attend County Permit Meetings – Meet builders applying for permits.

Strategic Partnerships

26. Partner with Interior Designers – They often refer contractors.
27. Collaborate with Cabinet Installers – Flooring and cabinetry go hand-in-hand.
28. Build Relationships with Plumbers & Electricians – They know contractors.
29. Connect with Roofers & Painters – They often work with general contractors.
30. Partner with Realtors – Many need flooring for listings.
31. Work with Home Inspectors – They can refer you to home buyers needing floors.
32. Sponsor a Contractor’s Team – Many have softball, golf, or bowling teams.
33. Advertise at Builder Supply Houses – Get a poster or business card station.
34. Connect with Mortgage Brokers – Many investors buy homes needing flooring.
35. Build a Referral System – Incentivize contractor referrals.

On-Site Strategies

36. Visit Job Sites – Bring refreshments and introduce yourself.
37. Leave Flyers at Work Trucks – Be sure they’re visible, not intrusive.
38. Talk to Your Subcontractors – Who do they know?
39. Offer a Free Flooring Estimate on Their Next Project – Position yourself as a helpful resource rather than a salesperson.
40. Provide Free Measuring Services – A contractor’s dream is less work.
41. Be Available for Emergencies – Help when a project needs urgent flooring.
42. Give Out Branded Measuring Tapes – Contractors will always have your info on hand.

Educational & Value-Add Strategies

43. Host Flooring Installation Workshops – Teach best practices.
44. Provide Flooring Trends Reports – Help them stay ahead of trends.
45. Create a Flooring Care Guide – Provide info for clients they serve.
46. Run a Flooring Q&A Session – Invite builders to a casual chat session.
47. Offer Special Contractor Pricing – Discounts for repeat business.
48. Create a ‘Contractor Spotlight’ Series – Feature them in your marketing.
49. Share Before & Afters – Make them the hero of transformation stories.
50. Offer an Exclusive Product Line – Unique flooring for contractors only.

Email, SMS & Direct Mail

51. Build a Contractor Email List – Share valuable industry insights.
52. Text Exclusive Deals – quick, useful info.
53. Send Thank You Notes – appreciation leads to referrals.
54. Direct Mail to Permit Applicants – Many builders apply for flooring permits.
55. Handwritten Notes – Stand out with personal gestures.

Advertising & Lead Generation

56. Google Ads Targeting Contractors – Hyper-focus on their needs.
57. Facebook Ads for Local Builders – Target local GCs and remodelers.
58. LinkedIn Ads for High-End Builders – Perfect for upscale projects.
59. Sponsor a Podcast for Contractors – Get in their ears.
60. Run Retargeting Ads – Follow them online after visiting your site.
61. Create Contractor Case Studies – Show past success stories.
62. Offer a 'Give Us a Go' Promo Price – A small loss for a lifelong client.
63. Start a Referral Giveaway – Incentivize referrals.
64. Optimize for Local SEO – Ensure builders can find your store online.
65. Leverage Video Marketing – Show off real jobs you’ve done.

Community & Word-of-Mouth Tactics

66. Sponsor a Local Trade School – Future builders = future customers.
67. Support Habitat for Humanity – Work alongside pros donating their time.
68. Host a Networking Happy Hour – Invite trades for casual mingling.
69. Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce – Builders are often members.
70. Go to City Council Meetings – Mingle with key developers.
71. Talk to Insurance Adjusters – Who knows?
72. Be Active in Your HOA or Community Board – Meet developers planning projects.
73. Volunteer at Trade Events – Position yourself as an industry leader.
74. Visit with Themed Gifts – Seasonal pop-bys can pay off.

Creative Ideas

75. QR Codes on Business Cards – Make a different card with a secret page that has contractor specials.
76. Custom Hats & T-Shirts – Give them something they’ll wear.
77. Create a Contractor-Only VIP Club – Exclusive access to deals.
78. Get on the Golf Course – Bond over non-business activities. (Or sponsor a hole at a charity tournament.)
79. Feature a Contractor of the Month – Public shout-outs build loyalty.
80. Write Guest Blog Posts for Builder Websites – Gain credibility.
81. Host a Contest – Contractors can showcase their skills.
82. Offer Free Lunch Fridays – Contractors can pick up free pizza.
83. Give Away Swag Bags – Hit your reps up and fill bags with fun industry-related stuff.

The Most Important Thing...

84. Just Show Up Consistently. Every day. Every morning. Every event. Visibility wins.

*Sandy Sauer leads our Tuesday Momentum Calls—a powerful space to connect, exchange ideas, and build momentum together. Join her and others every Tuesday at 8:30 AM CST! Sign up here to get the Zoom link.