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	<title>The ServiceMagic ProConnection</title>
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	<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com</link>
	<description>The Blog for Small Business Owners</description>
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		<title>Positioning Packages</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/positioning-packages/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=positioning-packages</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/positioning-packages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dave</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[construction schedule]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dave lupberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional homeowner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[project specifications]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[referrals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sample construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sample contract]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sample memo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5055</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You might read that title and say “what does that mean?”  Let me explain.  When you get a possible job lead, what do you do?  Most contractors call the homeowner back, try to review the potential project over the phone, and then set a time to meet the homeowner to review the work that needs [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Education Matters</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/education-matters/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=education-matters</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/education-matters/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 07:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Stone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael stone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitable sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small businesses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5052</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the last few years, we’ve seen the large number of construction-related businesses fail. Both large and small businesses have gone under. My best estimate is that we have lost somewhere between 35% and 40% of the contractors that were in business in January of 2007. Why did these companies fail? There are six basic [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Top 5 Online Marketing Tips for Contractors</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/top-5-online-marketing-tips-for-contractors/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=top-5-online-marketing-tips-for-contractors</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/top-5-online-marketing-tips-for-contractors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 07:00:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sara Fletcher</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Promotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lead generation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing techniques]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[practical marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodelers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[search engine optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[search engine rankings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[site search engine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traditional marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5046</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many contractors are wary of the Internet, preferring to rely on traditional marketing techniques.  However, customer behavior is constantly shifting, with more and more individuals turning online. Failing to acknowledge and understand this behavior may harm your business in the long run. With the large, potential audience waiting to be reached, contractors would be wise [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Your Golden Opportunity</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/your-golden-opportunity/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=your-golden-opportunity</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/your-golden-opportunity/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 07:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Stone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good communication skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[michael stone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service professional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5036</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you meet someone who asks what you do, how do you answer them? Do you tell them what you do –remodeling, painting, plumbing, electrical, drywall, roofing, concrete work, siding, windows, build new homes? Or do you give them a short super charged description: -       Build the best kitchens in a 5 state area -       [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Stop Competing on Price!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/stop-competing-on-price-3/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=stop-competing-on-price-3</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/stop-competing-on-price-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 07:00:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dave</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dave lupberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement contractors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement work]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quality product]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5028</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I speak with contractors every week who tell me the same story – they keep losing jobs to contractors who are doing the work for less.  I assume you have had a similar experience.  There are many contractors who are just working for wages, and some are not even making wages.  Unfortunately, homeowners are discovering [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Presenting Yourself in a Professional Manner</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/presenting-yourself-in-a-professional-manner/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=presenting-yourself-in-a-professional-manner</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/presenting-yourself-in-a-professional-manner/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Stone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good communication skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional manner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=5021</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One more comment on sales. Do you know how you look? My Cardinal Rule #3 is “You shall present yourself to your customers and the public in a professional manner at all times.” Not sometimes. All the time. What is a professional manner? The only way to define it is “you’ll know it when you [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/presenting-yourself-in-a-professional-manner/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The True Value of a Lifetime Customer</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/the-true-value-of-a-lifetime-customer/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-true-value-of-a-lifetime-customer</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/the-true-value-of-a-lifetime-customer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dave</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Follow up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dave lupberger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emotional homeowner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lifetime customer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=4998</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been writing about getting back with past customers, and asking them what additional help they need with their homes.  If you understand that most homeowners are uncomfortable hiring tradespeople to work on their homes due to a lack of experience doing this, this assistance becomes a valuable value-added service you can offer past [...]]]></description>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The Most Common Complaint</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/the-most-common-complaint/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-most-common-complaint</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/the-most-common-complaint/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Michael Stone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer loyalty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[message box]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[phone calls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voice message]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=4992</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Phone calls and appointments&#8230;.. Do you know two of the most common complaints about contractors? They show up late for appointments (if they show up at all), and they don’t return their phone calls. So, why don’t contractors show up on time, or return their phone calls? For starters, they believe they are busy and [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/the-most-common-complaint/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Educating and Engaging</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/educating-and-engaging/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=educating-and-engaging</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/educating-and-engaging/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:00:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Bob Gockeler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building and remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer loyalty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[follow-up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good communication skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good listening skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home improvement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nkba]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planning guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[prospective clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodelers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business advice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wish list]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=4981</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Educating and Engaging your prospective clients is the key to a great remodeling experience and as close to an HGTV experience you can get. From the very first contact, regardless of the source a referral, internet, home show lead they all get handled exactly the same. I have a proven process that I follow on [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/educating-and-engaging/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Write a Thank You Note….And Why Your Business Should</title>
		<link>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note%e2%80%a6-and-why-your-business-should/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=how-to-write-a-thank-you-note%25e2%2580%25a6-and-why-your-business-should</link>
		<comments>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note%e2%80%a6-and-why-your-business-should/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 07:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Brittany G</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Business Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Follow up]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Customer Service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best practices]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business contact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business person]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[business world]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity donations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contractor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer loyalty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[good business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeowner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nice people]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Service Magic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[service magic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic pros]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagic.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[servicemagicpros]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/?p=4977</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are a few simple tips to make writing any thank you note easier and a few reasons why your company should. Coming from the world of charity donations, I’m quite familiar with ways people can effectively and efficiently thank others. A good thank you is imperative in the non-profit sector, but it’s often overlooked [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.servicemagicproconnection.com/how-to-write-a-thank-you-note%e2%80%a6-and-why-your-business-should/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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