In today's economy- knowledge is power from the all new educational series from Cambridge

Savvy hardscape contractors are waging war against one of the most challenging economies in quite a while with one of mankind’s strongest weapons — knowledge. They are winning battles against formidable enemies such as low-ball estimates, inexperienced competitors, and rising costs of doing business with “lock and load” strategies that keep them one-step ahead. The trick is to gain as much “know-how” as one can in the most cost-efficient and timesaving way as possible.

Good resources are the many pre-season clinics and workshops available to professionals. One of the most comprehensive programs out there is from Cambridge, manufacturers of Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, Cambridge Wallstones, and other popular products for outdoor living. Many facets of their outreach education agenda are co-hosted by Cambridge sales specialists and Authorized Cambridge Distributors at conveniently located Cambridge one-stop events referred to as Contactor Clinics. Clinic attendees will find an organized, full curriculum presented by Cambridge hardscape specialists in a stimulating environment using an arsenal of multi-media tools. Eyes-on/hands-on demos and videos, exciting imaging software and an informative PowerPoint presentation are complemented by stimulating, interactive dialogue. Timely topics include:

• Successful selling, estimating and money making techniques
• Leveraging the Cambridge ArmorTec advantage over other brands
• Product knowledge of Cambridge Pavingstones and Wallstone Systems and other Cambridge products for outdoor living
• All new 2010 Cambridge Pavingstone and Wallstone colors and shapes
• Eyes on / hands-on installation demonstrations
• “Green” solutions with Aqua-Bric® I and other Cambridge permeable pavements
• An introduction to the exclusive Cambridge DesignScape Visualizer™ imaging and project calculation software
• Lead generation programs

Cutting installation costs and increasing profits

Knowledge of cost-cutting installation methods is also important. Cambridge pre-packaged kits, which enable contractors and hardscape designers to competitively offer popular amenities such as outdoor fireplaces; open air kitchens with cooktops, sinks, refrigerators, granite tops and pergolas; barbeque and fire pits; waterfalls; and columns are also learned about at Cambridge Contractor Clinics. Because these kits include everything needed along with instructions, and use Cambridge Wallstones in colors and textures that match or complement Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, project planning, estimating, and labor time are reduced considerably and leads to increased profits. Learn more about these and other money- and profit-making ideas.

Assuring referrals from satisfied customers

As a professional contractor, a large part of your business and future business depends on referrals. “By insisting on Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, the color will never look faded and worn,” says Cambridge. A Cambridge specialist will explain how not to lose a potential lead from a good customer’s referral because aggregate is showing through the surface on a job you installed as little as one year ago, which causes the pavers to appear colorless and worn looking. According to Cambridge, “The loss of possible leads will be based strictly on the worn appearance of the pavers installed and not the craftsmanship of the installer.” ArmorTec® is a one-piece, hardfacing process perfected by Cambridge. Demonstrations are conducted during the clinics comparing pavers with and without ArmorTec® after a short period of normal wear.

Along with a complimentary DesignScaping Handbook containing dozens of pavingstone and wallstone laying patterns, installation tips, diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and other useful information, contractors will also receive a “Certification” document to enhance credibility during sales presentations. These certificates can be placed in special Cambridge contractor binders or distinctive Cambridge leather padfolios. Durable cases containing mini-samples of pavingstones and wallstones in every Cambridge color along with clothing gear are also available at no charge. A calendar of Cambridge Contractor Clinic dates can be found on the company’s Web site — cambridgepavers.com or from announcements at nearby Cambridge distributors. Attendance is limited, so reserve early. Feel free to call Cambridge at (201) 933-5000 for more information on dates and times.