Living sustainably is not only the right thing to do for our environment, but it is also the smart thing to do overall. A more sustainable life is healthier for you and the world, and it will start saving you money down the road.

The same can be said for businesses. Many of the changes you make at home to be environmentally-friendly can also be done at the office. Plus, all the benefits you see and feel at home will also transfer into the corporate world, and then some.

Sustainable businesses will notice an improvement on their bottom line, be looked at as a leader in the push to be more environmentally-friendly, and likely see an increase in customer and clientele. Many people in the public will favor companies that work to be more sustainable than others because being environmentally-friendly becomes more important every day.

Don’t think that making a business sustainable has to be difficult. In fact, with the COMMERCIALCafé sustainability report recently released, we can see more states across the country making the switch.

Implement some of the following smart changes to your business to become more sustainable every day.

Start With Office Supplies

Take a look at your supply cupboard or closet in the office. How many pens, pencils, and other stationery items are lying around, and how many are likely missing? Every day people lose their pens and go to the stationary room to grab another one. All that plastic turns into waste.

Instead, invest in reusable stationary supplies. Reusable pens allow you to refill their ink when they run out. Instead of throwing away old pens, refill them and continue. You’ll notice it will save you money in the long run.

Review Your Procurement Policies

If you outsource many of your supplies, review your procurement policies. Look to see what your supply company is like and what their stance is on being economically-friendly. You could make a significant adjustment in your sustainability plan by merely making your procurement policy reflects your environmental standards. Go with suppliers that recycle, work towards being energy-efficient and lower their carbon footprint, and refrain from using toxic substances.

Green Web Hosting

To keep all of the servers running for businesses across the country, it requires a significant amount of power. All of that power needed will continue to damage our environment. However, relies on having the serves operating at all times. Instead, make it a part of your company’s policy that you utilize green web hosting.

Green web hosting ensures that the environmental impact is considered when powering your server. The hosting company will utilize environmentally-friendly and renewable power sources. You’ll also find that this option will save you money in the long run as well.

Become Energy Efficient

Your company itself can work towards being more energy efficient as well. There are many easy ways to make the switch. First, simply turning off the lights in rooms no one is using will conserve energy. For areas that do not get used very often, install motion sensors for the lights. When no one is around, they eventually turn the lights off.

You can also change out all of the existing light bulbs with LED ones. LED bulbs are highly efficient and use incredibly less power than other bulbs on the market. Not only that, you will see savings on the utility bills for the company.

Turning green doesn’t have to be hard. With small, steady steps, you’ll change your business to be more sustainable every day.

Like anyone other kind of skilled worker, roofers encounter competition in their hometowns. And like most other business owners, roofers have to be good at sales. How can you outsell the competition and take your roofing business to great heights? It’s a lot easier when you take these four strategies to heart.

1. Create relationships with other small business owners.

From material suppliers to contractors, networking is very important to a roofer. After all, it’s much easier to navigate the business landscape when you have allies to point you in the right direction. From where to advertise locally to employee recommendations, staying plugged into the scene can get you far.

Most of all, you want them to recommend you to their customers. If your buddy in HVAC is with a homeowner who needs a leak in their roof fixed, you want them to pass your number along, and vice versa.

2. Make customer service a priority.

The quality of the work you do is most important. However, you may not even get to this step if you don’t put enough emphasis on customer service. When a potential customer calls, they want someone to answer the phone, be personable, and be able to answer their questions.

If you don’t have customer service covered, know that another roofer will. Customers are going to choose the roofing company that makes them feel like they’re making a good decision, and being highly responsive and knowledgeable is the way to accomplish that.

3. Stay legal.

One of the best things you can advertise is how solid and compliant your business is. Shady contractors are unfortunately everywhere, and letting customers know right out of the gate that you’re good to go on any required permits and licenses is a solid start.

While you’re at it, flaunt your insurance. Everyone knows that roofing is a dangerous job, and roofers that are covered inspire more confidence. Checking out roofing insurance at Next-insurance.com is a quick, easy way to get started.

4. Identify what stands out about your business.

Good contacts, customer service, and compliance are all fantastic qualities. Still, there may be a competitor who hits those marks as well. Your final strategy is to define what it is about your company that shows you’re a cut above.

This can be something as simple as what materials you use. Are you using innovative new shingles that can save customers money on their energy bills? Put that front and center. Are you using nontoxic insulation? That’s attractive to many homeowners. If you can’t figure it out, share photos of your best work. Provide proof that not only are you customer-focused, but people are already hiring you because of your quality work.

There are all kinds of marketing tricks to try, from free estimates and discounts, to a great website. But you can separate yourself from the competition easily when you connect with other contractors, sharpen your customer service skills, and proudly display your credentials. From there, you’re free to get down to business and do the great work that will skyrocket your reputation.