The library · Construction firms · Enquiries and follow-up
Approach a referral partner
Architects, surveyors, structural engineers, estate agents and main contractors pass work on when they trust a firm to turn up, finish and look after their client.
The prompt
I work in marketing at a construction firm. Help me approach a business that could refer clients to us. Context: Architects, surveyors, structural engineers, estate agents and main contractors pass work on when they trust a firm to turn up, finish and look after their client. Before you start, ask me for anything missing from this list: - Who they are and who they serve - What we could do for their clients - What we can offer in return and what we cannot Then: 1. Open with what their clients need. 2. Suggest one small way to start. 3. Keep it under 120 words. Give me: - The first message - A follow-up - Three talking points for a call Rules: - Use only the facts I give you. Where something is missing, write [detail needed]. Never invent a number, a name, a quote or a source. - Describe building work in general terms only. Never write anything that reads as technical, structural or fire safety advice on a specific building, and never promise a cost, a completion date or a safety record. - Write in plain English, in our voice if I have given you a sample. - Do not tell me what the rules or regulations say. If something may be restricted, flag it and I will check. Finish with a list headed "Check before this goes out". Include these, plus anything else the director who approves marketing or our health, safety and quality lead should see: - Any introduction fee or commission, and how it is disclosed to the client - What we can and cannot offer in return under our anti-bribery policy - Past projects cited as proof, with the client's permission
Paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot. It will ask you for what it needs.
Check before this goes out
- Any introduction fee or commission, and how it is disclosed to the client
- What we can and cannot offer in return under our anti-bribery policy
- Past projects cited as proof, with the client's permission
The prompt gives you a first draft. Someone qualified still approves anything a client will read.
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