--- title: Trade Talk | SMS Assist | Affiliate Network description: Affiliate Network | SMS Assist Trade Talk is a facilities maintenance blog for contracting businesses with a focus on brining you the latest on growing and improving your business. --- - [Become an SMS Affiliate](http://www.smsassist.com/step-1-sign-up/) - [Affiliates Login](http://affiliate.marketplacesupport.com/) - [Client Login](http://client.marketplacesupport.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - 312.698.7000 - [info@smsassist.com](mailto:info@smsassist.com) - 312.698.7000 - [info@smsassist.com](mailto:info@smsassist.com) [![SMS Assist](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/smsassist-may16/images/190b7432eea647c49b4d5b3a46f871b9.png "SMS Assist")](http://smsassist.spacecrafted.com/) - Our Solution - [The SMS Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/the-sms-advantage) - [One By SMS Assist](http://www.smsassist.com/one-by-sms-assist) - [Markets Served](http://www.smsassist.com/markets-served) - [Case Studies](http://www.smsassist.com/case-studies) - Services - [Exterior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/exterior-maintenance) - [Facilities Maintenance](http://http://www.smsassist.com/facilities-maintenance) - [Interior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/interior-maintenance) - [Property Management Services](http://www.smsassist.com/property-management-services) - [Residential Property](http://www.smsassist.com/residential-property) - Affiliate - [Affiliate Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-advantage) - [Affiliate Sign Up](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-sign-up) - [Testimonials](http://www.smsassist.com/testimonials) - [Our Commitments](http://www.smsassist.com/our-commitments) - [FAQ](http://http://www.smsassist.com/faq) - [Affiliate Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/affiliate-blog) - About Us - [Corporate Overview](http://www.smsassist.com/corporate-overview) - [SMS Serves](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-serves) - [SMS University](http://http://www.smsassist.com/sms-university) - [Contact](http://www.smsassist.com/contact) - Our Team - [Executive Team](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/executive-team) - [Board Of Directors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/board-of-directors) - [Investors & Advisors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/investors-advisors) - [Equity Partners](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/equity-partners) - Careers - [Why SMS?](http://www.smsassist.com/why-sms-assist) - [Available Positions](http://www.smsassist.com/available-positions) - Media - [News](http://www.smsassist.com/news) - [Events](http://www.smsassist.com/events) - [Video Gallery](http://www.smsassist.com/video-gallery) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - Demo ![Affiliate Blog Image - 122916.jpg](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Affiliate%20Blog%20Image%20-%20122916.jpg "Affiliate Blog Image - 122916.jpg") # SMS Assist | Affiliate Blog ## [Creative ways to grow your maintenance business](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/creative-ways-to-grow-your-maintenance-business) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/30/17 10:53 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Creative%20Ways.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/creative-ways-to-grow-your-maintenance-business) --- Print advertisements, lead generator websites and radio commercials — you’ve been there, done that, maybe even printed a T-shirt with your logo on it. And while traditional marketing techniques are definitely valuable, sometimes mixing it up can bring a new energy and new customers to your business. If you’re ready to add some spice to your company life, try some of these more non-traditional marketing techniques to grow your company. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/creative-ways-to-grow-your-maintenance-business) ## [Tax season tips for your contracting company](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/tax-season-tips-for-your-contracting-company) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/29/17 10:34 AM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Tax%20Season.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/tax-season-tips-for-your-contracting-company) --- The tax deadline for 2017 is right around the corner, and no amount of free coffee and donuts makes filing taxes any less taxing. (But you should enjoy the freebies anyway!) Let’s face it –filing business taxes is never going to be a walk in the park. However, these tips for preparing for tax season can help simplify the process. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/tax-season-tips-for-your-contracting-company) ## [Top tech solutions to improve maintenance efficiency and productivity](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0-2) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/14/17 11:57 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Top%20Technology.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0-2) --- Modern technology improves productivity and efficiency in nearly every field. Just as the internet, email and smartphones revolutionized society, new technologies are quickly changing the way companies do business. To remain competitive, you need to get on board. While technology often comes with startup costs, the initial investment quickly turns to profit. Key into these technology solutions to boost your business efficiency in 2017 and beyond. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0-2) ## [5 easy ways to generate more maintenance leads](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/10/17 10:00 AM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Website%20Improvement%20-%20Blog%20Banner.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0) --- Looking for more work opportunities for your HVAC, plumbing or snow removal company? Word of mouth, print advertising and cold calling can only get you so far. If you’re looking for effective, low-cost ways to generate more business, look no further than your digital presence.  Sales patterns have changed. According to a webcast by SiriusDecisions titled “[The Marketing Organization in 2017](https://www.brainshark.com/siriusdecisions/Marketing_Organization_2017?&fb=1&r3f1=2c16683b377377707b331d73603e2e0a3667450a79&nodesktopflash=1),” 67 percent of the buyer’s journey now takes place digitally. This means that your company’s digital presence is more important than ever; it is a living breathing advertisement for your brand that should be taken seriously. Read below to make sure you are doing everything you can to generate leads for your maintenance business. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company-0) ## [5 benefits of creating a maintenance blog](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/5-benefits-of-creating-a-maintenance-blog) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/9/17 3:17 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/affiliate%20blog%20pic%2003%2009%202017%20v2.png)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/5-benefits-of-creating-a-maintenance-blog) --- Blogging helps grow your business and reach more customers. According to[InsideView](https://www.insideview.com/), companies that blog at least one to two times a month have 67 percent more sales opportunities than companies that do not blog. The best part is that blogging is a low-cost investment. Are you wondering if your maintenance company should invest time and energy into developing a company blog? Consider these benefits: [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/5-benefits-of-creating-a-maintenance-blog) ## [Social Media ideas for contracting companies](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/social-media-content-ideas-for-contracting-companies) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/9/17 2:04 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/Social%20Media%20Blog%20Banner-2.png)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/social-media-content-ideas-for-contracting-companies) --- By now you probably know it is a good idea for your company to have a social media presence. After all, more than 2 billion internet users have active social media accounts. A social media account provides a (mostly) free way to reach potential customers, build brand awareness and increase customer loyalty. However,  maintaining active social media accounts takes time. If you do not have as much time and resources to invest in social media as you would like, try implementing these quick and easy social media content ideas. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/social-media-content-ideas-for-contracting-companies) ## [4 spring clean tips for your maintenance company](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 3/1/17 3:28 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/spring%20cleaning%20-%2003%2001%202017.png)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company) --- Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow this Groundhog Day, but spring is still just around the corner, bringing the promise of sunshine, flowers, and hopefully, more customers for your facilities maintenance company. Read on to learn what your company can do to prepare for the busy season ahead. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/4-spring-clean-tips-for-your-maintenance-company) ## [Complying with new refrigerant management requirements](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/epa-refrigerant-update-2017) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 1/24/17 3:19 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/COMPLYING%20WITH%20NEW%20REFRIGERANT%20MANAGEMENT%20REQUIREMENTS.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/epa-refrigerant-update-2017) --- Section 608 of the Clean Air Act was enacted to enforce the proper handling and management of  refrigerant during maintenance, service, repair or disposal of air conditioning and refrigerant equipment. Last fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a[Final Rule](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/11/18/2016-24215/protection-of-stratospheric-ozone-update-to-the-refrigerant-management-requirements-under-the-clean) that updated the agency’s Refrigeration Management Program. The updates took effect on January 1st, 2017. Learn what you need to do to ensure your company complies with the new regulations. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/epa-refrigerant-update-2017) ## [What you need to know about the 2017 OSHA update](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/osha-update-2017) Posted by [Nick Martin](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/author/nick-martin) on 1/6/17 3:26 PM [![](https://blog.lessen.com/hubfs/OSHA%20-%20Headwear.jpg)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/osha-update-2017) --- As a contractor or construction business owner, you’re likely no stranger to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You already record workplace injuries and illnesses, but a new rule will require you to submit some of this information electronically. Employers also must inform employees of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses free from retaliation, which can be done by hanging this [free poster](https://www.osha.gov/Publications/poster.html). Read about the details to ensure you’re in compliance with the law when the update takes effect. [Read More](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/osha-update-2017) [All posts](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/all) ### Leave a Reply ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Affiliate Network (9)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/affiliate-network) - [Facilities (9)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/facilities) - [Growing Your Business (5)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/growing-your-business) - [spring clean (3)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/spring-clean) - [Regulations (2)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/regulations) - [Affiliate Spotlight (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/affiliate-spotlight) - [EPA (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/epa) - [Efficiencies (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/efficiencies) - [HVAC (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/hvac) - [OSHA (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/osha) - [Preventative Maintenance (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/preventative-maintenance) - [Snow Removal (1)](https://blog.lessen.com/affiliate-blog/topic/snow-removal) see all - OUR SOLUTION - [The SMS Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/the-sms-advantage) - [ONE By SMS Assist](http://www.smsassist.com/one-by-sms-assist) - [Markets Served](http://www.smsassist.com/markets-served) - [Case Studies](http://www.smsassist.com/case-studies) - SERVICES - [Exterior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/exterior-maintenance) - [Facilities Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/facilities-maintenance) - [Interior Maintenance](http://www.smsassist.com/interior-maintenance) - [Property Management Services](http://www.smsassist.com/property-management-services) - [Residential Property](http://www.smsassist.com/residential-property) - AFFILIATES - [Affiliate Advantage](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-advantage) - [Affiliate Sign Up](http://www.smsassist.com/affiliate-sign-up) - [Testimonials](http://www.smsassist.com/testimonials) - [Our Commitments](http://www.smsassist.com/our-commitments) - [FAQ](http://www.smsassist.com/faq) - ABOUT US - [Corporate Overview](http://www.smsassist.com/corporate-overview) - [SMS Serves](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-serves) - [SMS University](http://www.smsassist.com/sms-university) - [Contact](http://www.smsassist.com/contact) - Our Team - [Executive Team](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/executive-team) - [Board of Directors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/board-of-directors) - [Equity Partners](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/equity-partners) - [Investors & Advisors](http://www.smsassist.com/our-team/investors-advisors) - CAREERS - [Why SMS?](http://www.smsassist.com/why-sms-assist) - [Available Positions](http://www.smsassist.com/available-positions) - MEDIA - [News](http://www.smsassist.com/news) - [Events](http://www.smsassist.com/events) - [Video Gallery](http://www.smsassist.com/video-gallery) - [Blog](https://blog.smsassist.com/blog) - - [Privacy Policy](http://www.smsassist.com/privacy-policy) - [Security Policy](http://www.smsassist.com/security-policy) - [Terms of Use](http://www.smsassist.com/terms-of-use) - [Download Brochure](https://16c0b2969faa58ae4b65-80789b7c3c0d8606a58e0cf26ee4ba6c.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/12a9c754d0204c28b15066f06ace22c2.pdf) - [Home](http://www.smsassist.com/) - [](https://www.facebook.com/smsassist/) - [](https://twitter.com/SMSAssistLLC) - [](https://vimeo.com/smsassist) - [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/sms-assist-llc) - [](mailto:info@smsassist.com) [© 2018 SMS Assist. 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