Bowen, the winner of The News’ “Do You Want to Grow Your Business?” contest, has put into action some of the recommendations recently passed on from business consultant Ruth King, president of American Contractors Exchange. For instance, Bowen recently sent out preseason a/c “tune-up” postcards, instead of letters, on the advice of King.

“The postcards have worked better,” Bowen informed The News.

The Muskegon, MI, contractor estimated that 3,500 cards were mailed and the response rate has been at least 5%, probably higher. In the past, Bowen sent letters, which King said are too easy to discard without reading. She suggested a simple postcard would be a better marketing tool.

So far, so good.

“We might have as many as 300 responses when it’s over,” said Bowen.

In next week’s issue, find out what Bowen learns in regard to service agreements.