Marketing
Mike Jeffries has helped many of our clients strengthen their marketing efforts. One of our most popular webinar speakers, his insights are invaluable. He can be found online at www.closingsuccesssystem.com or by phone at 877-280-0715.
Online software
MyOnlineToolbox.com uses the power of the internet to cut over 30% of the time you spend estimating, invoicing, purchasing, scheduling, communicating and managing work on a daily basis. Running your contracting business on this platform boosts your productivity while using less staff and exposing your company to more jobs, all while increasing your professional image.
There are two versions - free and premium. We suggest starting with the free version. There is no contract, no longterm commitment, no credit card required. Sign up here.
When you are ready to upgrade to the premium version, we can help you save money by providing 1 Month Free. Sign up for one month for $89 and get the second month free. This special offer is available by using the promo code CPR2For1 when you upgrade. There are no contract commitments and you can downgrade to the Free Version at any time, for any reason, without losing your data.
Information
Daily5Remodel.com is a free website and subscription-based daily eletter that will bring you up-to-date on the latest industry news and developments, along with timely, inspiring and industry-specific intelligence, best practices and peer-to-peer engagement.
Business Planning
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Plan Write for Business produces a complete, professional business plan. The software is a stand-alone tool that contains a complete plan structure, a word processor, a graphics tool, an integrated spreadsheet program, business plan samples and direct internet links to hundreds of resources and assistance to help you draft a winning plan. The outcome is a professional quality business plan covering all the bases.
Paperwork
Change work orders need to be in writing, signed, before changing the job. Keep a stack of change work order forms in every vehicle. Deluxe offers affordable Change Work Order (or Additional Work Authorization) forms for your use, order them here.
Business Reading List
Michael is an advocate of continuing education. His suggested reading list (of course, after reading "Markup & Profit Revisited" and "Profitable Sales, A Contractor's Guide") is available here: Books to Read
Industry Magazines
Staying current with the industry is important - and there are a number of free quality magazines available to construction-business owners.
Our recommendations: (all links open in a new window)
All construction-related business owners: Construction Business Owner Magazine and Contracting Business Magazine
Remodeling or renovation contractors: Qualified Remodeler Magazine and/or Kitchen & Bath Design News Magazine
Design-Build Contractors: Residential Building Product News
Green Building: Eco-Structure Magazine
New Home Builders: Builder Magazine and Custom Home Magazine
Specialty Contractors:
Official Magazine (plumbing)
CabinetMaker Magazine
Concrete Contractor Magazine
Electrical Contractor Magazine
Lawn & Landscape Magazine
Landscape Management Magazine
HVACR Business Magazine
Professional Deck Builder Magazine
PHC News Magazine
Walls & Ceilings Magazine
Roofing Contractor Magazine
Commercial Contractors: Commercial Construction Magazine