Clients and Your Job Schedule
By Michael StoneOne of the concerns a homeowner has when they’ve hired a contractor is whether they’ll do what they said they’ll do. It is a legitimate concern. They don’t know what’s going on in your head, only what’s happening with their job.
Who Pays for On-the-Job Training?
By Michael StoneTraining in construction is important, especially with a shortage of employees. A general contractor asked about a subcontractor who is training an apprentice.
The Sales Call: Budget and Design
By Michael StoneBudget doesn’t need to be a major worry during the design and build of a project if you handle it properly during the sales call.
Shady Contractors
By Michael StoneIf you’re doing residential construction, you’ve met all kinds of people. There are also all kinds of contractors, and some of them don’t operate ethically.
Estimating Labor in Construction
By Michael StoneOur last newsletter triggered a question on estimating labor.
Estimating Errors are Lost Profit
By Michael StoneEstimating the cost of a remodeling, renovation or specialty project accurately is critical if you want to be profitable.
When Business Returns
By Michael StoneAt some point this health crisis will slow down and go away. When it does, there’s a good chance we’ll be doing some things differently. But some things won’t change.
When Business Dries Up
By Michael StoneIf sales have dropped off significantly or you’re under a stay-at-home order, here are 3 things that you need to do now for both your business and your family.
Four Diamonds of Communication
By Michael StoneSales is about communicating and interacting positively with others. Those skills make life easier in any delicate conversation.
Hang On – Getting Through These Times
By Devon StoneMichael Stone offers suggestions on how to keep your construction business strong during this Coronavirus emergency.
It’s Not For Us
By Michael StoneMichael Stone shares about a note from a contractor who initially found the Markup & Profit Revisited book “too extreme” and “not for us” – but now realizes it makes sense.
Unclear Change Work Orders
By Michael StonePricing changes for a change work order isn’t easy when the scope of work isn’t clear.
Time and Material Woes
By Michael StoneTime and Material contracts are full of risk, especially on larger jobs.
Investing in Your Business
By Michael StoneConstant input from others is necessary if you want to stay on top of both your business and your personal life.
Business or Charity?
By Michael StoneIf you’re a business owner and you take on a project out of the goodness of your heart, recognize that you might not get paid and you’ll be the one funding the project.
Borrowing Jacks
By Michael StoneI recently had to face what I thought would be an uncomfortable personal conversation. I fussed all morning, then went to visit the person involved.
Payment Methods
By Michael StoneI don’t think writing a check is old fashioned, but there are so many advantages to using a credit or debit card that it’s become the preferred payment method for many.
What the Future Holds
By Michael StoneIf you were a mouse in my pocket, you’d hear the complaints I hear about both general and specialty contractors who don’t answer the phone or return phone calls.
Protect Your Time
By Michael StoneSome people are used to snapping their fingers and having others jump. It’s irritating, but you have to remember that they’re writing the checks.
Clear Sales Communication; It’s Your Responsibility
By Michael StoneI want to share a recent phone conversation with a contractor concerning a problem they were having with a client.
Hiring a Salesperson
By Michael StoneI’m a firm believer in treating salespeople well. When they’re treated well, they’ll sell. When they sell, you win.
Let’s Discuss an Acceptable Hourly Rate . . .
By Michael StoneThis note is a painfully perfect example of why you shouldn’t provide details on your pricing.
About Your Exorbitant Markup . . .
By Michael StoneFrom a contractor: “I am definitely going to do a better job in pre-selecting my clients after this one.”
What You Do in Practice
By Michael StoneWe want to see contractors build stronger businesses and in the process improve the reputation of our industry.
Words from an Expert on Hiring Contractors
By Michael StoneA contractor sent us an online article written by a real estate investor with the purpose of educating you on “how to develop a fair relationship with your contractor.”
Protecting Yourself from the Protector
By Michael StoneI’m not a fan of working with government agencies, but some situations are unique.
Final Payments and Guarantees
By Michael StoneWhen clients try to change the terms of the contract, you don’t have to go along.
Insurance Quotes – Getting Paid
By Michael StoneInsurance work can be good business, but it can also waste your time if the insurance company is playing the three bids game.
On Politely & Confidently Qualifying Leads
By Todd MiltonA guest article: How do you avoid going out on sales calls to look at jobs for folks who obviously do not qualify to purchase from your company?
Missing the Sale
By Michael StoneIs there anything you can do about the sales you miss?
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