Finish Your Schoolwork
Construction isn't an easy business. If you are in it and running something besides a pick or a shovel, then you are probably a little smarter than the average bear. Read more about Finish Your Schoolwork
What Entrepreneurs Do
A friend and reader, Malinda Meck of The Outhouse LLC and Jacob S. Meck Construction, sent us this article, “God Needs Entrepreneurs”. Read more about What Entrepreneurs Do
Eliminate Distractions
Every day, set your focus. Spend time every day, maybe 10 to 20 minutes, to review both your personal and business goals and plan what's most important. Read more about Eliminate Distractions
Goals
If you shoot rifles or handguns, or maybe you're an archer or just a peashooter, you know it's hard to hit a target you can't see. The same applies to your business. Read more about Goals
The Vendor Client Relationship
We have to share this video, sent to us by a friend. It's priceless.
The Harder You Work
A quote from Brian Tracy a few weeks ago really captured our industry over the last five years. "The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." Read more about The Harder You Work
Did I Price it Right?
I had a "Ho, Big Macklin" moment this morning when a young fellow called. He told me he'd given a recent quote to an architect, and was reconsidering his quote. Read more about Did I Price it Right?
Another Cost Plus Disaster
A very nice gentleman called me last Friday. He related a story about his home remodeling project. It was done a Cost Plus job, the "plus" was negotiated at 18%. Read more about Another Cost Plus Disaster
Marketing is just like planting seeds
For those who don’t understand the need for an ongoing marketing and advertising program for your business, let me try this analogy: Read more about Marketing is just like planting seeds
"Thou Shall Prosper"
Rabbi Lapin and I have the same opinion of that message - Horse Apples. He doesn't say it that way, but I will. Most who prosper financially work to earn what they have. Read more about "Thou Shall Prosper"
Bad Advice from a Writer
One of our coaching clients recently asked me if I thought that advertising in a "high end" magazine was a good idea for his company. Read more about Bad Advice from a Writer
Business is business
We've noticed the same problem that we've seen with other specialties. They believe that because their work is focused on one thing, their business operates differently. Read more about Business is business
Provide Proof of Insurance - and demand others do, as well
During class, a question came up on how to deal with contractors who let their insurance and sometimes even their licenses expire. "How do you compete with that?" Read more about Provide Proof of Insurance - and demand others do, as well
How Not to Do Business
A friend called today with a problem. He subbed his work to a general contractor from the east coast to do a job here on the west coast at a government facility. Read more about How Not to Do Business
Knowing What You're Worth
I got a note from a young guy the other day that was priceless. The short version said that he had finally come to realize what he was worth to his clients. Read more about Knowing What You're Worth
Transparency
Transparency, as I understand it, is opening your books to your potential clients and showing them all the numbers pertaining to a job you are quoting. Read more about Transparency
Permits for Your Construction Project - That's a Job for the Professional
While exercising the other day, I watched a code compliance violation hearing on one of the local TV stations. It's a station that shows local city government meetings. Read more about Permits for Your Construction Project - That's a Job for the Professional
My Wish List
May I make a wish list?
That suppliers and manufacturers would stop using pictures of guys and gals wearing a brand new tool belt. Those new belts haven't spent a minute on a job site, they even look stiff and uncomfortable. Worse, the screwdrivers, hammers and pliers have no paint or dirt on them. Come on suppliers, get real.
That contractors would pay attention to their websites, recognizing that the website might be the first impression a client has of them. And that they would put their company name and phone number at the top of each page. Read more about My Wish List
Connecting with Potential Clients
If you aren’t getting a response to your advertising, either printed or on the web, you aren’t connecting with your potential clients. You must connect with them. Read more about Connecting with Potential Clients
Speaking of Maintenance . . .
I returned from a business trip this morning to find a note on my desk. The doctor's office called - it's been 5 years since my last colonoscopy, time for another one. Read more about Speaking of Maintenance . . .