Use the Right Payment Schedule
If you want positive cash flow in your construction business, make sure you're using the right payment schedule on your contracts. Read more about Use the Right Payment Schedule
Create Accurate Estimates
If you want positive cash flow, you need to create accurate estimates. If you forget to include the cost of insulation, you'll be paying for it out of your own pocket. Read more about Create Accurate Estimates
Price Your Construction Jobs Correctly
It's a basic principle: Cash flows into your construction business when you sell a job. Cash flows out when you pay the costs of the job and your overhead expenses. Read more about Price Your Construction Jobs Correctly
Your Opportunity Clock
Are you getting the most out of your day? Are you taking advantage of your time here, to do your best, both for yourself and your family? Read more about Your Opportunity Clock
Getting a Loan
Round up at least three separate sources of financing for your jobs. If you can safely refer clients, it can be easier for your clients to obtain financing when needed. Read more about Getting a Loan
How Not to Treat a Salesperson
I spoke with a friend the other day about his work with a well-known promotional company. He'd been hired to help bring in and manage new business. Read more about How Not to Treat a Salesperson
A Bait and Switch Scam?
Last weekend I passed a billboard on the side of the road. It loudly declared, "We will build your new home for $32 a square foot." Read more about A Bait and Switch Scam?
Your Unfair Advantage
These three actions will give you an unfair advantage over other contractors. You'll make sales because you're building trust and confidence in your company and in you. Read more about Your Unfair Advantage
Dealing with the Trades
He asked a sub for a quote on a job, and it was higher than expected based on past jobs. When he asked, the response was, "Well, I just wanted to see if it would stick". Read more about Dealing with the Trades
Discouraged and ready to hit the road
Got a note in the other day. Does it sound familiar? Read more about Discouraged and ready to hit the road
Add-ons to a Job Make Everyone Happy
On sales calls, do you actively look for "add-ons" that will boost the overall sales price of the job and in turn your total sales volume for the year? Read more about Add-ons to a Job Make Everyone Happy
What do you believe?
Some of you may remember Wilma Rudolph. I watched her run and wondered at her ability to do so well. She said, "I believe in me more than anything in this world." Read more about What do you believe?
Pass those savings along?
I read an article where the author talked about passing savings on to clients. This sounds well and good, but place it low on your priorities when putting a job together. Read more about Pass those savings along?
He did the right thing - even though it might hurt
I have an ethics question... I'm hoping that you might have some better insight than I. I had a client call me this morning... converting a garage into a rental unit. Read more about He did the right thing - even though it might hurt
Character Matters
This article was originally published in our newsletter, and it garnered more responses than usual. It was loved and hated, so we are posting it here for more to read. Read more about Character Matters
Get Amongst 'Em
I talked with a husband/wife team about their business and what they could do to promote it. She said, "I have to get out of my office and reach out to people." Read more about Get Amongst 'Em
Building Jobs or Customer Service?
I read this comment on a forum recently: "We're a customer service company that just so happens to be really good at painting houses." Read more about Building Jobs or Customer Service?
Do You Pay Bonuses for Work Done?
If you've raised kids in the past 20-30 years, you know the new rules – no one loses, everyone gets a prize. Don't keep score because it hurts their feelings. Read more about Do You Pay Bonuses for Work Done?
Advertise Your Construction Services With Pictures
I taught a class in Kansas, and a young fellow who attended owns a company called Absolute Basement Finishing, working in and around the St. Louis, Missouri area. Read more about Advertise Your Construction Services With Pictures
Making Things Happen
One of our clients called from one of the towns along the Missouri River. He wanted info on how to do the cleanup and rehabilitation of homes along the river. Read more about Making Things Happen