Employees: Details that Cost You Money
By Michael StoneNothing is more frustrating than to work hard only to find out your business isn’t making money. Michael discusses three things that can make a big difference on the bottom line.
Estimating Construction Profitably
By Michael StoneEstimating Construction Profitably is a guide to estimating; or more accurately, a guide to creating your own estimating system.
Changing the Terms of the Contract
By Michael StoneWhy do clients enter a contract and then think they can unilaterally change the terms?
Motivate Your Construction Employees
By Michael StoneIn construction, employees are motivated and engaged when they know the reason behind their work. They need to know their jobs matter.
After the Sale; Pre-Job Layout
By Michael StoneThe pre-job conference or pre-job layout is when all the details get ironed out that can easily be forgotten. It’s when the job is handed from sales to production. After this meeting the production manager is in charge.
In Construction, Communicate the Details
By Michael StoneAre you giving your clients the information they need to be confident you’re building the job they want?
Sales Issues: Leaving Your Paperwork
By Michael StoneWhen a prospective client “wants to think about it,” should you leave your paperwork? What can you do to close the sale?
Business Skills and Your Construction Business
By Michael StoneIt’s easy to think we already know all we need to know. If you want to be successful, continually improve your business skills.
Should You Join a Trade Association?
By Michael StoneDuring a recent “Sharing Ideas” online discussion, the subject of trade associations came up: Is joining a trade association worthwhile?
Residential Construction Quality Standards
By Michael StoneIn residential construction, it’s not unusual for your client to have an unrealistic quality standard. That’s why you need to establish the standard ahead of time.
Growing a Construction Business
By Michael StoneGrowth is inevitable when you successfully market your business and have solid business practices but growing a construction business brings a few challenges along with the blessings.
Managing Jobs: This is Where it Went Bad
By Michael StoneMichael shares a story from a contractor who delegated to the wrong person, and that’s where the job went bad.
Sales: Are You There to Help?
By Michael StoneWhen selling, are youhere to find out how much money you can make, or to provide a service and help?
Calculate Your Cost Per Lead
By Michael StoneWhen you calculate your cost per lead, you’ll know what you need to spend on marketing to meet your sales goals.
Getting Between the Owner and a Sub
By Michael StoneA subcontractor causes a problem on a construction job, the general contractor needs to make it right. It happens a lot, this time with a twist.
Doing Things Right
By Michael StoneMichael shares a valuable tool that will improve both your sales and your relationships.
Doing Things Wrong
By Michael StoneIt’s painful to see people who don’t know better get taken advantage of by those who do or should know better.
Doing Work Without a Permit
By Michael StoneDoing work without a permit is a mistake. Pulling permits protects the homeowner; when a contractor doesn’t want to pull a permit, there’s always a reason.
Should I Change My Markup If I’m Not Making Sales?
By Michael StoneShould you change your markup method if you aren’t making sales? Don’t spend hours fiddling with numbers; invest the time in your sales skills.
It’s All About Sales: Gaining a Commitment
By Michael StoneCan delayed job starts impact material prices and profitability? Not if you gain a commitment first. It’s all about the sales process.
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