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.
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.
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.
Honest Relationships
By Michael StoneThere are always at least two sides to any scenario, but if you want to stay in business, consider this a lesson on how not to treat a subcontractor.
Doing What’s Right
By Michael StoneHow should you handle a mistake? What if it’s a mistake you made over a decade ago?
Investing in a Low-Value Home
By Michael StoneIs it appropriate to build the job a homeowner wants and is ready to pay for, if the home value doesn’t support the project?
A Reputation for Cleanliness
By Michael StoneEvery day we drive by a new home under construction. I don’t know how many people pass this new home every day but I would guess it’s in the thousands; the road is always busy.
Let Them Know What to Expect
By Michael StoneIf you’re doing service work, make sure your client knows what to expect before you start.
Don’t Be This Contractor
By Michael StonePlease don’t be this contractor. Please don’t be that homeowner.
Thank You Notes
By Michael StoneI’m a strong proponent of thank you notes. We received a creative note from a contractor the other day.
Little Things – Duct Cleaning
By Michael StoneLittle things can make a big difference to your clients.
Getting Involved with a Storm Chaser
By Michael StoneLast week, a contractor called to ask my opinion on getting involved with storm chasers that were in his area.
Things That Cause Problems, or, How to Upset Your Clients
By Michael StoneSeven issues that upset clients. And when clients are upset, either you won’t make the sale or you might not get paid.
It’s Time to Change Our Image
By Michael StoneI have an audacious goal. I’d like to see a shift in the public perception of the construction industry.
As Rude or Opinionated as you can afford to be
By Michael StoneYou don’t want to lose business because of a comment that you post or email. Even if you think it’s hidden in a dark corner, it can cause a problem
Take Charge of Your Company Name
By Michael StoneClaim your business in local search sites and social media. Almost always free, only takes a minute, might bring in leads, and it will protect your name.
Ten Cardinal Rules for Construction Business Owners
By Michael StoneTen Cardinal Rules for a successful construction-related business.
Building Quality Jobs
By Michael StoneMany contractors believing building “quality” helps them sell jobs and make more money. But how do you define quality? Who sets the standard?
Close Out Package
By Michael StoneAs you’re walking out the door on a finished project, you want your clients to remember you as the company that went the extra step for them.
You’re Being Watched
By Michael StoneIt's important to remember your business is on display at all times. Especially in a company vehicle, wearing a company shirt.
Politics and Business Don’t Mix Well
By Michael StoneOne of our coaching clients has been fortunate to do work for some very well known people. We discussed using that information when he promotes his business.
You Don’t Own Your Clients
By Michael StoneWe got a note last week from a contractor on the east coast. Their community has been dealing with weather-related disasters the past few weeks.
Bad Advice from a Writer
By Michael StoneOne of our coaching clients recently asked me if I thought that advertising in a “high end” magazine was a good idea for his company.
Permits for Your Construction Project – That’s a Job for the Professional
By Michael StoneWhile 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.
How Not to Treat a Salesperson
By Michael StoneI 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.
A Bait and Switch Scam?
By Michael StoneLast 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."
Your Unfair Advantage
By Michael StoneThese 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.
Dealing with the Trades
By Michael StoneHe 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".
He did the right thing – even though it might hurt
By Michael StoneI 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.
Character Matters
By Michael StoneThis 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.
Get Amongst ‘Em
By Michael StoneI 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."
Building Jobs or Customer Service?
By Michael StoneI read this comment on a forum recently: "We're a customer service company that just so happens to be really good at painting houses."
Advertise Your Construction Services With Pictures
By Michael StoneI 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.
Miscommunication – It’s not pretty
By Michael StoneToday, with email and the internet, we have nearly instant communication. But there is a down side to this rapid give and take, and that is miscommunication.
Getting Something for Nothing
By Michael StoneA friend told me about an incident he witnessed at a trade association meeting. A supplier sponsored a dinner, and with that had the opportunity to make a presentation.
Your Social Media Reputation
By Michael StoneIf those answers don’t make you pay attention to your social media reputation, I don’t know what will.
Answer Questions Before They Get Asked
By Michael StoneI hope there is an original agreement to go back to. This is a classic case of a contractor either writing an incomplete contract or not writing a contract at all.
Your Image in a Few Words
By Michael StoneHave you thought about the image you project? It's important to create an association between what you provide and what your potential client wants or needs.
Protect Your Assets
By Michael StoneA contractor we work with was served papers claiming that he was party to a nasty lawsuit filed by an attorney on behalf of a building owner.
A Driving Test
By Michael StoneI was recently on the freeway and as I passed an onramp a large truck pulled onto the freeway and cut me off. I was able to swerve. No harm, no foul, right? Wrong.
Help Your Fellow Contractor
By Michael StoneA question I hear all too often is, "Why should I help educate my competition? I'd rather they went out of business so I got the work."
Protecting Your Reputation
By Michael StoneGot a note in from a landscape contractor wondering how to deal with folks that talk with each other, spreading rumors that he is high priced.
Why Should I Make a Down Payment?
By Michael StoneAs a contractor, you need to know that the homeowner is both able and willing to pay for the work being done.
Permit or Not?
By Michael StoneRecently several of our coaching clients have related that their potential customers don’t want building permits pulled on their jobs. Don’t go there gang. Bad plan.
Quality, Value and Service – Or Low Price? Pick One
By Michael StoneI have had several discussions of late with contractors who can't accept that they should sell quality, value and service instead of trying to play the low price game.
Construction Industry Behavior
By Michael StoneI took a call last week from a lady who has been in her townhouse for less than a year and has many repairs needing to be done that the builder of the units won't fix.
Mom was right
By Michael StoneAs I get older I realize even more that how you treat others matters. Mom was right.
Employee Behavior (or, the cons of smoking)
By Michael StoneWatch how your employees conduct themselves. Some things we accept as normal can be the very thing that sets a customer off and turns them into the customer from hell.
Specialty Contractors, General Contractors – Getting Paid
By Michael StoneIf you are a general, and you want good subs, treat them well.
Consulting about a Remodeling Contractor
By Michael StoneI do most expert witness work on the side of contractors. However, when I find a contractor who has been dishonest, I go after them with every tool I have.
New Success Strategy for a Construction Business
By Michael StoneI know you haven't heard this before, but there is a chance in the future that your business might slow down. If you want to keep working when things slow down –