Same song, another verse. Check that your March sales and your production numbers match your company goals. It’s important to stay on top of your numbers. If you’re falling behind in sales, how’s your advertising?
Numbers don’t lie so if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Look at your business expenses and your sales numbers and compare them to those in our Markup and Profit Revisited book, pages 36, 37 and 38 (Chapter 2 in the audio or eBook). If your percentages are significantly different, make a plan to get things right.
If you’re just now getting federal taxes done, did you procrastinate because you were worried about what you’d discover when the numbers were crunched? Taxes are a distraction but they’re also a requirement. Stay focused, don’t procrastinate, get on them and get them done. If you don’t like what you see, start today making the changes needed so you don’t experience the same pain next year. Let’s do it right in 2025. If you need some help, let’s talk.
Likewise, if you have first quarter taxes due, either federal payments or state filings, let’s Get-R-Done.
It’s almost time to schedule the de-winterizing of your buildings and vehicles. Set a date and get after it. These are the chores that can get away from you if they aren’t on the schedule.
Consider ads for summer work (July, August and September). It’s not too early to advertise for work coming up. By the time you get your ads done and out the door, summer will be here and hopefully potential clients will be looking for someone to help them get jobs built.
Check that your subcontractor license, bonds and insurance paperwork is all up to date. I’ve hounded about this since we started our newsletters back in 2001. Some subs will say they’re licensed and insured, but they aren’t or they’ve lapsed because they didn’t pay premiums. Get your documentation, from the insurance agent not from the sub, and make sure it’s current. This can be a disaster waiting to happen and you’ll be the one who gets hurt, so protect yourself.
May I ask a kindness? If your parents are still around, let them know you love them. Even if you can’t visit them in person, you can call. You won’t realize until they’re gone how special their voices are. The past can’t be changed, but you can make the future better. Trust me, I know, once mom and dad are gone, all chances to fix things are gone.
Take your wife/husband or significant other on a date, maybe even a hot date, even if it’s at a drive-through restaurant. Whisper sweet things in their ear and buy them an ice cream cone. Nothing in this world says, “I love you” like an ice cream cone.