...you build a house for a client and they love it. It is creative, you get to work with your hands?
...you employ a happy crew of subcontractors, with whom you share a beer after a productive day?
Well, imagine instead...
more...
...this is a business. And you must look at it as a business. You will be responsible for marketing, pricing, job site safety, dealing with regulators, working with demanding clients, and squeaking out a profit for your family.
...you thought running your own construction business meant not having to work for a crazy person every day, and then discovered that to keep your business alive, you had to become that crazy person?
...getting new jobs, taking care of ongoing work, breaking up turf wars between employees, keeping the money flowing... YIKES!!!?
Well, imagine instead...
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...that you have written policies, processes and procedures which proactively handle most issues.
...organization structure is in place, based on what needs to be done, not who is going to do it.
...you know how you are going to bring in new business and deal with clients.
...you know where the cash flow is coming from, and it is sufficient.
...you worry that the market you're in is so competitive that the last dollar seems to be wrung out of every deal you make because the only way you can compete is by being the lowest cost builder in your market (and we all know where that ends)?
...you have no brand identity and are just another "me-too" builder in the market?
Well, imagine instead...
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...you have identified and own a market segment that values your product and your expertise, so you can close sales, budget accurately and price profitably.
...your market opportunities are quantified and you know which new markets you are targeting for the future.
,,,you know your company's relative strengths and weaknesses.
...you work like hell to get prospects to contact you, and then when they do, you watch helplessly as the ball is fumbled again and again: qualifying the prospect, specifications, estimating, controlling expectations?
It's a wonder anyone gets to the goal line.
Well, imagine instead...
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...that you have created a process which anticipates questions every prospect is going to ask.
...that everyone in your office understands how to handle a buyer making the biggest purchase of their life.
...that your salespeople know where each sale fits on your road to profitability.
...you avoid talking to your banker because he may ask a question about your financial performance, and you know that your accounting numbers are so out-of-whack that you don't have any answer, let alone the correct one?
Well, imagine instead...
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...that the accounting system is cleaned-up, that you can trust the numbers that you see.
...when you ask your bookkeeper a financial question, not only is the answer right, but you understand what she is saying.
...your books are set up the way the IRS requires.
...you know that the technology you need is available to help 1) run your business, 2) manage your clients, subcontractors and employees, 3) plan your projects more efficiently, and 4) know exactly where you are financially?
...but you don't have the time to go find it?
Well, imagine instead...
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...that someone has done that treasure hunting for you.
Here are the low-cost platforms I have been using in my construction business to improve communication, handle accounting and finances and run a lean operation.