Many contractors, while searching the local area for new business tend to overlook a rather large market that is capable of generating on-going business for years: Realtors. The vast majority of preowned houses that enter the market require some sort of upgrade or repair. While some may be minor fixes such as a new walkway from the driveway to the …
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Although many don’t realize it, the second most common question in any professional’s mind(right after, ”Should I get into this business”) is, “Should I specialize?” Granted, it doesn’t pop into someone’s head that way, but most, at some point when they are starting out wonder if there is an area that they want to focus on or a group that …
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You are now a Licensed Contractor! Congratulations! You put a lot of time and effort into getting here. Are you putting the same effort into making sure that you stay here? Many contractors don’t and end up losing their license or getting trapped in ruinous legal situations because they made a simple mistake. They refused to stay aware of the …
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Any contractor, whether they have been in business for years or just starting out needs equipment, machinery, and tools but where to get them? Shovels, hammers, and most hand tools can come from a local hardware store. Large machinery, on the other hand, is a little more problematic with more factors to consider. The biggest of which is: new or …
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Materials are a huge part of your contracting business. Without them, you can’t build. They are also a huge cost to your business and, even with a little markup to pay for them, you still want to find them at a low cost with sacrificing quality. Many contractors find a reputable supplier and stick with them for many years. This …
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Do you remember back in high school and college when a test was rolling around? Did you study? Did you cram? What about cheat sheets? Everyone has a method for preparing for an exam, even if they don’t know what it is. However, by not only being aware of your favorite techniques, but also enhancing them, you can fly through …
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Many construction employees start out as entry level labor or as journeyman/ apprentice trade school graduates. As time goes on, they develop their skills either through on-the-job training or by paying for continuing education themselves. While these are both great options for career advancement, you as a contractor and business owner, can benefit by being a benefit to your employee’s …
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One of the most frustrating things for a potential client is to be talked down to or to have something described in a terminology that he or she doesn’t understand. Most often, the client will lose interest in the contractor or even the project itself. It’s tempting, after months to years of training, to want to show the client that …
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A business plan(BP) is arguably the most important part of any company’s success, yet so many contractors treat theirs as though it was leveling out a wobbly desk. Without a solid, clear, actionable business plan, a company has little idea where to start building its future let alone how to take further steps once it begins. However, when a business …
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Because the team of CSLS instructors is made up of experienced industry professionals, we try to sprinkle in a lot of practical advice about working in the California construction industry along with our exam prep lessons. One piece of advice that each student will hear at least a few times is “don’t cut corners with your contracting business.” In every …
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If you have only recently started your contracting career, or even if you have been at it for years, one of the most important struggles within the construction industry is managing your reputation. Finding ways to drum up business and acquire new clients can be more difficult at the start, when your reputation and experience are limited, but there are …
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Without clients there are no opportunities to do the quality work which will build your reputation and income. That is why finding inventive ways to get your name out there is something that all contractors have to think about. Let us tell you one more creative way of doing this at little cost. How many people do you know who …
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Not every Contractor has an office, but for those who choose to invest in either renting or buying a space, there are a couple things that you should be aware of to attract the type of clients and projects that you want. Your office is an ideal place for you to display your certificates, degrees, awards or any other recognitions …
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Some might think that mission statements are snooty expressions of power from Fortune 500 companies or political parties, but the reality is that they can be powerful declarations of purpose for any business that markets directly to clients. Mission Statements are compressed expressions of the beliefs and values that make your contracting business a worthwhile investment to the people who …
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Children are naturally curious. They love to play and explore things that are peculiar or exciting, and when you have an active project site at a school, park or private residence in which small children are present, there are several precautions you should take to help keep them safe. Administrators or home owners will also have to coordinate with you …
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Former students and current contractors aren’t always eager to go back to the classroom for a seminar or new training, but a quick Google search of the world’s most prominent business leaders, best-selling authors and professionals will make one thing clear: they continuously add to their skills and education. That’s why we have made a shortlist of the 4 best …
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In order to take on bigger jobs or have multiple ongoing projects you will have to expand your team. It is a pivotal step in growing your business. As you already know, your employees are your representatives in your absence and their quality of work, behavior and integrity will in large part contribute to your success or failure. For these …
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One of the realities of life as a working contractor is the need for spacious transportation for your team and tools. Many contractors take advantage of this by utilizing the space on their trucks and vans for advertising - increasing their visibility, adding to the appearance of professionality and attracting new business. Here are a few tips to maximize this …
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Door-to-door sales has gotten a bad rap. Truth be told, the idea of strangers coming into our personal space and interrupting our schedules can be an off-putting experience, but with a basic understanding of these sales techniques and your own knowledge, charisma and enthusiasm, you’ll have tapped into the single most effective location targeted sales technique available. People appreciate speaking …
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Not everyone has huge, disposable income after the overhead costs of running their contractor business, but with a little budgeting and some ingenuity, marketing will become your best friend in the pursuit of your target audience, paying out hand-over-fist in relationship to its expense. The wonderful thing about guerilla marketing, or marketing techniques that are not common in your field, …
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