When the lights are off and no one is in the office, your business is still open. Even during regular business hours, most of your customers probably visited your website before calling. With the internet at most people’s...
It is hard to find a book, article or YouTube video on business ownership that does not include something about strategic planning. Some are quick how-tos, while others include lengthy, soul-searching processes. Most of these...
The first thing most people Think when they hear “succession plan” is retirement, which is typically the catalyst that puts the succession planning in motion. While some business owners think it only applies to transferring...
In the increasingly competitive process of hiring good employees, we need to use every tool available. In many cases, people rely on their instinct. I, too, have used this mindset in some hiring decisions. While some were...
Recently, I presented a webinar, “How Investing in Your Employees Pays Off.” We conducted a poll and asked the participants what their company’s No. 1 asset is. To little surprise, the overwhelming response was employees. If...
You have all heard the adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Unfortunately, this also often applies to people. You have probably been around a co-worker who is set in their ways, still talking about the good ol’...
Many people think of business plans as long, complex documents that describe every detail of the business. While this format has its place, for most companies, the owner can accomplish the same goal with a one-page business...
When I ask an electrical contractor, “How do you market your company?” the usual answer is, “We have a website and use Facebook.” While a website and social media, in general, can be great platforms, it takes a lot more to...
Before the coronavirus pandemic, I conducted a workshop on the estimator’s role in design-build projects. Many questions were about how contractors can best protect themselves from risks not generally considered when doing...
I don’t know if it is a construction industry thing or a personality thing, but it seems like, as electrical contractors, we think we can do it all. The downside is that we can easily be consumed by low-value tasks that must...
In terms of the number of U.S. family-owned businesses, the construction industry is second only to agriculture. While working with family can be meaningful and rewarding, there can also be strife and resentment between...
In terms of the number of U.S. family-owned businesses, the construction industry is second only to agriculture. While working with family can be meaningful and rewarding, there can also be strife and resentment between...
