April 2008
SEEING GREEN
Consumer surveys suggest that homeowners and home buyers are increasingly interested in green-building methods. Do you offer your clients eco-friendly building options? What are they?
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March 2008
JACK OF ALL TRADES OR MASTER OF ONE?
Some contractors believe that a specialty niche is the key to bigger profits and more interesting projects; others think a general focus is wiser, especially in tough times. What's your business model and how did you decide which path to pursue?
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February 2008
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
What's the biggest problem facing the residential construction industry today? Is it a shortage of skilled labor, material costs, land prices, regulatory red tape, or something else?
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January 2008
THE PERFECT CREW
Most contractors go through several staffing models before they find the right combination of employees. What are the ideal number of office and field employees for your business? Where do you fit in?
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December 2007
WHAT A GREAT TOOL!
Have you ever come across a new or rediscoverd tool that has significantly improved your work or made your life easier? What is it?
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November 2007
MARKETING AND ADVERTISING
What are the most effective or creative strategies you've found for bringing in new business?
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October 2007
HEAVY LIFTING
How often do you use heavy equipemnt like skid steers, compact excavators, and material handlers? Do you own the equipment, rent it as needed, or do you hire a subcontractor?
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September 2007
BUILDING MATERIAL SUPPLIERS
What is the most important aspect of your supplier relationships? Do you want the best prices, the best service, or something else?
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August 2007
YOUR FAVORITE TOOL
It could be a family heirloom or maybe it’s something new. It might even be something you made yourself. No matter what it is, what’s your favorite tool, and why?
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July 2007
TAKING THE GOOD WITH THE BAD
As a contractor, what's the best part of your job? What part could you do without?
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June 2007
FUEL COSTS
With gasoline pushing $4 a gallon in many areas, what are you doing to reduce your fuel costs?
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May 2007
THE SWEET SPOT
Once they get a few years under their belt, many contractors find that projects of a certain type or dollar amount are their most profitable and enjoyable. Does your company have a project sweet spot? What is it?
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April 2007
ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
Do you use accounting and/or management software to help run your business? What products do you find most useful, and how did you go about choosing them?
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March 2007
CONSTRUCTION SLOWDOWN
With a construction slowdown affecting much of the country, how do you plan to drum up new business?
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February 2007
SATISFYING JOBS
Have you had a recent project that gave you a lot of personal satisfaction? What made it so enjoyable?
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January 2007
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Do you have a New Year's Resolution for growing or improving your business? What is it?
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December 2006
BIG ESTIMATING MISTAKES
A bad estimate can sink a small construction company. Have you ever made a big estimating mistake? What was the mistake, and how did you remedy it?
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November 2006
A BAD FEELING
Builders and remodelers often claim to have a sixth sense about potential jobs and clients. Have you ever taken a job that gave you a bad feeling? What was the outcome?
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October 2006
LOW-BALL COMPETITION
There's always somebody willing to do residential building and remodeling cheaper than you. How do you distinguish your company from the low-ball competition?
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September 2006
HAS THE HOUSING BUBBLE POPPED?
With interest rates and fuel prices rising and other sectors of the economy softening, have you noticed a slowdown in new home construction and remodeling in your area?
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May 17, 2008
