Assessing competitors should be a regular, ongoing part of your business strategy. Here's why: Most businesses were built around a niche or advantage that the company founder perceived as missing from the marketplace, but you should never assume that your competitive advantages will be there forever. More
Weather events can push a lot of business your way, but it's not necessarily going to be profitable unless your company's prepared to handle it. More
Remodelers are in the business of making dreams happen, not dashing hopes. But to move on a project, you have to help clients figure out what is important to them, which often means redirecting their expectations. More
That thin silver disc that just arrived in the mail tells your prospect everything you want them to know about your company. More
Schafer Builders finds taking care of past customers is good for business. Marketing manager Faith Watson says the Crystal Lake, Ill., company has a written warranty policy for the first year. They send a letter to clients three months and 11 months after the project is complete to ask for updates. More
Portland, Ore., growth restrictions; Minnesota energy code takes on backdrafting; new concrete reinforcing; top ten building markets More