I didn’t know much about the Empire State Building when I was a child – other than that you shouldn’t jump off it. I knew that because every time I tried to convince Mom that I should have a certain item or be allowed to participate in an activity because “everybody has one” or (worse yet) “everybody is doing it,” her sardonic retort was always, “So if everybody is jumping off the Empire State Building are you going to join them?”
The Elusive Everybody
My mom understood the two-fold problem with the concept of everybody. Sometimes everybody is made up of only a few people, and sometimes it truly is a large portion of a group, crowd, or society.
In either case, there can be a problem with perception. Trying to keep up with the Joneses or following a misguided crowd are both surefire ways to make problems for your construction business.
When you let go of the everybody concept and consider the peer concept, you take a major step toward growth and improvement in your construction business.
The Peer Solution
In our society, we tend to think of peer pressure in a negative way and as something experienced by teenagers alone. In fact, both teens and adults experience peer pressure, which can be either positive or negative.
Before going further, I’ll throw in this information concerning the word peer. Peer comes from the Latin par, which means equal. So, it can mean a person who has the same legal status – think a jury of one’s peers. Or it can mean a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, background, and social status.
And here is where it gets weird. Whether through thoughtful action or careless disregard, you are part of a peer network.
Since I’ve already discussed my mom’s wisdom, it is time to throw in some guidance from my dad. I can still hear Dad say, “Use your noggin!”
Use Your Noggin
Determining to be a part of an uplifting and inspiring peer network as opposed to an indifferent or draining peer network takes effort and thought.
The type of individuals you are looking for will have qualities like:
Experienced
Supportive
Teachable
Respectful
Trustworthy
Driven to be their best
Actively give and receive advice
And most importantly, they don’t contradict your fundamental values.
Being a part of a positive peer network has many benefits. For example, you’ll find that you’re not alone in your challenges, doubts, and fears. A few other benefits provided by an active and positive network of peers include:
Provides accountability
Hastens the learning curve
Enables the sharing of critical information
Enlarges your leadership language
Identifies business opportunities
Proposes defined financial improvements
Provides a sounding board for new ideas
Where the Right Peers Hang Out
On your job site. Look for like-minded contractors in other industries.
At the meetings called by the GC you’re working with. Take note of fellow contractors who are team players, have experience, and with whom you have rapport.
In industry associations. Not everyone who joins an industry association is qualified to be counted in the positive peer category. But the chance of finding the right peers increases when you join and become active in a construction-related association.
Surprising Places to Find the Right Peers
Apps or SaaS providers. When you keep in mind that the developers and providers of technology you use in your construction business are people, it is easy to see how they can become a part of your peer network.
Service providers. From your lawyer to your tax preparer, from your marketing firm to your accounting firm, and from your insurance provider to your information technology provider, there are numerous opportunities to find peers. When your service providers specialize in construction-related issues, the chances increase to find qualified peers.
Just for Fun
I never really used to enjoy peer pressure.
But then my friends got me into it.
Just So You Know
The Profit Constructors Team Provides Positive Peer Pressure.
Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
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