What difference does it make?
Whether your job lasts a few hours, a few months, or a few years there is still always a Job Close Out to deal with before the final payout arrives. It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to please a general contractor, a home owner, or a building inspector there is still the bottom line – is everything done, finished, complete?
I’m not talking about a punch list, although a punch list will sometimes be a part of the process. I’m talking about the moment when all parties involved in the construction contract or service agreement are satisfied with the finished work. Closing out the job means your work is complete and you get paid.
Both the negative experiences (change orders, nasty weather, supply delays, and the myriad of other things which pop up during the cycle of completing your project) as well as the positive experiences will fade in the memory of your customer. Yet, there is a psychological tool you can use to enhance your chances of leaving a favorable impression on them.
How does it work?
Here, let me explain. Have you ever been given a list of items to look at for a few moments, then been asked to remember all the items on the list? Chances are you’ll be able to remember the first few things as well as the last one or two items. All the words in the middle are often lost to your short term memory.
This article explains why that happens.
Understanding this psychological circumstance makes it easy to see why not only the first impression you make on your customer, but also the last impression you leave them with are both important for the well-being of your company. And, it is best to not leave Job Close Out to chance or even to a good memory.
Putting this information to use
Systemizing your procedure for closing out your projects augments your customer satisfaction rate as well as saves you time and hassle. Whether you’re a one-man-show or have a large number of employees, making a Job Close Out procedure a priority is a must for scaling your construction contracting business.
This is the first in a three-part series. In the next part we’ll look at the importance Job Close Out plays in mapping a superior customer journey, and in the final part discuss ways to make the process work for both you as well as your employees.
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