Hoping Isn’t Enough
Similar to tossing a multitude of coins into a wishing well, hope is without foundation if there is nothing backing it. Having an attitude of hope alone is of no value.
There are plenty of roadblocks, hiccups, and stresses in the day-to-day running of a construction contracting business. There is absolutely no reason to add hope to the equation. It turns out, deducting hope is a much better practice.
In his wise poem The Little Blue Engine, Shel Silverstein addresses the problem of thinking (or hoping) you can. There must be more.
Turning “I hope we’ll be done by the end of fall” into “By our schedule, the job will be completed on November 18” is a much better stance to take.
And it isn’t an exercise in semantics.
As an example, setting a goal within a timeframe acts as both an engine and a caboose.
Your team has a defined plan – a calendar, used well, is a mighty motivator.
The subs know what to expect – the “I didn’t know that” excuse is erased.
And your client is more at ease – “Thanks, now I’m better equipped to make my own plans.”
Note: The word client is used throughout this article to replace terms like the homeowner, business owner, general contractor, or any other entity for whom you are doing the work. The people who pay you are your clients.
Use Systems to Dismiss Hope
A successful construction project depends on documented systems that are clearly communicated to all parties from beginning to end. Some of the aspects of that type of documented processes would include:
Definitive start and end times – including working hours and the project timeline
Clear policies concerning end-of-day cleanup and clutter control
Explicit damage cost and remediation guidelines
An understandable explanation of safety policies and incident reporting procedures
Distinct guidelines concerning communicating changes or modifications
Plain explanation of how and when updates will be communicated
Before a project begins, there are other documented systems to address. For instance:
Present a detailed scope of work and estimate
Make it easy to accept the proposal or bid and send the deposit or retainer
Help all involved understand the timeline
Address the possibility of disruptions and plans to overcome them
The completion of the project (on time and on budget) means systems have been followed and make it easy to present a final bill. And part of the process involved, even at this stage, is to have a system that makes the payment method easy for the client.
Replacing hope with clear expectations doesn’t mean all will go well, but it does increase the possibility of greater success.
Use Systems with a Purpose
Be sure your team knows:
What to do
When to do it
How to do it
and are happy to do it
Set client expectations early on and make it easy for them to work with you.
Use Technology to Gain Control
Using technology in the development and implementation of systems is not an option.
It is a must.
Being able to Run With the Big Dogs means taking advantage of the excellent apps and software available. The types used by savvy construction contractors include:
Project management
Time tracking
Document management
Lien waver management
and, of course, Accounting
Finding System and Tech Help
Yes, this is an unabashed (some might say blatant) plug for the team here at The Profit Constructors. Not only can the team help make sense of financials, but they are also accomplished at helping construction contractors find the right tech and getting office systems in place.
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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