You own a dog whether or not you know it
If you own a construction contracting business, you own a dog. And we’ll get to that part later. But for right now, I’ll take you on a little journey down Working Dog Lane.
Ranch dogs must be working dogs
For example, Tonya’s first paying job beyond babysitting was on a ranch in northern Arizona. Her boss was a no-nonsense type who expected each of her ranch hands (including the animals) to put in a day’s work to receive a day’s pay. It makes sense. Therefore, when every dollar must be accounted for, every worker must make an account. The fact is, there isn’t a column for “is great at cuddling.”
Further, Tonya learned that if an animal was on the ranch, it had to pull its weight. Herd the cattle; get your supper. Catch the rats; your bowls remain filled. It’s a matter of simple economics.
Construction Business dogs
There are dogs; then, there are dogs in the construction business. There are great dogs that have the task of charming the folks who work in and visit the office. And, there are wonderful dogs that guard the shop, the yard, or the construction site.
You know they must be trained to perform well. When dogs are well-trained, they are a fantastic part of your business. If you have either of these types of dogs, you know what an asset they are.
But there is another dog that will be able to make or break your construction business. It’s a dog named Money. Yeah, Money is the dog we mentioned up there at the top of this article. The dog every construction business owns.
A dog named Money
Money is a dog that will serve you well, or Money is a dog that will never behave and constantly cause you grief.
The well-trained dog
Do you know someone who can make dogs behave, do tricks, pull their weight? Are you one of those people? Or, are you (like me) one of the folks who only wish they had a well-trained dog?
Above all, dogs aren’t born knowing all the things they need to do to serve well. They must be taught and trained.
Therefore, it makes sense that you do not leave the dog named Money to chance. Train Money well and:
Your peers will seek you out for advice.
The competition will wonder why you “get all the breaks.”
Your business reputation will precede you when you seek new jobs.
Yep, the dog named Money has those darling eyes, that ever-wagging tail, and (by golly) those fierce teeth. Beware!
Working with a dog trainer
A great trainer for the dog named Money (your construction accounting specialist) has much in common with the trainers who work with Fido, Spot, and Daisy. As a matter of fact, this article from Fun Paw Care is a good reference point.
Here are some highlights from the article:
Dog training and behavior modification take time!
Parents [Construction Business Owners] need to participate in the dog training process.
Don’t allow a dog to self-reward with inappropriate behaviors.
Dogs must be taught good habits and behaviors.
Your trainer is there to help you and your dog.
Some signs you need a dog trainer
Your leashed dog has repeatedly charged ahead of you and dragged you along, causing cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.
The rascal dog won’t quit barking – at passers-by, at other animals, at wind-blown bushes, at rocks.
The dog peeing on indoor objects is rampant and seemingly defiant.
Some signs you need a construction accounting specialist
You’re still cleaning the cuts and abrasions from the last time you took a good dragging.
You’re worried the noise won’t quit – can we meet payroll? Who owes us money? Have we paid the bills?
Something stinks! We need to get a handle on past poor decisions and make better ones in the future.
Who you gonna call?
Let me put it this way:
Schulte and Schulte Provides Accounting, Contract Document Management, and Advisory Board Level counsel for small to medium commercial construction subcontractors.
So you can Run With the Big Dogs! Call us 866-629-7735
Comments