Running a small construction business comes with unique challenges, and dealing with toxic employees is undoubtedly one of the trickiest. A single troublesome team member can disrupt productivity, affect team morale, and ultimately harm your business's success. 

 

These individuals can create a hostile work environment, lower morale, and reduce productivity. For the construction industry, where teamwork and safety are paramount, addressing and managing toxic employees is crucial. Knowing how to handle such situations effectively can turn things around.

 

Let's look at the types of toxic actions, how to address them, and provide practical steps to manage these challenging situations. Read on to transform your workplace or job site into a harmonious and productive environment.

 

Read More

Topics: More Processes And Fewer Employees, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Construction Employee

Marketing covers everything you do in your business that creates awareness, including advertising, brochures, competitions, trade shows, demonstrations, travel, direct mail, email campaigns, your website, and sponsorship. Let's narrow our focus to an integral part of Marketing - Advertising.

Advertising is a massive industry with multiple mediums for your message to be heard or lost in translation. It might sound like a no-brainer, but before you start planning your advertising, you must consider what you are trying to achieve from your investment. Your ultimate objective likely is to build sales, but other things to consider are increasing market presence and building your brand.

 

Read More

Topics: Hiring Employees, Hiring Guide For In-House Construction Bookkeepers, Do What You Do Best And Outsource The Rest, Contractor Tips, Construction Employee

Getting your construction business up and running and making a profit is usually much more complicated than it sounds. So let's focus on honing the skills you'll need to make it happen by acquiring these yourself or consulting professionals to help you.

What it means to be your own boss

Being your own boss might sound like it is the ultimate ticket to freedom and financial success – and it can be. But don't be fooled into thinking you'll be able to put in a few hours each morning and spend the afternoons networking over a round of golf. The reality is that most businesses require much hard work – more than your standard 9–5 job and over some years – before they start to make a reasonable profit, and many new construction businesses fold before they reach that point.

 

Read More

Topics: Success In Owning A Construction Business, Contractor Tips, Building a Construction Business, Construction Employee

As a business owner, you know the right people are crucial to your construction company's success. The best employees can help you achieve your business goals, improve productivity, and drive growth. But finding the people best suited to your team can be daunting, and sometimes it's easy to hire someone who seems okay rather than taking the time to find the best fit. 

Here are some steps to find and hire staff that support your business growth, whether in the office or the field.

Step 1: Define the job and necessary qualifications

The first step in finding the right talent is accurately defining the job description and qualifications. Is this a new position you're hiring for? Are there gaps in employee skills that need to be met? Is this a position that requires specific knowledge and experience? 

 

Remember that there's a difference between "must-have" qualifications and "nice to have" considerations. When setting out "must have" qualifications, include only those that are necessary to the person successfully performing the role. 

Remember also that the job salary should match the role and the qualifications. You can't expect to hire someone with ten years of experience by only offering an entry-level wage. 

 

Read More

Topics: Hiring Employees, Hiring Guide For In-House Construction Bookkeepers, Do What You Do Best And Outsource The Rest, Contractor Tips, Construction Employee

When it comes to the construction industry, employee training and development is crucial for success. Providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge can make their work more efficient and effective, leading to higher-quality results and increased productivity. From safety training to technical skills development, a variety of areas can be focused on in construction employee training and development programs. Investing in these programs not only benefits employees but also improves the overall success of the construction company.

Don't have an employee? As a construction company owner, it's important to prioritize investing in yourself and your growth. By paying yourself first, you'll be better equipped to make intelligent investments in your construction business and provide valuable training and development opportunities for your soon-to-be employees in the industry. This can lead to a more skilled and efficient workforce, which can ultimately help your business thrive.

Read More

Topics: Construction Productivity, Production, Construction Employee, Staff Training, Contractor Training, Contractor Development