Delegation is a skill often discussed but rarely mastered, especially by small construction business owners wearing multiple hats. The balancing act of managing daily operations while pushing for growth can be overwhelming. 

 

Imagine if you could free up hours in your day to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in every minute detail. This is where the art and science of delegation come into play. 

 

Understanding and implementing effective delegation strategies can enhance productivity, foster team growth, and drive your business forward.

 

Read More

Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Contractor Operating Tips, Project Management For Construction, Construction Productivity, contractor delegation

Procrastination can be a formidable foe for small business owners. With endless responsibilities, it's easy to fall into the trap of putting off important tasks for later. 

 

The fast-paced construction world can lead to missed deadlines, increased costs, and frustrated clients. Delayed decisions and unfinished tasks not only affect timelines but can also impact budgets and client satisfaction. 

 

  Read More

Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Contractor Operating Tips, Project Management For Construction

Effective leadership is crucial for project success in the dynamically challenging construction environment. A Project Manager (PM) oversees operations, guides teams through day-to-day tasks, ensures effective communication, and maintains stakeholder alignment. As many of you, our readers and clients, are both wearing two hats - PM and Owner; it's essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of taking on both roles.

 

As a Project Manager and a Business Owner, you deeply understand the entire process, from planning to execution. This holistic view allows for better decision-making. You have the authority to implement your vision and strategies, ensuring that quality and efficiency align with your goals.

 

You can build long-term relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, enhancing trust and collaboration. As the owner, you can choose the projects you want to take and the direction of your business, allowing for personal and professional growth.

 

Read More

Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Contractor Operating Tips, Project Management For Construction

Handling multiple projects simultaneously is a common challenge for small construction companies. While it can signify growth and success, it comes with its fair share of struggles. From resource allocation to maintaining quality and meeting deadlines, juggling several projects can be overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, it's possible to navigate these challenges successfully.

 

Staying organized is crucial. With numerous tasks, deadlines, and client expectations, implementing efficient organizational strategies is critical to success. Create a centralized system for storing project-related information such as contracts, plans, permits, and client communication. Utilize project management software or cloud-based storage solutions to ensure easy access and seamless collaboration with your team.

 

 

Read More

Topics: Multiple Companies In QuickBooks, Multiple QuickBooks Files, Construction Bookkeeping And Accounting, Systems And Processes, Project Management, Project Management For Construction

In the construction industry, communication takes many forms, including written reports, drawings, emails, and face-to-face meetings. Each form of communication has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, written reports and illustrations provide a permanent record of information, but they may not be as effective in conveying complex ideas as face-to-face interactions. 

 

Understanding how construction business owners and project managers, like you, if you do both (a one-person company), adapt to their environment, and facilitate procedures could make your company run smoother because there is no money in workplace chaos.

 

Read More

Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor Leads, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Project Management For Construction

If you have been lucky enough to encounter generous people, you understand they have a unique gift for garnering the respect and admiration of individuals around them. When you are a leader, having a positive relationship with the people who follow you is a huge asset you cannot put a price on. 

 

In the construction business, generosity and helpfulness are two fundamental traits that can make a business successful. When contractors are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with others, it creates a sense of community and fosters growth and success for everyone involved. Additionally, when contractors are generous with their time, resources, and even their finances, it can significantly impact the success of other businesses and individuals. 

 

Read More

Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Project Management For Construction

Small business owners spend an average of eight hours monthly performing payroll functions. That's 12 business days a year that could be spent generating sales, prospecting new business opportunities, improving products or services, or servicing customers.

Upgrading or changing your payroll system comes with a ton of attractive benefits. Saving time and money, making everyone's account more manageable, and better integration are all excellent reasons to consider a change.

But if the switch is mishandled, the results can be catastrophic and lead to long-lasting problems. Read on for tips on avoiding a disastrous payroll system migration.

Read More

Topics: QuickBooks For Contractors, Construction Bookkeeping, Business Process Management For Contractors, Construction Project Managers, Construction Project Managment, Project Management, Project Management For Construction

In the past, Construction Project Managers were laborers or served an apprenticeship in one of the skilled construction trades and were promoted to foreman. This meant many people were more comfortable in manual labor without management skills. And when "things" were put in charge of "people," the results were not usually favorable.

Because of this, many construction companies failed and went out of business due to the Cost of Chaos in their businesses. And it is still happening today.

In the late 20th century, construction and construction management were separated into individual disciplines, each with its methodologies, terms, and definitions.

Read More

Topics: QuickBooks For Contractors, Construction Bookkeeping, Business Process Management For Contractors, Construction Project Managers, Construction Project Managment, Project Management, Project Management For Construction

Having a family-owned construction business in times of uncertainty, we spent many sleepless nights wondering how we were going to make payroll. Where would our next job come from? Would it be profitable, or would something terrible happen to cause us to go bankrupt?

 

If your company relies on material suppliers in various geographic locations, it's likely that at some point, your construction business will face a supply chain disruption. Whether that disturbance is caused by a virus, regulatory lockdown, international tensions, changes in local laws, or a natural disaster, there will probably be scenarios in which your suppliers or transporters face obstacles that affect your company. 

 

Read More

Topics: Contractor, Contractor Tips, Contractor Operating Tips, Project Management For Construction