The holiday season is usually filled with joy and celebration. Still, it can also bring significant stress for construction business owners. With project deadlines, year-end financial tasks, and the hustle and bustle of the festivities, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. 

 

Here are some strategies to help you manage stress and prioritize your well-being during this busy time of year.

 

1. Set Realistic Goals

 

As project timelines draw near their conclusion, it can be tempting to push for everything to be finished before the holidays. However, setting realistic goals for yourself and your team is crucial. Prioritize tasks that must be completed and recognize that some projects may need to be deferred until the New Year. This will help reduce pressure and allow for a more balanced method as the holidays approach.

 

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Topics: Stress Reduction For Contractors, Thanks To Everyone Involved In Construction, Systems And Processes, Merry Christmas, Business Plans, Happy Holidays, Construction Systems And Processes, Switching Off During The Holidays

The construction industry is dynamic and challenging, and a business's success or failure can hinge on various factors. As we approach the end of another year, it's essential to take a step back and assess your company's successes and challenges. 

 

Contracting is notorious for its complexities and ever-changing landscape. It is crucial to evaluate what worked well, what didn't, and what lessons we can carry into the following year. These are my key takeaways from phone chats and emails with our clients, industry friends, and followers. Use this as a template - remove, add, and reflect on this list to hold yourself accountable for what you can improve.

 

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Topics: Construction Strategy, Systems And Processes, BPM, Business Plans, Processes, Construction Systems And Processes, Construction Business Review

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.

 

 

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

The recent cyber outage is a stark reminder of digital systems' vulnerability and potential impact on businesses, including those in the construction industry. This incident offers several critical lessons for construction bookkeeping.

 

As a contractor, your accounting and bookkeeping systems are vulnerable not only to cyber threats but also to software outages, which can compromise sensitive financial data and disrupt business operations. 

 

In this blog post, we'll explore the implications of the recent cyber outage for construction accounting and bookkeeping and provide actionable tips to strengthen your defenses.

 

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Topics: Construction Bookkeeping And Accounting, Systems And Processes, security, cybersecurity, Construction Systems And Processes

In the construction industry, unexpected challenges can arise at any moment. Numerous factors, from material delays to unforeseen weather conditions, can disrupt project timelines and budgets. 

 

From terrorism to fire, from extreme weather or earthquakes to cyber-attacks – how would your business cope if it was affected? Would your staff know what to do? Would you be able to keep working?

 

That's why a contingency plan is crucial for construction contractors. It is not just a precaution but a necessity. Small construction businesses need to be prepared for a range of scenarios. Your company could avoid significant setbacks or closure with a solid contingency plan.

 

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Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Contractors Emergency Marketing Plan, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Contingency Plan For Construction Contractors

The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is more straightforward said than done. 

 

In today's fast-paced construction industry, staying in touch and being productive is crucial for project success. The good news is that technology has made it easier to streamline processes and enhance team collaboration.

 

One of the most impactful ways technology has improved construction communication is through user-friendly mobile applications and project management software. These tools allow for real-time communication, easy document sharing, and smooth task management, reducing the delays and errors often associated with traditional communication methods.

 

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Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Systems, Construction Productivity, Construction Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance, Production

In the competitive construction industry, implementing efficient business systems can make a significant impact on the overall success and profitability of a construction business, regardless of its size or specialization. From streamlining operations to improving project management, adopting efficient systems can yield tangible benefits that truly pay off in the long run.

 

Too many businesses fail because the owner needs to establish efficient business systems. This typically happens because the business owner is so caught up in the company's day-to-day running that the fundamentals of good business management are forgotten. Often, it must be said that the owner doesn't like bookkeeping or other administrative tasks, so these get put on the back burner.

 

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Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Systems, Construction Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance

Several aspects of the construction business can only be learned through experience. One of them is negotiating contracts. 

 

Owning your business requires many skills, and among the most important might be the ability to manage negotiations. As a business owner, you could find yourself negotiating in many circumstances, such as: 

 

• Salary and job expectations with a potential employee 
• Financing terms with a lender
• Payment terms with a supplier
• Lease or property agreements
• Equipment agreements.

 

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Topics: Leveling Up, Systems And Processes, Construction Business Negotiations, Negotiating Contracts

When a business starts, it’s natural for the owner to be a jack-of-all-trades. You may not have the capital to hire specialists or access the technology to help you. As your business grows–or as you look to take a minor role in your construction company–you may find the industry has become over-reliant on you, which makes it difficult for you to take a step back. 

Have you M.A.P.ped your business yet? Consider this before retreating and delegating:

• Marketing - never sells more than Production can provide; on-time and on-budget
• Accounting - manages the money to maintain operations and produce a reasonable profit
• Production - delivers the project intending to exceed customer expectations

As you know, we are big on Marketing, Accounting, and Production; having a basic operation manual in place for your office, remote, and field employees pays off in the long run.

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Topics: Construction Strategy, Systems And Processes, Construction Company Cash Flow, Contractor Tips, Contractor Guidance

Every manager has habits that make them effective. Managing contractors doesn't just mean scheduling them and making sure they're progressing on the project, but also knowing how to address workplace matters proactively - for one, the growing generational differences among their peers to communicate effectively and boost productivity.

These days, it's inevitable that a diverse group of older and younger workers cross paths in the construction industry. After all, the young, tech-savvy, socially conscious Gen Y (Millennials) and Gen Z are currently the largest living generation in the U.S., navigating the workforce in record numbers. And the boomers may be retirement age, but that doesn't mean they're ready to stop working. Many baby boomers choose to enjoy "encore careers" – jobs that allow them to continue applying their skills and experience to personally meaningful projects.

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Topics: Leveling Up, Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance