Contractor Business Planning Strategies
10-16-08 Michael Stone
Join Michael Stone as he discussed the steps you need to take to create and maintain a business plan for your construction business. Michael will cover simple and practical steps that you can start taking now to ensure your future in this industry. 1 Hour 5 Minutes . . . keep reading
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Business Planning Strategies with Kylon Gustin
10-8-08 Kylon Gustin
Join us as Kylon Gustin, an expert in the field of business planning, presents a 75 minute seminar for contractors. This seminar will walk you through the steps of building a business plan for your construction-related business. 1 Hour 19 Minutes . . . keep reading
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Basics in Estimating - Part 1
Michael Stone
We are not going to "teach" estimating in this article - we have a 12-part class that teaches estimating. What we are going to do here is cover some estimating issues. Handling these issues properly can get you back in front of the customer quicker with more accurate estimates. That leads to a better presentation and more sales. . . . keep reading
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Cost Reduction Strategies
7-24-08 Michael Stone and Dan Baumann
Michael and Dan have compiled a wealth of ideas to help your business save money. Many of these ideas are straight-forward and you've probably heard before, but have you implemented them yet? Take the time to listen to over 60 ideas, then go out and do it, and start cutting your costs now. 1 hour, 7 minutes . . . keep reading
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Contract Escalation Clause
Michael Stone
Contract escalation clauses have been around for a long time. With the increasing size of residential new construction and remodeling jobs and ongoing economic changes, it is time to look at including a Contract Escalation Clause in your contracts. . . . keep reading
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Learn How to Save Money On Your Business Insurance
7-10-08 Don Bury
Insurance Cost Reduction Specialist, Don Bury joins us to show you how you can rapidly learn and implement sound buying practices to help you get more out of your insurance brokers and eliminate hassles during renewals. In other words he'll show you how to save money on your business insurance. 1 hour, 4 minutes . . . keep reading
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How To Drive Down Commercial Insurance Costs - Check List
This is a list of what it takes to make business insurance costs go down. If you don't have a process implemented into your renewal cycle, you are very likely to pay too much for quality commercial insurance. We've delivered over $20 million in premium reductions since 1993, so we know this works, and is worthwhile. . . . keep reading
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Do You Care if They Call?
Michael Stone
If you are like most businesspeople, the most misused tool in your business is the telephone. My biggest complaint? Not returning phone calls. With all my ranting and raving, I still hear from . . . keep reading
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Honesty
Michael Stone
As many of you know, I have traveled many miles (almost 300,000) the last few years trying to both educate and bring a little hope, encouragement, advice and even humor. My message includes thoughts on the importance of education and of honesty. . . . keep reading
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Returning Your Phone Calls
Michael Stone
During a seminar in Sacramento, California, I asked, "How many return every phone call the same day or by 9 am the next morning?" Of 110 people in the room, 4 raised their hand. Less than 4%. . . . keep reading
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Paying Salespeople By Commission
Michael Stone
After 44 years in construction, having worked most of it in sales, I have found straight commission is the best way to pay salespeople. Paying salespeople by the hour, a salary, or salary plus commission gives them a reason to lie in bed in the morning. It also gives them time to dream up every reason and excuse in the world about why something was not sold. . . . keep reading
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Your Company's Financial Fitness
Michael Stone
Profit and loss statements provide a good picture of where you stand financially, but they will not tell you why. Your P&L is a reflection of numerous small decisions. Let's look at some things th . . . keep reading
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What is a Good Sales-to-Leads Ratio?
Michael Stone
Before we can discuss what a good sales-to-lead ratio is, we first need to define what constitutes a lead. A "lead" is an appointment set. That means you have been contacted, talked with the . . . keep reading
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The Gatekeeper
Michael Stone
Many contractors believe they have arrived when they put a "gatekeeper" in place to answer the phone, screen calls, set appointments, etc. In my opinion, the only thing most gatekeepers accomplish is to irritate potential customers and other business people. . . . keep reading
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Business & Finance
