The whole team When you run a commercial construction subcontracting business, it is vital to have people who know what you don’t know on your team. It goes beyond the people on your payroll, to include your consultants, advisors, and other experts. These professionals step in to allow you to create a Whole Team. Some examples may include: Accounting Estimating and Takeoff Compliance and Legal Business Coach Human Resources (HR) Information Technology (IT) Virtual Assistant (

Want to know what your employees want, so they feel satisfied with their job? Ask them! It isn’t as daunting as you may think. There are reasons you should be asking the right questions of your team members, both your employees and subs. It makes them know you care. You’re better able to lead. It improves your construction business. It makes them know your care The questions you ask go beyond “How’s it going?” to showing you do have an interest in their well-being. The follow

Build the bonus program Building an achievement-based bonus program will take some effort on your part, yet it need not be overly complicated. As a matter of fact, simplicity can be key to success. While there is room to base an incentive program on a quarterly or annual basis, it is likely shorter-term situations will be easier to design, build, and carry out. Even if you do intend to incorporate long-term bonus programs it is a good idea to start small. Here are 3 reasons w

Some bonus programs stink Bonus programs based on the wrong parameters or instituted poorly can be really yucky for everyone. Your team loses, you lose, and you throw your hands up in despair thinking bonus programs are a waste of time and (more importantly) a waste of money. Yet, if you get it right, the win-win effect takes place bringing everyone (including your clients) into a much better place. Instituting bonus incentives in your construction contracting or service busi

Last time, I talked about making decisions concerning whether a change order is necessary when dealing with requests from clients. If you haven’t read that post, take time to do so. Otherwise, what I’m saying from here on out might not make much sense to you. Because, this time I’ll tell you how to go one step further in the process. Ever thought about telling your team to give time and service to your clients at no additional charge? Ever thought about implementing a Give it

Better management in your construction business through daily meetings Safety meetings are Boring! But they don’t have to be, and they shouldn’t be! Daily huddles, morning meetings, toolbox talks, tailgate meetings, safety meetings – it doesn’t matter what you call it, having a meeting daily with your crew is essential. If your construction safety officer, your site foreman, or you are the person in charge of the safety meeting make sure the meetings are worth attending. Whoe

I’ve discovered Construction Contractors and Subcontractors are among the most adept and proficient folks around. They wear such a profusion of hats (skilled tradesman, project manager, marketer, salesman, HR manager, supply-chain manager, customer-service representative, PR manager) it can be mind boggling. Yet there are 10 Personal Tools they need to use no matter which hat they happen to be wearing at any given time. The quality traits (tools) of excellent construction con