In this industry we can all agree, being committed to hard work is half the battle, if not more, in running a successful business. Here are five tips to help keep you ahead of the competition.
Purchase Quality Tools
You need tools that will work as hard as you do. Lucky for you, today’s tool market is very competitive, this often leave little to no differentiation between big name brands and the new players in the game. Take the time and learn what makes a tool perform the best so you are purchasing based on quality and not just the biggest brand.
Write Better Bids
Think carefully about possible pitfalls in your bid. For instance, if you live in a northern climate, the winter can raise your costs considerably. Even if you don’t plan on a project going into the winter, schedule creep may dictate otherwise. Include a line item for this sort of possibility. If you don’t need it, great – no one will ever be mad about a project coming in under budget, but if you do need it, you have it.
Stay Educated
Stay up-to-date on the latest industry developments, product releases, etc. Know the major players both nationally and in your area. Go to trade shows and follow industry publications. The real estate and drywall construction industries have changed dramatically just in the last 50 years. Know what’s going on or you’ll be left behind.
Keep Employee Morale Up
Unhappy employees do not do their best work. Focus on morale to get the most out of your employees and help you retain them. Retention is key: efficiency increases the longer the team works together.
Learn to Say No
Many new professionals feel the need to accept every job or request that comes their way, but this often leads to problems. Being able to say no is an important skill that allows you to focus on the work you do best. It also gives you more power in contract negotiations – not being able to walk away from a deal will leave you at the client’s mercy.