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This Podcast Is Episode 544, And It's About Why Banks Won't Lend Money To Your Construction Business Getting approved for a business loan or line of credit is more complicated than qualifying for a personal loan. Small construction business owners must be adequately prepared to meet with a lender to present their business in the best possible light and ready for the money they need. Think of all the times: You loaned money to a friend or relative Provided labor and materials for somebody's home or business without a deposit check Did change order work that you never got paid for doing and never will Gave a subcontractor/employee an advance on their paycheck, and you never got paid back Multiply that by 100,000, and you will understand why banks seem so tight-fisted about loaning money. Banks stay in business by loaning money and earning interest. They work hard to find people, companies, and contractors with reasonable credit risks they can lend money to and get paid back promptly, with all of the interest

This Podcast Is Episode 543, And It's About Better Practices For Managing And Maintaining Construction Business Cash Flow In the business world, cash flow remains the lifeblood that keeps your operations running smoothly. Whether you're a start-up finding your feet or a seasoned business in the construction industry, managing and maintaining a steady cash flow can be challenging. But a few small changes can make a world of difference to your cash flow and overall revenue.   Your business needs cash. Cash keeps your company in operation and enables it to grow, so you should know how much your business needs to survive. Although many think the answer is linked solely to operating expenses, this isn't true.   No single factor determines how much cash every construction business needs to have on hand. Somewhere between 3-6 months of operating expenses is an excellent baseline to start from, but there's more to it than that.       Initiate a discussion with your lenders if interest only or deferred payments on ou

This Podcast Is Episode Number 542, And It's About What Is A Fractional CFO And How Can It Help Your Construction Business? A fractional CFO, or Chief Financial Officer, is a finance professional working part-time, retainer, or contract. They bring the experience and expertise of a high-level CFO to your business – without the cost of hiring a full-time, in-house employee.   Fractional CFOs service several clients simultaneously, typically on a part-time, retainer, or contract basis. Their specialty is providing outsourced CFO services to small and medium businesses.   Because their financial management skills are so well-developed, it's common to bring one on board to help navigate a challenge.   Every construction business can benefit from dedicated financial management expertise, but very few small companies have the means to hire someone full-time—particularly in the lean early years.   Unfortunately, it's those first few years when a company is just starting up that establishing good habits with managing

This Podcast Is Episode Number 541, And It's About The Value Of Documenting Effective Construction Business Systems Many entrepreneurs operate with their business processes and systems in their heads. They know what they must do daily and how they want to get things done.   Unfortunately, when a construction business grows, and staff need to be hired – or the owner needs to take time away from the company – it's an absolute liability not having processes and systems documented in one place.   To be in business and to remain in business, become a business person! To run a construction business, you must be business-like. It's not sufficient just to be very good at what you do. Many people who are 'very good at what they do' have failed. The familiar cry: "I'm far too busy for that," is also no excuse. Are you 'too busy' to be a competent businessperson? If so, your construction business won't last long. You must continue to develop your business skills.   To be a businessperson, you must try to become an all-

This Podcast Is Episode Number 540, And It's About Key Financial Concepts For Construction Company Owners Not everyone knows construction accounting, and it is easy to assume all accounting is the same. Even if you have outsourced your financial functions, as a small construction business owner, having a solid understanding of critical financial concepts is crucial to work with your advisor and 'speak their language". This article outlines several essential concepts that every small business owner should know.   Construction is a tricky business, and people's failure is expected. Most of our clients have either failed or come very close. It doesn't matter how many times you are knocked down; it only matters that you learn your lessons, get up, and go again. We noted these lessons years ago, owning and operating our construction company. By building a system and gaining insight from us, you can pick up from our mistakes, which you don't have to go through and can start avoiding before it comes crashing down. 

This Podcast Is Episode Number 539, And It's About Construction Company Contract Traps And The Advantages Of Legal Help Mistakes can be expensive in the construction business, and as an entrepreneur, although you'll know many of the regulations that apply to your business, there are so many that you can't possibly remember all of them. Depending on the type of contracting business you run, you could face laws regarding taxation, employment, product liability, premises liability, discrimination, health and safety, and various other regulations.   Keeping on top of all the laws that affect you and the changes to those laws while still being mindful of all the other aspects involved in running a business is almost impossible.   That's why you need legal help. A legal professional can identify the rules and regulations that apply to your business and advise you on operating within those laws. They can also help you draw up necessary contracts that could prevent legal action in the future, and they can prepare a c

This Podcast Is Episode Number 538, And It's About Pros And Cons Of Working With Family And Friends In Construction Ever dreamed of starting a family business? Investing in a franchise opportunity with friends?   Businesses owned and operated by families can have incredible staying power. All family-owned companies, Volkswagen, Samsung, and Nike, are among the world's most successful, leading brands.   Working with family and friends can be fun and rewarding, especially in the construction industry. I know because we've been in one. But before you hire the people you care about most, it's wise to consider the pros and cons.   Pro: Dynamics When you hire family and friends, working together can feel comfortable and pleasant. You can vouch for their work ethic and values upfront. You already know their natural talents, abilities, preferences, and skill sets – their strengths, weaknesses, and how you can best work together. Con: Dynamics Regarding family and friends, modifying negative behavior or communication

This Podcast Is Episode Number 537, And It's About How To Safeguard Your Construction Company From Employee Expense Fraud As a small business owner, you always look to keep your company running efficiently. Expense reimbursement fraud is the last thing you want to face. Not only can it hurt your bottom line, but it can also damage your construction company's reputation. Here we discuss employee expense fraud, the reasons behind it, and, most importantly, how to prevent it from happening to your construction business.   What is expense fraud?   Expense fraud is submitting falsified or inflated expense claims to receive reimbursement from the employer or avoid paying out of pocket. It is illegal, unethical, and detrimental to your business.   Employees can commit expense fraud in several ways, such as using personal expenses as business, submitting fake receipts, inflating costs, duplicating submissions, falsifying mileage, and using company funds for personal use. Why do employees commit expense fraud? There

This Podcast Is Episode Number 536, And It's About How To Handle Construction Client Debt So You Get Paid On Time If your customers owe you money, the faster you can obtain it using effective collection tactics, the better. Ideally, you want to reduce the chance of bad debts and pressure on your construction company's cash flow. It can be easy to neglect to manage your debtors when you're busy growing your business, but intelligent credit control is important. So it's crucial to have the skills to handle the people who owe you money well, especially if you want to avoid taking them to court. When negotiating contracts with clients, try to set payment terms that help your cash flow, such as deposits or progress payments. Dealing regular payments for contracts that take months to complete has two purposes: it gives you cash flow to match your expenses and protects you from total loss on a project if the customer goes into liquidation. Please include a timetable for the customer to pay invoices as part of any

This Podcast Is Episode Number 535, And It's About A Guide To Service Based Business Advertising That Works Marketing covers everything you do in your business that creates awareness, including advertising, brochures, competitions, trade shows, demonstrations, travel, direct mail, email campaigns, your website, and sponsorship. Let's narrow our focus to an integral part of Marketing - Advertising. Advertising is a massive industry with multiple mediums for your message to be heard or lost in translation. It might sound like a no-brainer, but before you start planning your advertising, you must consider what you are trying to achieve from your investment. Your ultimate objective likely is to build sales, but other things to consider are increasing market presence and building your brand. Advertising can be used to: Establish a reputation as the market leader or industry expert – allowing you to win long-term contracts or even increase prices. Build brand awareness for a product to make it easier to sell and

This Podcast Is Episode Number 534, And It's About The Rundown To Running Your Own Construction Business Getting your construction business up and running and making a profit is usually much more complicated than it sounds. So let's focus on honing the skills you'll need to make it happen by acquiring these yourself or consulting professionals to help you. What it means to be your own boss Being your own boss might sound like it is the ultimate ticket to freedom and financial success – and it can be. But don't be fooled into thinking you'll be able to put in a few hours each morning and spend the afternoons networking over a round of golf. The reality is that most businesses require much hard work – more than your standard 9–5 job and over some years – before they start to make a reasonable profit, and many new construction businesses fold before they reach that point. Here are the top things you should be aware of: You need to be passionate about what you do: Setting up your contracting business is challen

This Podcast Is Episode Number 533, And It's About Finding The Right Construction Talent And Common Onboarding Mistakes As a business owner, you know the right people are crucial to your construction company's success. The best employees can help you achieve your business goals, improve productivity, and drive growth. But finding the people best suited to your team can be daunting, and sometimes it's easy to hire someone who seems okay rather than taking the time to find the best fit.  Here are some steps to find and hire staff that support your business growth, whether in the office or the field. Step 1: Define the job and necessary qualifications The first step in finding the right talent is accurately defining the job description and qualifications. Is this a new position you're hiring for? Are there gaps in employee skills that need to be met? Is this a position that requires specific knowledge and experience?    Remember that there's a difference between "must-have" qualifications and "nice to have" c

This Podcast Is Episode Number 532, And It's About Adapting Your Construction Business To A Slower Economy It's hard to go a day without reading something in the news about the state of the economy. Whether it's interest rates rising or the cost of living, there's no getting around the fact that in 2023 there are many doing it more demanding than a few years ago. But while there are some economic challenges for individuals and businesses, it's important not to go too far down the rabbit hole. Remember – economic conditions are forever changing, and history tells us things can change anytime. If you're concerned about the economy's impact on your business or have already experienced its effects, read on. In this article, we'll explore ways to adapt and improve your construction company during slowdowns, so your business can emerge more substantial when the market bounces back. Take the time to understand your market conditions   The news can often overwhelm us with negativity. While staying informed is cruci

This Podcast Is Episode Number 531, And It's About A Guide To Building A Solid Construction Company Marketing Plan When it comes to the construction industry, employee training and development is crucial for success. Providing employees with the necessary skills and knowledge can make their work more efficient and effective, leading to higher-quality results and increased productivity. From safety training to technical skills development, a variety of areas can be focused on in construction employee training and development programs. Investing in these programs not only benefits employees but also improves the overall success of the construction company. Don't have an employee? As a construction company owner, it's important to prioritize investing in yourself and your growth. By paying yourself first, you'll be better equipped to make intelligent investments in your construction business and provide valuable training and development opportunities for your soon-to-be employees in the industry. This can lead

This Podcast Is Episode Number 530, And It's About How To Manage Your Construction Company Payroll Effectively Payroll is one of those things that starts simply enough. You start your construction business and hire a few employees, and things tick along. It's straightforward enough to keep everything in line at first, but what happens to most companies is… they grow! This is a great thing, but it also means that payroll becomes more complicated. As such an essential aspect of your business, payroll must run smoothly. Getting paid is, after all, the primary reason that most people come to work.   One of the biggest challenges contractors face is keeping track of overtime hours. With so many employees working on different job sites and projects, it isn't easy to calculate their overtime pay accurately. Complying with all federal and state labor laws is another essential aspect of a construction payroll system. This includes appropriately classifying employees as exempt or non-exempt, withholding the correct am

This Podcast Is Episode Number 529, And It's About A Guide To Building A Solid Construction Company Marketing Plan As a contractor, having a solid business plan is essential for growing your company and attracting new clients. If you're serious about getting the best value you can for your marketing budget, you'll need to develop a marketing plan. One of the first steps is to identify your target audience. Who are your ideal clients? What are their needs and pain points? Once you understand your target audience, you can develop a marketing strategy that speaks directly to them. Building a solid construction company marketing plan is essential for any business owner looking to grow their company. With the right strategy, you can increase your brand awareness, generate leads, and ultimately boost your revenue. Some critical elements of a successful contractor marketing plan might include the following: 1. Knowing your customers Firstly, you need to identify your target market. You probably have an idea of who

This Podcast Is Episode Number 528, And It's About Construction Accounting Concepts You Can Benefit From Today   As a small business owner, you know that managing your finances is crucial to the success of your business. But with so many accounting principles and practices, it can be challenging to know where to start. That's where we come in! This guide will break down the essential accounting principles that every small construction business owner should know. We'll discuss how these principles can help you keep track of financial transactions, create accurate financial statements, and make informed decisions for your business. So, let's dive in, shall we? Why Are Accounting Principles Important for Construction Businesses? Accounting principles are the foundation for any successful business. They provide a uniform framework for recording and reporting financial transactions, ensuring consistency and accuracy in your financial records. By adhering to these principles, you'll be able to: Make better financ

This Podcast Is Episode Number 527, And It's About Leading Causes Of Stress For Contractors And How To Counter Them Construction business owners face various sources of stress that can negatively impact their well-being and overall business performance. Some leading causes of stress for construction business owners include financial pressures, tight deadlines, workforce management, safety concerns, and regulatory compliance. If not adequately addressed, these factors can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even business failure.  Many entrepreneurs believe hard work and determination are all it takes to build and sustain a successful business. But when you consider the pressures of running a company, it seems wise to add effective stress management to the list. Left unchecked, stress can erode your passion and undermine performance – not to mention a severe toll on your health. Are you wondering how to stop stress from derailing your productivity, profits, and overall well-being? Follow these practi

This Podcast Is Episode Number 526, And It's About Becoming A Better Construction Company Owner By Developing Courage Fear is a natural, emotional response to distress. The evolution of humanity was dependent upon feeling and responding to fear. Unfortunately, for some of us, fear is a stumbling block to unlocking our full potential and becoming great leaders.  Fear can have a significant impact on business activities. If a business owner is afraid of taking risks or making decisions based on past negative experiences, it can hinder their success. It's important to remember that fear is often based on False Evidence Appearing Real or F.E.A.R. It's crucial to approach business decisions objectively and not let fear cloud judgment. By recognizing and addressing fear, business owners can make informed decisions that lead to success. The good news is that courage is like a muscle, and when you exercise courage, it often becomes more robust and more natural. Here are a handful of ways to overcome fear, find courag

This Podcast Is Episode Number 525, And It's About Building A Competitive Advantage In The Construction Industry A competitive advantage is something that you offer or have that the competitor does not. There must be compelling reasons for people to do business with you rather than with other construction companies. The need to identify your point of difference is essential. The more similar your business is to many others, the greater your need to develop competitive advantages. The key to benefitting from the competition is knowing how to take on competitors so your company earns a profit effectively. Look into your industry and the successful contractors around you not to lose sight of your vision for your construction company but as an inspiration to guide your systems and processes. Identifying your advantage A competitive advantage is what you are better at doing than anyone else. The wiser you can be about developing and promoting your competitive advantage, the better placed your business will be to