Masonry Magazine January 2008 Page. 57
6. Add more ideas
To improve your bottom line, you must find ways to cut your job costs, improve productivity and speed your job schedules. Use a written suggestion box and reward good ideas.
7. Add good people
Now is the perfect time to eliminate your poor employees and replace them with top players at a reduced price. Good people are easier to find now. Face reality: Some of your people won't help you be successful in slow times.
8. Add more bids
To bid more jobs, see more people. Ask each key person to make it a part of his job to be on the sales, marketing and estimating team. Everyone must pitch in to make more proposals and get more work.
9. Add more networks
Get out in your community and see lots of different people. Seek input from your existing customers, bankers, competitors, suppliers, subcontractors, architects and engineers. More importantly, make a commitment to seek leaders who are not in your industry. Ask them for ideas and suggestions how to change the way you do business.
Don't expect things to get better without doing your part. Stay put, and go nowhere. Sit and wait for something to change, and it won't. Try one of these nine ideas to get your bottom line aiming upward. IMAS
Best-selling author and professional speaker George Hedley helps entrepreneurs and contractors build businesses that work. He is author of the "The Business Success Blueprint Series," available in eight workbook and audio CD sets. Contact Hedley to present to your organization on his proven system to build profits, people, customers and wealth. Construction company owners are invited to attend the two-day Profit Builder Circle boot camps. Email Hedley at gh@hardhatpresentations.com to receive a free copy of his book, "Everything Contractors Know About Making A Profit," or signup for the free monthly e-newsletter. For more information call 800-851-8553, or visit www.hardhatpresentations.com.
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