January 2009: Full Contact Project Management

Words: Dan KamysJanuary 2009 Full Contact Project Management
?????? Masonry Magazine project management

A Plan for a New Year and New Economy

If we've heard anything at all during the last political season, it has been the word "change." We've also heard a lot of talk about "hope." What does it all mean? Moreover, what does it mean to us?

Regarding the nation's economy and its outlook, I don't pretend to know what will happen. I will freely admit that everything I voted for or against did not turn out the way I wanted. I know that I'd like to have hope, and I will. But I'm a realist, and know my impact on the nation's economy and politics will be minimal, however unfortunate that might be. But as far as my business goes, I know I've got to do a lot more than just hope, and so do you, if you want to remain in your business.

I'm sure you've heard that one before. If you haven't, write it down, stare at it daily, and completely take it to heart. And, if you do know that saying, it's time for a reality check: Bad stuff is going to happen to a lot of people and businesses you know. And, Coach is telling you to get back onto the field, play your hearts out, and be prepared to leave everything on the field.

Coach Gary reminds:

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten."

Look, there are lots of scared people out there. Things are in somewhat of an uproar. And, if all you do is the same old thing, the same old way, for the same old people, with the same old crew, you might end up as a casualty of the times.

Take a good, hard look at your business. What can you do to increase revenues? What can you do to decrease expenses? Look outside of the box, and outside of your own neighborhood. Maybe you should implement some of those ideas you've been considering for the last couple of years, but have been hesitant to try.

From here, I can't tell you what new sources of business make the most sense for you. But, I think you know. It's there in the back of your mind. I can tell you, without hesitation, that you can "stop the bleeding" that your project job costs are taking.


Coach Gary's Corner:

Check out the free audio updates and other info that will help your projects. Also, you can get Coach Gary's book, "Get Paid for a Change!"

Return to Table of Contents
Restoring South High School: A Beaux-Arts Icon in Youngstown
January 2026

By Eric Holm, Executive Director, Jubilee Urban Development A Testament To Time And Craftsmanship In the heart of Youngstown, Ohio, stands a structure that has witnessed more than a century of history, resilience, and craftsmanship. South High School,

Case Study: Battersea Power Station
January 2026

Battersea Power Station has long held a unique place in British industrial architecture. For masonry professionals, it represents something even more specific. It is one of the largest brick buildings ever completed, a structure that demonstrates both the

Risk Management Benefits of Reviewing the OSHA Top 10
January 2026

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards serve to keep employers aware of common risks that can have serious consequences. This annual list highlights the most frequently cited violations that inspe

Government Affairs: Immigration Talks Are Heating Up!
January 2026

For some of you, I might be starting to sound like a broken record (nice that “vinyl” is coming back in vogue, so even our younger masons know what a record is!)…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON DIGNITY ACT…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON DIGNITY ACT…WE NEED YOUR HELP ON THE DI