Things are Looking Up
Things are looking up. The contractors that I talk with daily on the phone are projecting good things for 2012. Many are telling me that they are getting more calls than last year and certainly more than two or three years ago. Granted, the big, high budget jobs are not in the abundance they were back in 2006 and 2007, but jobs are starting to come back nevertheless.
We have seen an increase in phone calls and emails in our office this month and all the things that I look for in a better economy are starting to happen.
Be aware that you may have to take a job or two that is a bit outside what you like to do but hey, there is a good side to that. A new job that you haven’t done before will force you to educate yourself about that job, and do a better job of estimating, presenting, planning and scheduling. You’ll sharpen your skills. And you’ll make sure everyone does what he or she is supposed to do so you don’t lose your ASSets on that job.
What is causing the increase in business? Well, we’re pretty sure it isn’t the politicians or the government. The increase is due in part to needed maintenance on the homes and buildings of our potential clients. They know they need to keep their buildings in good shape or pay big money down the road to cover “deferred maintenance issues”. I believe the smart contractor will remind potential clients of that in every presentation. The old saying of “You can pay me now, or you can pay me later” certainly applies to the condition of homes and buildings.
There is also a push by several governmental agencies to do energy retrofits. If you aren’t doing that work, you may want to look into it. That is where a lot of the government grant money is being spent.
Read an hour every day gang. Leah Thayer’s d5R is a good place to start. Watch your local magazines and newspapers, learn what’s going on in and around your town. Figure out where the new business is and get right after it.
