Tag: 2007 August Issue
These items have all been tagged with the tag "2007 August Issue", You can see other tags in the Tag CloudConstruction Business Owner, August 2007
Dear Jayme:
I start each day with a plan, but when I get to the office or jobsite, I get bombarded by problems and questions that demand my immediate attention, and my plan goes out the window. I end up feeling like I’ve been through the wringer, but I’ve usually accomplished nothing. How do I get my life to match my priorities?
Erik
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
Q:
I am the owner of a general contracting firm that specializes in commercial and industrial construction projects. Currently, our company is pretty efficient when it comes to internal controls: We use numerous reliable software programs for accounting, estimating, scheduling and project planning.Next, I’m thinking that we need to invest in a web-based project management system that will help to streamline our processes and improve collaboration between project participants. However, my fear is that if I don’t get 100 percent cooperation from all involved parties, it will be a waste of time and money. Do you think this is worth pursuing? And if so, how do I select a program that everyone can (or will) use?
TerryConstruction Business Owner, August 2007
Q:
Another construction company approached me several months ago about merging our companies or selling to us. It’s a good company with similar values and business philosophies. They do $4 to 5 million in sales and we consistently do $5 million plus. My initial reaction was not enthusiastic because we have things going in the right direction. Plus when things are working, you hesitate to mess with them. If we merge, we can consolidate overhead expenses. But the key would be to maintain both company’s sales volume and customers with profitable margins. What do you think I should do?
Barry Zermit
Zermit Steel Constructors
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
Ask most professional contractors today if they use a computer and they'll look as if you've asked if their homes had indoor plumbing. But mention online construction management applications and the responses become more mixed.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
At the start of every construction project, owners, contractors and surety companies all share the same goal: finishing the project on time and on budget. An owner wants the project completed correctly, on time, within budget and without liens. The contractor is looking to complete the work on schedule without defect, receive payment for his/her work and make a reasonable profit. The surety relies upon the contractor to complete the contract on time, without defect and to pay all labor, subcontractor and supplier expenses. Logically, the goal of all parties is the successful completion of the project.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
As the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the Gulf Coast remains engaged in the most ambitious rebuilding effort in U.S. history.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
"Half the money I spend on advertising is wasted; the trouble is, I don't know which half," department store magnate John Wanamaker famously complained around the beginning of the twentieth century.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
Amidst the turbulent waters of organizational risk management lurks the necessary, yet often challenging, expanse of workers' compensation. In some states, a government-run bureau of workers' compensation is the insurance agency through which all workplace injuries are processed. These states are referred to as "monopolistic." In the majority of states across the country, however, employers shop the insurance market for rates and service.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
Editor's Note: This is the eighth in our 2007 series of The Business Owner Toolbox written by our regular columnist George Hedley. Each article is written to provide you with practical, immediately applicable business management tools to assist you on your path to building a successful, growing business.
Construction Business Owner, August 2007
Safety training material for cranes, aerial lifts and other equipment is constantly evolving to better meet the needs of the construction industry. Through the power of the Internet, new online methods make it easier to access this information. Online safety training courses give companies instant access to top-quality safety material from any point of the globe.
