Systems Development: Definite Chief Aim
February 21, 2007
If you interviewed for a job, you would likely ask your potential employer a number of questions relating to: compensation, benefits, insurance, holidays, vacation, etc. Have you ever asked your current employer about those issues?
Our business is a tool—a tool to help us experience the kind of life we wish to have. Our business can provide us wealth, or leisure time, or many other things. Our business is an unlimited opportunity.
But before we can use that tool to accomplish our desires, we must first identify those desires. Every tool has a specific purpose, and when used improperly, can result in serious damage and destruction. Read more
Using Systems to Solve Business Problems
February 19, 2007
Most problems and frustrations (we call them bottlenecks)Â within our contracting business have one of two fundamental causes: a lack of systems and procedures, or the appropriate procedure was not followed.
A system could be defined as an integrated whole, in which each part is interdependent with other parts. Together, the individual parts contribute to the overall function of the item in question. For example, an automobile consists of many individual parts. If a particular part fails, the entire automobile may not function. In a business, if a particular function or task is not performed properly, the business may not meet its goals. In other words, a bottleneck will result. Read more
Business “Blueprints†For Success
February 9, 2007
Too many times I hear objections when suggesting to fellow contractors that no business should operate without a written business plan. Just as every project has a detailed set of plans that must be followed for the desired outcome, so should your business. Think of the business plan as a blueprint, and use it to plan your path to success.
The best option is to write a formal plan before business begins and update it whenever there are changes. It will help the business stay on course during those times when you are busy dealing with all the common stresses of the construction or remodeling industry such as material schedules, labor issues, and time constraints. Read more
From the top down
February 9, 2007
Basing most my work on retail and sub agreements I’ve found it tough at times to pick up the feed thrown by other contractors and customers. Then, this winter almost all came to a crawl if even that at times. I’ve dabbled in home flipping and been a part of the spec machine, however, just about every-time I’ve ended up like a monkey in the jungle trying to break a coconut for his next meal…..Believe it or not, that metaphor was inspired by my wife’s cooking.
So there I sat all broken hearted and some interesting approaches came to me. Knowing the general costs involved in phase by phase for the actual task preformed, maybe I should start at the top down. Off I go on my high horse here to save the day.
Read more
Advertisement
