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Business Coaching Articles, Tips and Tutorials
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New Employment Eligibilty Verification Form I-9
The US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced that a new Employment Eligibilty Verification Form is required as of 12/31/07. The new Form I-9 and a revised version of the "Handbook for Employers, Instructions for Completing the Form I-9" are now available. . . . keep reading
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2007 Business Review
Michael Stone - Construction Programs and Results
The best way to plan for 2008 is to start with what worked well and what didn't this year. We have a list of the things that must be reviewed from 2007 in order to best position your business for a successful 2008. Our business expert, Michael Stone, has worked with 1000's of companies and shares his business planning knowledge and experience. . . . keep reading
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Business Coach Helps Construction Contractors Build Successful Companies -- and Lives
Entrepreneurs of every type face a paradox: Either they learn to run their businesses efficiently or their businesses end up running their lives. Construction contractors are no exception. There's a gaping chasm between the skills experienced craftsmen possess and the expertise required to run a successful business. Contractors are susceptible to many of the same pitfalls all entrepreneurs face and often need extensive help on the business side of their ventures. . . . keep reading
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How Can You Protect Your Assets?
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
Stephen Eichelberger is a construction law attorney and a friend. Because he saw the same legal problems arise time and again in construction litigation, he became interested in practicing "preventative" law for those involved in construction projects. His office provides a wide variety of legal services to owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and insurers. . . . keep reading
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22 Reasons why you should never do Cost Plus or Time and Material contracts or billing.
by Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
The following lists some (but not all) of the major reasons that a contractor, in a construction related business, should not do Cost Plus or Time & Material contracts or billing. This applies to all general contractors and most of the specialty contractors in this business. The exception to this would be using Time and Material billing for service work such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC service calls. . . . keep reading
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BUILDING QUALITY AND LOSING MONEY!
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
Many contractors believe that building "quality" helps them sell more jobs and make more money. But how do you define quality? Who sets the standard? . . . keep reading
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"Your Price is Too High"
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
What do you do when you hear those dreaded five words from your customer - "your price is too high"? Don't panic and here's why . . . keep reading
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Going Green Without Going Into the Red
Susan Davis, CKBR, CGBP
Wise and wonderful choices for creating a more energy efficient, healthy and sustainable home. Despite Kermit the Frog's complaint, " It's not easy being green", we now have many wise and wonderful choices for 'Green' design and building that are not going to substantially increase the building or remodeling budget, and in some cases not add any costs, at all. . . . keep reading
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NAHB Report - Housing Facts, Figures & Trends - May 2007
NAHB Public Affairs
The NAHB Housing Facts, Figures and Trends Report provides a snapshot of various aspects of the housing market including new home starts and sales, characteristics of new homes, homeownership rates and more. It provides an interesting look at where the housing market is today and what the future may hold. . . . keep reading
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Make Every Possession Count
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
When asked why he thought the Chicago Bulls achieved an NBA best 72 and 10 record, Michael Jordan's response was, "We make every possession count". Now that may not seem like an earthshaking statement, but when you apply it to your personal life and your business, it is profound. . . . keep reading
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Construction Contract Advice
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
That lack of respect is generated by the business practices of many in construction who run their business as a hobby. Unfortunately, everyone gets painted with the same brush, and it allows some clients to believe they don't have to pay. Don't get caught in this, read further for excellent Contractual advice. . . . keep reading
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Simple Design Agreement
Here is a simple Design Agreement that I use with my Clients. It lays out the process I use as well as stating the financial obligation in writing. . . . keep reading
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Design Lines Publication
AIBD
Design Lines Magazine is a quarterly, full color, publication that focuses on issues, education, and events as they happen in the building design industry. . . . keep reading
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Get Free Trade Magazines
Free, Trial, and Paid Magazine Subscriptions for Remodelers, Builders, Designers, Architect, and Special Interest from Free Construction Magazines.com. There are some really great magazines and deals here! . . . keep reading
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Employee Manual Detailed Information
A well-written and legal employee manual is the most effective way to inform employees about your workplace rules and prevent employment problems and misunderstandings in your construction business. . . . keep reading
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There is No "Industry Standard" for Pricing
by Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
Over the last two years, we have heard of home or building owners claiming that contractors overcharged them for work being done on fixed figure (lump sum) contracts. The claim is usually that the "construction industry standard" is cost plus 10%. . . . keep reading
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Michael's 10 Cardinal Rules for Construction Companies
Michael Stone
You shall return all phone calls the same day. This means that you return all phone calls the same day or by 9:00 AM the next morning at the latest. You return the call regardless of who it is from, and you don't make assumptions about what the call may be about. Most importantly, you don't make excuses about how busy you are. You return ALL phone calls. . . . keep reading
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Chief X1 Training
