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home | Business Articles
 

Business Coaching Articles, Tips and Tutorials
Top 10 Most Forgotten Budget Essentials
Top 10 Most Forgotten Budget Essentials Budgeting is an essential part of your business. This article will give you great advice you need to keep in mind while working on your budget. . . . keep reading
Markup and Profit Blog
Markup and Profit Blog Check out Michael Stone's blog. You'll find valuable advice, news, & great tips to help your business. . . . keep reading
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
2007 Business Review
Michael Stone - Construction Programs and Results
2007 Business Review 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
Business Coach Helps Construction Contractors Build Successful Companies -- and Lives
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
How do You Deal With an Architect or Designer That Wants to Run the Job or Write the Contract?
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
How do You Deal With an Architect or Designer That Wants to Run the Job or Write the Contract? First, please understand that our intent here is not to bash architects and designers. But many contractors have serious problems because of the way they are treated by architects and/or designers and it isn't always a level playing field. This article is designed to point out ways the game can be played more fairly. . . . keep reading
How Can You Protect Your Assets?
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
How Can You Protect Your Assets? 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
22 Reasons why you should never do Cost Plus or Time and Material contracts or billing.
by Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
22 Reasons why you should never do Cost Plus or Time and Material contracts or billing. 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
BUILDING QUALITY AND LOSING MONEY!
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
BUILDING QUALITY AND LOSING MONEY! 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
"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
Going Green Without Going Into the Red
Susan Davis, CKBR, CGBP
Going Green Without Going Into the Red 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
NAHB Report - Housing Facts, Figures & Trends - May 2007
NAHB Public Affairs
NAHB Report - Housing Facts, Figures & Trends - May 2007 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
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
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
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
Architecture 2030 Global Warming Challenge
Architecture 2030 Global Warming Challenge This is a must-see presentation about global warming. Watch it and decide for yourself what you can do to help. . . . keep reading
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
Markup & Profit Business Newsletter - May 2007
Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
This month's Newsletter from Construction Programs & Results offers excellent information on finding and keeping good subs. . . . keep reading
Are you Charging Enough for Your Design Services?
Dan Baumann, CR
Are you Charging Enough for Your Design Services? Want to learn more about what others are charging for their design services? Here are the results of the Design Survey from contractors, designers and Architects from around the country. . . . keep reading
Get Free Trade Magazines
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
Employee Manual Detailed Information
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
There is No "Industry Standard" for Pricing
by Michael Stone, Construction Programs & Results
There is No "Industry Standard" for Pricing 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
Michael's 10 Cardinal Rules for Construction Companies
Michael Stone
Michael's 10 Cardinal Rules for Construction Companies 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