01/16/2023
Take Control of Your Contracting Business
Are you a new contractor and feeling a little overwhelmed?
Here's a way to get organized and stay focused on the important tasks of the day.
1. Make a list of what you need to get done. Write down everything! This means everything work and personal related. As contractors we have more responsibility then someone who just punches the clock. And you don't want your business to suceed at the expense of your family life. Remenber who you are truly doing this for, they matter!
2. What items on the list can you have others do for you?
Give it to them! Yes, they may not do it as good as you or as fast, but they have to have the same exposure you did in the beginnning. Just make sure you have provided them with training or instructions. SO many Contractors don't think about how an easy task to you is maybe intimidating to someone with less experience.
3. Now, back to your list, what is left? Put it in the order of importance. And stay focused until it';s done. We can sometimes become distracted by less important things, that pull us away from finishing projects.
4. Time Management: This is a big part of what eats up contractors day. Maybe driving around looking for a part or supplies, when you could make phone calls or let someone else make the calls for you.
Maybe there is something else on the job you can switch to and stay productive, then look for that part of material after work. AND one of the biggest things that eats of a contractors time is trying to make something work instead of just buying the correct item. You will eat up so much time Gary-rigging something instead of just paying the $30 for what you actually need.
5. The last thing is know your limits and don't try to be everything! What this means is hire others to do things to get it done faster. This should be calculated in your bid for the project and don't be greedy. You charge a fair price, Pay them a fair price, make a little off the top, and get the job done faster. You will find that people will recommend you more if you show up and get it done faster, rather then dragging it out by trying to do everything yourself.
