Master Plumbers Network - Flat Rate Pricing System

Master Plumbers Network - Flat Rate Pricing System
Hi Everyone,

I just thought this may have been interesting for all contractors - not just our Plumbing fraternity.

Getting the pricing structure right is essential for all contractors or else it's a quick trip through the bankruptcy courts!

All businesses have stressful points but they are less stressful when you know when to expect them (good business planning) and know what you need to do prior to their arrival.

Have you read this month's Master Plumbers newsletter? It's a good read again with lots of useful bits-n-pieces and I recommend you read it ASAP.

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Have you seen?

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick question today. Have you visited our updated front page lately? Can you please provide me with your feedback - I would like to know if the questions posed have hit a chord with you?

Have I left a major problem out? The more I research the www for you, the more info I'm finding.

What else would you like me to find solutions for? It's amazing me every day how many solutions there are to so many of the major and minor problems there are that you face in your businesses.

Tell me what your major and minor problems are becaue I'm willing to bet you a dollar to a dime that I can find a solution!

And remember, you are NOT Robinson Crusoe! If you are having the problem, you can bet there are hundreds of others experiencing the same thing.

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Fairclothreynolds.com.au - Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Fairclothreynolds.com.au - Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
Hi Everyone,
I hope you all have had a nice weekend. I have too - I took some time out and went away for a few days with a friend exploring the towns around me. It's funny, isn't it, how we all seem to 'put off' doing these touristy things until we have friends come for a visit?

But then I got back to work this morning and was delighted to find a message from one of our group who provided his website address to me in his email signature. Excellent marketing! But they have gone even further and have a really top-notch website for his trade. So good, in fact, that I have blogged it for everyone to see - so I strongly recommend you click on over and have a squizz - perhaps even drop him a line and say "G'Day" - from your website to his so it increases page relevance for both of you. These links are what increases page rank in the search engines for both of you.

The higher your page rank in the search engines, the more free traffic you get. All websites have to have traffic. If you have no traffic, your website is unlinked and is left floating in cyberspace. It is this 'cyberjunk' that the search engines are in the process of removing in order to provide more relevant results for their organic search results.

I know all this is probably terrribly confusing for you - it is for nearly everyone. It is commonly referred to as "information overload" but I am in the process of clearing up a lot of this stuff for you with a new book. Seeing as you are already a member of constructingprofits.com you will receive advanced notice of its release and a special offer. But help is on it's way - so "don't sweat the small stuff" as one of my mentors constantly says to me!

Anyway, congratulations David and all at Fairclothreynolds.com.au on a well done website.

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Cabinet Remodeling

Hi Everyone,

Remodeling the kitchen or bathroom can be quite expensive, depending on how extensive the remodeling project will be.

The kitchen and bath are the most frequently used areas of the home, so they get the most use over time and tend to show wear and tear faster than other parts of the house. Cabinet remodeling is usually a big part of updating a kitchen or bathroom, as well as replacing counter tops, adding flooring, or updating appliances and fixtures.

Complete cabinet remodeling is an option if the old cabinets are outdated, if more cabinet space is needed, or if re-facing isn’t an option. Stripping, re-staining, and varnishing existing cabinets can be quite a job, but well worth all the work if the original cabinets are to be preserved.

To get an idea just how much your remodeling project is going to cost, get a few estimates from local contractors that specialize in home remodeling.

Ask to see their portfolio of completed projects and ask to have the estimates based on at least two remodel options. If cabinet remodeling is included, ask for replacement cost versus re-finishing or re-facing.

This could make a considerable difference in the final cost of the remodel. If cabinet remodeling involves replacing all the cabinets, then possibly less could be spent on other items, such as appliances, to make up the difference. If money is no option, then by all means, go all out!
Get what you really want the first time! Beautiful quality cabinets are a nice addition to any home, which not only raises the value of your home, but makes your home more functional too.

Before starting any major project, consider all of your cabinet remodeling options for the kitchen, bath, and laundry areas before making a decision. If enlisting the help of a “professional”, not only look at their portfolio and talk to them in length, but check them out with the local Better Business Bureau.

If there have been any reported complaints against a company, they will be listed with the BBB.

Also listed is the status of the complaint, and whether the company resolved the issue with the client, and what action was taken. All home owners are encouraged to be knowledgeable consumers and research their remodeling project thoroughly before hiring any company to do work in their home, so they can recognize a scam if they are ever in that situation.

Cabinet remodeling or any type of home improvement, though it can be an inconvenience, is well worth all the headaches in the end. Just make sure it’s money well spent!

This is an interesting article from the client's point of view. It's always good to remember where your client is coming from!

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

A good management Guide

http://www.contractorsblog.com/archives/Taking%20Off%20the%20Toolbelt.pdf
Hi Everyone,
Here is an excellent management guide for anyone who deals with a team of workers.

Enjoy!

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits.com
www.constructingprofits.com

Fuel Freedom International

Fuel Freedom International
Afternoon All,

As you know, my Brother and I have been trialing this product and so far it looks extremely promising - I'll keep you up to date but if anyone else wants to join and trial it for themselves, then please email me and I'll let you know more info.

I read this today on FFI's weekly newsletter and it was such an appropriate story I just had to share it with you all.

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits.com

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife, enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized, we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

Are you building a life you want to be living in the future? Are you proud of your choices? Are you living your personal truth?

Like the carpenter and his house, you will be living with what you are building today for a long time. As you move through your day, think about the choices you are making and the structure they give to your life - now and for tomorrow.

O.H&S on the job site

Hi everyone,

I have been keeping an eye on a job site just up the road from me. I talk to the guys there everyday and am greatly impressed with the speed (and care) they are now taking with the project of 8 new units.

When they first started the project, they put up a high wire fence anchored at the base with great clumps of concrete. Pity help any foolish teenage full of too-much-bravado who decided to climb it - as they are want to do! It would have been an OH&S disaster! And yes, the builder would have been to blame because he didn't have the fence posts secured at the top. But they are now. That was an accident waiting to happen - so why take any chances?

The other thing I'm pleased to note about the job site are the notices on that same fence advertising the various businesses involved in each section. Top marketing to those contractors - they will always be busy!

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

So - You want that job in the Building Industry?

It seems a no-brainer to go through a preliminary job application process, fill out the requisite forms, graciously accept a job interview invitation, dress appropriately, and answer job interview questions…and voila! Get the gig.

But one part of that process, the step where you answer job interview questions, that is, requires a bit more attention and thought, or practice, even…before actually going through with the act.

Depending on the type of job and type, Trade etc (including the number of people interviewing you) what examples (if any) you need to bring, and the interview format, you will be expected to do one, some, or all of the following—or, you will do well to use strategies or good interviewing habits that help you answer job interview questions in the following manner:

Answer the question in the language of the question. When an interviewer asks a question using trade terminology, or even when he or she frames a question in any manner, repeat a part of the question in your declarative response. This is good mirroring behavior that shows respect, affinity, and even like-ness. For example, if a potential employer asks, “What makes you the best candidate for this position?” You might respond with, “What makes me the best candidate for this position is….”

Use bullets or a 1-2-3 format when you answer job interview questions. One of my former supervisors always responded to a question by giving three examples, by actually saying each number out loud to the listeners, to guide them in their listening but also to guide him in his speaking (and remembering): he would say, for example, how there are three ways to reinvent the wheel, “#1, study the existing wheel; #2, plan well for the new prototype; and #3, use troubleshooting maneuvers to create a new model that beats the problems of the old model….”

Answer all parts of every question.

In academic milieus, where I was interviewed for full-time positions, the panel would ask two- or three-part questions. When you answer job interview question such as this, say, such as “What do you think the problem is,or needs and how would you proceed in fix it?” remember to respond to the first, theoretical/observational part and the second, hypothetical/role-playing part. Some people (many people, actually) bring a note pad to the interview and check off their responses as they go. These questions are often just as much a test of your content (answers) as they are a check to see that you can follow through or that you are paying attention, etc.

Many more ideas and tricks are important when you answer job interview questions. For instance, eye contact is imperative; remembering names is good; and sitting in a forward-leaning but reserved, casual, hands-folded way may also be good practice in the process. Again, it depends on the job, the people interviewing you, the trade, and the organization or institution or business environment.

Do as you would if you already worked there: dress, speak, and gesture as the others do.

And good luck - having a trade can only be good for you because you will always have a job.

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Cyberspace Real Estate

Just because you have built a website, doesn't mean it's going to work for you.

The Internet is just another advertising medium but it is different - with different requirements - that's all.

If you're paying every month for a website, are you making sure that your getting the most for your money? If you just have a series of static pages sitting in cyperspace for people to read and then move on, you're definitely not making the most of your site.

Here are some things to do. Make sure your website keeps track of how many "hits" you get each day or week. How can you assess the effectiveness methods you're using to draw people to your site if you don't know how many people are actually visiting?

Also, have some things for people to do on the site. If you're selling gadgets, you could offer a free leaflet on how to use them, for example. You could have a video for them to watch. If you're a builder or a Tiler, you could have one free audio download.

Have links within your pages to other pages on your site, but be careful of links to other sites. The goal is to keep people on your website and to ultimately have them buy your product or use your service.

Offer to send them a free e-newsletter. When signing them up, ask for a little more information than just their e-mail address, such as where they live, what they do, what their interest are. It's up to you and your needs to determine what to ask. But don't ask so much that they will be intimidated.

This will give you valuable information about the people who are interested in your business. There are companies that provide e-newletter services for you, so you don't have to figure out how to program your site to do this. All you have to do is sign up with a service.

You can also sign up with companies that provide standard shopping cart services to websites so you don't have to invent the wheel on this one. Shopping carts don't necessarily keep track of who purchased what, however, so it might pay to have a programmer design your site so that you can know when someone is a repeat customer and what their needs are. You'll see an example of this kind of customization on Amazon.com. Each Trade needs a particular type of website. I'm in the process of writing a book for Construction Contractors so watch this space!

Provide content that is of value to your visitors. And have sections that are updated at regular intervals, at least monthly. People are not going to keep coming back if they always see the same things. You want to think of your website itself providing a service to your customers.

Blogging is one way to have updated content. Blogs are very popular with internet users. Another popular thing to do is to provide industry-specific news updates. If you provide timely and useful content, people will come to rely on you as a source of useful information.

The more people rely on you for timely information and great products, the more they'll keep coming back. So go ahead and do something today to liven up your website.

Builders need to use their website as a living brochure, for example. By updateing it every quarter when you put in your BAS statement, you can show off your latest job. People love to see what you can do and appreciate a comprehensive and attractive website because it makes the chances pretty darn good that your can also build them an attractive home too.

Warmly,
Jan-Constructingprofits
www.constructingprofits.com

Wouldn't it be good if all this was done First?

How many times have you done this with a client prior to starting their job? By setting ground rules first off, the people who do this help to avoid any bad feelings arising while on a job site.

If you're about to embark upon a home remodel, you can get some good tips from the National Association of Home Builders. One of the things they emphasize is preparation before the remodeling crew shows up for work when the job begins.

Consider these things. Keep in mind that some projects, like a simple bathroom remodel can take only weeks, but adding a few rooms to your home can take six months or longer. So you'll need to discuss timing with your contractor and come up with a schedule. On the front end, you'll need to budget time to get the proper permits before construction begins. Once construction is under way, you'll need to set aside time for meetings with your contractor or contractor representative to get updates on the job's progress and determine if everything's going according to schedule. At these meetings, it's a good idea to ask your contractor to provide you with a schedule for the next week's work. You also might be placing some of the product orders for custom items yourself. You'll need to build in time for the product (such as custom cabinets) to be ordered, built and delivered.

Before workers set foot in your home, you need to set some parameters. Is it okay with you if they play radios while they work? If so, how loud? And are there some stations you simply cannot tolerate? It's a good idea to get this out in the open before the radios start to blare and tempers start to flare.

Is there a place near your home where you'd like the workers to park their vehicles? Let them know. Also, let them know if any places are off limits for parking.

How about your bathroom? Is it okay for workers to use yours, or do you want them to rent a portable toilet? (Some people say this is a bad idea because when a portable toilet is in front of a home, it attracts the interest of thieves who may think the property is vacant in the evenings while work is going on during the day.)

Is it okay with you for workers to use your telephone for local calls, as long as they're business calls? It's better to know this before you see a worker on your phone and are miffed.

What about smoking? Will you allow this anywhere on your property during the remodel?

There are also neighbors to notify about the remodel's scope, duration and hours. Is it okay with you and your neighbors for electric saws to start buzzing at 8 a.m.? Figure this out, set the hours, and see to it that everyone sticks to the agreements you've made.

All of these things done in advance contribute to a successful outcome. You can get more tips from the National Association of Home Builders' website at www.nahb.org.

Hope you have found these ideas will help you with your re-modeling job!

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Fuel Freedom International

Fuel Freedom International
Hi Everyone,

I was at the bowser last week and filled up my "little green mean machine" - and nearly had a fit. The cost was just under $20:00 more than what it once used to take so I knew I had to really look to see what, if any alternatives, may have been available. I think I've mentioned in a previous email to you all that I was investigating ways in which to save on fuel costs.

Well, there is a way and you can read all about it here. If anyone wants to read more information about this space age technology, then contact me direct for an independednt.pdf report by a highly recognized and ex-NASA scientist who carried out his own tests to disprove the technology only to find he couldn't because it actually works.

I'm just trying to help you blokes save some of your hard-earned money and build a more profitable business. After all, when you succeed (particulary if you have adopted some of the marketing advice from these pages!) - then I succeed too. And believe me, I do believe in succeeding by helping others to succeed-it's the only long-term way to success and I intend to be here for the next decade and a half - at least! God Willing, of course :-)

Warmly,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com
PS
Did you see the photo I uploaded of that VERY UGLY fish? - Perhaps he's had his teeth into the fuel trough for too long! LOL

Another week-end

Hi Everyone,

Well, another week has passed and the weekend has arrived. I hope you all have allocated some time out for yourselves this weekend? Time out to relax and enjoy life is an essential if you are to continue running a successful and profitable business.

A fishing friend (fishing fiend more like! LOL) has just sent me a photo of the ugliest fish I have ever seen in my life! Fair dink, if I had caught that I reckon I would have been 'foot-flapping' so hard I wouldn't have needed a motor in the boat.

I'll see if I can upload it but I may not be geeky enough -

My week has gone well too. This week I was inducted into the Alstonville Rotary Club where I will be happy to serve my community in whatever way the President decides I may be of assistance. I have been asked to serve on Community Service where I will be happy to do so - after all, that's why I wanted to join so I could give something back to my community.

Rotary also has a Polio erradication programme called PolioPlus. Now if I can contribute in whatever way I can to rid the earth of this horrendous disease I will die happy. Have you ever seen someone who has had this wretched disease? It leaves people paralysed.

Now, I'll see if I can upload that fish photo - may have to do it to the photo section so try to have a look. Please don't blame me though if you ever get an aversion to swimming in the sea again! Believe me, I'll be trying to never think of it again - especially if I'm treading water. LOL

Cheers all,
Jan-ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Establishing a ROI for a Construction Firm

http://www.contractorsblog.com/archives/Establishing%20a%20ROI%20for%20a%20Construction%20Firm.pdf
Hi Everyone,

This article is required reading for any Contracting business working in the Construction Industry who is interested in running a profitable business. At the very least, it will give you something to think hard about but to me, it is simply responsible business practice.

I'm happy to say that when Matt Steven's book "Managing a Construction Firm on just 24 Hours a day" is released, that you can get your copy here. It will come with an eLearning component that you can access at a time that suits you, to learn some good management skills or to update or refine your existing skills.

Learning never has to be hard or difficult - it's not like school where you were taught stuff that you had absolutely no interest in - but learning as a an adult can be a 'love job' where you are learning about something that interests you and can benefit you financially to do so.

I personally spend a lot of time and money learning things - anything that will benefit me and you blokes. What I learn I pass on to you (after getting it to pass my 4 way test) so that you don't waste valuable time and the time you do spend on our site reading information it is going to benefit you sooner or later.

Warmly,
Jan - ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Buildata - Building Australia Online

Buildata - Building Australia Online
G'Day Everyone,

While searching through the Internet this morning looking for information I came across this website and thought it could be of great interest to many of you. I have requested a link for our site on their links page and discovered they will soon be changing their name to www.ehome.com.au So please note the name change for future reference.

I know you don't have time to go and find these things for yourselves, so as I come across them, I'll blog them - all you have to remember to do is visit regulary to see what I have found for you! :-) At least my weekly email will act as your reminder - so don't forget to click through to the blog even if you don't have time to read the freemiums.

Information in todays world is vital to give you that "edge" that all businesses need - not only to dominate your Trade / competition but to find new ways to save money and time.

Warmly,

Jan

Customer Retention will save you Money & Time

Customer Retention: Customer Retention Plan, Customer Retention Formula, Customer Acquisition Retention, Customer Retention Rates | Customer Retention Program
Hi Everyone,

It's been a few days since I blogged and that is because I have been rather busy on your behalf! I have found a few new products that will assist you to save some money on petrol (gas for those who are in the US!) but I want to trial it first just to make sure it lives up to its promises. In todays world of high fuel prices this one will become a necessity - but more on that later!

This is a very good site full of free marketing information that is well-worth your time to read. It covers the broad aspects of marketing a business - any business - and ideas that everyone can easily implement. I would suggest to bookmark it and read little bits often.

Warmly,
Jan - ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

The National Memory Test

The National Memory Test
Hi Folks,
Well, its early Sunday morning and I'm just reading through my emails. I'd like to welcome our new members and hope you enjoy and have a pleasurable learning experience with us.

I should say 'welcome' more often to our new members because we are a growing community of all sorts of Contractors working in the Construction Industry. That is why when I wake up every morning I love firing up my sleeping computer to see who has arrived overnight. It really is exciting! And I consider it a responsibility too. Why?

Because it means that you guys trust me to deliver interesting and informative info. Info that will save you time and earn you dollars - and that is my prime responsibility and why I do this. Besides, I love sharing what I know.

But you also need to be able to remember what you read here and how to apply the new knowledge so here's a memory test that is currently being run here in Australia for Science week. So, how good is your memory?

Have fun while finding out! :-)

Warmly,
Jan_ConstructingProfits
www.constructingprofits.com

Port expansion hits snag | The Courier-Mail

Port expansion hits snag | The Courier-Mail
Hi Everyone,
This could be the beginning of a very interesting looming scenario in Australia. As you blokes get older and there are fewer young ones coming through the ranks of the Construction Industry, these shortages are bound to increase.

For a project this size, to expect at least 12 applications is far from unrealistic but to get only two - makes me seriously concerned. How do you feel about this?

I would appreciate your comments and feedback please - either privately or on this blogsite.

Warmly,

Jan-ConstructingProfits.com
jan@constructingprofits.com