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Here are the top 10 most important things that I think a contractor can do nowadays. They’re in no particular order, although I have to admit I’m very partial to that last one. Know your weaknesses and your strengths.
Show up. Because so many other contractors don’t. And I’m not just talking about being on time (although that’s important); I’m talking about just showing up as a pro and getting the job done. Pros have a special way of looking at the world. They prepare themselves to solve technical problems. They gather the knowledge and the tools and the staff and they have a network of people standing behind them who are ready to help. Then they show up and do the job for the customer. They give a fair price, based on sound business practices, and they don’t whine. They can fix anything from an old vapor-steam system to a modern radiant floor because they’re the professionals. And that’s what sets you apart from the guy at the home center. You show up. Every day. Go back!
Why be nervous if you did your best? I think one of the most important things a contractor can do is to call each customer one week, six months and then one year after the work is done. And if you’re not comfortable on the phone, delegate it to someone who is.
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Dirty Harry Callahan said it best. “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” You should know and understand yours and then deal with them. For instance, if you’re not comfortable with numbers, hire someone who is. If you can’t stand managing people, don’t put yourself in a position where you have to do that. If you’re not good at something by the time you reach 30, you’re probably not going to get any better at it as the years go by. It’s just your nature. Deal with it and play on your strengths. Focus on what you do best. Think about what sort of work you would do for free? What makes you the happiest? That’s your strength. If your love the tools, then focus on being a mechanic and get help with the business end of the business. Revel in what you’re good at and don’t dwell on what you can’t do. I’m pretty sure Michael Jordon can’t install a radiant heating system, but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he does best. Be like Mike.
Many of the contractors I’ve met over the years have been afraid to go back to their customers and ask if everything went okay. These contractors referred to their customers as “sleeping dogs” and they laughed nervously when I suggested that they make a call because previous customers can be your greatest source of new business.| Dan Holohan - [Intro] | [Email] | [Website] |
| The views expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the management or staff of MasterPlumbers.com |
