Running a small construction business is no small feat. You're on job sites one minute, sending invoices the next, and trying to line up your next project after that. It's a constant juggling act—and without the right systems, it's easy to fall behind or burn out.

As construction bookkeeping specialists, we work with small contractors who are incredibly skilled in their trade but often feel overwhelmed when it comes to running their businesses. And over the years, we've noticed a pattern: the most profitable, low-stress companies all focus on the same three areas:

1. Getting the Right Jobs (Marketing)

2. Managing the Money (Accounting)

3. Delivering Profitably (Production)

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Topics: Construction Marketing, Systems And Processes, MAP vs. PAM, Accounting, Systems, QuickBooks Construction Accounting, Construction Productivity

Think about the last time you gave or received feedback. Did it inspire growth and improvement or leave someone feeling deflated? When done right, constructive feedback is a powerful tool for driving success. But it's a fine line – getting it wrong can do more harm than good.

 

For business owners, managers, and team leaders, effectively giving and receiving constructive feedback isn't just a nice skill; it's a necessity. Feedback shapes stronger teams, builds trust, and moves companies forward. 

 

In the construction industry, where projects are often complex and involve numerous stakeholders, giving and receiving constructive criticism is essential for success. Feedback can significantly impact safety, quality, and project timelines, making it crucial to foster a culture where constructive feedback is the norm rather than the exception.

 

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Topics: Construction Productivity, Construction Workplace, Construction Feedback, Constructive Criticism in Construction, Positive Feedback, Constructive Criticism

Being a construction manager and a business owner requires a unique blend of skills and attributes essential for effectively leading a crew. Leadership is at the forefront of this role, as a construction manager must inspire and motivate their team to achieve project goals while maintaining safety and quality standards. This involves clear communication, conflict resolution, and a collaborative team environment.

 

Responsibility is another key element. A construction manager oversees the site's day-to-day operations and bears the weight of financial and legal obligations associated with the business. This includes managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining client relationships. Making informed decisions under pressure is crucial, as any misstep can have significant consequences.

 

Handling a problematic construction contractor on a job site can also add to your work challenges, but adopting a proactive and positive approach can help you manage the situation effectively.

 

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Topics: Systems And Processes, Winning Teams, Project Management, Project Management For Construction, Construction Productivity, Construction Systems And Processes, Production, Construction Team

Delegation is a skill often discussed but rarely mastered, especially by small construction business owners wearing multiple hats. The balancing act of managing daily operations while pushing for growth can be overwhelming. 

 

Imagine if you could free up hours in your day to focus on strategic decisions rather than getting bogged down in every minute detail. This is where the art and science of delegation come into play. 

 

Understanding and implementing effective delegation strategies can enhance productivity, foster team growth, and drive your business forward.

 

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Topics: Leadership Styles, Construction Project Managers, Contractor, Contractor Tips, Project Management, Contractor Operating Tips, Project Management For Construction, Construction Productivity, contractor delegation

Your to-do list is often long and constantly growing longer when you're an entrepreneur. There are a lot of things you need to do, and it can feel like they're all urgent. In such cases, it's easy to push essential tasks to the side and focus on less vital activities, but that often means you miss deadlines, make mistakes, or always feel like you're trying to catch up.

 

Here are some ways to determine the most productive order to complete your tasks.

 

1. Know all of your tasks

 

It isn't enough to have a running list of tasks in your head; you need to write them out so you can see them at a glance. Take the time to list all your tasks, and break down large tasks into smaller steps.

 

Write a list of the activities you must do for the week—or even the next two weeks—on Monday morning. Include information such as how urgent they are, how long they'll take to complete, and their deadlines.

 

Now you know what you'll need to complete and when.

 

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Topics: Construction Accounting, Contractor, Contractor Tips, Contractor Operating Tips, Construction Productivity, crisis

We often overlook the immense value that construction contractors bring to our communities. From building our homes and schools to developing infrastructure and commercial spaces, construction contractors like you play a vital role in shaping our world. Your contributions are undeniably essential, yet they often go unrecognized. This Labor Day weekend, it's time to shed light on your significant impact on our everyday lives.

 

Construction contractors are responsible for bringing our dreams and ideas into reality. Whether it's a new residential housing development, a highway expansion project, or the construction of a commercial building, you are the driving force behind these monumental undertakings. You possess the expertise, skills, and dedication necessary to transform architectural plans into tangible structures serving our communities.

 

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Topics: Construction Accountant Who Listens, Construction Productivity, Construction Business Continuity, succession planning

Communication is crucial in the construction industry, and active listening plays a significant role in fostering successful communication. In the bustling environment of a contracting business, the ability to actively listen can make a substantial difference in understanding client needs, ensuring project requirements are met, and ultimately delivering top-quality results.

 

Active listening involves more than just hearing the words; it encompasses fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. For construction professionals, this skill can improve client relationships, make fewer errors, enhance teamwork, and ultimately increase project success.

 

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Topics: Construction Accountant Who Listens, Problem Construction Worker Tips, Contractor Tips, Contractor Operating Tips, Construction Productivity, Production, Active Listening

The success of any business, large or small, depends largely on nurturing an efficient, productive workplace. While improving employee productivity should always be a priority when the ultimate goal is a sustainable and profitable business, the process is more straightforward said than done. 

 

In today's fast-paced construction industry, staying in touch and being productive is crucial for project success. The good news is that technology has made it easier to streamline processes and enhance team collaboration.

 

One of the most impactful ways technology has improved construction communication is through user-friendly mobile applications and project management software. These tools allow for real-time communication, easy document sharing, and smooth task management, reducing the delays and errors often associated with traditional communication methods.

 

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Topics: Business Process Development For Construction, Systems And Processes, Systems, Construction Productivity, Construction Systems And Processes, Contractor Guidance, Production

Construction Company owners like you have probably experienced life-changing events in the past few years, as many of our clients did. Are you struggling to keep your construction business afloat? Do you find yourself facing the same issues over and over again? It's common for construction businesses to meet various challenges, but if you're not addressing them properly, they can quickly become pitfalls. 

 

1. Poor Cash Flow Management 

 

One of the biggest challenges for construction businesses is managing cash flow. You need cash to buy materials, pay workers, and keep your business running. However, you may be in a cash crunch if you don't correctly deal with your cash flow. To avoid this, you should create a cash flow forecast and regularly update it. This will help you anticipate cash flow issues and take steps to address them before they become a problem. 

 

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Topics: Profit and Growth Strategies For Contractors, Leadership Styles, Project Management, Construction Productivity

As a construction business owner, improving productivity is essential to your company's success. But you may often find yourself pulled in different directions by competing responsibilities. At some point, we all experience that.

 

Classifying tasks and tackling the most time-consuming ones can feel daunting. But why is it so hard for us to start – or even finish – seemingly insignificant tasks? Why do these tiny tasks become the bane of our existence, tempting us into procrastination limbo? 

 

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Topics: Profit and Growth Strategies For Contractors, Leadership Styles, Project Management, Construction Productivity