AllBusiness.com - The Contractor's Business Digest

Part 1 of 2 - Storm Season / Emergency Preparedness

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:30:00 GMT

- Major throughways will be the first for electrical power to be re-energized - make your first meeting option or makeshift office on / close to a major boulevard.

Part 2 of 2 - Storm Season / Emergency Preparedness

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:25:00 GMT

Have a hauling trailer(s) ready. (Large horse / livestock trailers work well) It may not be financially wise to stock a lot of extra material inventory/ personal items but, it may be wise to drive to a factory some distance away and load up on needed construction / personal supplies.

An Easy Trap to Avoid

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:50:00 GMT

Use tried and true products. The worst disasters and fights I have witnessed, have occurred when a new unproven product was designed into a project ...

The One College Degree Not Offered

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:45:00 GMT

Many contractors, I work with or have spoken to agree, that this is a valuable skill and is one they search for. Hence, it is fair to conclude a high demand college degree not being offered.

Management is Ultimately Using Numbers

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:40:00 GMT

After years of operating results, the firm has a track record, clients, personnel, assets, liabilities and other things which calculate into another key number: the value of the firm. Said differently, the market price to buy the firm in its entirety. To a retiring contractor, this is the last important number that they will see as a contractor.

How Are We Doing?

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:40:00 GMT

We are not careening off the road as some have suggested. Take note: there are people who benefit from suggesting an extreme situation. Politicians come to mind this year.

Using a Top Tier Accounting Package

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMT

We have seen smaller contractors use this type of software. Unless firms manage labor, have inventory, possess an equipment fleet and the like, the software is more robust than needed.

When One Person Controls the Management Information Including the Financial

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:55:00 GMT

Some close controls are prudent including using Benford's law as a practical double check. This is a first digit law although using the last digit is more applicable to construction.

When a Company Owner is the Operator

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:50:00 GMT

No one else has the focus of the contractor's money than the contractor.

What is the Lean Approach in Construction Contracting?

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:25:00 GMT

In a phrase, we define it as asset productivity. (Current and fixed assets along with people) ...