Last week, a Construction Connection member shared with me how difficult the year 2011 was and how he was hopeful that 2012 would be so much better.  I inquired why 2011 was so difficult for him, expecting to hear something to do with money or the economy.  Instead, I heard pain of loss as he
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By Jim Symcox Recently, while I was conducting a Strategy Session with a potential coaching client I was asked the following question. “What personality traits or characteristics have you found to be the most difficult to coach”?  After reflecting on the question for several minutes I responded with this answer, “Apathy, people who are indifferent
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By James P. Ginopoulos (Gino) Today or every day for that matter…… Networking is both art and skill very similar to so many proficiencies we are required to have in our business.  Yet most do not really understand it, nor do we utilize it properly. Networking is not…. Show me your contact list and I will
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Are there goals that you just have not been able to accomplish or achieve for one reason or the other? You may even have the same New Years’ resolutions for the past 5 years (lose weight, write that book, go back to school, etc.). Often the reasons for not completing these goals are due to
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by John Barbar This book definitely gets my recommendation as a must read. The primary focus of the book is: How to build a lifelong community of colleagues, contacts, friends, and mentors. The key to success in building these relationships is summed up in one word: Generosity.  Be willing to give generously and receive when others want
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Webster defines social network in the noun form as: “A network of social interactions and personal relationships” or, “A dedicated website or other application that enables users to communicate with each other by posting information, comments, messages, images, etc.” The first of the definitions definitely applies to attending an event in person.   Those of us
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By David P. Arch, CPCU, AFSB Everyone knows that today’s environment is tough.  What can contractors do to survive in today’s economy?  I recently had the opportunity to attend a talk given by an excellent construction industry CPA, Bill Platzer of Platzer & Associates.  He addressed some of the keys to surviving and thriving in
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In these tough economic times, we see construction companies surviving and growing and those failing or just fading away. Interestingly enough, the Bible reveals some time-tested principles that we should all heed and apply in our daily lives. As a consultant to the industry, I have observed one interesting phenomenon regarding companies that fail.  Events
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To survive and prosper in today’s marketplace, it is imperative that you, as the owner or top management, spend time evaluating your company and the marketplace. Below are some high- level questions you might want to ponder. 1.   Do you have clearly defined goals for your company and a vision you can articulate to your
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 By John Barbar   Risk is inherent in any business. Websters defines risk as the possibility of loss or injury; someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard. Risks can be external: economic, weather, competition, or internal: staff, customer service, sales, or production/operations. Three ways to deal with risk is to: eliminate, manage, or
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