Most people run their businesses the way they always have. That may be the right way or not, but right or wrong it’s “comfortable” to do it that way. Even if the results are not what you want or need, sometimes it’s just too uncomfortable to make the necessary changes. Sometimes changes may be forced…
I stumbled across this Oct 2015 blog post from receivers and insolvency experts, McDonald Vague regarding the failure rate of building companies over the past couple of years. Thought it was worth forwarding to you. They make some good points and all builders should take note. “An increasing number of building firms “went bust” in…
I love lists and I use them to help keep my mind free of clutter and to help plan out the big projects I want to implement in my business. I have long term lists, mid term lists and “this week” lists. I figure once I have an idea and write it down, it will…
New into business ownership or thinking or starting out on your own? Congratulations! The world needs more entrepreneurs like you; that’s what drives innovation and growth. But just deciding on starting your own business is not a guarantee of success. Far from it. Most new businesses do not survive the first few years of life…
As owner of the company you should have a handful of “smart numbers” that give you insight into how your company is doing, and more importantly what it’s likely to do in the future. Commonly referred to as KPI’s, or Key Performance Indicators. They are numbers that are objectively calculated (not opinion based) and can…
I hope you don’t drive your vehicle with the dashboard removed or totally not working. It would make driving a stressful and risky, to say the least. Correct? So why do so many people drive their business with no “dashboard” telling them what is going on then? Do they like the adrenaline feel of not knowing…
“I need to check with the wife” “I can’t pay your last invoice ’cause I am STILL not happy with the skirting board in the hall cupboard” (or some other feeble excuse) “I need to save some money. I will get my mate to do the electrical” Are these examples of objections or problems that…
Are you a positive thinker or a negative one? A glass half full, or a glass half empty, type of guy? Consider the following quotes: A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes. – Mahatma Gandhi, Indian leader Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking…
This week I went along to the latest CBANZ Toolbox Talk for builders. The current topic is about the changes to the LBP rules around skills maintenance. No longer will merchant sausage sizzles and clipping coupons from the back of trade magazines do to earn points. More specific, on-the-job learning is required and keeping up…
After months of anticipation, it’s finally here. The Rugby World Cup! Heaven for me, albeit with some early starts to the day. One week into it and the most dramatic result in test match rugby history that I can remember has happened. Japan defeats the (supposedly) mighty Boks! How could this happen? Japan have only…