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.
2. Failure to Adapt to Market Changes
The construction industry is constantly changing, and if you don't adapt, you may struggle to keep up with the competition. For example, if new regulations are introduced, and you don't adjust your business practices to comply with them, you may lose out on business. Keep an eye on industry trends and be willing to adapt as needed.
3. Poor Project Management
Construction projects are complex and require careful planning and execution. If you don't manage your projects correctly, you may experience delays, cost overruns, and other issues. Ensure you have a solid project management plan and that everyone on your team understands their role.
4. Lack of Communication
Communication is vital in any business but especially important in the construction industry. Your team must communicate effectively to ensure projects are completed on time and budget. Ensure everyone on your team understands the importance of communication and has the tools they need to communicate effectively.
5. Failure to Invest in Technology
Technology is transforming the construction industry, and if you're not investing in it, you may fall behind. For example, construction management software can help you streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve communication. Explore the different types of technology available and determine which can help you run your business more efficiently.
6. Not Delegating/Outsourcing Tasks
As much as we all might like to think of ourselves as superheroes who can handle anything and everything, the truth is that we're all human. Sometimes, even the most capable among us need a little assistance, and that's nothing to be ashamed of. Knowing when to delegate tasks can be one of the most important skills you can develop as a leader or even a responsible adult.
Knowing when to ask for help – whether from family members, friends, co-workers, or specialists – can save you time, reduce stress, and improve the quality of the result. So, if you feel overwhelmed by a project or task, don't hesitate to ask for help. It might just make all the difference in the world.
7. Listening to Bad Advice
When you're a small construction business owner, you get used to people giving you advice. While the advice is almost always well-intended, it's not always good.
These are usually the top two tips that well-meaning people give to construction business owners:
- Never turn down a paying customer
Money is a good thing. But that doesn't mean you should say yes to everyone who enters your door. Not every person who approaches you is suitable for your business. If your gut tells you something is off—maybe the person is very demanding or constantly questions your prices—it's in your best interests to say no.
It's not necessarily about the client, either. You might be very busy, and taking on another project means you'll give them subpar service or use your valuable personal time.
If possible, turn them away graciously by explaining that you're very busy and cannot give them the attention they deserve. Consider recommending another business for them that they could turn to.
Don't say "yes" to everyone who walks through the door just because they're a paying customer.
- The customer is always right
It's often in your best interests to address an unhappy customer and their needs. But some clients will never be happy, no matter what you do, especially in the construction industry. It's okay to try to make things right with them, but you risk word getting out that you'll bend backward to make customers happy. That encourages more unhappy people to come your way. Or it encourages people to find reasons to be disappointed so they can get additional benefits from you.
If it's a normal part of a routine that customers constantly complain and get some reward, you need to examine your business. If the customers are correct, then it's time for some changes. If they aren't right, stop treating them like they are.
When someone offers advice on your construction business, ask what credibility they have to share their insights. Have they owned their own business? Do they know the industry you work in? Have they learned lessons you could learn from? Was their business similar to yours?
Final thoughts
Running a construction business can be challenging, but with proper planning and execution, you can overcome common pitfalls. The truth is that owning a construction business means you must continually adapt and innovate to thrive.
Remember, just because someone offers advice doesn't necessarily mean they are relevant to you. And just because they provide the advice—or just because it is a common saying—doesn't mean you have to follow it.
Contractors like you need results - not advice. Let me know if you want to discuss how you can operate and grow your construction company.
PS
We offer free resources to help you save time and money that you can download and print now.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA, co-founded Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com
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