The Online Resource for the Painting Industry
Articles on the business side.
Let’s preface this discussion by saying that there is no right or wrong size for a paint contracting business, no one size fits all. Crew size and configuration is completely dependant on the market you operate in and your potential to generate work. This discussion is geared more to the paint contractor who is in […]
Growth is change. It requires more processes, controls and people. Too much growth too quickly can create financial and quality risks that if not properly managed can lead to the demise of the business. Keeping tabs on all of these factors can easily overwhelm business owners.
Read my recent article in American Painting Contractor, The Agony of Estimating
Nobody enjoys a dispute with a customer. However, no matter how diligent and conscientious you are, disputes will occasionally occur. While these situations can be stressful, they can also represent an opportunity to improve your business. I recently concluded a three-month dispute with a customer. I will spare you all of the gory details, but a brief summary of the […]
This article isn’t about accounting. But every year, almost to the day, my accountant sends out to all of his clients a year end tax planning document via email. It is rich with information about current tax legislation and expected changes in tax law from the current year to the next, which is a great […]
1. Appointment times are set in stone. Its a given to avoid being late at all costs. Your salesperson should give the customer a warm introduction and make small talk prior to running around with a tape measure. In his hands are a laptop and a picture presentation binder. He should look like a contractor. […]
Are you interested in closing more business? If the answer is yes, a good place to start is with the business you didn’t get. I am not suggesting that you should be going back to customers with revised pricing or asking for a second chance. But you should be doing a follow-up on every estimate […]
No, I am not talking about hiring good looking painters to work for you, in the hopes of keeping customers happily distracted. I’m talking about the photos on your company website. Have you wondered if the quality of pictures on your website matter to a customer? You bet they do. And in a big way. […]
I came across this great overview of SocIal Media and thought I’d share. Sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to sift through the SM chatter. I like this slideshow because it gives a brief overview, great if you are trying to decide if you want to try out SM, The author is Linnea Blair, one […]
I was talking this week with fellow one-man band master decorator, Jonathan Graham, about the challenges of taking on bigger than normal jobs. For most UK painters, normal means redecorating a lounge or bedroom, which to be honest, is like falling off a log. From quoting, to ordering materials, to doing the work, to getting paid, it […]
Most professional painting contractors understand the importance of developing systems for their business. For those who want to get out of the bucket, it is absolutely imperative. Unfortunately, developing systems can be a very imposing task, and many contractors don’t know where to start. However, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. If they use a system, the process can […]
We found from part one that if we would actually read the law, many of our projects would have low compliance cost. If the compliance cost were under 10% of the overall job price, maybe it was simply a better idea not to mention RRP at all. Part Two covers RRP projects that would exceed 10% […]
Have you ever sat down with a friend to ask him/her their advice on your business challenges? Have you complained about the trials and tribulations of running a painting business? Chances are you have, and chances are you were given advice that your friend wanted you to hear. Recently I spoke to a business owner […]
We say yes. Sure, we all have sharper pencils today than we did 5 or 7 years ago. Alot of the (would be) competition has become pretty adroit – or sloppy -at figuring out where to compromise product and process to make lower numbers work. Some will even tell you that they make more money […]
Interesting article by another of my favorite authors, Ivan Misner is the founder of BNI. Business networking is leveraging your business and personal connections to bring you a regular supply of new business. The concept sounds simple, doesn’t it? Don’t let that fool you, though. Because it involves relationship building, it can be a deceptively […]
