Everyone who chairs a business meeting should ask participants this same question at the conclusion of the session. One word of warning: Be prepared for some surprising responses.
Now that data coverage has expanded, and mobile devices have improved to meet demand, software providers are developing business solutions that can help contractors boost efficiency through improved connectivity.
Developing a sound strategy is not only fun, but, if done right, gives your company purpose. When you think of strategy, think in terms of how you are going to execute your vision and mission.
If the phrases we use in business relations were currency, we’d have a glut of fake $100 bills. They seem valuable and genuine, but their real worth is zero.
Accounting for commercial maintenance agreements is performed differently depending on the type of agreement sold and how that agreement is billed. I’ll cover full maintenance agreement accounting and planned maintenance agreement accounting separately.
A common victim to cost-cutting strategies has been the motor run capacitor. Although a relatively inexpensive component, it is an essential part in every HVAC system. Saving a couple dollars when buying cheaper capacitors may seem like a logical move, but can actually lead to extensive warranty claims, call-backs and …
Learn how to upsell to homeowners on the value you provide as an expert in retrofitting homes that have products needing special disposal, such as refrigerant and mercury thermostats. Believe it or not, that “quick-silver” gooey stuff that you used to play with in grade school can actually make you …
When it comes to gaining influence, remember the law of reciprocity. The more you support others, the more they will support you. If you want people to adopt your ideas in the future, you need to be collaborative yourself. The key is to learn to reject or redirect bad ideas …
Being the boss requires being a very good teacher. When a pupil is not measuring up, the first question is: How can you help, and what can you do to improve the person’s performance?
Once you have landed a Home Performance Contracting (HPC) job, helping your customers prepare for an assessment is critical. Communication is key. This is an opportunity to clarify expectations.
A good maintenance agreement program will help even out cash flow, increase your company’s bottom line, and keep your field employees productive throughout the year.
When does construction-specific accounting and operations software start to make sense for HVACR contractors? It varies. Some businesses approaching $50 million in annual revenue are able to get by with off-the-shelf bookkeeping applications. But they are the exception. In general, construction-specific software systems start to make sense financially for contractors …
YouTube may conjure images of finger-biting babies, flash mobs, and “Gangnam Style” parodies. But the truth is, YouTube is an engaging and economical marketing outlet that HVACR businesses should not ignore.
How do you develop a clear and concise Mission Statement? Here are four basic and easy to follow steps to help insure that you create an effective and workable Mission Statement.
Chris Baker, president and COO of Virginia Air Distributor, discusses family businesses, customer service that sets his business apart from others and his passion for triathlons.
Trouble comes in many sizes and shapes, and often it comes in unexpected waves. As the boss, you must always be prepared to provide direction. While any one problem could be monumental, two or more are almost debilitating. Acting quickly can turn the tide in your favor.
