OUR SEARCH FOR MEANING

We all search for meaning!    Where can we find the true trail that can lead us to where we can provide meaning to ourselves and our loved ones?

We must look into ourselves!  What are our strengths?   What is our weakness?  How can we provide meaning into our lives?

Each of us has learned during our journeys; no matter how long or how short; that there are lessons that have been learned.    Why not capitalize on our lessons and provide others what we have learned during our journey.

Each of us has some knowledge that we have learned that can help others!

Our knowledge must not die within us!  Share your triumphs, your failures and what you have learned so others can gain from your trek!

We are one!  We gather strength and knowledge with our journey!

Join with me and share!

We can overcome and become among the great if we unite and share!

Best Free Construction Business Software Review: Top Building Scheduling Estimating Accounting Programs Comparison

I ran across some materials that I thought would be helpful to my readers.  Since it is free: check it out and see if it will help you.  If not; pass it by!

Anything I can do to help my readers I will do!

Best Free Construction Business Software Review: Top Building Scheduling Estimating Accounting Programs Comparison

Do Not Follow the Herd!

Indian Contractors and Indian business owners should look to lessons that should have been learned in the past.

Years ago; when the great herds of buffalo were the main substance of the tribal food supply, hunting parities would go out and hunt the buffalo.  In many instances the tribal hunting parties would rely on the buffalo’s natural instinct to follow the herd.  As a result many hunting parties would stampede the herds over canyon walls and then take their time to scavenger the remains.

There are several lessons that can be learned but the lesson that was taught to me was that it is not always wise to follow the herd!

During our present economic times we see most companies pulling back and lamenting about how bad times are.

The thing that you need to remember is that the financial times run in cycles.  Yes!  Times are bad now; however, history shows that these times will pass.

This is the time that you need to prepare for the coming recovery!

You need to learn everything you can and get your contracting and financial house in order!  Good times are coming!

The “Great White Father” (government) is confused but it is apparent that they will soon be pumping money into the private sector.  They have already been pumping money into the government sector with little and embarrassing success.  Soon they will be redirecting their focus about where the money needs to be spent!

Look at the news headlines and you can see that there is a growing need to rehabilitate the existing infrastructure.  There is a growing need that will need to be filled.

Will you be ready??  You need to take the necessary steps to be prepared for when the call comes for help!

Remember!  Success comes when the prepared meets the opportunities!!

Guest Writer's Article - What You Need to Start a Construction Business

I have obtained an article from a friend over at Ezinearticles.com that has some valuable information so I am providing this for my readers.  Hope you enjoy and profit from it.

wr

What You Need to Start a Construction Business

By Nelson Nigel

To start a construction business, first you have to learn the basics. There may be times when you feel like giving up, but given the construction project management business requirements' know-how, you will surely make it as a successful entrepreneur and manager.

What's in a name?

First of all, you will need to have a name that concisely describes your company's services. You may strongly take into consideration a company that goes as a Subchapter S Corp. (Sub S) or a Limited Liability Company (LLC). As you craft a legally recognized company name, you will then be able to shield your personal assets shall there be claims or lawsuits versus the company.

Aside from this, you also have an advantage when it comes to taxes as you give your company a name which uses LLC or Sub S. Since the loss or profit out of the business can be passed to you as well as to the other owners (if there are), you can file it as a normal income. And now, because a Sub S or LLC does not pay any federal or state income tax, you do not receive double taxation.

Seek help from a CPA

To aid you in the organization paperwork, a certified public accountant (CPA) can greatly be of help to your company/business. This professional indeed serves as a vital construction project management business requirement. Now that you are still starting, you will definitely need all the help you can get. And even if you yourself are a CPA by profession, it pays to seek the help of another CPA to ease your burden of managing such heavy paperworks.

Your accountant can likewise tell you the other important know-how's in organizing your company as a Sub S or an LLC. In addition to this, the CPA can help you out in applying for the following:

- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- DUNS number, used for business credit reporting
- Doing Business As (DBA) registration

Written agreements

Nevertheless, if you have shareholders or partners in your business, it does well if you have a written agreement. Through such agreement, you will then be able to specify the responsibilities, duties, rights and obligations of every member/shareholder. You may locate some examples of these agreements from the internet.

Learn more about starting a construction business from the experts! Read "Construction Secrets Exposed" and save on hiring consultants to fill in the info you need. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nelson_Nigel

Check out the Contractor Best Practices Newsletter

 I have found an article that I think my readers would like to review.  There is a lot of information contained in this article so take a look; hopefully, this will help you.

I plan to cover a lot of these subjects down the road.  If there are any subjects that you want me to clarify or go into deeper please let me know!

wr

 

~~ Contractor Best Practices Newsletter ~~

by Ron Roberts
The Contractor's Business Coach

http://www.FilthyRichContractor.com

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Volume 2 - issue 12

March 21, 2007

__________________________________________________________________

Tip of the Week:

Pay yourself the minimum salary that the IRS will consider fair and reasonable for your business.
All other income should be paid out as a distribution/dividend. That minimizes the 15% FICA you pay on your personal salary.
By the way, not paying yourself any salary is a red flag to the IRS.
__________________________________________________________________

Today's Article:

How Contractors Get Rich
__________________________________________

Management gurus (can you say Michael Gerber) frequently implore business owners to "systematize your business if you seek wealth and freedom."
What we "experts" are trying to tell you is that you need to know why and how you do the things you do in your business...then teach employees how to do those
things.
Few, if any, consultants give you the laundry list of systems you need to get in place and manned by your employees. Why don't they share the exact list?
Because it is HARD work to systematize every part of your business and until you do, your company is unlikely to make you rich. Getting rich is hard.
Today, I am going to share the list of systems we "experts" refer to when we tell you to systematize your business. I hope you appreciate the honesty.
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Your Business’ Success Rides on the Performance of Six Systems

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If you want to make a lot of money, you must get all of these systems up and running smoothly!
» Marketing
» Selling
» Staffing
» Planning
» Tracking
» Financial Control
You need to be able to teach your employees how to perform each of the following subsystems. Once they can perform the subsystems for you, you have maximized the value of your company, freed yourself from the daily grind of the company, and positioned your business for explosive growth.
Let’s look at each system and the subsystems that make it up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MARKETING SYSYEMS

The purpose of your marketing system is to produce a flood of qualified sales leads. You need systems for:
» Generating leads from new customers.
» Generating leads from existing customers.
» Prodding referrals from existing customers.
» Collecting testimonials.
» Staying in touch with your customers.
» Publicizing your business.
» Developing new advertising pieces.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SELLING SYSTEMS

The purpose of your selling system (and you need to think of selling as a system) is to get commitments from buyers to hire you. The selling subsystems are a combination of sales tasks, motivation, and development. You need systems for:
» Assigning and prioritizing leads.
» Qualifying leads.
» Following up with prospects.
» Creating proposals and presentations.
» Processing orders.
» Following up with customers after their project is finished.
» Motivating the pursuit and procurement of profitable sales.
» Improving salesmen’s selling skills.
» Networking.
» Strengthening your customer relationships.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

STAFFING SYSTEMS

The purpose of your staffing system is to get the right people in your company and get them placed in the right jobs so that they are successful individually and as a group. You need systems for:
» Advertising job openings.
» Interviewing.
» Creating and updating job descriptions.
» Communicating performance expectations.
» Monitoring market wage rates.
» Dismissing non-performers.
» Developing employees’ skills
» Rewarding good performance.
» Selecting the right people for promotion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PLANNING SYSTEMS

The purpose of your planning systems is to eliminate negative surprises by proactively addressing problems before they arise. You need systems for:
» Determining which markets you are going to pursue.
» Creating your annual budget.
» Creating a cash flow budget.
» Increasing your bonding capacity.
» Planning project completion.
» Scheduling your work crews.
» Determining when to buy equipment.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TRACKING SYSTEMS

The purpose of tracking systems is to make sure your business is performing as you need it to. Your tracking system should be monitoring the following items:
» Expenses vs budget (job and company)
» Revenue vs budget
» Gross profit vs budget (job and company)
» Labor productivity (job and company)
» Advertising effectiveness
» Selling effectiveness
» On-time completion
» Employee performance
» Equipment costs
» Labor time by primary tasks
» Receivables outstanding
» Sales backlog
» Safety efforts and lost time injuries
» Estimating accuracy
» Market-up success
» Re-work
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS

The purpose of financial control systems is to make sure that your business is on solid financial ground. You need systems for:
» Developing relationships with bankers.
» Developing relationships with bond and insurance agents.
» Qualifying and evaluating your CPA.
» Getting the proper business licenses.
» Processing payroll.
» Making scheduled federal and state tax payments.
» Managing your cash.
» Verifying money is not being improperly removed from the company.
» Ensuring suppliers' bills are legitimate.
» Collecting late receivables.
» Paying bills on time.
» Paying employees appropriately.
» Filing liens and claims.
» Collecting employee information.
» Sending out 1099s.
» Getting the proper insurance coverage.
» Verifying lease terms and payments are proper.
» Building and managing your credit line.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quite a list, eh? Heck, I'm sure I've left a few out. Nobody ever said running a business was easy.
One final comment. You can’t prevent problems if you don’t have a system or process installed to prevent them.
If you have a problem in your business, check to see whether you have created the system that should be preventing it. If not, create the system, then test it to see whether it permanently resolves the problem. If it doesn’t, improve your system.
Until next week, good luck with your business.
Ron Roberts,
The Contractor's Business Coach
P.S. Share this with your contractor friends. They will thank you for it.

The Most Important Component of First Impressions is the Handshake

First impressions are very important and pretty much dictate how people will perceive you and your business. This will ultimately reflect upon your business future so you really need to make the best impression you can.

Always dress the best you can. Depending upon what the reason for your first meeting you need to dress appropriately.  By this I mean you will dress differently if your meeting is in the field compared to a meeting held in the office.

There are two most critical elements in the first meeting between you and your new business associate or client. These items are the confidence that you display and the way you shake hands.

The potential issue is that in many Indian Tribal cultures a light handshake is more traditional but in the American business world a firm handshake is the acceptable norm. This means that some Indian contractors may be pushed beyond their comfort zone.

We have to remember that a lot of business depends upon how others perceive the contractor and the first impression is critical.

That being said; let’s explore the art of the handshake:



The importance of eye contact cannot be stressed enough!   You need to maintain eye contact; do not look down because that sends a message of submission or you do not feel equal to the other person..

Do not use the bone crusher method; this borders upon rudeness!  The best method of handshaking is a firm confident friendly grip.

There is nothing that makes a woman more attractive than confidence and a confident handshake.  This sends a message to everybody that they are confident in their space and you had better respect their position.

The same can be said about a confident man.  It has been said that the world will step aside for the man that knows who he is and knows where he is going!  Most business people will try to help the business person that  has the confidence to push ahead in today's world.

Do some serious research and thinking about how you can improve your method of meeting people for the first time.  If you have a tendency to be shy; you may need to work on building up your confidence;

Practice on being the best you can be!

10 Key Steps in Starting a Business In Phoenix, AZ

I found this article on the City of Phoenix, AZ Website and am displaying it for your information.  Where ever you intend to do business; you need to find out some of the information shown here so do your research.  Make sure you are in compliance and take a look because there are many resource that can help you!

10 Key Steps in Starting a Business In Phoenix

Starting a business in Phoenix is relatively easy as Phoenix has relatively few requirements to get your business up and running.  In starting your business, most of your time and effort will be focused on research and business planning.  We highly recommend reading the following material to get you going in the right direction.  Following these steps can save you time, money and reduce the stress associated with starting a business. (click here for PDF)

1. Research
All businesses, regardless of size, should always perform basic research or due diligence.  In Phoenix, two distinct handouts are available to guide and direct you to various city, county, state and federal resources. 

• For Start-up Businesses:  

If you are a newly created business or are relocating to Phoenix, please review this information. If you still have questions, contact the City of Phoenix - Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD) . 

• Business Expansion or Development:

If you are already an existing business in Phoenix, relocating to a new site or need to expand your current facility, use the “Development Due Diligence”, which provides a listing of important development issues within the city that can help you.
For additional information regarding economic development programs that may be available to you, contact the City Of Phoenix - Community and Economic Development Department (Small Business Assistance Program).

2. Business Planning
Developing a business plan is very important.  A business plan is a roadmap for your business as it shows you where you are and where you wish to be.  A business plan is commonly required by banks to obtain loans.  The following resources are available if you need assistance in this area:

• For start-up businesses:

Call the Maricopa County - Community Colleges Small Business Development Center.  This agency offers a two-hour workshop called "How to Start a Successful Business" at various locations throughout the Valley.  After you attend the class, you can work with their experienced business counselors one-on-one at no cost. 

• For existing businesses: 

The Management Technical Assistance (MTA) program. can assist businesses with developing a business plan.

3. Business Name
Registering a business name or trademark is not legally required in Arizona for sole proprietors or general partnerships.  However, it is common practice to search registered names to assure you are not using a business name that is already in use to protect yourself from legal action.  It is also an accepted business practice to register your business name or trademark to prevent another business from using it and registering it later, and then seeking legal action against you.

To search and register your business name, contact the State of Arizona - Secretary of State, who can perform an online search of business names.  Corporations and Limited Liability Companies can search name availability and register at the State of Arizona - Corporation Commission.  You do not need to register with both entities.  Names are protected through cross-indexing between the two divisions.

The Maricopa County - Recorder registers “doing business as (“dba” or fictitious) names.  For any person other than a partnership, this registration will often suffice for bank accounts.  However, there is no centralized index of trade names recorded in other Arizona counties and it remains the responsibility of the business owner to research the business name and seek legal counsel in the event of a name conflict

• Special Registrations

There are a few special registrations.  Construction companies should check with the State of Arizona - Registrar of Contractors.  Mortgage companies should contact the State of Arizona - Department of Financial Institutions.  To file for a federal trademark, contact the Federal – U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

4. Ownership Structures
Organizing your business will require you to select an ownership structure.  The structure that you choose will have liability and tax implications and should not be taken lightly.  Structures include sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, corporations and limited liability corporations and partnerships just to name a few.  For more information on your options, please contact the State of Arizona – Corporation Commission , State of Arizona - Department of Commerce, and Federal – Small Business Administration (SBA)

5. Licensing and Tax Requirements

• Sales/Use Tax License

The City of Phoenix has two distinct licensing requirements for businesses, privilege (sales) and/or use tax and regulatory licensing.  The City of Phoenix requires a license from all businesses that have a privilege (sales) tax or use tax liability.  Information on and forms for business classifications subject to privilege tax can be obtained from the City of Phoenix -  Finance Department (Privilege License Section).  A business license (commonly called the privilege or sales tax license) is required in the city of Phoenix for businesses such as, but not limited to the following:

• retail sales
• owners of commercial rental property
• street/sidewalk vendors
• owners or managers of residential dwellings properties
• storage or use of tangible personal property within the City
• Other business activities

If your business is not subject to the privilege (sales) and/or use tax license, no business license is required.  If you have a retail sales location outside of Phoenix and sell to Phoenix customers from that location, you are not required to obtain a Phoenix business license.  For complete information, see the Phoenix Tax Code or call (602) 262-6785, Press 4, 1 or TTY (602) 534-5500 to find out if you need to be licensed. 

The state also has a Transaction Privilege Tax, commonly referred to as a sales tax.  The license is sometimes referred to as a Wholesale or Resale license.  Additionally, there are state agencies that require licensing, certification or permits for business activities conducted in Arizona.  Information and forms, as well as a listing of agencies and professions, can be found at the State of Arizona - Department of Revenue.

• Regulatory Licensing

Regulatory licensing applies to several specific business types which are identified on the City's Web site at http://phoenix.gov/LICNSVCS/index.html.  Examples include, but are not limited to: alarm businesses, mobile and street vendors, sexually oriented businesses, scrap metal dealers, and massage establishments.  For information and forms, contact City of Phoenix - City Clerk (Regulatory Licensing) (602) 262-4638, TTY (602) 534-5500.
Licenses for the sale of liquor are issued by the State of Arizona - Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.  For more information on initiating an application for a liquor license, please visit www.azliquor.gov or call (602) 542-5141.

• Property Tax  

Property taxes for real property and personal property (desks, computers, etc.) for business purposes are governed by Maricopa County - Assessor’s Office

6. Site Selection
The choice of a business location can be a very important decision affecting the success of your business.  Location choices can range from your home, leasing, or owning your own property and/or building. 

• Home Based Business

There are very specific guidelines on the types of businesses that can be operated out of your home.  For specific information on the zoning requirements for a home-based business, contact the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department.

• Leasing or Owning

Leasing or owning property/building each come with there own strengths and weaknesses.  Such a decision should not be taken lightly as the cost associated with either of these choices can weigh heavily on a new business.  The key issues in locating your business include knowing the zoning of the property and if any buildings are present, the building occupancy.

• Zoning

Zoning districts establish the type of land use which is allowed on the property (i.e. commercial, industrial, residential activity) and define specific types of business uses that are allowed.  For specific information on the zoning requirements for your business, contact the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department. Property zoning should always be confirmed by the business owner to ensure the intended use of the property is allowed within the designated zoning district and to obtain development standards associated with the zoning district.  If you wish written verification of your zoning from the city, you can request a zoning verification letter for a small fee.  Such a letter will state, in writing, the zoning of the property and if the intended use of the property is allowed.  Contact the City of Phoenix - Planning and Development Services Department for further information. 

• Building occupancy

Building occupancy governs the use of a building.  Building occupancy codes are used to categorize the types of uses within a building (i.e. retail, office, storage). When you change from one use to another use, you are essentially changing the occupancy of the building, which could necessitate construction improvements.
Building occupancy is pre-determined by the previous user of existing buildings or when originally constructed. Changes to this occupancy may require additional building code reviews, which can add time and cost to a project.  An architect or engineer should confirm the occupancy to ensure the project meets current building codes and ordinances.  Additional information pertaining to allowable occupancies can be found in Chapter Three of the 2003 International Building Code.  Contact the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department for additional information.

If leasing, we recommend business owners make any lease contingent upon receiving necessary city approvals.  This is especially important when the site and surrounding property does not have existing water, sewer and/or street improvements.  Normally, the city requires the developer to install such improvements.  As a lessee, this could add a significant cost to a project and make the property unfeasible for development for the intended business

7. Permits
Unless specifically instructed by city staff, assume you will need to process plans and obtain permits via the city development process.  For your convenience, a web site has been created to provide additional information for customers at phoenix.gov/DEVPRO.  Permits commonly associated with starting a new business include site/civil permits, building permits, and sign permits.    In all cases please contact the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department for permit information.

If you are moving into an existing building, we recommend contacting the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department.  This department has an Adaptive Reuse Program that may assist you in understanding the city development requirements associated with moving into an existing building. 

If you choose to build your own building, or to make improvements to an existing commercial building, general due diligence is the first step in development to assure that all issues related to a project are researched.  Issues may include zoning, historic preservation, addressing, engineering, parking, street lighting and other factors that may be site-specific. 

All non-residential uses that need to submit plans for city review and approval will be required to have plans drawn by a registered architect or civil engineer.  Customers are advised to contact the State of Arizona - Registrar of Contractor’s, the Arizona Institute of Architects (AIA), or look in the business pages to obtain an acceptable professional.  We recommend customers ask their potential registered professional if they are familiar with the city of Phoenix development process, the number of projects and how recently they worked with the city.

In most cases, once you have submitted plans to the city, a development process team and team leader within the Development Services Department will be assigned to your project.  This team will work with you until you have your building permit. If you have questions regarding this process, call the City of Phoenix - Planning & Development Services Department.

8. Other Regulatory Requirements

• Vending within Phoenix

Vending related activities are regulated by various city departments in Phoenix. The link above will provide general information that should help you in understanding what is required for various vending related activities.

• Food Services 

Businesses serving food should contact the Maricopa County - Environmental Health Department, regarding licensing, permits, regulations, training and other programs.  Liquor licenses are granted by the State of Arizona - Department of Liquor License and Control.

• Contractors and subcontractors

Please contact the State of Arizona - Registrar of Contractors for information on regulations and licensing.  Additionally, some projects will require bonding before a contract can be issued.  Information on bonding can be found at the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP).  Although NASBP is a national organization, there are links on its Web site to Arizona members.

• Environmental Regulations

You can receive environmental information and assistance from non-regulatory programs associated with various environmental agencies.  These programs reside within the State of Arizona - Department of Environmental Quality and Maricopa County - Environmental Health Department.  Additionally, if you will be manufacturing, storing or using hazardous materials, you should contact the City of Phoenix - Fire Department.

• Chauffeurs / Taxis / Vehicle Sales or Registration

Most regulations governing commercial use or sale of vehicles, vehicle registration and driver licenses are the responsibility of the State of Arizona - Department of Transportation (Motor Vehicle Division).  This includes transporting people or products for a fee; allowing someone else to use your vehicle(s) on a fee-for-hire basis; or selling, titling, manufacturing, transporting or recycling automobiles or parts.

9. Employment Requirements
If you have one or more employees other than yourself, you will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Federal - Internal Revenue Service.  This number is used for filing and reporting purposes, and also is known as a federal tax identification number.

You may need to provide Workers’ Compensation Insurance for your employee(s).  You may provide this by insuring with the State of Arizona - State Compensation Fund, with another authorized carrier or qualifying as a self-insurer.  Contact the State of Arizona Industrial Commission/State Labor Department for more information on self-insurance.

There are other federal and state requirements, such as Arizona’s New Hire Reporting Program from the State of Arizona - Department of Economic Security and employment eligibility verification for the Federal - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.  The State of Arizona - Department of Commerce provides information and links to many of these agencies 10. Other Questions

The City of Phoenix provides businesses a myriad of business-related services.  If you have additional questions regarding general business assistance or regulatory processes required by the city, you should contact the City of Phoenix - Community and Economic Development Department (CEDD), which can help direct you to the appropriate department or partner to assist you. 

This document highlights the most common issues facing a new business.  The information in this document includes, but is not limited to, various city, county, state and governmental contacts that may have programs or be able to assist you with your business issues.  As each business is different, so are individual business needs.  While every effort has been made to ensure this information is correct, the City of Phoenix can not guarantee this information is inclusive, current and assumes no liability for problems that may arise from the use of this information.  You are encouraged to obtain professional assistance if you have questions about setting up or modifying your business.

Ultimately, you are responsible for ensuring that all obligations – federal, state, county and city – are met.  In addition to the contact information in this document, the Maricopa County Small Business Development Centers and the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) offer seminars, classes and free consulting services to assist you in understanding your regulatory obligations.

If you have questions regarding this page, please contact the city Community and Economic Development Department at 602.262.5040.

Weatherization program creates 13,000 jobs

This an article that I found on Mother Nature Network.  It confirms one of the things that I have been saying; there is a lot of opportunities in the weatherization program that is funded by the Federal Government.  You need to research and get on board this program!!

The Weatherization Assistance Program has created or retained 13,000 green jobs.

Thu, Aug 12 2010 at 1:08 PM EST 

 The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which has received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), has created or retained 13,000 jobs since the program launched. Of the approximately 200 programs that have received ARRA funding, the WAP is in the number eight spot for most jobs created. These good green jobs are not only providing solid employment and work experience for Americans in the middle of an unemployment crisis but they are also helping homeowners save money.

In June 2010, WAP providers were responsible for providing weatherization upgrades on just over 31,000 homes. This is 31,000 homes that are now more energy efficient and 31,000 homeowners that can save money on their annual energy use. The weatherization process has a multitude of benefits to both the homeowner and the environment: less energy use, lower energy costs, new jobs, and a smaller carbon footprint.

The program got off to a rocky start in 2009 with approximately 30,000 homes being completed last year despite a commitment of $5 billion in funding over three years. Some of the challenges that the program faced included hiring and training workers, the requirement that homes older than 50 years be reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office prior to starting a weatherization upgrade, and other regional issues that varied from state to state.

However, the ball is now rolling as is evidenced by the 31,000 projects completed in June 2010. Prior to that, the program was completing about 25,000 homes per month. If you are interested in receiving a weatherization upgrade to your home, you can apply for weatherization assistance online. Homeowners that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) are automatically qualified to receive weatherization assistance. However, States do extend assistance to families in other situations.

Once a household is deemed eligible for weatherization assistance, a professional energy consultation will commence. This consultation includes a professional review of your energy bills, onsite testing and inspection of your house, and then a plan for weatherization. At that point, local contractors come in and complete the weatherization upgrade, usually in a day or two. In June 2010 this process was repeated more than 31,000 times and we’re likely to see this number continue to grow in the coming months.

The opinions expressed by MNN Bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of MNN.com. While we have reviewed their content to make sure it complies with our Terms and Conditions, MNN is not responsible for the accuracy of any of their information.

 

Plans and Specifications -Most Important Part of a Project

The most important documents for a successful construction project are the Plans and Specifications for the project being built or renovated.  Without them you have no guidelines on how the work is to take place or nothing to tell you the minimum acceptable criteria for the materials to be included in the project.

Without a decent set of plans and specifications the bidders on a project cannot bid effectively.  The owner that owns the project cannot control the integrity of his finished product.  The plans and specifications are placed to guide everybody to what is the expected quality for materials and details of what is expected to be in the construction.

The subject concerning plans and specifications is very important and one short message does not do justice to the subject so I will be revisiting this subject as times goes by.

When you bid a project you need to examine the plans very thoroughly to make sure that the Architect or draftsman does not inadvertently place a detail concerning your phase of the project on a page where logically it should not be depicted.

The same advice is applicable to the specifications.  Sometimes your particular trade may also be depicted in another section of the specifications.

An example is Gyp Board or Drywall; I have seen some projects where sealing or paint preparation might be depicted as part of the drywall installation portion.  Arguably this work should be under the paint section (I guess this depends upon what part of the country you are from).  The short story is; if the specifications state that it is the Drywall company’s responsibility, the Drywall company needs to expect to do the work.

When you submit your bid; you need to be very careful about identifying the scope of work that you are including in your bid!  Misunderstandings have caused more companies to go broke than almost everything!

Note:  You can get other information about contract management and growing your business by going to this website:

Filthy Rich Contractor Private Club

OPPORTUNITIES! USDA Announces 120 Recovery Act Projects

I saw this article and thought that my readers would find it interesting.  You need to track the projects and prepare to participate in the opportunities.

Find out the skill that is needed and prepare yourself!!
wr

Release No. 0391.10


Contact:       Bart Kendrick (202) 720-0698

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Over 120 Recovery Act Broadband Projects to Bring Jobs, Economic Opportunity to Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, August 4, 2010- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the funding of 126 new Recovery Act broadband infrastructure projects that will create jobs and provide rural residents in 38 states and Native American tribal areas access to improved service. Broadband access plays a critical role in expanding economic, health care, educational and public safety services in underserved rural communities. Today's announcement is part of the second round of USDA broadband funding through the Recovery Act. A complete list of projects receiving Recovery Act broadband grant awards today can be viewed in full by going here. 

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/broadband_project_descriptions.pdf

"The broadband projects announced today will give rural Americans access to the tools they need to attract new businesses, jobs, health care and educational opportunities," Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration understands that bringing broadband to rural America provides a gateway for businesses and key anchor institutions – such as libraries, schools, public safety and community centers – to provide services to thousands of Americans. These projects will create jobs building these networks, and the completed systems will provide a platform for rural economic growth for years to come."

In all, $1.2 billion will be invested in the 126 broadband infrastructure projects through funding made available through the Recovery Act. An additional $117 million in private investment will be leveraged, bringing the total funds invested to $1.31 billion.

By leveraging Recovery Act funding authorized by Congress, USDA has been able to provide loans and grants of $2.65 billion to construct 231 broadband projects in 45 states and one territory. The remaining authorized funds will allow an additional $1 billion in loans and grants by September 30, 2010. The Recovery Act provided USDA with a total of $2.5 billion to invest in expanding broadband access to rural America.

According to analysis released by the National Economic Council last year, overall Recovery Act investments in broadband are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the near term and expand economic development and job opportunities in communities that would otherwise be left behind in the new knowledge-based economy. Recovery Act broadband projects help bring down the cost of private investment, attract Internet service providers to new areas, improve digital literacy among students and workers, and help create new opportunities in employment, education, and entrepreneurship by wiring homes and businesses. With new or increased broadband access, communities can compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses, schools can create distance learning opportunities, medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.

For example, Montana Opticom, LLC will receive a $32 million dollar loan and $32 million dollar grant to build a fiber-to-the-premises network in rural communities in Gallatin County, Montana. The company estimates that the project will directly support 650 jobs upfront. These jobs are just the precursor, though: once complete, more than 4,100 local businesses stand to benefit from a network that enables them compete globally—reaching new markets and new information. In addition, more than 18,000 Montanans and more than 50 libraries, health care facilities, schools, and other community institutions will have access to this high-speed service.
In central Michigan, Crystal Automation Services, Inc., has been selected to receive a $7.9 million loan and $18.5 million grant to deploy a hybrid fixed wireless, fiber optic network that will provide high capacity broadband to health care facilities, libraries, schools and community organizations. Fiber optic cable will be used for high-speed transport among the fixed wireless towers and in more densely populated areas. Fixed wireless service will be used to provide economical broadband service over a large six county area.

Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan, grant or loan/grant agreement.

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so that the country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/recovery.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW,

The Great Time Management Secret

Yesterday I explained the importance of Time Mangement.  There is a great video that you can view for free so when you get a chance and have some spare time you should visit                   www.thegreattimemanagementsecret.com.

There are no obligations or strings so take a look!   There are several freebies so it will be worth your time!

wr

TIME MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS!

I have posted a short video that pretty much summarizes the importance of tackling the most serious thing that you have set up for the day.  Do not avoid the important things; do it first and then go on to the rest of your day!     


                    

One of the most important concepts that you need to learn is time management.Time is the great equalizer among men; we all start out at the beginning of each day with twenty – four hours.  It is the way that we spend those twenty four hours that will separate the winners from the losers.

I am going to give you one of the most important lessons that I learned when beginning the professional chapter of my life.It concerns time management and priorities.

The story was passed on to me by an older friend of mine and is basically an old story that has been told and retold many times.Chances are you may have heard it but bear with me; it is an important lesson that bears revisiting.

Many years ago; Andrew Carnegie was a young entrepreneur just beginning his career in the Steel Business and many people recognized that he was an up and comer.A young accountant, his name was Ivy Lee, approached Mr. Carnegie looking for a job.

Being an accountant; Ivy offered his services and told Mr. Carnegie that he could help him make more money.

Mr. Carnegie told Ivy “I know how to make money! What I need to know is how to get more done each day! If you can show me how to get more done; I will pay you whatever you want!”

Ivy backed off and made several notes and then approached Andrew Carnegie again with a blank piece of paper and said “I am going to give you the greatest method to get more things done every day but you must follow my directions.”

“Before you go home this evening you need to make a list of six to eight items. These items must be the most important things that you need to get done tomorrow; those things that are most important to you and your business!"

“You must put a number by each task beginning with number 1 that addresses the most important thing that has to be done. Then go to number 2 and so on.Then tomorrow morning you do everything you can to accomplish number 1. Once you are done with number 1; you begin working on task number 2 and continue working on this until it is successfully completed!”

“If something unforeseen prevents you accomplishing one item you will move to the next task but returning to the uncompleted task as soon as possible”

"Ivy then concluded by saying “try this method for thirty (30) days and see if it helps you get more things done.If you find the lesson helps you accomplish more things to make you successful; you can send me a check for whatever you think it is worth.”

Thirty days after the lesson; it is said that Andrew Carnegie gave Ivy Lee a check for Ten Thousand Dollars and said that it was the most valuable lesson that he ever learned.

You need to get you a three ring binder or a tablet and try the experiment yourself!See if it can help you get more done every day!

It is very easy to list a lot of items that are not going to help you become more successful. DO NOT MAJOR ON THE MINOR THINGS!

You must focus on those things that will help you succeed!

Ten Mistakes That Contractors Need to Avoid

 Here is a short video that illustrates ten mistakes that contractors need to avoid.   There is a lot of wisdom shown and it is good advice to follow.        

                 


Click Here for more information about the things you can learn at the website where the video came from.

I will address each issue and add a couple during the next couple of days.

wr

Always Get it in Writing!

You are going to find as you progress in your construction or subcontracting business that it is essential that you get things in writing; especially when it comes to the things that concern the work on your project.

You are going to find that people tend to get amnesia about the scope of work you are supposed to do.  I have found that there is nothing worse than misunderstandings.  Mistakes can be corrected but when it comes to misunderstandings emotions tend to get tangled into the mix and that is when things can really get messy.  Somebody’s feelings are going to get hurt.

It is easier and much more efficient to get everything that concerns the scope of work, methods of payment and change orders in writing.  The worst thing you can do is rely on people’s memory.  You will hear things like you “you said you would do this or that” and when you cannot remember it; it develops into a conflict.

The best course is to write everything down that is of importance.  I have always considered my word to be my bond and if I am going to say something that may affect the work or the performance of the work; I will issue a memo or a short note.  Keep a record of everything you agree to; you will find that it will eliminate a lot of issues.

Utilizing this strategy has decreased the number of conflicts for me because when somebody says I said I would do something that is contrary to my normal procedure I tell them to show me the memo I issued.

This is an extremely important issue so I will revisit this subject more as we go along; in the meantime please take my advice!