While reading some of my articles, you might say to yourself, “Come on John, I know that. Give me something I can use.”

Here is the hint!!

BIG HINT:

When you read any article, instead of saying “I know this,” ask yourself, “How good am I at this?” Or, “How can I apply this idea to my life or business?”

I present information that has helped me in my business and my life. A lot of my articles, like goal setting, can help everyone. However, the article about finding the best employees would more likely be only of interest to a business owner or manager.

You see, just reading the information I present isn’t going to make you smart, good looking, or rich. Reading helps, but most ideas are easily forgotten if not acted upon.

In addition to reading the information, you need think about how you are currently implementing these ideas into your life.

For example, you know having a positive attitude is 50% of your success (you’ve read that right?), but how is your attitude when someone gives you the flu. Do you blame them? Or how do you cope with the new big attitude buster in Midland, “I had to wait through the light twice!!”

Rate yourself on the topics you read. Don’t just say, “I know that!” Find out for yourself how good you are.

If you are doing good, that’s great!! Keep going. Pick another topic until you find one you like and can see you need improvement on.

Once you find an area where you need improvement, write it down. Expand on it. Study it. Relate it to your current business goals or life goals. Plan a way to get better. Ask someone for help. Don’t ever give up!

If you disagree with ideas you read, dismiss them. Not every idea you read about will work for you. Concentrate on ideas you like and believe in. Have FUN!!

Be honest when you evaluate yourself on certain topics. Honestly evaluating yourself can be brutal. A punch in the stomach. The best part about it though is realizing that you can improve.

Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10. (1 = Worst; 10 = Greatest) If you aren’t a 9 or 10, you have got work to do. Work on the idea a little bit every day. Try just 15 minutes a day studying the idea you want to get better at.

At the end of the month, you will have put in almost a full 8 hour day. At the end of the year, you will have spent more than a full work week improving yourself with just 15 minutes a day.

Read with the intent to expand and study the topics you like and want to improve yourself on. Knowledge doesn’t become power until you take action with that knowledge.

John

After a new construction project has been started, it seems there is always work that needs to be done in addition to the original contract. Most projects have “extras” that were not drawn out in the original plans and specifications. These “extras”, also know as change orders, can cause serious problems for both the owner and the contractor if not handled correctly.

Below, are the Top Five Tips for getting the “Most” from your change order.

1) Calm the fear of a change order. The owner feels that a change order is a blank check written to the contractor to charge an outrageous price for the additional work. In most cases, this is not true. Owners just don’t understand the cost for additional work. The best way to combat this is to write down an extensive explanation for the work you will be providing, make it known that the work is in addition to the plans and specs you bid, and get his approval in writing.

2) Never wait until the end of the project to bill. Always bill a change order as soon as you can. At least by the end of the month. If you don’t the owner might catch a case of amnesia.

3) Never do work for free. Some contractors feel compelled to do “alittle” extra work for free. Just to be nice and procure repeat business from the customer. However, free work will not get you repeat business. Honesty, fairness, and reputable work breeds repeat business. If you give away additional work, you are using the profit from the job to pay for it. The best practice is don’t give away free work.

4) Make sure you include all costs. Do not just charge for the cost of labor and materials. Be sure to charge for insurance, bonds, supervision, overhead, and a reasonable profit, just like you would if you were bidding the project originally. Don’t leave any costs or expenses out.

5) Don’t inflate your billing for extras. Be fair in your pricing. Be firm in your pricing. Have written explanation of the costs. Gouging an owner is a sure way to lose any repeat business. Just be honest and fair.

Hopefully after reading this you realize that “Most” means reimbursement actually entitled to you for the additional work to be performed. Always remember to be honest and reputable.