When in Rome

It is often said that when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. The point of this cliche is that you should adapt yourself to your surroundings. While there is an element of truth in this, for the most part it is poor advice, particularly when applied to a paint contracting business.

If we applied this advice to a contracting business, we would adopt the practices of our competitors. We would do things the same way as "everyone" else. We would do nothing to differentiate ourselves. And where would this get us? The same place as everyone else.

I don't mean to imply that we should never do anything the same as our competitors. What I mean is that simply because others are doing something doesn't mean that it is a good thing. As my mother used to say, "Just because everyone is jumping off of a bridge doesn't mean it is something that you should do."

The principle of "best practices" is a far better guideline. "Best practices" refers to those procedures and tactics that consistently lead to the desired results. For example, if you want to have a successful painting company, follow those procedures and tactics that are used by other successful painting companies.

There is nothing inherently wrong with doing as the Romans. But we must we careful which Romans we are emulating.

Jump Start Your Painting Business

Are you tired of making less money than your employees? Are you tired of working 60, 70, or more hours a week? Are you tired of saying "next year will be better"?

Operating a successful paint contracting company does not need to be complicated. It just requires good business practices. Do you need more leads? Implement a marketing plan that includes effective strategies like customer retention and proximity marketing. Do you want motivated and happy employees? Empower them and get out of their way. Do you fret over low priced competition? Learn to sell more effectively by focusing on consumer education.

The reason most businesses fail is because the owner does not have the necessary business skills. He gets what Michael Gerber (author of The E-Myth) calls "entrepreneurial seizure". A skilled craftsman decides he is tired of working for someone else and hangs out his shingle--now he'll make the big bucks. The problem is, this seldom works out well. A skilled craftsman does not necessarily make a good business owner. The skill sets are much different.

This 335-page manual covers virtually every aspect of the business side of owning a paint contracting company. This manual covers:

• Business Systems

• Finance and Accounting

• Marketing

• Estimating

• Sales

• Production Management

• Administration

• And more...

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