Mike's Tips

06/03/09 – Shifting Gears

You know the competition is tough when you routinely bid against contractors who take jobs at prices under cost. Unfortunately, far too many contractors rationalize the illogical practice of low-ball (under-cost) bidding; worse yet, too many contractors respond: if you cannot beat them, join them. That is a recipe for failure.

There are many good ways to get around, or better yet, climb over, bad competition. Here is just one way to move ahead and leave your old adversaries behind: shift gears; change your own game for the better; add new scope to your bids. Construction managers prefer to deal with subcontractors who can provide a complete package: metal stud framing, drywall, paint, rough carpentry, casework, millwork, doors, frames, hardware, etc. in their bids.

You may say, now is not the time to shift gears; however, now is exactly the right time to move ahead. I think Teddy Roosevelt first said: when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Fortunately, most of your competition thinks that means: head for the hills and hide. When do you think it will be a better time to find qualified tradesmen?

Throughout the past few decades, I have obtained vast bidding knowledge by working with hundreds of wall and ceiling contractors, both large and small. I have prepared thousands of successful wall and ceiling bids for my clients. Eventually, most of my clients attend my takeoff and estimating classes and/or buy my software, thus becoming largely self-sufficient; thus, I continually seek new clients.

I would sincerely appreciate an opportunity to work with you, to broaden the scope of your company's bids, making them more attractive to construction managers. Here are three ways you can choose to shift gears in your business now:

•  Professional Consulting Services – Accurate takeoffs and estimates will help your business grow.

•  Small Group or Private Training – Learn the most effective, accurate takeoff and estimating methods.

•  Specialty Trade Construction Data– Get the very best software available for our industry – at the best price.

The best way to get jobs is clear: base your bids on accurate takeoffs and estimates.

Today, you can start using your takeoff & estimating resources more effectively.

You can bid faster… and more accurately.