This week, the conversation with Tom Reber, podcast host of The Contractor Fight, focuses on the challenges faced by contractors and the solutions to overcome them. The main themes include the importance of charging what you're worth, the need for consistent recruiting and hiring practices, reframing negative beliefs, and creating a positive company culture. 

Other topics discussed include the impact of low prices on quality, the value of paying employees well, and the significance of building relationships with your team. We discuss the importance of prioritizing and investing in employees in order to build a successful contracting business. 

Tom shares his experience navigating the recession in 2008 and how his company came out more profitable by prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of their employees. He emphasizes the need for contractors to treat their employees with respect and dignity, providing them with flexibility and opportunities for growth. Ryan adds that employees stay with companies because of good bosses who help them achieve their own goals. They discuss the significance of creating a positive employee experience and how it impacts customer satisfaction and business growth.

Keywords

contractors, challenges, solutions, pricing, recruiting, hiring, reframing, company culture, quality, employee compensation, relationships, contracting business, recession, employee satisfaction, employee loyalty, leadership, employee experience, customer experience, business growth

Takeaways

• Contractors often struggle because they don't charge what they're worth and lack training in areas like sales and finance.
• Consistent recruiting and hiring practices are essential for building a strong team.
• Reframing negative beliefs and focusing on the opportunities available can lead to success.
• Providing fair compensation and creating a positive company culture are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent.
• Building relationships with employees and understanding their needs and aspirations is key to their loyalty and commitment. Prioritizing and investing in employees is crucial for building a successful contracting business.
• A positive employee experience translates into better customer satisfaction and business growth.
• Strong leadership and intentional culture are essential for creating a thriving work environment.
• Building a strong personal life and taking care of oneself is key to being a successful leader in business.

Sound Bites

"I just see a huge lack of consistency with recruiting and you know, they hire when they need people instead of hiring all the time or recruiting all the time and looking to build their team."

"It's time for contractors to start living in gated communities and not just working in them."

Chapters

07:12 Creating a Positive Company Culture

15:55 Navigating the Recession: Prioritizing People

28:57 The Impact of Leadership on Employee Satisfaction

35:35 Selling Value and Growing Your Business

Connect With Tom:

Website: https://thecontractorfight.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomreber/

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