My Business On Purpose

Balancing the demands of work and building a long-term business? In this episode of "The Dickie & Donny Show", BOP Business Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson and Brandon "Donny" Gray sit down with David Privitera, Founder & Principal of Focus Forward Advisory, to discuss the key strategies for running a successful business. With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, David shares valuable insights on navigating challenges, managing time and money, and building a sustainable future for your business.

Listen and discover how you can lead with purpose, protect your business, and create lasting success.

Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

When you think about it, a military command and a sports team—what do those two things have in common when they're not either in a battle or playing a game? At the time of this recording, we're almost at the end of March Madness and these teams have been in training, training, training. Right? So military command—if they're not fighting a battle, they're training. If a sports team is not playing a game, they're training, they're preparing.

And yet in business, when's the last time you actually proactively trained? I think it's why it leads us to have a strategy of throwing everybody to the wolves. I mentioned that in the last video, the last podcast that we did—we have this "throw them to the wolves" mentality. So what happens when your employees stop fighting wolves and start instead being trained?

Hey, it's Scott Beebe with Business On Purpose. Go to businessonpurpose.com/book and both of my books are there—Let Your Business Burn and also our brand new book is out: The Chaos Free Contractor. Make sure to go check it out.

See, throwing employees into a new job without proper guidance means you're just setting them up for disaster. Not only does it waste their time and yours, but it also squanders the resources that your business has. When employees are left to fend for themselves—or fight the wolves on their own—they struggle to understand the role, the business culture, the necessary process. As a result, they often have very little time to actually do their job.

It reminds me of a conversation I had with some dear friends of ours, Rob and Jessie Shrieve. They own Coastal Shores, a landscape business with both maintenance and construction divisions. We met for lunch—it was probably around 2016 or 2017—to discuss their company's challenges at the point.

Coastal Shores employed two types of crews: maintenance crews and construction/enhancement crews. The maintenance crews primarily consisted of laborers earning around $17–21 an hour. Many of these workers had limited education, with some actually unable to read or write. The turnover rate for these positions was staggering—a little bit like a fast-food joint—often reaching 30 to 50% annually. Not quite fast food, but still pretty painful and very expensive.

During our lunch, Rob asked me an incredibly pointed question. He said, "Scott, I understand implementing these strategies for our office team, but do we need to do all this stuff for our labor team as well? What you're suggesting in terms of creating clarity and training is expensive." That was sort of his concern.

My response was intentionally provocative: "Hey Rob, you will train them to the level that you value them. So you need to decide if you value your laborers as much as you value your office staff." My words were admittedly a little harsh, but I wanted to challenge Rob's perspective and remind him that all employees—regardless of their role—deserve respect and investment.

It resonated with Rob and Jessie, who both have a genuine love for people. They took the message to heart and began implementing changes in the business. A couple of years later, they introduced what they called SALT Training. This was a program that alternated between technical skills and personal development.

For example, one week might focus on irrigation setup, chemical application, or equipment maintenance. The fourth week, though, was dedicated to what they called "Life 101." These were lessons designed to help employees grow both personally and professionally.

The intentional approach to training demonstrated Coastal Shores' commitment to valuing not just a certain type of employee, but all employees. By investing in both technical skills and personal development, they showed their workers they were more than just laborers—as many other companies saw them. They were valued members of the company. They were frontline members—the first point of contact with many customers. And they had amazing growth potential.

So the Shrieves' experience highlights an important lesson for all of us as business owners: When you invest in your employees at all levels, you create a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce. This not only benefits the individuals, but also contributes to the overall success and growth of the business.

Yes, it takes time and it takes money, but when you begin to budget for these things, you can find value in both.

Hey, get started here. You can go to businessonpurpose.com/book, pick up either one of my books—or get both if you'd like—Let Your Business Burn and our brand new book The Chaos Free Contractor. These will walk you through outlines and give you different examples of how you can begin to train your team. So instead of throwing them to the wolves—and that being your strategy—you can have proactive, what we call repetitive, predictable, and meaningful training. businessonpurpose.com/book

To check the health of your business, visit mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy today!

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Feeling the tension between work and home life? In this episode, BOP Business Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson and Brandon "Donny" Gray are joined by BOP Business Coach Brent "Darryl" Whitaker to talk about how life and business always intersect—and what happens when we don't acknowledge it. From setting rhythms and boundaries to defining what matters most, this conversation will challenge you to lead with intention at home and at work.

Watch now and discover how aligning your values in both areas can transform everything.

Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://bit.ly/healthybusiness1

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

So many business owners get frustrated because they feel like many times employees are freeloading or they're just lazy throughout the day. And the more we talk about this, the more we realize that many people think it has to do with the generations. Does it? I'm not sure.

Hey, it's Scott Beebe with Business On Purpose and I'm super excited to be able to talk to you about this because we were just in Providence, Rhode Island last week at the JLC Live doing a couple of talks and workshops there. One of the questions we got was about this issue with employees. We simply responded: is it your employees or is it you?

You might think that millennials are lazy trophy collectors or Gen Zers are phone-addicted and directionless, but I think it might be a little different. And there's another question we've got to ask about that.

Hey, before I go any farther, go to businessonpurpose.com/healthy and you can take a healthy assessment and understand the back-end clarity of your business—part of what I'm going to be talking about today.

So here's the question we need to ask: how do you capture their attention? It's less about asking, "Are they lazy?" and more about asking, "Why are they lazy?" and "How do you capture their attention?" In a modern world, attention is one of the most valuable currencies we have. Time and attention are irrevocable resources—once spent, you cannot get them back.

If you want to vie for the attention of any generation, not just the younger ones that we often blame, but even the older ones like me and above, there's one key element you need to focus on. Here's your silver bullet. You ready? You probably need to write this down. It's one word, starts with a C: Clarity.

Employees crave clarity more than anything else—more than money, perks, and benefits. But many organizations make the mistake of waiting to provide clarity until after new hires have started. The approach is backwards. Clarity should be present from the very beginning, even before day one. Your hiring process is a preview of what potential employees can expect if they come to work with you. If it's chaotic or non-existent, then guess what they're going to assume? They're going to assume their experience is going to be chaotic and non-existent too.

The same goes for your onboarding process. Many companies either do not have a structured onboarding program or, if they do, it's disorganized. The lack of clarity can lead new employees to start looking for their next job on their very first day. Now, of course, they're not going to leave on day one, but they'll start looking.

Some organizations and businesses pride themselves on a "throw them to the wolves" approach to new hires, then wonder why nobody wants to work anymore. But that's not the real issue. Young adults do want to work—it's part of human nature. The problem is that they don't want to work in chaos.

Back 20, 30, 40, 50 years ago, you really didn't have many options. You just had to go to work where you went to work. But now people have options. As business owners and leaders, it's our responsibility to provide clarity as an antidote to chaos.

This does not mean coddling employees or lowering expectations. Instead, it means creating an environment where people understand what's expected of them and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. When you provide clarity—your mission will help significantly with this—you are more likely to have employees who not only want to work but want to bring their best efforts every day.

They will be motivated to give what Chick-fil-A calls their "full-time best effort" because they have a clear understanding of what they're working for and why it matters. Clarity is not just about explaining tasks or roles; it's about creating a transparent, even vulnerable, well-structured environment where employees can thrive.

When you prioritize clarity from the start, you're setting the stage for engaged, committed employees who are ready to contribute their best work. So it may be worth asking yourself and your team: Where are we not providing clarity? From before we start hiring, through the hiring process, to the onboarding process after they've been hired—and not only that, but also for our existing team—where are we not being clear?

Meet together and work on that. If you want something to implement, go to mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy to take that assessment. Also, our new book The Chaos Free Contractor is out. Little hint: it's a really good book for any business owner, but it's targeted specifically to contractors. So if you're a contractor or a contractor-support business, make sure to grab a copy of The Chaos Free Contractor. You can find it on our website and also on Amazon.

Want a team that shows up motivated and ready to work? Visit businessonpurpose.com/ask for expert help and free resources!

To check the health of your business, visit mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy today!

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Feeling stuck trying to forecast your revenue or make hiring decisions with confidence? In this episode, BOP Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson, Brandon "Donny" Gray, and Head of Coaching Thomas "Doc" Joyner break down how the right financial tools bring clarity to your business—and sanity to your schedule.

✅ Spotting hidden holes in your cash flow ✅ Using forecasting to guide smarter decisions ✅ When and how to say "no" to more work ✅ Hiring the right people at the right time ✅ Gaining clarity to lead with purpose

Discover how integrated tools can help you build a business that runs and grows without you!

Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://bit.ly/healthybusiness1

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Tonight, Shawn and I—one of our coaches—are heading up to the Northeast where we've been invited to speak and present to a group of contractors in Providence, Rhode Island at the JLC LIVE convention. We're super excited about it.

When we attend trade shows and talk to contractors—or really, any other business owners—we hear a common refrain: "Nobody wants to work anymore."

As we listen to the complaints, we can't help but smirk a little bit. It's easy to blame Millennials or Gen Zers, but is that really the root of the problem? Is that why we can't build a loyal crew or retain the top talent we've been looking for—let alone even find it?

Recently, I received an email with a subject line that said this—I'm not making this up: "Jason quit. This sucks. I'm hating Millennials."

While it's tempting to point fingers at younger generations, the reality is a little more complex than that. It's not that people don't want to work—it's that they don't want to work in chaotic environments that lack clarity and direction. And now, they have something previous generations didn't: options.

In the past—the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s—you didn't have as many ways to go out and create work for yourself. But now? People have choices.

So let's consider a different perspective: what if the issue isn't with the workers, but with the work environment you're providing? Are you offering a workplace that attracts and retains talent—or are you unknowingly pushing potential employees away?

I'm about to share what I believe is a silver bullet—a tool that finds and retains talent better than anything else in business. Now, of course, you're going to be skeptical. I would be too. That's understandable. But I urge you to keep an open mind.

If you believe this could be true—if this is a silver bullet—think about the potential impact on your business. Imagine being able to find and retain the talent you need. The solution might be very simple. Maybe even obvious. You might roll your eyes. But I challenge you to pause and consider its power.

What if this one thing could transform your ability to attract and keep great employees?

The key lies in this: creating an environment—or culture—of transparency, vulnerability, and purpose.

Before you turn this off, just hang with me. I'm going to give you something concrete. It's about offering more than just a job—it's about providing a vision, a clear path forward, and a sense of belonging.

When you offer consciousness and conciseness in your business operations—via captured processes and clear communication—then your business, through a less-than-10-word mission statement, can create a workplace people want to be part of.

Right now, we're going through an interview process for a new role. The longer we go through our process, the more excited the candidates become. It's actually making it harder for us—because we're going to have to turn people away.

Why is it getting harder? Because they want to work here.

They see the vision—because we've shared it. They see the mission—because we've shared it. They see the core values—because we've shared them. And they say, "We appreciate this."

One of the most common things we hear back is: "I've worked with businesses that say all this, but don't do anything about it."

People—especially younger generations—notice. And yes, I said people, because this applies to all generations. But especially younger ones. They're looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to feel valued, understood, and part of something meaningful.

So by focusing on clarity in your business practices and communication, you can create that kind of environment. What does that include?

• Weekly, agenda-driven, leader-led team meetings
• Weekly, one-hour departmental meetings
• Predictable one-on-one check-ins
• Annual performance feedback so team members know what's expected
• Executive team using a "Big 5" feedback loop, so their communication back to the team is clear and consistent

And here's the big question: do you have these things written down?

Before you blame an entire generation for your staffing woes, you need to take a hard look at your own business. Are you providing clarity and purpose?

Here's a simple litmus test: Are your vision, mission, values, org chart, job roles, checklists, scorecards, and KPIs written down?

If not, then they don't exist.

The solution to your hiring and retention problems might be closer than you think. It starts with you. And it starts with writing things down.

Need help?

Hop on a call with one of our coaches. We've got a no-strings-attached, ask-us-anything option. Just go to businessonpurpose.com/ask and hop on a call.

All we ask is that you're the primary business owner, with three or more employees, and doing $1 million or more in revenue. We'd be delighted to talk with you—and if you want to know how we can work with you, just ask.

businessonpurpose.com/ask

To check the health of your business. visit mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy today!

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Struggling to define what makes your business unique? In this episode, BOP Business Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson and Brandon "Donny" Gray explore the power of Unique Core Values—the key to building a business that reflects your vision and stands out in your industry.

✅ Crafting core values that resonate with your team ✅ Defining what makes your business culture truly unique ✅ Aligning mission and vision with actionable values ✅ Building a foundation for lasting team buy-in ✅ Leveraging core values to drive business growth

Learn how to create core values that not only define your business but also inspire your team to thrive!

Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://bit.ly/healthybusiness1

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Hey, we'll have a business owner come up to us and go, "I just can't sleep." You know, we'll say, "Hey, how was your night last night?" "I didn't sleep very well." "Well, why not?" "Because my head's constantly spinning, constantly thinking about everything that's downstream and I can't seem to get my head around it."

This is a common refrain that we hear from business owners and we want to give you a tool that I think will be very, very simple for you to start thinking ahead, to forecast downstream, and to relieve some of that pressure.

Now, we're still guessing to some degree because we're dealing with people, and people can change. That dynamic is always there. But the more we can create some means of stability—at least thinking based on the information we have—and that's a key point, the better. You've got to predict, project, and forecast based on the information you have today.

So when we go with that, I think there's something—we call it a forecasting sheet. You could call it a job start sheet or a project start sheet. If you can start with a simple process, it's often the thing for business owners. Stay tuned till the end of this and I'm going to give you a tool that I think will be really helpful for you.

I want you to think in terms of a simple process. While there is an abundance of sophisticated software available, we recommend beginning with a basic spreadsheet. If you can do a spreadsheet for three to six months, this allows you to prove to yourself—and your coach, if you're coaching with us or someone else—that you can consistently use and benefit from the tool before you sign up for that subscription. And the subscription isn't bad, by the way—software is excellent and most of it's really good—but you need to prove to yourself that you can use it first.

The cornerstone of the simple process is that project start sheet, forecasting tool, or job start sheet. It's a straightforward spreadsheet that can be customized based on your specific needs. For example, if you're a contractor with smaller jobs, you might organize your forecasting sheet by weeks of the year—week one, two, three—or by specific dates: January 2nd, January 9th, and so on. If you have larger projects that take months, then months of projection might be more appropriate. For others, it might be days of the year, depending on your sales cycle.

The project start sheet should list all your upcoming projects in the first column. You might ask, "Well, what if I'm in retail and I've got maybe 10 customers every day or a hundred customers every day?" Then, break down your retail business into three, four, or five major sections. So instead of listing individual products or SKUs, you've got multiple sections—and then you can start to project those sections based not only on the actual product but also on seasonality, which is really important. That's where we begin to see the flow not only of product but also of cash.

Across the top of your spreadsheet, imagine having days, weeks, or months of the year—most of you will use weeks or months. Then, in the corresponding cells, input the billing amounts you expect for each project, series of products, or categories. If you're a contractor selling new homes, you might put months of the year across the top, and then, based on your schedule of values, note that you're billing X this month, X plus 15% next month, and so on—accounting for seasonality.

When filling in those amounts for future projections, it's important to be very realistic. Don't live in the clouds—live in realism. It might be tempting to divide a project's total value evenly across the duration (like saying, "Last year we did a million in this area, so we'll just divide that by 12"), but be very careful. You can miss out on seasonality, which directly impacts your cash flow.

Instead, refer to any schedule of values or historical records you have. A schedule of values is a standard tool in the contracting world that more accurately helps you project when you'll bill specific amounts for work completed. This practice might take some time initially, but that's okay. Once you've set it up, you'll have a powerful tool for projecting and budgeting based on your expected revenue.

The project start sheet—whether using days, weeks, or months along the top, and projects or product sections along the side—allows you to track completions. This helps you identify potential lean or full periods in advance.

Another aspect to consider is the possibility of unexpected job delays, stoppages, or seasonality. For instance, right now at the time of this recording, about 40 minutes from here there are wildfires in the foothills. That's going to impact businesses. There's a vineyard up there that's been forced to evacuate, and it will affect them. Even large, seemingly secure projects can suddenly stop due to unforeseen circumstances.

So it's wise to build in a buffer—say, 10 to 20%—for potential delays in your projections. This might lead to slightly overshooting your estimates, but it provides a more realistic view of possible scenarios.

Effective planning and forecasting are only possible with a reliable tracking system. That's where the project start sheet—the spreadsheet—becomes incredibly valuable. By continuously using and updating that simple tool, you'll gain a clearer picture of your business's economic trajectory and be better equipped to make informed decisions. Bring your team into this as well.

As you become more comfortable with the process, you'll find it easier to adapt to changes, anticipate challenges, and seize opportunities. Mastering a simple process is the foundational step that can lead to more sophisticated financial management as your business grows. So hold off on the fancy stuff for now—let's go simplistic.

Hey, if you need some help, I told you I'd have a resource. You can go to businessonpurpose.com/ask—that's businessonpurpose.com/ask—and you can actually hop on an "Ask Us Anything" call. There are also tools on that site that you don't even have to download. They're right there. They'll give you profit-leak-plugging tools and other resources that will be really helpful. So go to businessonpurpose.com/ask.

To check the health of your business, visit mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy today!

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Feeling the pressure build in your business? In this episode, BOP Business Coaches Shawn "Dickie" Stinson and Brandon "Donny" Gray dive into the Big 5 Feedback Loop—a simple rhythm of communication that keeps your team engaged, aligned, and growing together.

✅ Real-time performance check-ins ✅ Consistent accountability ✅ Space for honest feedback ✅ Clarity around expectations ✅ Connection that prevents blowups

Watch now and discover how feedback done right can defuse tension, build trust, and move your business forward!

Are you working IN your business or ON your business? Do you have all of the foundational elements that will liberate you from the business chaos? Take the assessment to find out which areas you can grow and improve on. Take our Healthy Owner Business Assessment HERE➡️ http://bit.ly/healthybusiness1

SIGN UP for our Newsletter HERE ➡️ https://www.boproadmap.com/newsletter

For blogs and updates, visit our site HERE ➡️ https://www.mybusinessonpurpose.com/blog/

LISTEN to the Business On Purpose Podcast HERE ➡️ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-business-on-purpose/id969222210

SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbPR8lTHY0ay4c0iqncOztg?sub_confirmation=1

Hey, we say all the time that for contractors, the tools of your trade are not hammers, nails, levels, all of that. The tools of your trade—especially in project management—are calculators, calendars, subdivided bank accounts, and spreadsheets. And so I wanted to dive into that today.

There are a lot of contractors trying to figure out job to job. They can look at the end of the year at their P&L, and as long as they see a number on the bottom line, they go, "Well, I must be making money." Then they look at their bank account and say, "Well, there's money in there, so I must be making money." But the reality is, money's always in motion, right? So we don't really know if we're making money unless we do something in the contractor space called job costing.

And you can do this fundamentally anywhere. If you're a retail outlet, you can do inventory costs and actually look at the margins made on products. Because what you don't want to do in business—you're going to have cash flow. There's going to be either a trickle or a landslide. Cash flow comes in, goes out, it's in multiple places, and it comes in different cycles or wavelengths.

Some businesses, like ours, are a little more steady because we use a recurring model to engage with customers. But for others, it could be very seasonal, with huge spikes. I used to work at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where 80 to 90% of their money was made fundamentally over two weekends. Yeah, they had some trickling money in and out, but they had to fulfill that on just two weekends.

So the question becomes: Are we making money? I know we're getting money, but are we actually getting margin for that money?

Starting projects on the right foot is essential for success in business. When you work with clients, there are several layers between the dashboard and the project start sheet that require attention. The project start sheet? Just imagine a spreadsheet. That's it. It's gauging labor and material—two fundamental aspects that determine whether you're making money: job cost and schedule management.

If you're delayed on the schedule, every day of delay is a day that costs you instead of earning you income. So we tell contractors that your tools are not hammers and ladders—they're calculators, spreadsheets, and calendars. Job costing, which involves tracking materials, labor, and overhead for each job, is incredibly important. It may not be difficult, but it is very tedious. The good news is, the significance of job costing cannot be overstated.

By meticulously tracking your expenses, you gain a clear picture of a project's financial health and can make informed decisions throughout its life cycle. You know when to bill, when not to bill. And the project schedule is another crucial element that many contractors underestimate.

So you've got job costing on one side and that simple little spreadsheet, and also that simple calendar. Some might think delays don't affect the bottom line because "we'll eventually get paid," right? But that perspective overlooks a significant factor: your overhead costs do not take a break. You've got payroll every month. Rent. Fuel. These expenses keep coming, regardless of your project progress.

So even if you're getting paid later, your overhead costs remain the same. If you don't complete a project within the budgeted timeframe, you risk eroding your profit margin. In fact, delays of just a few weeks or months can wipe out all your projected profits, essentially leaving you working for free.

This is why it's vital to pay close attention to your schedule and manage it effectively. One way to stay laser-focused is by starting the project correctly. A simple yet powerful tool is what we call the project start sheet. Name it whatever you want, but the concept is the same. It helps you organize and plan your project from the beginning, setting you up for long-term success.

Most of the tools we build—including the project start sheet—are spreadsheet-based. We've found these straightforward tools work well without needing sophisticated software. Simple, effective tools can help you stay on top of your project timeline and expenses, ensuring you complete jobs on schedule and maintain profitability.

We always say: before you go buy the expensive software—which is usually really good—prove to yourself (and to us as coaches) that you can work a spreadsheet. By implementing basic practices like diligent job costing and managing your schedule, you can significantly improve your project outcomes.

The key is to start right and stay vigilant throughout the project's duration. Have that job start sheet. Look at your calendar. Make sure your schedule values are laid out. All of this helps avoid costly delays and keeps your business thriving in a competitive landscape.

So remember: job costing is a super easy spreadsheet. Track materials, labor, and the overhead you apply to each job. How much of your rent is applied to that job? X percent, for example. Do that, and you'll gain clarity. Again, it's tedious—but it's not hard. And I want to encourage you to do it.

You'll find the layout of the job costing project start sheet in my brand new book, The Chaos Free Contractor. I wrote it specifically under 120 pages so you can get through it quickly and include your team. You can even get a copy for each team member so you can read it together and start discussing job costing, subdividing bank accounts, scheduling, and more—all in a safe space.

Go to Amazon and pick up a copy of The Chaos Free Contractor. While you're at it, head to mybusinessonpurpose.com/healthy. Take the five-minute assessment. Your team can take it too, and you'll get a numerical understanding of the health of the back end of your business.

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