DECEMBER 2006

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From - George Hedley

- Professional Business Speaker

George’s Blog?!?

Think back and reflect on the great things that happened to you and your business this past year. Be thankful and look forward to applying what you learned. Only you can make a decision to make the next year your best year ever!

I have enjoyed sending you this monthly e-newsletter and giving you ideas to improve your business. Please send me your comments or suggestions for next year. Also I want your article ideas or challenges you would like me to address. Please tell your friends to subscribe. Email me @ gh@hardhatpresentations.com.

Please Help me!

I have a monthly business column in “Construction Business Owner” magazine. Starting in 2007, I am starting another column entitled: “Ask The Expert” for the magazine. Email me your questions on any business or construction management topic you have. I will answer it here and in the magazine. You can get a free subscription to the “Construction Business Owner” magazine. Sign up at www.constructionbusinessowner.com.

Profit Builder Circle January 11 & 12, 2007

Last chance to join us at our January Profit Builder Circle. Only 2 spots still open! Let us know email me at gh@hardhatpresentations.com

Great News!

I have been chosen to write a monthly construction business column for “Metal Construction News” magazine. Get your free subscription and copy at www.metalconstructionnews.com

World Of Concrete January 2007

I hope to see you at the World Of Concrete next January in Las Vegas. I am presenting four 3 hour sessions open to you and the public. I hope to see you there! Register @ www.worldofconcrete.com

1/23/07 Field & Project Management Systems

1/24/07 Sales & Marketing Strategies That Work

1/25/07 Winning and Managing Negotiated & Design-Build Contracts

1/26/07 Field & Project Management Systems

Speaking 2006 & 2007

I spoke for associations and companies 43 times in 2006 to over 15,000 people. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak to your organization in 2007. My calendar is already 50% full for 2007 thanks to people like you who refer me to companies and associations to present at their annual conventions and meetings. Give me a call or email me to discuss your next event. Email: gh@hardhatpresentations.com

Got Links?

I am looking for companies, organizations and associations to link their websites to my website. This improves our ranking in the search engines. PLEASE consider listing us on your website as a link. Let me know! Use the following name, titles and link:

George Hedley

Professional Business Speaker

Construction bookstore

www.hardhatpresentations.com

George Hedley’s Article for December 2006

What Slow Down? By George Hedley

Who said the economy is slowing down to a halt? If you read the headlines and listen to your neighbors, you'd think we’re in big trouble. But are we? Study the national economic indicators as you will learn that commercial construction continues to be on a steady and strong pace in most parts of the country. Unfortunately, a few areas have slowed due to specific industry problems such as auto manufacturing in the rust belt and Michigan. Residential development and home building have slowed down considerably or stopped in most parts of the country due to overbuilding. The homebuyers are still there, just not in such a frenzy to buy as they once were. The good news is that interest rates are holding at affordable rates. This will allow developers, builders and buyers to jump back into the market when oversupply has been depleted and the economics are sound for new projects. This should happen within the next year.

Unbelievable Opportunity

Today’s economy creates unbelievable opportunities for those willing to seek new ways to do business by providing unique and innovative services that provide real customer value. Customers now have less resources to work with and are watching their budgets. They are more open to new cutting edge approaches. It's not business as usual, but business that's unusual that will add to your revenues and bottom-line.

How can you help your customers face tighter markets? How can you help your clients do more with less and get more out of their people? How can you enhance your customer's profitability and reduce their risk in a tougher market? How can you do more for them?

Consider Innovative Value-Added Services:

Paving contractor – In addition to new construction grading and paving, offer total site management, 20 year unlimited guarantees, ongoing maintenance for all on-site work including concrete, asphalt, and drainage structures.

Electrical contractor - Offer new electrical construction services plus engineering and design, phone and computer cabling, sound system wiring, hookup of all equipment, annual inspection, monthly maintenance, light bulb and time clock service, and holiday lighting installation.

General and Design-Build Contractor - Offer new construction services plus pre-construction project and development management, permit processing and expediting, preparation of project real estate pro-formas, locate sources for project equity and investors, secure project financing, be a guarantor on construction loans, provide subdivision bonds, perform property management services, and offer a 10 year maintenance program after completion.

Building Concrete Contractor - Offer complete building concrete labor, equipment and materials for foundations, slabs, walls, etc. plus rebar, structural imbeds, welding, slab dowels, caulking, crane and erection, inspection services, layout and surveying, temporary power and water, removal of trash and excess footing spoils. Also offer a guarantee the slab will not crack and is installed to the flatness specified.

Masonry Contractor - Offer every type of new masonry work including block walls, footings, and rebar, plus concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks, stairs, v-drains, culverts, special finishes, stamped concrete, sandblasting, interlocking pavers, poured in place walls, and landscape concrete.

Offer More To Get More!

The more you offer your customer, the more service you provide and the more your services are valued. The easier you make it for your customer, the easier it is for them to give you more work. Selling the minimum only gets you the job, if you are cheap.

Seek New Opportunities!

Now is the time to start looking for value-added real estate opportunities as well. Property owners often panic in slower times and are willing to lower the price of their real estate. This creates opportunities for us in the construction and development business to purchase properties that need improvements and upgrading. When your business is slow, make it a priority to find assets you can remodel or improve.

What made you successful over the last five years, still works in a growing or slowing economy. Don't get panicked. Stay focused on what you do best. But, change your approach and consider seeking new opportunities and providing additional value-added services that will solve your customer's problems and help them do more with less. Don't just sell the specified nuts and bolts, sell nuts and bolts solutions to your customers problems!

Pick one or two new services to offer, try one new idea, one new customer and one new approach. Think and do different! Be more than a low-bid provider. Be a resource and a partner with your customer. When you offer more than low prices and the minimum required, your business will boom in any economy.

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George Hedley owns Hedley Construction and Hardhat Presentations. He is the author of the “The Business Success Blueprint Series” now available in 8-workbook & audio CD sets. He is available to speak at your organization on his proven system to build profits, people, customers and wealth. Construction company owners are invited to attend his 2-day ‘Profit-Builder Circle’ boot camp held regularly. E-mail him to receive a free copy of his book entitled “Everything Contractors Know About Making A Profit”, signup for his free management e-newsletter, visit his online bookstore, or receive more information. Call 800-851-8553, visit his website at www.hardhatpresentations.com, or e-mail him at gh@hardhatpresentations.com.

George Hedley HARDHAT Presentations

3189-B Airway Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(800) 851-8553 Fax (714) 437-1125

Email: gh@hardhatpresentations.com website: www.hardhatpresentations.com