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Employee Relations
A great way to show your employees their hard work is appreciated is to implement a system of incentive-based rewards. Whether structured in the form of cash bonuses, merchandise or other types of perks, attaching them to performance communicates to your employees that results equal rewards.
Self-Expression Showcase
Architects deep into the modernist tradition, Rene Davids and Christine Killory purchased a fixer-upper to showcase their design talents. Their palette was a 2½-story, 2,700-square-foot home built in the1920s and situated on a Berkeley, Calif., hillside.
Leave No Stone Unturned
Above all, say remodelers Craig Plekkenpol and Paul Bauscher, go about hiring the way you go about getting new business — seek referrals constantly and keep the pipeline full.
Bring the Business Plan to Life
We have talked about some 25 business metrics that one can track. After we collect them for a period of time, they begin to have a "normal" range. We can then apply these numbers to make better predictions and better decisions.
Secrets to Recruiting "A" Players
You can hire anyone. Recruiting is going out and finding the best person for the pay, benefits, culture and opportunity your company provides.
Getting the lead out
When I started to investigate what all the fuss was about concerning the EPA's impending rule regarding lead-safe work practices, I was of the opinion that this would probably end up being much ado about nothing.
Searched and Found on the Web
If you're looking for new sources of leads, keep in mind that more homeowners are making the Internet an important part of their remodeling research, maybe even the starting point.
Winners Offer Competitive Advantage
Interestingly, what product manufacturers think sets them apart from the competition isn't necessarily what remodelers actually value.
The Basics of Universal Design
Whether it's a kitchen, a bathroom or an entire home, universal design improves the living space for the young, disabled, aging or — the rarest of people — perfectly average. You will also tap into an emerging market.
The Golden Rule
Service is what separates the truly professional remodeler from the rest. Remodelers who not only get the job done but also answer questions, soothe fears, clean up, listen well and provide choices create true value for their clients. Remodelers like this also create referrals for themselves. It's a lesson that the winners of this year's NRS Awards for customer satisfaction have taken to heart.