Replies

1. 
   iacanopolis | Nov 30, 2000 10:38pm | #1

   *
   Has anyone heard of Cahners Business Information?
   They publish many builder related magazines.
   I was wondering if anyone subscribed to their services and if yo thought they were equal to this great publication.

   Larry

1. 
   GACC_DAllas | Dec 01, 2000 06:34am | #2

   *I build with attitude. Are YOU lookin' at ME?Ed. Williams :-)

1. 
   Brad_Raymer | Dec 01, 2000 02:35pm | #3

   *Mike ,Thanks for the great link-only there were several other books I wanted too!

1. 
   Dan_Dear | Dec 02, 2000 09:41pm | #4

   *On pages 104 and 105, the authors talk about "Balancing Perceived Value" of the home, which we can transfer to a remodel, set of cabinets, painting job or whatever. He goes on to talk about how linoleum in the entry way of a $300,000 house would detract from the perceived value of the entire home, since the client would (which I agree) "perceive" the rest of the house was build as cheaply as the linoleum "represents."They say, and I quote:"For each component, there is a range of customer acceptance. If you fall below the range, in even one small aspect, you create a negative image that clouds the entire project."On page 105 he shows a chart of "Relative Value" with vertical boxes listing at their bottom, such things as Doors, Windows, Siding, Molding, etc. (9 items or boxes), and on the left side is a scale from 1.0 and up (increases value) to .2 at the bottom (decreases value).My question is this: What if we replaced those Doors, Windows, Siding, etc. with various aspects of how each of us run our businesses - the non-tangible items as opposed to the material aspects. Things such as communications, site cleanliness, uniforms, etc. Can any of you list "non-material" and non-tangible aspects that would effect the customers perceived value of the overall project?

1. 
   Mike_Smith | Dec 02, 2000 10:11pm | #5

   *that's a good point.... especially in talking to my employees about things they can do to ensure our job security....my negotiations with the customer (remodeling).. will determine the ""perceived value""..but the company policy and how the employees implement that policy... is something the guys can directly influence...job site cleanliness ..personal cleanliness....respect for property....courtesy..communication and timeliness...job sign.....

2. 
   Jason_D.D. | Dec 02, 2000 11:29pm | #6

   *Could you add parking to the list? I try to ask the gc and subs to have their crews park somewhat orderly, and to leave access for the owners. In commercial sites, I ask the crew not park in the regular custumer/guest parking lots.Also, if not uniforms, at least not have potentially offensive clothing. On a site yesterday, one of the painting sub's crew had a t-shirt with an off-color phrase and graphic. The job is at a resort hotel, and I didn't think either management or guest might appreciate the experience.

3. 
   Dan_Dear | Dec 03, 2000 12:01am | #7

   *Good, both of you are understanding what I'm gettting to. So, we have so far discerned the following:1. Initial sales negotiations2. Job site cleanliness .. 3. Personal cleanliness.... 4. Respect for property.... 5. Courtesy.. 6. Communication and timeliness... 7. Job sign..... 8. Parking arrangements9. Appropriate clothing and/or uniformsAbout #9, I once had a 21 year old who was a really nice kid and excellent worker show up one day with a bumper sticker what stated: "I'm so horny, even the crack of dawn is starting to look good." He thought it was "cute". It came off before he left the shop.So, let's continue with anything else the readers here can think about.

2. 
   Mike_Smith | Dec 03, 2000 12:01am | #8

   *
   this book is directed at home builders.. but as usual there are many constants that can be shared by all of us in business..

   Al Trellis, author , has been knocking around for along time.. i first heard him talk in the '70's.... very knowledgeable about the BUSINESS of homebuilding..
   published by Home Builder Press (NAHB)

   see..

   http://www.builderbooks.com/bbstore/dir.icl?passid=3&secid=3&orderidentifier=ID9756098337182D0D21

   (www.builderbooks.com )..

   this is not a deep book... it has an easy to read format.. and it lays out a lot of the business basics..

   Chapter one.. pg. 6 contains my favorite law.. the ""Law of Unintended Consequences"...
   this is the law town governments and do-gooders often ignore at their own peril...

   another highlight is ""setting yourself apart""

   anyone else reading this book ?