Guest Post: Pipeline Deals
Here at PipelineDeals, many of our customers are subcontractors. From painters to roofers, we know there are few industries as competitive as that of specialty subcontractors. With all the competition, the business owners we’ve had the pleasure of working with go to great lengths to stay ahead and keep their business growing.
What’s stunning today is just how much information contractors need to keep up on to make their business grow. It’s no longer enough to be good at your trade. Today, leaders in the world of subcontracting need to be knowledgeable in sales, marketing, and changing technology trends.
Since subs are a busy breed who, more often than not, can be found in their trucks and on their smartphones, we thought we’d do some of the heavy lifting by compiling this round-up of must read blogs. We’ve traveled the country talking with subcontractors, and these are six resources that came up again and again. We hope you enjoy!
APC is an online magazine dedicated to all things painting. From mold removal to sales and safety, this publication runs the gamut of what a painter needs to know to be a professional at their trade and successful in their business. While focused primarily on painting, this publication has loads of value for subcontractors across the building trades.
We’ve seen again and again that the contractors we work with are hungry for information on what they can do to structure their sales and marketing efforts to help them grow. The beauty of this information is that it often translates between types of contractors, making APC a must read for anyone trying to get better at running their contracting business.
2. JBKnowledge
JBKnowledge develops technology solutions for the construction and insurance industries. They’re the makers of the SmartBid construction bid software and SmartInsight construction professional network. Their blog is the “Go-To” resource for getting the latest reviews, news and updates on technology innovations for the construction industry. Subcontractors can sign up for the weekly blog newsletter to stay on top of the latest development and innovations in construction. JBKnowledge also provides Strategic Consulting services which aim to help the construction industry recognize technology as a tool to improve profits, safety and quality rather than just a cost.
JBKnowledge powers the weekly ConTechTrio podcast which is made up of JBKnowledge CEO, James Benham, ConAppGuru, Rob McKinney, and BIM Services Manager, Josh Bone. The Trio is dedicated to sharing decades of construction industry experience, research and innovation to help subcontractors learn new ways to enhance their business with technology. The Trio conducts a live podcast every Friday where they share the latest tech news and trends impacting the construction industry.
3. InPaint
Another painting publication that carries over well to other subcontractors, InPaint deserves as much credit as APC for covering the full length of the industry. Where it comes into its own and differentiates itself from APC however, is in its Tech Edge section. Here, InPaint offers forward-looking pieces that examine the impact of digital trends on the construction industries.
From apps that make remote work easier while on the job site to business systems that alter and improve the way the entire business runs, technology is radically changing the technology sector. There’s no shortage of technology blogs on the web, but InPAINT has the advantage of looking at it from a contractor focus. Mastering this emerging part of the construction industry is essential to differentiate yourself from the competition with greater efficiency and customer care.
4. NRCA
Focusing on the roofing industry, the NRCA provides a wealth of knowledge on how the construction sector, and roofing subcontractors specifically, can better manage their businesses. From technical information about advances in roof technology to detailed updates on regulation and insurance, the NRCA is a publication that provides information contractors need to be operationally awesome.
From the NCRAs website, you can access a broad range of in-depth content from their bookstore to upcoming webinars. These resources provide an excellent way to take a deeper dive into important subjects that just aren’t available by reading blog posts.
5. DYB Coach
DYB offers a full range of consulting and education services for subcontractors looking to make their business grow. In addition to their paid services, DYB maintains a wonderful blog covering topics related to business growth strategies and sales. With articles on selling, organization and strategy, BYB offers construction entrepreneurs information that goes beyond simple ‘how to’ advice, instead looking at how to lead a business with intent and vision.
There a ton of so-called ‘high-level strategic advice’ out there that turns out to be baloney, so we were excited when we found this one. Its focus on helping business owners make major differences in their companies through actionable advice on how to manage their day and sales process is great input for anyone learning to run a business.
Summit Services offers a full range of consulting and coaching services to subcontractors across the country. With years of experience in the construction industry, their consulting services offer invaluable wisdom to companies looking to align their sales and operations to maximize business effectiveness.
In addition to their consulting services, Summit Services’ blog covers topics ranging from hiring practices to establishing a business plan. Whether you go for their paid services or limit yourself, to perusing their blog, they offer insights that are valuable for entrepreneurs at any level of experience.
Subcontractors have the double conundrum of being in an industry that is being rapidly changed by technology and spending too much time on the road, in front of customers and on the job site. All this hustle makes it tough to keep up and pivot with the latest changes in the industry. At PipelineDeals, we live and breath these challenges alongside contractors. That’s why we work tirelessly to deliver software that will do the heavy lifting for you.
Just like our software, we aim to be a resource for subcontractors that are out they’re ‘doing the stuff’ every day. We hope that by providing information on how to market, sell and grow a business, we’re helping you building something that you can be proud of.
Ready to try out a CRM? Visit www.pipelinedeals.com/smartinsight and start your free trial!