Is This Book For Me?
The landscape of public works construction is ever evolving, and many private companies are now beginning to take on the look and feel of a public agency, particularly from the perspective of supplier diversity and inclusion. In the industries I have worked in—construction, engineering, consulting, and utilities—there is increasing interest and pressure to provide opportunities for smaller companies that may not have the experience or financial resources to pursue major projects.
In many public agencies, small or medium-sized projects can be valued at $10 million+, far beyond the reach of many small businesses. The sheer size of the projects put them out of the reach of growing and emerging companies. However, public agencies as well as local, state and federal policy makers have made a concerted effort to promote the benefits of greater diversity. As a result, the implementation of diversity goals provides opportunities for companies that would ordinarily be shut out of real opportunities for growth. So, if you are reading this and realize you routinely interact with larger contractors, builders, or designers, there is something in here for you. If you are trying to figure out what tools you need to promote and foster the growth of your company, this book will provide you with practical tools and tips to help you achieve your goals. If you are trying to figure out ways to tighten up your operation or interact with clients more efficiently, they are in here. We have all heard the adage “work smarter, not harder”; this book will help you learn how to do just that without having to make all the mistakes first.
Why Did You Start A Business And Become A Small Business Owner?
This is a central question I ask my clients, and they often don’t have a clear answer. For some, they were working for someone else, and after hearing enough times that all their hard work was putting profits in someone else’s pocket, they decided to hang their own shingle and be the boss. For others, the business was inherited from a parent or other relative, whether or not the recipient actually had the background or technical expertise required to take over the business. There are dozens of reasons why people become entrepreneurs in the construction industry. If you are one of those entrepreneurs, I encourage you to really think about what it was that sparked your passion to be a business owner. Why? Because owning a business is not easy.
Too often, people are encouraged to start a business by friends or colleagues who may not really understand what it takes to succeed in our industry, o
