training

To promote industry education, Watts has announced its 3rd Annual “Hydrate Your Mind” eLearning campaign for plumbing professionals.

The campaign runs from March 22 (World Water Day) to April 30. By completing select sustainability-focused eLearning modules on Watts Works Online, customers will receive double tokens that can be redeemed for free lifestyle merchandise. Those who complete at least 65 selected modules during the promotion will receive a free sustainable t-shirt.

For nearly 150 years, Watts has been committed to enhancing comfort, safety, and quality of life for people around the world.

Watts aims to provide high-quality products, systems, and solutions for the conveyance, conservation, control, and safe utilization of water.

• Watts’ 150+ modules cover a variety of products and solutions and average less than 7 minutes to complete.
• Double tokens are awarded following each successful eLearning module completion

To register for Watts Works Online training and to participate in the promotion, visit training.watts.com. To explore all training opportunities provided by Watts, go to www.watts.com/training.

The leading training and coaching provider for contractors announces the next edition of its annual professional networking and learning event

Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, will host SPARK, the ultimate training and networking event for contractors in Savannah, Georgia, in 2024.

Business Development Resources (BDR), the training and business coaching authority for home services industry professionals, will host SPARK, the ultimate training and networking event for contractors, in Savannah, Georgia, in 2024.

SPARK 2024, the third installment of the annual event, gives service professionals a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry experts and recharge their businesses. SPARK 2024 will feature keynote presentations, business development sessions, breakouts, networking opportunities, and entertainment and activities showcasing Savannah.

“SPARK has quickly proven to be an incredibly valuable resource for BDR clients to share insights and energize each other,” said Kim Archer, vice president of coaching at BDR. “We’re looking forward to another great event in Savannah and seeing even more of our friends and colleagues in Georgia next year.”

In January, nearly 400 home service professionals attended SPARK 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. Attendees were inspired by keynote presentations by Clint Pulver, a professional drummer turned workforce expert, and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman, as well as 14 different breakout sessions on how to drive business success in 2023. Topics included:

• Service department efficiency
• Recruiting new talent into the trades
• Improved sales management
• Marketing tactics to position customers as the hero

For more information about BDR or to register for SPARK 2024, visit https://bdrco.com.

The construction industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and challenging. You’ll need to stay on your game to succeed as a business owner. Construction contracting generally involves working with clients to complete construction projects and sometimes as a sub-contractor helping to fill a smaller niche within a larger job.

As such, you may have limited control over the final scope of the project and how much money you stand to make. Without the right coverage in place, this could leave your business vulnerable. Contracting is a risky business, which is why contractors need protection.

1. Have the Right Insurance in Place

Contractors need to get the right insurance coverage in place before they start working on a project. Without insurance, your business will pay for damages and injuries during work. Make sure you have general liability insurance that covers your business’s operations.

If you are involved in building a new home, you’ll want construction insurance. Homeowners’ insurance will not cover any contractors working on your property. If you own heavy equipment, get the proper insurance for it.

You should also have workers’ compensation insurance and surety bond insurance. This coverage ensures ethical business practices and compliance with building codes. You’ll want to find an insurance company that specializes in contractor insurance.

2. Stay Current on Training and Education

You should seek out training and education opportunities that will help you to improve your business. Don’t just focus on traditional education, but also on staying up to date on the latest technology and best practices.

You can do this by joining industry trade associations. These associations will help you stay connected with other contractors and the latest information; you should also consider taking classes and attending workshops. There are many training and education opportunities available to help build your skills.

Check with your state’s licensing board to see if they offer any training programs. Training and education opportunities can help you improve your time management skills, paperwork processes, and client communication skills.

3. Run a Background Check on Potential Employees

Workers play a critical role in the success of your contracting business. You must maintain a safe work environment; it starts with hiring the best possible employees. You can screen potential employees by conducting a background check.

It will help you gauge an applicant’s character and potential risk to your business. It can also help you avoid hiring somebody who has questionable work history. Make sure to conduct thorough and accurate background checks.

Background check services are available to help you with this process. Also, talk to your insurance company about any coverage they offer for hiring employees. Some insurance companies will provide coverage against negligent hiring.

4. Maintain a Strong Payment System

Contractors rely on getting paid for their work. A strong payment system is essential to keeping cash flowing smoothly. You should have a payment system in place before you start working on a project. Some contractors prefer a payment system that is a percentage of the project’s cost.

Other contractors prefer a fixed-price system. Before you choose a payment method, you need to consider how much experience and expertise you have working on that particular type of project. You should work with your client to establish a payment plan.

You should also create a payment plan that is realistic for your business. Take into account how much work is left to be completed, any costs involved in the project, your employees’ time, and other expenses.

5. Utilize Technology to Stay Protected

Protecting your data, equipment and employees goes beyond a strong payment system. Contractors can use technology to stay protected. Make sure to have a data backup system that protects your information during a disaster.

Modern contracting involves technology, so make sure all your hardware and software are up to date. It includes computers, software, cell phones, and other devices used in your business.

It will help decrease frustration and provide a better experience for your clients. Also, using technology in construction has made it much easier for contractors to stay in contact with their clients.

Conclusion

Much has changed in the construction industry over the years. Technology, insurance, and training are just a few examples. Fortunately, all of these changes have the same underlying theme; better protection for all parties involved. As a contractor, it is important to stay protected and keep up-to-date on industry trends to ensure the longevity of your business.