Category Archives: Business Tips

These money management techniques can help contractors and small business owners keep control of their finances through the good times and the bad in their trading.

Running a business isn't easy. It's estimated that 1 in 5 small businesses fail in their first 2 years, and just 25% of new business ventures survive for a decade. One of the biggest challenges small businesses face is managing their cash flow. Even businesses that have a good reputation and a steady flow of customers can find themselves struggling if they encounter a sudden unexpected expense or a major client fails to pay them. Money management skills are essential for all business owners.

No matter what type of service you provide, you need to set your prices high enough to make a profit after you account for materials, labor, and other costs of doing business. Unfortunately, many home service providers set their prices way too low, limiting their cash flow and making it tough to turn a profit. This guide explains what you need to know about pricing strategies, factors to consider when setting prices, and the importance of adjusting your prices regularly.

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Retirement planning is an important part of preparing for the future, regardless of career objectives. For independent contractors who don't have the advantages of employer-sponsored retirement opportunities, making sure needs are covered can take a little more coordination. However, this doesn't mean retirement can't be in the cards; there are plenty of avenues for self-employed individuals to consider. 

From putting away the proper amount early in a career to the savings benefits of tools specifically for independent contractors, such as solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs, it's possible to put aside enough money for the retirement of your dreams. 

As a contractor, knowing what types of projects will be popular in the upcoming year can be helpful. Discover the top 5 homeowner projects to expect for 2023. 

As we enter the spring of 2023, many homeowners are starting to plan which homeowner projects they'll want to tackle for the year. Often, there are trends that dictate which projects will be most commonly tackled in the upcoming year. As a contractor, understanding these trends can help you prepare your business for the types of projects that are likely to come up. You can start securing materials, making price charts, and preparing for the upcoming busy season. 

Learn how to grow your maid services business and increase your revenue with these clear and actionable tips, including marketing, value-added services, and more.

Maid services are very much in demand, but it can be a difficult industry to get started in. If you run a home cleaning service and you're struggling to make it a sustainable business, you may need to start thinking outside of the box when it comes to lead generation and how you differentiate yourself from your competitors. If you're not a marketing professional, it's natural to struggle with the idea of value-added services and marketing. What is a job referral? Do you know what your unique selling point is? We're here to help you understand those topics and how to grow your business. You can start finding more home cleaning service leads in your area today. Sign up with CraftJack to get started.

Discover the top 10 mistakes home service business owners make in their home service business. Plus, learn about the best ways to avoid these common pitfalls. 

Becoming your own boss as a home service contractor is an amazing achievement. You've escaped the daily grind, don't have to answer to anyone, and can choose your own price points and working hours. However, you shouldn't mistake your newfound independence for freedom. You're now responsible for every element of your service, and one or two misplaced priorities could cost you your business.

Discover the most important communication skills for regional businesses and how employee communication with customers and managers can affect your company's brand.

When it comes to running a regional business, strong communication skills are a must. Word of mouth is one of your most powerful marketing tools, and satisfied customers can help your home service business grow. Investing in employee training to help your team communicate more effectively with customers and each other can be just as valuable as any industry-specific skills you build.

For contractors, positive business cash flow is critical for success. Follow these tips to keep your business in good financial shape.

As a contractor, you wear many hats. You have to provide excellent customer service, manage labor costs, market your services, and so much more. One of your most important roles, however, is that of financial manager. Even if you work with an accountant or bookkeeper, you need to know what's going on with your business finances, which involves reviewing financial reports, making financing decisions, and managing your expenses wisely.

Having the right construction equipment is essential for success as a contractor. Follow these tips to get the right equipment at the right prices.

As your business grows, you may want to offer additional services to attract new customers and ensure your revenue increases each year. Many of these services require additional construction equipment, a major investment for any company.

Developing a clear acquisition strategy can help you manage your equipment costs and ensure you maximize your return on investment. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get the equipment you need without putting your business at risk.

Get more Google reviews to improve your website's SEO, send it up the search engine results pages, and develop a strong, trustworthy online reputation. Find out how and why and discover the best way to get reviews in this guide from CraftJack.  

Inspiring customers to write awesome reviews is one of the most important tasks a small business owner can focus on. You probably know how beneficial it is from a potential customer's point of view, but it's also a vital tool for SEO and developing a high-authority online presence.