We’re all very busy these days, but it’s imperative we stay up-to-date with professional industry news and trends. Being too busy isn’t a good excuse to fall behind in your industry. Educating yourself on construction trends and marketing tactics will help you stay ahead of your competition and, if nothing else, help you win more jobs.

You want to be knowledgeable when interacting with homeowners and other contractors. Using online tools and resources is a great way to get informed so you can showcase your expertise to clients. Prove that you’ve done your homework and that you’re the right person for the job.

In this article, we’ll review online publications you should be visiting weekly, if not daily, in order to stay up to speed on the latest industry and marketing trends. Reading online publications is an efficient way to stay in the know of what’s going on around you. Below you’ll find a list of online resources covering strategies for small businesses, sales tips that work, and customer service tactics. Read through to figure out which publication(s) is right for you.

Sales & Marketing

1. Duct Tape Marketing for Small Business Owners

What is it? A marketing blog for small business owners.

Who is the audience? Small business owners and staff.

What content do they post? Hear from the world’s most practical small business expert. This site is consistently delivering real-world, proven small business marketing ideas and strategies.

How can I access it? http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blog/.

Why should I read it? An informative and practical take on small business. Duct Tape Marketing will introduce you to marketing plans and organized marketing systems that will smooth the way for steady growth.

2. American Marketing Association

What is it? The American Marketing Association is a professional association for individuals and organizations leading the practice, teaching and development of marketing knowledge worldwide. It’s one of the largest marketing associations in the world. As the leading organization for marketers, AMA is the trusted go-to resource for marketers and academics.

Who is the audience? Individuals and organizations who are interested in learning more about marketing their business.

What content do they post? Marketing articles, webinars, publications, multi-media, research, metrics and strategy tips.

How can I access it? https://www.ama.org/Pages/default.aspx.

Why should I read it? The AMA connects you to a world of resources that deliver results, and help you succeed today and into the future.

3. Sales & Marketing Management

What is it? Sales & Marketing Management magazine is the leading authority for executives in the sales and marketing field.

Who is the audience? Sales and marketing professionals, business owners

What content do they post? Their website contains web casts, e-newsletters, white papers, broadcasts and more. They provide you easy access to the most relevant trends, strategies, exclusive research, expert voices, and cutting-edge case studies designed to help you sell more, manage better, and market smarter.

How can I access it? http://www.salesandmarketing.com/.

Why should I read it? Sales, marketing and customer service is a huge part of your business. Read this content to learn new marketing and customer service strategies for your business.

Business Acumen

1. Entrepreneur Magazine

What is it? An online publication discussing business and marketing strategies for any entrepreneur or business owner.

Who is the audience? Entrepreneurs, startups and small business professionals.

What content do they post? Leadership, growth strategies, marketing, technology, social media, finance, entrepreneurs.

How can I access it? http://www.entrepreneur.com/.

Why should I read it? The content touches on a wide variety of topics for those running their own business, thinking about running their own business or those who have just launched their own business. Covers a wide variety of business and lifestyle topics.

2. Forbes

What is it? A leading Internet media company and among the most trusted resource for the world’s business and investment leaders. Forbes.com includes real-time original reporting on business, technology, investing and lifestyle; stock and mutual fund quotes; comprehensive company profiles; a wide array of interactive tools, calculators and databases; a Lifestyle section that currently focuses on high-end vehicles, collecting, real estate and travel; and the complete online editions of Forbes’ magazines.

Who is the audience? Online, global audience.

What content do they post? Business, investing, technology, real estate, leadership, lifestyles and much more.

How can I access it? http://www.forbes.com/search/?q=sales+and+marketing.

Why should I read it? Forbes is a leading source for reliable news and updated analysis on Entrepreneurs.

Industry News

1. Construction Global

What is it? Construction Global is an innovative digital publication aimed at bringing business executives and others with an interest in the sector up-to-date with the latest news, information and trends from across the industry. An interactive website and magazine experience that will bring you inside the world of construction with comprehensive insight and analysis.

Who is the audience? Anyone in the home improvement, general contractor, real estate or construction business.

What content do they post? We seek to inform, engage and interact with construction executives about key trends, technological advances and software innovation, modern construction techniques, operational excellence and more. We strive to bring you the latest on contract awards and completion, green building, infrastructure and other major projects, equipment, architecture, industry events, managerial appointments and more.

How can I access it? http://www.constructionglobal.com/.

Why should I read it? Will keep you well-informed of the latest industry stories and trends. Construction Global is up-to-date with news and developments occurring around the clock.

2. The Guardian

What is it? An online publication covering American and international news for an online, global audience.

Who is the audience? Online, global audience.

What content do they post? US, world, opinion, sports, soccer, tech, arts, lifestyle, fashion, business, travel, environment and science.

How can I access it? http://www.theguardian.com/business/construction.

Why should I read it? An informative and practical take on small business. Will introduce you to marketing plans and organized marketing systems that will smooth the way for steady growth.

What Homeowners are Reading

1. ImproveNet

What is it? A home improvement blog covering a wide variety of topics.

Who is the audience? Homeowners.

What content do they post? Home improvement projects, tips, tricks, DIY.

How can I access it? http://www.improvenet.com/.

Why should I read it? Your client should always come first, before your own needs, wants and desires. You need to know what your clients are reading so you’re prepared to complete their projects and are able to relate to them on personal and business level.

2. Wall Street Journal Real Estate and Realtor.com

What is it? An online newspaper and publication.

Who is the audience? Homeowners, real estate agents, contractors.

What content do they post? Home improvement topics, property listings, developments, home buying guide, news, advice and data.

How can I access it? http://www.wsj.com/news/realestate & http://www.realtor.com/news/

Why should I read it? Articles, news and resources dedicated entirely to real estate updates and information.

Conclusion

Don’t get caught off-guard the next time a client or industry professional asks your opinion on a current contracting subject or trend. Come to the table bringing your knowledge and confidence. Become the industry expert so you can stay ahead of the competition and win more jobs. Either you can choose to be a deer in headlights or you can choose to be a contractor who means business, the choice is yours.