Tim Fausch is publishing director of BNP Media’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction, Security and Mechanical Systems Groups, a collection of more than 20 trade magazines, Web sites and e-newsletters. Just don't ask him to use any actual tools. Email Tim at fauscht@bnpmedia.com.
I rarely look out my seventh-floor window, but a few weeks ago a dangling window washer grabbed my attention. This guy - let’s call him Wally - was cleaning windows
In Sept. 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest
natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our
favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf
Coast without mercy. Our federal and state emergency services were in the
spotlight. How would they respond to this overwhelming storm?
Many construction-related business owners and managers are
aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new
efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness. But one recession strategy you might be overlooking is how
to motivate your staff to help you succeed during these difficult times.
Despite the construction downturn, now might be
the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so
might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.
Many of your competitors will survive this recession, but
only a handful will grow stronger. How in the world are they doing it? Using the expertise of Clear Seas Research, we surveyed
members of the Buildings Materials Panel to learn their 2009 marketing
strategies.
Walking through downtown Nashville earlier this
month, I heard a country singer lamenting that he lost his girlfriend, his
pickup truck and his construction business. OK, that last one was actually his
hound dog, but it won’t be long before we hear songs about the heartbreak of
losing construction work.
I am amazed at how fast the decline of the U.S. economy has
impacted our lifestyles. We are buying far fewer goods and services that we now
consider luxuries, and we are slowing the pace of our lives in the process.