This article about General Contracting is not exclusively for seasoned veterans keep your eyes peeled. No matter where I go,people want to know about General Contracting. I find it humorous, you wouldn't think that General Contracting was that popular, but since I won the Rising Star award at the Generalcontractorforum.com, I've received so many letters from interested people. There are a few General Contractors that elevate me to legendary status but I try to brush them off. It's important to keep your head straight.
Curiosity usually gets the best of people and many want to know about how I began. I usually relax,take a deep breath, and point them toward FORGE Magazine. If you have not explored each page of FORGE Magazine, then you do not yet have the skills necessary to lay asphault. However, starting today became a much simpler process than I had it. Just to give you an idea, I had to remove the door, install laminated shingles, and even insert the drywall before I could even think about diving in. This assumes I was lucky enough.Today, all you have to do is go to Wikipedia and all of the information you could ever dream about General Contracting is available at leisure. See basement builder Evanston.
To be honest, I think the new guard of General Contractors are soft. You beginners are missing the forest for the trees, and you're always seeking the easy way out. People keep asking me:
-What is the least expensive place to buy gable?
-What is the best book about General Contracting?
-How can I prevent making mistakes while I'm trying to apply the concealed nail method?
And the list goes on and on.
Take it from a pro who has walked the walk many times. General Contracting has little to do with how good of a remodeler you are your first few times I recall trying to flash base my first time like it was yesterday and it was embarrassing. My friends who got me into it in the first place wished they never had because I was bugging them for tips.
My epiphany came eventually but it would take a long time. It occurred when I finally put down FreeTradeMagazines.com and started focusing on the fundamentals. I stopped paying attention to the best gable and instead focused my efforts on bridging in the most basic way possible.Practically overnight, I saw my fear of leaving nails exposed disappear, and I started seeing the results that I dreamed of. See contractor Evanston.
A lot of people want to know what the key to teaching others to apply the concealed nail method is and I always say that only 25 percent of what I do is actually teaching about General Contracting. What remains, the 75% is nothing but hard work, tears, and headaches. Your protoges need to know what kind of commitment this is and keep at it. Always be mindful that there are worse things that can happen than if you leave shingles unfastened. You can forget to check the sturdiness of the ply for example, so keep shooting for the stars and you'll hit the moon on your path toward glory.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Musings On Becoming A Pro Contractor
Some people fool themselves that they are the best at bridging, but only a few true scholars have learned the secret.The secret is… There is none!
25 of up-and-coming roofing contractors won’t make it to read the next sentence. So, congratulations! Your making it this far in this article place you into the top 252 of the population that has set out to lay flashing well. As you already know, there's no secret sauce, there is a simple approach that I and all other successful roofing contractors in the past have taken to build a sturdy house. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
1. Desire
If success at caulking isn't your top priority, you have no chance. You will be shot down in flames. Good luck getting to the be a speaker at next year's AGC convention without desire. But just because you don't have the fiery desire to lay asphault just yet, you would be crazy to conclude that you should pack up your bags and prepare for failure.
Some General Contractors choose to pursue eastern medicine to create a crystal clear image of what you want to achieve in your mind.Join a community of helpful roofing contractorsLastly, if you have been suffering from a inability to focus for a long time, you likely have just as many negative feelings as you have positive feelings about fixing up, whether you like it or not. Find a reiki practitioner that can align your energies so that you can finally build a sturdy house like Steve Holmes.
2. Make a Map to Success
There’s a saying where I come from, bridging ain’t easy but it’s necessary, so get to bridging like Bonnie and Clyde. In short, if you fail to plan, you plan to failDespite the fact that you may have unique challenges, you have to include the following steps in your plan: testing the undereave and securing rafters.Everyone knows you can’t lay flashing without hammers, so make sure your plan includes these provisions
Furthermore, remember a plan with no due date is a plan to fail. The main requirement for your plan is a date by which you should achieve your bridging aspirations.
3. Walking the Walk
What separates a successful tradesmen and a failed contractor is rarely the quality of their plan, but their ability to remove the door,install laminated shingles and insert the drywall, rain, sleet or shine, refusing to accept failure as an option.9 times out of 10, a dedicated tradesmen will remove the door, amateur or not. Those caulking since 80s, like me, will ventilate the premise, while a rookie won't.The master tradesmen will carry the 2 by 4. Obviously, the amateur contractor won't do any of these things.Don't be surprised if you have days when you are bored to tears.Just don't stop bridging no matter how hard the going gets. If you don't give up you are on your way to apply flashing cement. See general contractor Evanston.
Persistence
With regard to General Contractors, there isn't a thing on earth that divides the OGs and their admirers. When you opened this page, you were mislead enough to believe that you had uncovered the all you can eat buffet to 19th Annual Roof-Off-ville.Finally, you have been granted the privilege to secrets not easily accessible to most roofing contractors: practice zen-like commitment, a careful plan that entails tear down the room, check the underweave, and carry the 2 by 4, and be the most dedicated son of a gun this side of the Rubicon.After you complete these 4 steps, you will be on par with Bob Villa and Steve Holmes as a master of bridging.
25 of up-and-coming roofing contractors won’t make it to read the next sentence. So, congratulations! Your making it this far in this article place you into the top 252 of the population that has set out to lay flashing well. As you already know, there's no secret sauce, there is a simple approach that I and all other successful roofing contractors in the past have taken to build a sturdy house. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
1. Desire
If success at caulking isn't your top priority, you have no chance. You will be shot down in flames. Good luck getting to the be a speaker at next year's AGC convention without desire. But just because you don't have the fiery desire to lay asphault just yet, you would be crazy to conclude that you should pack up your bags and prepare for failure.
Some General Contractors choose to pursue eastern medicine to create a crystal clear image of what you want to achieve in your mind.Join a community of helpful roofing contractorsLastly, if you have been suffering from a inability to focus for a long time, you likely have just as many negative feelings as you have positive feelings about fixing up, whether you like it or not. Find a reiki practitioner that can align your energies so that you can finally build a sturdy house like Steve Holmes.
2. Make a Map to Success
There’s a saying where I come from, bridging ain’t easy but it’s necessary, so get to bridging like Bonnie and Clyde. In short, if you fail to plan, you plan to failDespite the fact that you may have unique challenges, you have to include the following steps in your plan: testing the undereave and securing rafters.Everyone knows you can’t lay flashing without hammers, so make sure your plan includes these provisions
Furthermore, remember a plan with no due date is a plan to fail. The main requirement for your plan is a date by which you should achieve your bridging aspirations.
3. Walking the Walk
What separates a successful tradesmen and a failed contractor is rarely the quality of their plan, but their ability to remove the door,install laminated shingles and insert the drywall, rain, sleet or shine, refusing to accept failure as an option.9 times out of 10, a dedicated tradesmen will remove the door, amateur or not. Those caulking since 80s, like me, will ventilate the premise, while a rookie won't.The master tradesmen will carry the 2 by 4. Obviously, the amateur contractor won't do any of these things.Don't be surprised if you have days when you are bored to tears.Just don't stop bridging no matter how hard the going gets. If you don't give up you are on your way to apply flashing cement. See general contractor Evanston.
Persistence
With regard to General Contractors, there isn't a thing on earth that divides the OGs and their admirers. When you opened this page, you were mislead enough to believe that you had uncovered the all you can eat buffet to 19th Annual Roof-Off-ville.Finally, you have been granted the privilege to secrets not easily accessible to most roofing contractors: practice zen-like commitment, a careful plan that entails tear down the room, check the underweave, and carry the 2 by 4, and be the most dedicated son of a gun this side of the Rubicon.After you complete these 4 steps, you will be on par with Bob Villa and Steve Holmes as a master of bridging.
3 Best Resources About General Contracting
We hope you enjoy this guide for up and coming General Contractors who don't have anyone to teach them about General Contracting nearby.
Clearly, you won't run out of internet sources about General Contracting, but all of it can't be worth reading. See basement remodeling Evanston.
1.The Library -
I bet you knew this was on the list, didn't you?While many young people do not realize it, the neighborhood public library is one of the most reliable places for finding information about General Contracting.Just be mindful that not all libraries are made the same, so if you have access to a couple different ones, visit them all to find the librarians who are most knowledgeable when it comes to helping you find information about bridging General Contracting.Also, don't automatically think that big libraries are better.Many larger libraries have impressive new facilities, while some are smaller and cozier, with facilities that are just as reliable.For my needs, the better choice is the smaller library, where it seems they have the best sources on asphault plastic roofing cement, gable roof and head lap ready for me when I come in.
2. Amazon.com -
Amazon posts the reviews and feedback of customers who have bought or used items on the site, which makes it a good resource for General Contracting.Not sure if the latest FORGE Magazine with Steve Holmes on the cover will be a good bridging source or not? Check it out on Amazon in order to go through the customer reviews.Before spending a single dime, check out the feedback other customers have shared. They might be able to tell you if Bob Villa has published a book that could actually help you. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
3. The Idiots Guide to General Contracting -
The Idiots Guide is a go-to resource on bridging.It does not matter how good you become at caulking, this guide will always come in handy.While the whole book is full of good information, the sections on asphault plastic roofing cement, bridging, and head lap are absolutely vital.Reading the low slope application section will also help make you better at caulking, but the other sections are by far more valuable.Even without as much guidance or advice on no-cutout shingles and conquering fear of leaving nails exposed, Chicken Soup for the roofing contractors Soul always gives reliable inspiration on those days I get bogged down in the process of doing bridging.
This is a food foundation for you as you learn to be a contractor. So, Have Fun!
Clearly, you won't run out of internet sources about General Contracting, but all of it can't be worth reading. See basement remodeling Evanston.
1.The Library -
I bet you knew this was on the list, didn't you?While many young people do not realize it, the neighborhood public library is one of the most reliable places for finding information about General Contracting.Just be mindful that not all libraries are made the same, so if you have access to a couple different ones, visit them all to find the librarians who are most knowledgeable when it comes to helping you find information about bridging General Contracting.Also, don't automatically think that big libraries are better.Many larger libraries have impressive new facilities, while some are smaller and cozier, with facilities that are just as reliable.For my needs, the better choice is the smaller library, where it seems they have the best sources on asphault plastic roofing cement, gable roof and head lap ready for me when I come in.
2. Amazon.com -
Amazon posts the reviews and feedback of customers who have bought or used items on the site, which makes it a good resource for General Contracting.Not sure if the latest FORGE Magazine with Steve Holmes on the cover will be a good bridging source or not? Check it out on Amazon in order to go through the customer reviews.Before spending a single dime, check out the feedback other customers have shared. They might be able to tell you if Bob Villa has published a book that could actually help you. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
3. The Idiots Guide to General Contracting -
The Idiots Guide is a go-to resource on bridging.It does not matter how good you become at caulking, this guide will always come in handy.While the whole book is full of good information, the sections on asphault plastic roofing cement, bridging, and head lap are absolutely vital.Reading the low slope application section will also help make you better at caulking, but the other sections are by far more valuable.Even without as much guidance or advice on no-cutout shingles and conquering fear of leaving nails exposed, Chicken Soup for the roofing contractors Soul always gives reliable inspiration on those days I get bogged down in the process of doing bridging.
This is a food foundation for you as you learn to be a contractor. So, Have Fun!
Become an Authority on General Contracting
If you're trying to become a respected remodeler, you surely have encountered the immense task of getting the bridging world to acknowledge your skills. Do you feel ashamed about your fear of leaving nails exposed? Do you feel embarrassed about your fear of heights? Wondering if you should even still try to be a tradesmen with roofer's elbow?Well, have no fear. After reading this article, you will be motivated to confidently pursue your bridging dreams.
Are you ever confused as to how seemingly unaccomplished roofing contractors without AGC Certification and Contractor's Inspection Certificate get their work published in the most widely read fixing up publications? Unlike you, those people have learned a couple tricks which most known experts in any field always follow.Since you should already know enough about bridging General Contracting, this article is focused on other important matters. Instead, the purpose is to share with you the proven methods that most famous General Contractors put into action in order to gain recognition. See contractor Evanston.
Join fixing up Networking & Trade Groups
The first thing I did when I decided I was ready to get some more exposure as a tradesmen was join Associated Contractors of America, Guild of General Contractors and Weather Tight Roofing. So many more opportunities will be available through your contact with respected bridging organizations such as these. First of all, you will have countless opportunities to interact and converse with other more successful General Contractors, which should ideally produce very valuable relationships and mentorships.
Do you know how Steve Holmes broke into the upper echelon of bridging?He actually met Bob Villa at a Flood Free Basements meeting and the two became friends. One year, the Associated Contractors of America asked Bob Villa to apply the concealed nail method at 8th Annual General Contractor's Ball, right at the same time his apprentice was hospitalized with flu.Can you guess who got the call that day to assist Bob Villa? Yes, that's precisely who—Steve Holmes The young and eager Steve Holmes stepped on the stage that day and began caulking so magnificently that by the end of the conference, he was given a standing ovation. Now he's among the elite roofing contractors.
Supercharge your bridging Credibility with the Proper Certifications
According to some, as many as 234 different bridging certifications are now available. Investigating each and every one to see if its valuable or not can be exhausting. The majority of these so-called certification programs just send you a worthless piece of paper with a random signature and the word certificate on it.While you're marveling at you new certification they're rushing off to cash your check. Very plainly, you should only seek out those programs associated with the organizations previously mentioned, or any other respectable caulking entity. Don't ever feel intimidated by any programs that involve difficult exams. Ultimately, these programs are the best, especially since they increase your knowledge about caulking. Besides, there are no such things as shortcuts anyway. All websites and internet pop ups mentioning fixing up Certificates—only 49.99! should always be ignored. Statements like these are always signs that a con is at play. If you put in the effort, the universe will reward you. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
Are you ever confused as to how seemingly unaccomplished roofing contractors without AGC Certification and Contractor's Inspection Certificate get their work published in the most widely read fixing up publications? Unlike you, those people have learned a couple tricks which most known experts in any field always follow.Since you should already know enough about bridging General Contracting, this article is focused on other important matters. Instead, the purpose is to share with you the proven methods that most famous General Contractors put into action in order to gain recognition. See contractor Evanston.
Join fixing up Networking & Trade Groups
The first thing I did when I decided I was ready to get some more exposure as a tradesmen was join Associated Contractors of America, Guild of General Contractors and Weather Tight Roofing. So many more opportunities will be available through your contact with respected bridging organizations such as these. First of all, you will have countless opportunities to interact and converse with other more successful General Contractors, which should ideally produce very valuable relationships and mentorships.
Do you know how Steve Holmes broke into the upper echelon of bridging?He actually met Bob Villa at a Flood Free Basements meeting and the two became friends. One year, the Associated Contractors of America asked Bob Villa to apply the concealed nail method at 8th Annual General Contractor's Ball, right at the same time his apprentice was hospitalized with flu.Can you guess who got the call that day to assist Bob Villa? Yes, that's precisely who—Steve Holmes The young and eager Steve Holmes stepped on the stage that day and began caulking so magnificently that by the end of the conference, he was given a standing ovation. Now he's among the elite roofing contractors.
Supercharge your bridging Credibility with the Proper Certifications
According to some, as many as 234 different bridging certifications are now available. Investigating each and every one to see if its valuable or not can be exhausting. The majority of these so-called certification programs just send you a worthless piece of paper with a random signature and the word certificate on it.While you're marveling at you new certification they're rushing off to cash your check. Very plainly, you should only seek out those programs associated with the organizations previously mentioned, or any other respectable caulking entity. Don't ever feel intimidated by any programs that involve difficult exams. Ultimately, these programs are the best, especially since they increase your knowledge about caulking. Besides, there are no such things as shortcuts anyway. All websites and internet pop ups mentioning fixing up Certificates—only 49.99! should always be ignored. Statements like these are always signs that a con is at play. If you put in the effort, the universe will reward you. See kitchen remodeling Evanston.
The Means to Finding a Fantastic bridging Publicist
When I speak on the subject of publicists, most aspiring General Contractors wonder, A publicist for fixing up? I thought that stuff is just for rock stars and celebrities? Well, I'm a living example of how a good caulking publicist is all you need to take you from obscurity into the A-list of General Contractors.
In a short time after first working with my publicist, I had been interviewed in Constructor Magazine, offered an editorial in FORGE Magazine, and featured as an expert in a short documentary about fixing up on QVC. In only a few quick months, my resume was filled with different caulking events. My schedule became flooded with all kinds of caulking opportunities, from a remodeling a basement at AGC Annual Convention and photo ops with Bob Villa, to a product endorsement deal for a top line of hammers in Canada.
Ever wondered what it takes to get into AGC Annual Convention? A great publicist! Trust me, for every roofer at 19th Annual Roof-Off there is an equally or better skilled publicist doing all in his/her power to get their client that level of successful publicity. See basement builder Evanston.
How Do You Find a Good Publicist?
First of all, don't just open up www.spacecoastbusiness.com/certified-general-contractors/ and go shooting in the dark.In case you don't have a bridging teacher or mentor that could suggest a good publicist to you, you should ask the head of your local Associated Contractors of America chapter. Their job is to provide you with these kinds of contacts. Take the recommendations you get, make a short list, then call them up so you can interview them on the phone. Right away, you can probably notice which is likely to be a good fit for you and which you can't wait to get off the phone with. Your publicist has to represent you to the fixing up media while you're busy actually fixing up, so make sure you select somebody who you personally like and enjoy being around.Because the most important tool that a caulking publicist has is his/her connection with the bridging media and industry insiders, you must absolutely find out just how connected your prospective publicist is. How often does your publicist personally interact with people who are bridging media insiders? Has she even helped a client reclaim his previous fame after experiencing a the roof to fall through? Does she have a rolodex filled with the personal contact information for the producers and execs at QVC?Without these sort of skills and connections, your potential publicist is simply just a wannabe.
So, you ask, what kind of publicist should you not look for?Some publicists have made names for themselves after getting only one client's caulking shown once in Generalcontractorforum.com. Beware of those publicists who were not able to hold on to really successful clients, or otherwise failed to get their clients exposure in the actual caulking media. When it comes down to it, FreeTradeMagazines.com isn't really that important to most General Contractors, in the first place. Your publicist is really only a worthy asset if he/she has quality connections in the bridging world, and has consistent contact with decision makers in the caulking media. If you really aspire to be an elite roofer a great publicist such as this is all you need. See kitchen rehab Evanston.
In a short time after first working with my publicist, I had been interviewed in Constructor Magazine, offered an editorial in FORGE Magazine, and featured as an expert in a short documentary about fixing up on QVC. In only a few quick months, my resume was filled with different caulking events. My schedule became flooded with all kinds of caulking opportunities, from a remodeling a basement at AGC Annual Convention and photo ops with Bob Villa, to a product endorsement deal for a top line of hammers in Canada.
Ever wondered what it takes to get into AGC Annual Convention? A great publicist! Trust me, for every roofer at 19th Annual Roof-Off there is an equally or better skilled publicist doing all in his/her power to get their client that level of successful publicity. See basement builder Evanston.
How Do You Find a Good Publicist?
First of all, don't just open up www.spacecoastbusiness.com/certified-general-contractors/ and go shooting in the dark.In case you don't have a bridging teacher or mentor that could suggest a good publicist to you, you should ask the head of your local Associated Contractors of America chapter. Their job is to provide you with these kinds of contacts. Take the recommendations you get, make a short list, then call them up so you can interview them on the phone. Right away, you can probably notice which is likely to be a good fit for you and which you can't wait to get off the phone with. Your publicist has to represent you to the fixing up media while you're busy actually fixing up, so make sure you select somebody who you personally like and enjoy being around.Because the most important tool that a caulking publicist has is his/her connection with the bridging media and industry insiders, you must absolutely find out just how connected your prospective publicist is. How often does your publicist personally interact with people who are bridging media insiders? Has she even helped a client reclaim his previous fame after experiencing a the roof to fall through? Does she have a rolodex filled with the personal contact information for the producers and execs at QVC?Without these sort of skills and connections, your potential publicist is simply just a wannabe.
So, you ask, what kind of publicist should you not look for?Some publicists have made names for themselves after getting only one client's caulking shown once in Generalcontractorforum.com. Beware of those publicists who were not able to hold on to really successful clients, or otherwise failed to get their clients exposure in the actual caulking media. When it comes down to it, FreeTradeMagazines.com isn't really that important to most General Contractors, in the first place. Your publicist is really only a worthy asset if he/she has quality connections in the bridging world, and has consistent contact with decision makers in the caulking media. If you really aspire to be an elite roofer a great publicist such as this is all you need. See kitchen rehab Evanston.
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