That’s what a recent project felt like. Overwhelming and huge at the beginning, tough going all the way up. Hard to believe we are at the summit.  Here’s a couple things I’ve learned.

1. Procrastination is brutal – Do the hard work at the beginning.  Hello, my name is Scott and I’m a startaholic.  That’s right I love to start things, I get excited, I dream, I plan, and then…well…I don’t know what happens exactly.  In my business though, I try to get as much done possible, as early as possible and then if possible focus on finishing quality.  Sound Impossible?  It’s not, it just takes remembering that you are a pro at what you do, and you’ve done this or something smaller than this before with excellence and you are built to deliver again.

2. Assume sometimes people that don’t care about you won’t do what they say they will do. If your business depends on a deadline, it’s your job to make that happen.  No waiting for calls, parts, materials, or information at Fitchpainting.  I demand (gently) to be in the know, to be supplied, to have the materials I need when I need them.  I don’t let someone who doesn’t care about me or my business be in control.

3. Be the person that always does what they say they will do. Trades are notorious for no-shows and early departures.  That’s one of the reasons we stand out.  We find a way to get what we said would be done done.  If I have to drive all night and spend my last dollar to protect my word that’s the price I am willing to pay.

Freedom Gate Apartments had their open house this afternoon, and we were glad to be a part of this important project in the city of Brantford.  Our thanks to all the leadership, Gabriel, Brian, Nicki for giving us the opportunity and being so easy to work with.  Also thanks to Dwayne and the team from Solid Construction.

Until we type again, 

Scott

The fact that i was able to get the paper off had nothing to do with my painting experience.  It was just good old fashioned grunt-and-bear it work.  I really think he finally hired me to paint the whole kitchen and laundry room just because he couldn’t get this one strip off.   

People will hire you just because you’re up to a challenge they don’t want to attempt.

This is true for any business.  People are looking for problem-solvers.  I can’t tell you how many times I have won a job after 2 or 3 painters have looked at it and not been willing to try.  Ever heard this?

   “That’s too high” “You’re going to have to clean this up first” “I’m going to need hot water available”

Your willingness to take on a difficult challenge may be what seperates you from the pack.  In fact, you are in the minority.  I have found that most people are trying to do as little as possible to keep their jobs or get paid, and then get out.  If you are one of these people WAKE UP.  Everyone is replaceable except the people who do so much  that it costs too much to replace them.

Everyone is replaceable except the people who do so much it costs too much to replace them.

Be one of these people.  Be the first to volunteer.  The first to complete the task.  Show up early.  Stay late.  Go above and beyond the call of duty.  Eventually success will find you.

-Scott

       I am right now waiting for drywallers on 2 projects.  2 Projects that I had planned to start this week, but here it is friday and they aren’t ready.  Arrrrgh. Scheduling can be challenging in new construction.  Here’s a few tips from my experience.

1. Communication - This can be really hard for tradespeople who are really good at their craft but not so good with people.  It’s YOUR business though, and your family is counting on you to succeed so you have to be a good communicator at all times.  Call the contractor, call the other trades, go to the job site if you can, do what it takes to be informed and not caught off guard.  It’s YOUR business.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a tradesperson say (ok I’ve said it too) “I didn’t know it wouldn’t be ready, so and so didn’t tell me”  Its MY job to find out when MY project will be ready.  We can’t ASSUME anything.  Example: Normally a house takes the drywallers 3 days to tape and sand and they started Wednesday.  I could ASSUME they’d be done on friday, or make the call.  So I called up Arnold Winter (Winter and Sons Drywall) and asked him about this unit.  He said they had other jobs on the go so he wouldn’t be done until next week.  So now I’m waiting but at least I know.

2.Relationships - Its really important to maintain good relationships with the other trades.  I was able to call Arnold because I have a good relationship with him.  I send him business, I compliment his work and am friendly to all his employees. Painters and Drywallers don’t always get along but I MAKE IT MY BUSINESS to have a good relationship with all of them.  I never know when I’ll need a favour so I am constantly doing everything I can to help them succeed.  You do this often enough and it becomes more a part of your DNA and less of a selfish act.  A few weeks ago one of the carpenters actually found some paint and primed some baseboard for me because he knew it’d be a pain to paint it from raw against the new floor.  Why?  Because I have a good relationship with Conrad, I’ve helped him before too.  

3. Flexibility - I can’t stress the importance of being flexible in business.  Especially in the trades.  You don’t want to be seen as the complaining jerk who’s always whining about this or that.  You want to be seen as a professional who can adapt to challenges easily and will do what it takes to get the job done.  Now this might be perceived as being weak, or allowing people to walk all over you.  I get that.  I have found however that if you can get over yourself and just GET IT DONE those in charge notice. 

Communication, Relationships, Flexibility

Have a great day

Scott

This is my first blog entry inspired by Vince D. and Gary V.  to throw my 2 cents in on anything and everything but especially anything and everything relating to painting and painting products.  Spent a lot of my life doing it now would like to share what I know and learn from others.  Check back frequently for updates to the blog and forthcoming instructional blog posts, FAQ’s and videos. 

Also look for convos and bloggage on life in general.