My biggest fear is trying to hire good employees who won't run down all my good work and how to find them?  THANKS! CHOICE SERVICES
          

Mr.Ed / Residential Inspectin Services--- Word of mouth..is the best way..843-607-1198
          

Very inspirational but when you strip away all the motivational jargon the main "step" is to create a business plan.  Which I agree with 100%.  Creating a business plan (and not buying one) forces you to ask and answer very difficult questions about yourself and your business and also requires the help of other professionals.  It also takes a commitment of time which is also difficult.  If you can go through the process of creating a good business plan you will surely be ahead of your competition.
          

Well,  I think that every one has something good to say and that can also help you, it dont hurt anyone to do some reading and seaching as long as you oused only what is useful to you, sometimes is harder for some people to take advice cause we think that our ways are the best and they probably are but personally i get so much knoledge from profesional advisors, it could be a good combination when used properly with our experience. 
          

Unfortunately I have to add that sharpening of your tools and washing your truck wouldn't be a good move to get more customers.
I am not saying that you shouldn't do it. You actually should. Everyday.
 My question is: What can you possible put in your business plan beside than "Get 10 customers! ASAP". Because that is what people do when a moment when you will be have to "let go" your best employees and maybe friends will come. 
 My advice is to concentrate on communication between your business peers and previous customers. Send them something! Surprise them! Go to the Walmart, buy ten hammers, carve your business logo on it, somehow, and send it along with hand-written note saying something like: "It was fun working for you. And now we are looking for more work!", Put it on the photo of your crew and send it to ten of your customers.  They will come to help. Believe me. This is word of mouth advertising! Only an advertising that is working! This is how we would brand construction companies www.vazhenin.com 
          

I,VE ALWAYS PREFERRED THE GLASS TO BE HALF FULL IN MY LIFE.
EVERY TIME I GET DOWN OR STUMBLE I COME BACK, HARDER AND BETTER. I LEARN FROM MISTAKES. I RECENNTLY JOINED A REFERREL SERVICE AND THE LEADS AND SALES ARE PILING UP. I CANT EXPRESS IT ENOUGH! FELLOW CONTRACTORS GET OUT OF THE BOX AND GO CYBERSPACE. IVE NEVER SEEN THE ECONOMY, OR FUEL PRICES AS THEY ARE, THINGS ARE TOUGH, BUT GUESS WHAT? THERE ARE PEOPLE WITH MONEY TO SPEND, LOOKING FOR A LITTLE KNOWN EXPERT JUST LIKE YOU AND ME. DONT GIVE UP! SUCCESS HAPPENS TO MODEST PEOPLE AND UNKNOWNS.    WARREN
          

One thing that has not been mentioned is looking at the expense to revenue numbers.  That is critical to make a profit margin that is part of goal setting. You decide you want a 20% profit and then you look at where you can cut expenses that will not decrease revenue. These can be painful for example meetings start before the workday so once a week you meet at 6:30 am to cover exactly where you are and where you need to be in order to finish on time or early.  You throw out incentives to finish early to start the next project early or squeeze a small project in before the next large one.  Incentives do not have to cost much a barbecue at your house.  Finnish a day and 1/2 early and take the 1/2 day off.  Finish a job 2 days early and get in another small project completed in those 2 days and pay for a Saturday night stay at a close lake that has cheap fishing rooms.  Your guys will be motivated and you make more money. It takes money to make money but look at where you spend it.  Tools are a very high expense.  Keep an inventory on them like a hawk if they belong to the company have every one of them checked in and out and have serial numbers on them.  Think like big business and you will get there.  Let the little things slide and you will stay little.  Look hard at revenues.   Where did you make the most money in the last year's season when the season is approaching and that is where you run your specials and give incentives to customers that might be interested. Once again incentives will cost something but it does not have to be that much so much is automated today that you would be surprised what a hand written thank you note will do. I send them to all customers and it pays. Ask everyone for input so you hear what they want and let then know that it is important to you.  Value your people and make sure they value you also if not get rid of them.  I have seen to many small bus owner have friends working for them but they are not working because they have an in with the boss. This makes everyone resentful and then they do not work either .  Remember you are in business because you love what you do and all your people should also.  When you have this and some creativity you will be successful but it also takes guts to be the boss. Last but not least at our small bus meetings I hear people complain about the same things month after month and yet they do not fix them. I have a rule I complain one time and attempt to fix the problem whether it is a personnel problem or a vendor problem, because compassion is necessary but I let them know that this is the last time and it is.  I do not complain again I fix it my way.  Good Luck to all of you.  You can do it even when it requires creativity and guts.  I liked the hammer idea for incentives. I do not have an easy answer for handling the problems that you must handle, but you must even if they make you feel bad.  You are good at what you do. Let it shine!!!  
          

I bought 1000 thank you cards with slots for my cards each and every lead/customer gets one sent out to them with 10% off next order. what a difference i had about 35% come in to buy try it it works
          

This is a great site, very helpful.  I found success in that my word is my bond and my name means everything so whatever I promise my client I will deliver no matter what it may cost.  For Christmas gifts to my maid service clients I cleaned their ovens, no one like to clean their oven even if they are self cleaning ovens. My clients were overwhelm that at the busiest time of the year for maid service I would do that, and I left a not on their stove "God bless, Merry Christmas open your oven Love Linda" they all 20 clients could not thank me enough and I received over $1,000.00 in Christmas bonuses from these clients and still have to pick up more Christmas gifts. Going beyond what is required makes more difference then you can imagine.  I cleaned those stoves myself.
Linda B 01/08/09 5:59am EST
          

Having been in business for 7 years, the best advice I can give is to provide great service to your client.  Even if you have to work a couple of hours for "free" the quality of the job is what people remember and what brings them back to you.  Is your job just a job or is it a passion?  Morris, Problem Solvers Construction Services
          

Jan, 28 ,2009 
times are tough, but be positive!!!!!!!  Everybody's starting to panic.  There is plenty of customers out there with money.  And a little quote i heard that is very true goes like this.   IT'S NOT TIME TO SIT BACK AND WEATHER THE STORM, IT'S TIME TO LEARN HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN.   Let all the negative contractors tell themselves what they want to hear.  I personally am starting out 09 stronger than I have in the last 5 years.   
Best wishes for 09!!!!!!!!! 
          

for short and long term goals,your success at the end of a period of time is always determined by the people and or the lititure you come in contact with.George C.
          

  Finish what you start.your word is your bond.build it to last.keep your jobs clean.thank GOD for ability and the opportunity to serve.                                                           stone masters
          

My motto is "never chase the dollar", quality will separate you from the competition.  Service and passion will lead you in the right direction.  Although sacrifice will be required - meaning longer hours on beautiful sunny days, weekends.  Pay attention to detail, people who are willing to pay; that's what they look for: detail, quality service.  That's what will separate you from the rest.  And don't forget - keep those jobs clean.  The dollar will find you!!!!!