Whatcha lookin' here for?

Sorry, but there won't be a column this time.

I'm just too busy.

I don't have time to expound on how to make the construction field a better place to work and live. I'm too busy trying to make the construction field a better place to work and live.

So if I take a moment to refine my journalistic craft, and thus this news organization, to provide ever-more-authoritative content, I'll fall hopelessly behind in the day-to-day.

And not that I don't love what I do, but it's exhausting. We put in long, tough hours for the few thank yous we receive.

I'm not just whining here. Do you have any idea how much stuff we're trying to accomplish in the next couple of months at The Daily Reporter? We've got significantly more sophisticated special reports, just like this one (How do you like the new format and the deeper content?), a hot new Web site coming soon and a souped-up Jobtrac database giving you the power to do custom searches right at home. It's a little hectic.

Who has time to strategize for greatness?

You do. And like or not, I do.

Because while the economy booms and the skills needed from the site to the front office grow more sophisticated, you need to jump far ahead of the curve. And so do I.

That's why we've compiled our second and soon to be annual Contractors' Handbook - because so many of the old ways of doing business aren't good enough and because so many of you look for and require new opportunities.

You want to create new business partnerships, use a Web site to market your company, influence the course of legislation, and if you can't locate skilled workers, you want to educate those you can find.

So inside these pages, you'll find some advice from your colleagues who've been there and done that. They'll tell you the best way to go about making some specific improvements in the way you do business. We list a number of names, phone numbers and Web sites to get you started.

And I'll make a deal with you. We'll find the time and muster the talent to create the best products available if you'll take the time to use them.

- Liz Oplatka

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