The Contractor's Handbook is a periodically updated collection of expert business advice. Click on a subject for practical information from colleagues, government officials and other experts.

Looking for help on a subject that isn't yet listed, send an e-mail to the Daily Reporter Editorial Staff . We'll locate the appropriate expert, contact you and include the response online.

2000

A little this, a little that
Are you ready to dabble in design/build? The spectrum of project delivery systems could tempt even the most devout hard bidder, but industry officials said it's essential to know the rules of the game before rolling the dice.
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Playing politics
Contractors like to say their work speaks for itself, but when it comes to public policy, they're the ones who need to do the talking.
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We are here!
From writing newsletters to preparing staff for key presentations, architects, engineers and contractors are finding that having a professional marketing firm is no longer a luxury.
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World of Opportunity
Finances, geography, market stability and customer base blend with luck and patience when construction companies expand successfully within a region or across state lines.
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That's the Spirit
Subcontractors trying to break into the limited-bidding sector are like fishermen angling for the big one: They put their best project on the hook and hope a quality design/build team bites.
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The brain drain
Reaping the benefits of hiring apprentices has become more difficult as recruits and journeymen trainers grow scarce and graduation retention drops.
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Something Clicked
The construction industry is taking the plunge into cyberspace, and contractors have realized they can use the internet as a tool for all facets of their business.
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Alternative School
Contractors who invest in employee training stand a better chance of encouraging greater worker productivity and instilling company loyalty.
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All together now
The only effective safety program is the one workers abide by and management supports, experts said.
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1999

All image
If you think marketing is all about placing ads, we've got news for you. Marketing begins when you open the doors and begin meeting with customers, experts say.
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Is anybody out there?
Wisconsin construction contractors are going to great lengths to attract workers from the state's tight labor market, often pitching an attractive workplace as much as a fat paycheck.
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A good plan
Getting answers takes time. But instead of spending too much time seeking answers on projects out to bid, contractors can make use of a one-stop clearinghouse of information - the plan room.
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Details, details
Inevitably, contractors will encounter difficult situations on jobs or even in their own businesses that could involve litigation. Knowing when to consult attorneys could mean the difference between a costly, protracted legal battle and a quick settlement.
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Working for your Uncle Sam
If you want to do business with the federal government, be ready to fill out forms - lots of forms.
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'Hello, Washington?'
What are the best ways to win friends and influence legislation? Here are some ways to get started.
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Not cops
If contractors are unsure of what OSHA regulations call for, they have several ways to get that information.
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I'll take it
When considering whether to get new equipment, ask yourself this question: How am I going to pay for this?
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