The 7-Power Contractor® Radio
Welcome to The 7-Power Contractor® Radio, a radio show for plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical and other service contracting business owners. Our mission is to help run your contracting business with less stress and more success. I'm your host, Al Levi, business consultant, All episodes are under 10 minutes so you can listen and learn on the fly. Enjoy and if you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them...email me at [email protected]. Love the show? Please leave us a review wherever you listen.
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How to Manage After Hours Calls
09/16/2025
How to Manage After Hours Calls
Are you a 24/7/365 shop? You might be wondering how you should manage after hours calls. Here's some advice. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37959540
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Your Managers Should Do Nothing... At First
09/02/2025
Your Managers Should Do Nothing... At First
If you're trying to get your company in order, don't start with training your managers. Start with those at the bottom, and work your way up. Once they're trained, then you can then focus on your managers' KPIs. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37959510
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General Managers – What Should They Do?
08/19/2025
General Managers – What Should They Do?
Having general managers is important. But they, just like everyone else, must have their own KPIs. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37678160
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What is Power Napping?
08/05/2025
What is Power Napping?
Busy day? A 15 to 20 minute power nap will get you recharged and ready for the second half of your day. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37678150
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What's a Call Booking Funnel?
07/15/2025
What's a Call Booking Funnel?
Do your CSRs have a call booking funnel? Here's what that is and why it's needed. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37228320
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Will They Leave if I Train Them?
07/01/2025
Will They Leave if I Train Them?
A lot of business owners are concerned that if they begin training their employees, they'll leave. In reality, when staff is trained properly, they actually stay, because they learn how they can grow in your company. Learn more in this episode. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/37228305
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Acquiring a Company? Here's What to Consider.
06/17/2025
Acquiring a Company? Here's What to Consider.
If you're acquiring a new company, here's what you need to consider to make your acquisition successful. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36798880
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The 4 Steps of Corrective Action
06/03/2025
The 4 Steps of Corrective Action
Every shop needs a plan of corrective action to help get employees back on track. The 4 Steps of Corrective Action is the best plan to use. Learn more here! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36798890
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Urgent vs. Important
05/20/2025
Urgent vs. Important
Urgent vs. Important – what's the different? The two are not the same, and you need to know the difference. Listen in to find out more! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36446050
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Rent or Own?
05/06/2025
Rent or Own?
Asking, "Should I rent or own my company building?" Good question. Here's what you should consider. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36446015
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Where Did the Money Go? with Ellen Rohr
04/25/2025
Where Did the Money Go? with Ellen Rohr
Why owners must own the financial manager box on the org chart and how contractors do much harder math in their job than is required to understand their accounting and financials. [:008 ] The value of Ellen's best selling book, "Where Did the Money Go?" [3:05 ] A budget tells you what you need to hit your goals—but only if the numbers you're using to create it are right. [7:49] The three most important KPIs you need to track. [12:07] The two reports that allow you to track those three things. Cost of goods sold. [16:03 ] Who you need to help you figure out your financial situation. [20:40] Real world accounting vs. tax accounting [22:17] Getting your team in on the game [24:09] Getting to a "Known Financial Position" or KFP, keeping reports up to date, and reviewing them weekly so you can make better more profitable financial decisions. [31:14] The 1-page dashboard report updated weekly that tells you everything you need to know. [37:57] The process of getting to a Known Financial Position. Fixing the easy stuff first. [40:36] How Frank J. Blau, Jr. tackled the low self esteem issue in the contracting industry. [52:49] How charging the right price gives you the ability to give bad customers their money back and focus on serving the good customers. [54:00] Script for building value for the right price with a customer. [55:00] Resources and People Mentioned (Schedule a demo) (Amazon) by Ellen Rohr and Helena Bouchez (Amazon) by Al Levi (Amazon) The Home Service Expert Podcast with Tommy Mello Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/36305360
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Should I or My Company Own the Building?
04/15/2025
Should I or My Company Own the Building?
Wondering if you or your business should own your building? Good question. Listen in for some ideas. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35951340
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You Need a Price Book
04/01/2025
You Need a Price Book
You need your own price book, not someone else's. Don't believe me? Here's why... Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35951300
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The Power of Time Tracking
03/18/2025
The Power of Time Tracking
Do you know where your day goes? If you answer honestly, probably not. Start by filling out a time tracking sheet. You'll be surprised where your time is really going. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35522920
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Job vs Career: Which Do You Offer?
03/04/2025
Job vs Career: Which Do You Offer?
Do you offer a job or a career? Employees aspire to have a career, and they need to understand their opportunities for growth within your company. Show them their career path using your org chart. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35522875
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Divisions Create Divisiveness
02/18/2025
Divisions Create Divisiveness
Having many divisions in your company can create divisiveness among employees. Get rid of all the divisions, simplify, and help your employees feel like a team. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35326425
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Let Go of Perfection
02/04/2025
Let Go of Perfection
No one can be a 10 out of 10 in all 7 areas of their business. But you don't have to be a 0 out of 10 in any of them either. So if you can let go of perfection, you're going to have wildly great success. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/35109210
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How to Bring People on after an Acquisition
01/21/2025
How to Bring People on after an Acquisition
You just closed an acquisition, and now new people are arriving at your company. How do you bring them on properly? Here's a tip! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/34748065
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Two Brands?
01/07/2025
Two Brands?
Have two brands that work together? It's easy for them to become pitted against each other. Here's what you have to do to keep the culture right. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/34747650
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Hub and Spoke Well
12/17/2024
Hub and Spoke Well
So, you have a hub shop with other satellite (spoke) shops. How do you run a spoke shop in the very best way? Here's where to begin. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/34261570
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The Best Way to Manage Your Day
12/03/2024
The Best Way to Manage Your Day
As a leader, how do you spend your day? It's vital that you manage your day well. Here are some guidelines to follow. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/34261535
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How Great Techs become Successful Owners
11/26/2024
How Great Techs become Successful Owners
As a great owner, you can't be a tech. You need systems in place so that you can be the owner you need to be. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/33878627
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How to Move Beyond Owner-Operator
11/12/2024
How to Move Beyond Owner-Operator
Wondering how to move from one truck and from being an owner-operator to multiple trucks with multiple employees? Here's where to begin. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/33877942
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Adding a New Trade Correctly
10/15/2024
Adding a New Trade Correctly
Wondering how to add a new trade to your business? The first step is to build a really good trade manual. But that's not all... Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/33277522
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How Do I Make Money at Install?
10/01/2024
How Do I Make Money at Install?
To answer the question, "How do I make money at install?," you first need to answer, "How do I NOT make money at install?" Let me explain... Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/33277492
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How is My Service Manager Doing?
09/17/2024
How is My Service Manager Doing?
How do you know if your service manager is doing a good job? Here are the key factors you need to pay attention to! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/32868772
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How is My Install Manager Doing?
09/03/2024
How is My Install Manager Doing?
How do you know if your install manager is doing a good job? Here are the key factors you need to pay attention to! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/32868747
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What Should I Work on Next?
08/20/2024
What Should I Work on Next?
Do you need one more great idea? Or one great idea implemented? Start by creating a Top 5 List so you know where to focus your energy. Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/32449642
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What Should I Charge?
08/06/2024
What Should I Charge?
How do you decide the right selling price? It all begins with a budget. Learn more in this episode! Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/32449627
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Holiday Bonuses Done Right
07/16/2024
Holiday Bonuses Done Right
Holidays should be a great time, but many business owners find themselves asking, "What should a bonus be based on?" Here's what you should do. Find more resources at . Notice to listeners: The information in this book, along with the forms and structures provided, are meant to serve as a helpful reference guide for the plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical, and other contracting industries. The host of and contributors to this podcast take no responsibility for compliance with the laws or regulations that govern your specific business. The responsibility for making sure everything is compliant (among other things) is 100 percent yours. Before you implement any new information or forms, please check with your own trusted business advisers, including your own attorney, to make certain that the forms and the information you plan to implement will comply with all relevant laws, customs, and regulations.
/episode/index/show/7powercontractor/id/31967042