There are two kinds of business owners. The first kind knows the rules, knows what they’re supposed to be doing, knows how to do it, and does it consistently, the same way every time. The second kind of business owner has an extensive understanding of their industry, and uses that knowledge to increase the value they offer to their clients, …

All too often, we say that “it’s our job.” If it’s a job, the customer gets what they get. We expect the underpaid, overworked fast-food server to mail it in. It is what it is. But, if we’re a small business owner, it’s not just “our job.” (Or at least it shouldn’t be.) It should be “our profession,” and that …

It can be hard for a small business owner to make the jump: to acquire an new skill. Quite often, this new discipline comes with a big up-front cost. All that reading takes up valuable time. We’ve got to pay a lot to take that class. The equipment is really expensive. I just can’t swing it right now. Thinking in …

Obviously, it doesn’t need to be said, but the internet has changed everything. Businesses used to aggressively push their products on us, and we ran to get them before someone else did. Now, we (the consumers) hold all the power, as we can search an almost limitless number of merchants, looking for what it is we want. If we’re still …

We’re all trying to get the word out about our business. Cards, brochures, vehicle wraps, can koozies, and yard signs: evidence of our self-promotion is everywhere. But are we really doing any good, promoting and interrupting at every turn? While there is certainly something to be said for keeping your name in front of potential customers, shameless promotion, interrupting people …

We used to call someone smart if they were well versed in their industry, but now, everyone has all the information they need in the palm of their hand. We used to look up to people who could answer our every question, but now, the answer we’re looking for is just a few clicks away. We used to revere those …

We may not realize it (especially if we’re new to an industry), but it cost money to get clients. There’s the cost involved in getting educated, becoming licensed or certified, buying insurance, setting up our website, marketing to get our name out there, answering calls and emails, paying for whatever software and hardware we’re using, getting around town, following up …

There are an unlimited number of learning opportunities available to us throughout our lives. It’s up to us to figure out how to take advantage of those opportunities. The most important thing we can do is to learn how to best formulate our questions in order to acquire the knowledge that we seek. Free education is abundant, all over the …

We’d all like to see change happen now. In our jobs. In our government. In our relationships. In our lives. We’ve been conditioned, in today’s modern age, to want everything to happen immediately. That may be how things work on the internet, but it’s not how it works in real life. Change happens, but most of the time it happens …

After countless requests, I’ve finally decided to do it. I’ve put together a short book with all my business practices, including all the language from my home inspection report and contract, and I’m giving it away for free! Click here for your copy of this Guide to a Successful Inspection Career. Stop stressing and start running a successful business! Oh, …