Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Conference & Exhibition
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Managing Your Restoration Business

With Change Constant, Where Do You Go for Information?

By Les Cunningham
Cunningham_sl1
Cunningham_sl2
Cunningham_sl1
Cunningham_sl2
April 4, 2014

You know that things are constantly changing in your business. You know that the speed of change in your business is increasing. But what most of us do not know is where to go to get accurate and timely business information. Here is a list of possible places to go to seek information:

  • Local Sources:
  • Local contractors
  • Local agents
  • Local adjusters
  • Local Vendors
  • Internet Local Consultants
  • Books
  • National Sources:
  • Contractors that attend national gatherings: A lot of contractors actively seek out information through attendance of trade shows. They seek out contractors that say they are similar to them and then they spend time together sharing information. They are usually not able to verify what they are being told by each other.
  • Agents that attend national gatherings: These agents are usually helpful and willing to share their thoughts as to what they think is going on.
  • Adjusters that attend national gatherings: These adjusters are usually helpful and willing to share their thoughts as to what they think is going on.
  • National vendors: The national vendor will usually share their national knowledge as to what they think is going on.
  • National association conventions: They provide the opportunity to listen to different speakers and their thoughts as to what the speakers believe is going on.
  • National magazines: They regularly share their magazine as a platform to allow others to share their thoughts and ideas as to what they think is going on.
  • National consultants: They will tell you what they think is going on in your local area as they see the national area affecting it.

So what does all of this mean to you? I believe it means that you have to be a constant seeker of information, where ever you can find it. What you will begin to realize in a hurry (hopefully) is that some sources are better sources that others. There comes a point where you have to make a decision as to what you think is correct information. This also brings you to the point of deciding who you choose to believe. In order to trust what someone is telling you, you must be able to verify what they are telling you. In order for you to verify what you are being told, you must trust the person telling you, you must not be competitors and you must have the opportunity to be in a safe space to be able to share and process the information.

Most contractors want to be treated in an honest manner. I believe that most contractors think of themselves as honest, the opportunity is that most people do not believe contractors are honest. As a result, people are very cautious when they work with contractors, especially when the people are in a stressful situation that they have never been in before. In this stressful situation of working their way through a loss, they are anxious to get their lives back to normal. They find out in a hurry that they are not in control of getting their lives back to normal. They learn that there is a process which they have to participate in with the insurance company and a contractor in order to get their lives back in order. They discover that the process doesn’t always go as planned. They may realize that there were good intentions planned by all concerned, but stuff happened and it did not go as they had been told it would go. As a result, people consider most contractors to be on the same level as used car salesmen. 

So what does all of this information tell you? It says that there are people who have answers that you need to help you run your business. Your job is to expose yourself to the sources of current information that are available to you. Whether it’s your local whatever or your national whatever, you need to listen to what is being said and make a decision that best fits you. I know that there are answers for all of your questions, the opportunity for you is to realize that you have to go out and find your own answers.

 Wishing you good and profitable business in the difficult world of small business!   

KEYWORDS: project management restoration management

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Les Cunningham, CGC,CR,CCR,CGRa, is president and CEO of Business Networks, Inc. He is a restoration industry expert and can be reached at 1-800-525-1009, ext. 14 or e-mail him at Les@BusinessNetworks.com

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

wall cavity drying

Dry or Demolish? Navigating the Complexities of Wall Cavity Restoration

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Unlocking Efficiency in Water Damage Restoration

Ask the Expert: Catastrophe Panel - Back to the Basics Part 1

Catastrophe Panel – Back to the Basics Part 1

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Restoration Services

What restoration/remediation service do you prioritize most?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products

Related Articles

  • cunningham_FT

    Are You Controlling Where Your Business Comes From?

    See More
  • Knowledge: How and Where Do I Find it?

    See More
  • men on job site pointing

    Do You Have Enough Business?

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • More-Answers---Part-1.gif

    More Answers Than You Have Questions About Carpet Cleaning Vol. 1

  • More-Answers---Part-2.gif

    More Answers Than You Have Questions About Carpet Cleaning Vol. 2

  • thumbnail.jpg

    Complete Marketing Manual for Restoration & Mitigation Contractors

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • December 1, 2030

    Webinar Sponsorship Information

    For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.
  • June 12, 2024

    Legal Matters: What’s Best for Your Bottom Line

    On Demand Restoration Contractors understand that paying attention to the legal side of the business isn’t just necessary, but critical. What matters most, and what can you do about it? Learn how to stay well-positioned to handle the legal aspects of your business.
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing