In September, we recognized that there would be a shortage of EPA approved trainers for the Boston market to train contractors, remodelers, and the trades in time for the 4.22.2010 effective date. Currently there are just over a 100 approved trainers nationally and half a dozen in Mass. This presents a huge challenge for our industry. There will not be enough available training space for all that need to be trained before the effective date.

Another well intended unfunded mandate is about to turn the residential construction industry up side down. By now, many readers of this blog know of the impending EPA RRP Lead Law effective on 4.22.2010. Needless to say the EPA doesn't have the funding for the appropriate enforcement. There are many comments on the forums, saying the EPA is looking for contractors to report on other illegal contractors. Then they will fine the violator and publicize the offense. How does that sound for an enforcement plan?

The Contractor Coaching Partnership has booked Kachina Contractor Solutions for the EPA Certified Renovator Training. The training will take place on 1.13.2010 at the National Safety Council in West Boylston, Mass.

Last week we put up a new page on The Contractor Coaching Partnership web site regarding the EPA RRP Lead Rule for contractors, remodelers, trades and readers of our site.

Imagine you finished a large kitchen addition remodel project last year and the client has a party with several high income friends over, oohing and awing about the project. Several hours into the night, after a few martinis, one couple says to the client, we need to talk to company who did this. The client replies no problem just call Smith Remodeling at 1-617-456-7891. Of course the couple says thank you, write it down on a napkin and lose it the next day. Then they get busy and forget your name and number and never call, or worse call someone else.

When business is slow it is prudent to find cost effective ways to lower costs. Some items can be pared down wisely with minimal adverse effects to the operation, and some should not be cut, instead increased. A common belief is that marketing should be cut. Cutting marketing is a huge mistake that precedes serious damage to the health of a business. We are hearing from many contractors and businesses that they are falling short in the sales and lead generation department. We ask if they are marketing their business and most say "no we are cutting marketing and not doing that right now. We need more business then we can increase marketing." Go figure!

Last week, in our Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce Referral Group meeting, two contractor coaching clients described their recent success using the power of positive thinking and goal setting. In their coaching sessions they are studying the concepts of "Think and Grow Rich" written by Napoleon Hill. The Contractor Coaching Partnership contractor course teaches clients how to use this powerful study guide to develop the right thinking habits and the power of setting goals.

Thanksgiving is the time of year when we historically reflect on what we a grateful for in our lives. This is a time to express humility, gratitude and thanks for the blessings we enjoy in our lives and business. It seems natural to give thanks in the fall after the crops have been harvested. It is the time when we take stock of of our blessings and store up for the coming winter. Our year of hard work comes to a close and at Thanksgiving we reflect on our results. We are hopefully prepared for the long cold winter having harvested enough from our years efforts. If we planted our seeds and prudently nurtured them, we should have enough stock to make it through the winter until spring. For this bounty we express gratitude and thankfulness.