Running a construction business comes with unique challenges—tight margins, complex projects, and ever-changing market conditions. That is where a Business Improvement (BI) consultant can make all the difference. My role as a BI consultant is to help you uncover growth opportunities, improve financial health, and create a clear path to sustained success. By addressing the core aspects of your business—profitability, cash flow, and growth—I provide the structured guidance needed to overcome obstacles and achieve measurable results. Whether you are struggling with pricing accuracy, cash flow issues, or scaling your operations, a focused and actionable plan can transform your business and set you on a course for long-term prosperity.
The Need for a Structured Plan
Over the years, I have observed two distinct styles of coaching, each with its own merits.
The first approach is open-ended: “You tell me what you need, and we will work on that.” While this can provide immediate support for specific challenges, it often lacks the comprehensive framework needed for sustained business improvement.
The second approach, which is far more effective, involves a structured game plan. This method includes a predefined series of modules designed to systematically address key areas of your business. Often, these modules uncover issues you may not have realized were holding you back.
Why Structure Matters
The structured coaching approach allows us to methodically improve various aspects of your business. However, it is not rigid—there is enough flexibility to adapt to your unique needs as challenges arise during the program. I have consistently seen the best results with this method, which is why it is the foundation of my coaching services.
The Structure I Use
When I conduct a business improvement consultation, I guide clients through three essential phases that transform their operations and set them on the path to sustainable growth:
Phase 1: Increasing Profits
Profit improvement is often synonymous with cutting costs and expenses, but this approach is limited. Instead, I advocate for an abundance mindset. This starts with ensuring pricing is accurate and all costs are accounted for in bids, so profits are built in from the outset. This strategy creates a faster and more reliable path to profitability compared to cost-cutting alone. While reducing unnecessary expenses is essential, establishing proper pricing and upfront profit has a far more significant impact.
Phase 2: Opening Up Cash Flow
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business, and improving it requires a strategic approach. I help companies implement tools to track and project cash flow, enabling them to understand their financial needs week to week. We also establish policies for strategic bill payments to safeguard cash flow. The Profit First methodology is key in this phase, ensuring that cash flow is protected and optimized for business health and resilience.
Phase 3: Growth Planning
The final phase focuses on financing growth. At this stage, we identify the revenue targets required to scale the business—whether it is hiring new employees, purchasing equipment, or pursuing other growth initiatives. By aligning financial planning with these growth objectives, businesses can expand with confidence and clarity.
Benefits of Hiring a BI Consultant
In my experience, the benefits of business improvement consultations are immense, especially when approached with structure and clarity.
Focus on Financial Health
My structured coaching program emphasizes accounting and finance, guiding clients through specific modules that address these critical areas. By strengthening the financial backbone of your business, you gain the stability needed to pursue broader growth opportunities.
Leveraging a Network of Experts
If challenges emerge in areas like productivity, leadership, marketing, or sales, I connect my clients with trusted experts from my network. While my focus remains on the financial side—ensuring solid accounting and cash flow—I ensure you have access to the right resources to address any additional needs.
Achieving Measurable Results
This targeted yet adaptable coaching approach offers measurable results by addressing the financial foundation of your business while providing access to specialized expertise. This framework enables clients to tackle challenges and position their businesses for long-term success confidently.
How to Choose the Right BI Consultant
Selecting the right business improvement consultant is crucial for construction companies aiming to enhance their operations. Based on my experience, here are three critical factors to consider:
- Personality Match
The first step is ensuring there is a personality match. It is important to like and feel comfortable talking with the consultant you will be working with. A good rapport fosters open communication, making the entire process more productive and enjoyable.
- Accountability
The second factor is accountability. Many consultants are full of innovative ideas, but without a system to hold you accountable, progress often stalls. Look for someone who will actively track your progress and keep you on course. Accountability ensures that great ideas turn into tangible results.
- Structured Plan
Finally, prioritize a consultant with a structured plan. While experience and flexibility are valuable, a straightforward, predefined approach is more effective than a vague, open-ended one. A structured plan systematically guides you through critical areas, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
The Bottom Line
Business improvement works. I often point out that the greatest athletes of all time—Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, and others—have all had coaches. They had coaches because of the concept that “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
Even if you are exceptional at what you do, you might miss something significant because it is outside your perspective. A business improvement consultant with a fresh viewpoint can help you identify those blind spots and make meaningful improvements. If you are ready to improve your business and graduate to the next stage of success, book an appointment with Jeremy today!
