The Contractor Fight with Tom Reber

Steve Shinholser, creator of the Shinfu sales methodology, discusses its origins and the importance of qualifying leads properly in the contractor business. They share strategies for pre-qualifying customers, removing consultation fees, and saving time by focusing on higher-value clients. Other topics include understanding the client's decision-making process and the value of sales training.

One of the first things a contractor needs to get right is the bid — it's the foundation of everything. Bidding mistakes can lead to costly mistakes, so it's important to get it right. Tom discusses the three most common bidding mistakes he sees contractors make that end up costing them profits and causing frustration.   Communication Highlights: [00:00] -  Intro [00:33] - Mistake #1 - Lack of clarity with clients [01:36] - Mistake #2 - Not knowing direct job costs [02:18] - Breaking jobs into three phases [03:31] - Prep phase [03:57] - Build phase  [04:06] - Finish phase [05:55] - Mistake #3 - Lack of sales skills [07:01] - Wrap-up Resources: Ready to take your business to eight figures and beyond? Join us this October 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, for the Florida Summit. Our experts will share the secrets of crafting a rock-solid five-year vision, scaling your business properly, and gaining full control of your finances. Visit thecontractorfight.com/Florida-Summit today and join us in Florida this October! 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Tom interviews Eric Fortenberry, founder and CEO of JobTread. JobTread is an all-in-one construction and project management software that helps contractors handle estimating, job costing, invoicing, scheduling, logging, tracking, and more. It was built based on Eric’s experience running a construction company and was recently named the #1 construction management and estimating software.   In this episode, they discuss: What is JobTread, and how it helps contractors How JobTread was developed to solve problems Eric experienced running his own construction company Eric’s favorite JobTread feature — the budget tool that integrates all financial aspects of a job in one place Upcoming updates of JobTread About Eric’s upcoming presentation at the Mile High Profit Summit 2023 Watch this video and know why Tom recommends JobTread: https://www.jobtread.com/the-contractor-fight    Resources: ==JobTread: https://www.jobtread.com/  Ready to take your business to eight figures and beyond? Join us this October 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, for the Florida Summit. Our experts will share the secrets of crafting a rock-solid five-year vision, scaling your business properly, and gaining full control of your finances. Visit thecontractorfight.com/Florida-Summit today and join us in Florida this October! 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Want to become a millionaire? Tune in to learn how from Steve, who achieved millionaire status by the age of 30. With the experience of starting four companies, three of which propelled him to millionaire success, Steve shares the secrets that will help you to succeed beyond your wildest dreams. He shares the three key things every small contracting business needs to do in order to become a millionaire.   In this episode, Steve discusses: Communication The importance of learning how to speak to people so they like and trust you The 5-step Shin-Fu communication process Knowing your numbers   Knowing your numbers and charging a 50% gross profit margin Sticking to your pricing and not talking yourself down Leading like a millionaire Treating employees well so they want to stay Creating a positive company culture Resources: Ready to take your business to eight figures and beyond? Join us this October 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, for the Florida Summit. Our experts will share the secrets of crafting a rock-solid five-year vision, scaling your business properly, and gaining full control of your finances. Visit thecontractorfight.com/Florida-Summit today and join us in Florida this October! 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode, Tom dives into the art of selling. He shares the key element that will boost your sales and meet your needs — being curious. Tom tells why it’s crucial for contractors to shift from showcasing their expertise to understanding the true motives of the prospects. He wants contractors to be curious when talking to prospects instead of telling them how amazing they are.   In this episode, Tom discusses: The power of curiosity-based selling Asking questions to the prospects to understand their true motive Some examples of curiosity-based questions Being curious will help determine if you’re a good fit and allow clients to open up more Resources: Ready to take your business to eight figures and beyond? Join us this October 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, for the Florida Summit. Our experts will share the secrets of crafting a rock-solid five-year vision, scaling your business properly, and gaining full control of your finances. Visit thecontractorfight.com/Florida-Summit today and join us in Florida this October! 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Today, Tim and Derek talk about the art of pricing. They explain how to find the right balance between numbers and emotions when quoting your price to clients, and share a personal story of Tim about underestimating a job quote, and highlight the valuable lessons he learned from it. They also emphasize the power of starting with a higher price to get an emotional reaction from the client.   In this episode, they discuss: The story of underestimating a job quote and having to renegotiate with the customer The importance of accurate pricing and not underestimating your value The strategy of starting high with quotes to get an emotional response from customers Being a member of a contractor support group to get advice quickly When dropping a high quote, being silent and letting the client process their reaction Letting the client explain themselves during negotiations instead of making assumptions Resources: The Mile High Profit Summit isn't your typical boring contractor conference. Our speakers are experts who will keep you engaged with valuable tips and tricks that will immediately impact your bottom line. You can say goodbye to boredom and welcome actionable insights to help you skyrocket your profits! Visit http://MileHighProfitSummit.com and join us in Denver this September. 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

As a contractor, do you often find yourself struggling with pricing your work? Are you unsure how to best answer the question, “How do I price my work?” Then this episode is for you. Today, Tom helps you get the answer by providing your 2023 contractor pricing guide. He provides an overview of different pricing models you can use and discusses the pros and cons of each model.   Conversation Highlights: [00:00] - Intro - Your contractor pricing guide [01:16] - Fixed price contract [02:55] - Pros and cons of fixed price contract [06:32] - Unit price contract   [07:02] - Pros and cons of unit price contract [08:40] - Cost-plus contract [10:06] - Pros and cons of cost plus contract [10:21] - Time and material contract   [10:49] - Pros and cons of time and material contract [12:13] - Tom’s preferred model [13:55] - 50% Gross Profit pricing tool Resources: ============== 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  ============== == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Nine out of ten contractors know that getting reviews is important. They get frustrated because it becomes something they never get around to doing – But what if you can effortlessly collect reviews through automation? Tom’s guest today is Oscar Wimshurst from Nice Job. They discuss the importance of reviews for contractors and how his company, NiceJob, helps automate the review collection process.   In this episode, they discuss: About NiceJob – what is it and how it helps contractors The importance of online reviews for contractors and how they influence new clients decisions Common challenges contractors face when trying to get reviews How Nice Job automatically send review requests to customers after jobs are completed The importance of follow up in review collection  The role of online reviews in the sales process Impact of Google reviews on search rankings Special Offer for TCF listeners: Try NiceJob and get two-week free trial, plus 50% off your first 3 months. That's more 5-star reviews at half the price! Visit https://get.nicejob.com/   Resources: == NiceJob: https://get.nicejob.com/  The Mile High Profit Summit isn't your typical boring contractor conference. Our speakers are experts who will keep you engaged with valuable tips and tricks that will immediately impact your bottom line. You can say goodbye to boredom and welcome actionable insights to help you skyrocket your profits! Visit http://MileHighProfitSummit.com and join us in Denver this September. 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

“To be or not to be in business for yourself?” — Steve asks every contractor this question that he helps. Unfortunately, many contractors treat their business as a hobby or side gig and lack the true business mindset needed for success. In this episode, Steve shares if contractors want to run their business successfully, they need to stop treating it like a hobby or side gig. He challenges contractors to reflect on whether they are truly running a real business or just operating as a hobby.   In this episode, Steve discusses: The reasons why most contractors work long hours but don’t earn much money Steve’s entrepreneurial experiences and the lessons he learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey Learning how to run a business properly first, then focusing on technical skills  Tips for contractors to be a real business person How contractors can tell if they are really running a business or just a hobby Resources: The Mile High Profit Summit isn't your typical boring contractor conference. Our speakers are experts who will keep you engaged with valuable tips and tricks that will immediately impact your bottom line. You can say goodbye to boredom and welcome actionable insights to help you skyrocket your profits! Visit http://MileHighProfitSummit.com and join us in Denver this September. 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Most contractors do this – wandering the crowded expo hall at a trade show, ogling the latest power tools, equipment, and gadgets on display. It's easy to get distracted by the flashy demos and shiny new toys. But are you really getting the most value out of these events?   In this episode, Tom shares his blunt opinion on why most contractors go to trade shows: "to jerk off to all the tools and then go party." While the tools are exciting, very few attendees actually take the time to learn how to grow their business in the educational sessions. He wants you to stop "jerking off to tools" and start focusing on becoming a craftsman of your business. In this episode, Tom discusses: Most contractors go to trade shows to look at new tools instead of attending educational sessions that could help them make more money Very few contractors know basic info about their business Contractors need to apply the same "craftsman mentality" they have for their trade to build their business Attending educational sessions is a "literal gold" for growing a business Becoming a business owner instead of a tradesman Resources: The Mile High Profit Summit isn't your typical boring contractor conference. Our speakers are experts who will keep you engaged with valuable tips and tricks that will immediately impact your bottom line. You can say goodbye to boredom and welcome actionable insights to help you skyrocket your profits! Visit http://MileHighProfitSummit.com and join us in Denver this September. 💰 You didn’t become a contractor to struggle financially. Download our worksheet and start calculating a 50% gross profit on every job. It’s time to get your shit together! https://thecontractorfight.com/50/  💸 Grab your copy of our FREE Contractors Guide to Spotting Cheap Prospects here: https://thecontractorfight.com/cheap  == Join us in BATTLEGROUND == Everything your contracting business needs in one comprehensive program with three main focus areas: Leadership, Communication, and Numbers. For more info, check out: https://TheContractorFight.com/Battleground  == Get your questions answered and connect with other contractors building stronger businesses in The Contractor Fight: https://thecontractorfight.com/facebook  == Grab the Gear == https://gear.thecontractorfight.com/  == Find Us on Social Media == YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomReber  Instagram: https://thecontractorfight.com/ig  == Rate the Podcast == Help your fellow contractors find the podcast! Please leave a rating/review!  Apple Podcasts   Spotify