“What a knucklehead!” I uttered again as another contractor (who will not be getting my business) left my house.   The past six months been frustrating, shocking and straight up hilarious.

Quick back story.

In October of 2012, our family moved into our ideal home across town. Even though it’s amazing, there was still a long list of things we wanted to change and enhance, such the flooring, installations, epoxy floors, blinds, painting (we know some really great painters!), and landscaping. We began interviewing contractors immediately after we moved in. Many of them. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few excellent contractors, but regrettably, I’ve also dealt with a lot of terrible ones, many of whom never ever show up.

I am in the contracting industry and own M & E Painting.  At M & E, we are entrepreneurs and business owners who happen to do it painting houses.  Many of our competitors are painters first who have happened to fall into the role if being a business owner, and, let me tell you, there is a BIG DIFFERENCE!

There are basics of running a business.  If these necessary basics aren’t nurtured, a business won’t be a business for very long.  “What a knucklehead!” has become my mantra after dealing with so many loose cannons in the contractor world, so I’ve titled my blog, “Don’t be a knucklehead.”  Most entries will be amusing stories of knuckleheadedness that I have witnessed in the industry, but I’ll also pepper in some inspiring stories of solid, amazing and superior service.  Each story will have a little nugget of advice that you can apply to your business.

Are you an entrepreneur who happens to do _____________, (fill in the blank with your industry), or are you a _________________ (use same word from first blank), who is trying to run a business?   I urge you to prioritize your identity as an entrepreneur and business owner. By mastering entrepreneurial skills and habits, you’ll naturally rise to the top of your industry, regardless of its nature. If you prioritize industry-specific details over business fundamentals, you’re likely to face ongoing challenges and stunted growth.

So, keep an eye out for the blog series “Don’t be a knucklehead.”  I hope you enjoy it and have a few laughs.  I would love to hear your stories and experiences to share with everyone too.

Talk to you soon!