ForConstructionPros.com

While there are encouraging signs out there, it's unlikely we'll see any sudden, dramatic turnaround in the construction economy in the near term. As such, it's important to stay focused and set realistic goals for your business for the remainder of the year.

In the article "Setting Obtainable Goals in a Down Economy", Les McKeown, president & CEO of Predictable Success, believes the economic cycle makes no difference when it comes to setting goals, since the five core principles remain the same. They include:

"When you do start hiring again, don't just take the 'first live pulse' that comes along, or settle for the 'least worst' candidate," he states. "Instead, commit to using the opportunity to raise the average competency level of your team."

2. Set goals early, then revise the goals regularly in light of hard data on actual performance. Trying to forecast potential construction activity can be like trying to hit a moving target. The dynamics of the market are constantly changing, and even more so given the recent infusion of federal funds to state governments. That's why you need to review your sales goals on a continual basis as new information becomes available.