A Blueprint for Business Success

This Pumper & Cleaner Profit Series workshop provides a template for business growth
A Blueprint for Business Success

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In 1977, with just an old Datsun pickup and $500 in the bank, George Hedley started what would become — in only seven years — a thriving $50 million construction business. Today, Hedley is a nationally recognized business speaker and a successful business owner.

Hedley’s two-day education session at the Pumper & Cleaner Profit Series, April 4-6 at the Bohemian Hotel in Celebration, Florida, will focus on creating a business template using his philosophy: Know what you want, develop a written plan, and always track and make progress toward your goals.

Q: How did you develop your workshop?
A:
I wanted to make my construction and real estate development business work better. I was very active in industry associations, and I started speaking at those events on how to build a profitable company. This was over 20 years ago. The speaking business grew, and I continued to develop programs that work for businesses.

In the late 2000s, when the economy stopped, I slowed down my construction business and focused on speaking, coaching and the business building part. I branched into coaching in the past eight years, and I’ve been able to tweak my program as I’ve worked with business owners one on one.

Q: How can your session help business owners?
A:
Business owners can use the Biz Builder Blueprint system to accomplish their goals. Most owners have the same goals: Decrease stress, be more organized and make more money. My program is designed around those top goals. You don’t want to be busy and broke. I want to help people build a company that doesn’t require them do everything and put out all of the fires.

Q: What is the Biz Builder Blueprint?
A:
It’s a basic blueprint that helps business owners organize and systemize a company. It starts with the vision: What do you want? Where do you want to be in five years? What do you have to do to get there?

After determining those goals, we create an organizational chart. Someone has to get the work, someone has to do the work and someone has to keep track of the finances.

Then, we address systems, which you need to have in place so you don’t have to make every decision. We create a checklist of how to do things — like how to handle customers, service equipment, track calls, etc. The blueprint also goes over what’s not working — the fix-it list— and then we make a plan to get your company to where you want it to be.

Q: What’s included in the plan?
A:
We structure finances. How do you want your finances to be managed? How much do you want to make? What should your markup be? What’s your cost of business? How many sales do you need to make your profit goals? We also develop a marketing and sales plan. What needs to be done to achieve your goals? Finally, to track the plan’s success, we set up a system to manage the process.

Q: How will you accomplish this planning in the session?
A:
Everyone will complete a template, which is then tailored to individual goals. All of the template items work for everyone, regardless of company size. I use examples of what you can and should do to get where you want to be.

Q: What’s the best way to implement the plan?
A:
Most companies want to be better, but only 5 percent of companies take the necessary steps. I want everyone in the room to become a “best-in-class business,” and to do that, you need to implement the plan. Not doing anything is not the answer.

Q: You’ve said it’s not a good idea to sell by price? Why?
A:
If you try to sell price, you won’t get more work. The only way to get more work is to lower your price. Instead, think of what makes your business unique. If you’re different, you will get more work. Take care of your customers. What will make customers want to hire you? If you offer service, value and differentiation, your business will explode.

Q: I got started on my plan, now what?
A:
If you get stuck, get some help. Whether it’s a peer group, or a coach, use something to refocus your goals. Don’t let daily tasks detract you. Owners who follow the steps really take their businesses to the next level and make more money.

Q: What do you hope attendees take away from your presentation?
A:
I hope they implement a plan. When you get home, prioritize what you need to do first. Create a to-do list. This is not an overnight fix; it takes time. Start slow and steady, but keep the momentum.



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