Every utility construction company has taken a job that brings on headaches, colorful language and some extra work to complete.
We’ve shared some of those stories in Dig Different magazine. Some of those have involved directional drilling many feet underground and under rivers to get to the exit pit, or vacuum excavating under a hospital while hospital operations continue, or maneuvering tunneling projects around tight corners.
As much as you complain about those jobs, I’d have to bet that contractors enjoy them to some extent as well. If every job were easy and simple, you’d get bored.
HIGHLIGHTING THE TOUGH JOBS
Do you go out and seek the tough jobs, or do you just take them as they come? Some contractors we’ve talked to over the years take on only those hard-to-do jobs. Those jobs that others say aren’t possible or those that other contractors have attempted but couldn’t get done.
Then other contractors will take them on as they come but won’t specifically go out and seek them. What kind of contractor are you?
The North American Society for Trenchless Technology No-Dig Show is probably my favorite show to go to because it’s the one where attendees get to sit in on sessions where you hear about the tough jobs other contractors are taking on and how they worked through challenges they faced.
It’s inspiring hearing about these jobs. It can be a valuable learning experience for anyone in the industry, from rookie to veteran.
SHARING WHAT YOU DO
As much as you might dread doing those tough jobs, when you do get them and complete them, don’t be afraid to share the news!
Chances are there are potential municipalities, commercial or industrial customers who are looking for contractors for a similar job. If you post about your tough job successes on your website, social media or in various industry publications, those potential customers could see you were successful and reach out to you.
IMPROVING SKILL SET
The other advantage to taking on those tough jobs — or even just sitting in on educational sessions where they are talked about — is that your crews handling those jobs will get better.
As the crew members learn different ways of doing things and find new tools to help them, it will end up benefiting your business because you’ll have employees who can handle more. That will make your company more appealing to customers looking to hire you.
While it’s nice having the easy jobs, don’t be afraid to toss in a really tough one and see what your crews are capable of doing. They might just surprise you.
BRAG ABOUT IT
I want you to brag about the tough jobs you’ve handled. Tell me about them and you could see that job in the pages of Dig Different. Call me at 715-350-8436 or email me at editor@digdifferent.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
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