Going Above And Beyond
Over delivering is one of the easiest (and worst) habits you can fall into.
- You’re promising way too much for far too cheap.
- You’re working weekends to hit unrealistic deadlines.
- You’re throwing in free, time consuming extras just to make clients happy.
But here's the brutal truth: over delivering isn't helping anyone. It's eating into your profits, burning out your team, and training clients to expect miracles.
A Lose/Lose Scenario
Over promising is lose/lose:
- If you actually deliver on your unrealistic promises, you set a dangerous precedent.
- If you fail to deliver on them, you disappoint your clients.
A Dangerous Precedent
Going above and beyond might win you that first job. But pretty soon those impossible deadlines become your new normal.
The free extras become expected. 24/7 availability is required. Now, meeting reasonable expectations feels like under delivering.
It’s a recipe for burnout.
Your Team Pays The Price
Your team will do those extra hours once or twice because they're loyal. But push them too far, or too often, and watch what happens.
Quality drops. Guys quit. Contractors start charging you extra. And your best subbies will stop answering your calls entirely.
Construction Isn’t Perfect
Since when does construction ever run to schedule? Weather delays. Government holdups. Guys getting Covid. Material shortages. The list is endless.
So remind me why we are promising perfect timelines to clients who don't understand our industry? All we are doing is setting them up for disappointment.
Set The Right Expectations Early
You see, all the delays associated with construction aren’t actually a problem.
You just need to set the right expectations with your client from the beginning, so you aren’t feeling constant pressure throughout the project.
1. Get into the client’s mind.
Make sure you and your clients are on the same page about the important stuff - timelines and finances.
Clarify and confirm their understanding to make sure they aren’t holding onto any crazy ideas.
Explain the realities of construction. But reassure them by explaining your process for anticipating, handling and minimising delays when they do occur.
2. Build a buffer into EVERYTHING.
Add 30% to your timeline and 20% to your budget - absolute minimum.
3. Document everything extra in writing.
No more freebies without signed variation agreements!
4. Price jobs properly from the start.
Include realistic margins that account for the unexpected.
5. Always put your team first (Important!).
Remember, you will work with these guys over hundred of jobs, not just the one.
Adjust Your Expectations Of Yourself
Success in our industry isn't about being a hero who delivers miracles. It's about being a professional who sets realistic expectations and delivers consistently.
Your goal should be a sustainable business that can produce quality work on time - without destroying yourself or your team.
Don’t be a hero. Be a professional.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Josh