187. How to Be a Profit First Contractor - Shawn Van Dyke
Nov 20, 2024
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Shawn Van Dyke, author of "Profit First for Contractors," shares invaluable insights on financial management tailored for the construction industry. He discusses the Profit First cash management model, highlighting how it can shift your mindset about money. Learn about the common profit-killing mistakes contractors make, the five essential bank accounts to set up, and the need for honest financial conversations with clients. Shawn's practical strategies aim to transform the profitability landscape for contractors and drive sustainable business growth.
The Profit First model encourages contractors to establish five distinct bank accounts to enhance financial control and visibility.
Common profit-destroying mistakes in contracting include inadequate pricing strategies and a misunderstanding of margin versus markup.
Implementing the Profit First system influences contractors' financial behaviors, helping them develop healthier spending habits for increased profitability.
Deep dives
Understanding the Profit First Model
The Profit First model emphasizes a cash management system designed to improve the financial health of construction and trades businesses. At its core, the model advocates for the establishment of five specific bank accounts: the income account, profit account, tax account, owner's compensation account, and operating expenses account. This structure helps business owners prioritize their finances by allocating predetermined percentages of income to each account, thereby enhancing visibility and control over cash flow. By focusing on these distinct categories, contractors can avoid overspending and ensure funds are set aside for profit and taxes before assessing their operational expenses.
Common Profit-Destroying Mistakes
Contractors often harm their profitability through several common errors, including inadequate pricing strategies and a lack of understanding of their basic accounting systems. Many fail to charge enough for their services due to a misunderstanding of margin versus markup, leading to lower profit margins than needed for sustainability. Additionally, over-hiring can inflate operational costs without corresponding increases in revenue, as contractors may not accurately evaluate their revenue per employee ratios. They also risk incentivizing employees without clear objectives, fostering a culture of entitlement rather than performance-based rewards.
Psychological Impact of Financial Systems
The implementation of the Profit First system is not merely about managing numbers but also significantly influences the behavior and mindset of business owners. By categorizing funds into separate accounts, owners become more conscious of their spending and develop healthier financial habits. This approach allows them to experience a stark contrast between their total income and available funds, prompting careful consideration of purchases and financial commitments. Through behavioral adjustments, contractors can leverage this psychological framework to make more informed decisions that ultimately enhance their profitability.
Adjusting to Market Changes
In light of evolving market conditions, contractors need to adapt their businesses to remain competitive. With rising costs and the ever-changing economic landscape, adjusting pricing structures can help maintain profitability. Even as consumers face tighter budgets, a focus on enhancing the customer experience can justify higher prices, allowing contractors to mitigate the effects of inflation and changing consumer expectations. By regularly reviewing and adjusting their financial strategies, contractors can ensure they are aligned with the market while still delivering exceptional value.
Setting Realistic Financial Goals
Business owners should aim to implement the Profit First model slowly, starting with achievable goals to ensure sustainable growth. By setting aside a minimal percentage, such as 1% for profit and taxes, and gradually increasing these figures based on business performance, contractors can foster a culture of profitability. This stepping-stone approach provides the flexibility to evaluate the business's financial health regularly and adjust systems as necessary. Ultimately, this disciplined method encourages long-term financial stability rather than overwhelming business owners with drastic changes all at once.
Did you know that the vast majority of construction and trades businesses net less than 5% profit a year?
In case you were wondering—that’s not good.
Our guest on the show today is Shawn Van Dyke, author of Profit First for Contractors and The Paperwork Punch List.
In this episode, we break down the Profit First for Contractors (or PFC) cash management model, including a prescribed framework for implementing PFC in your business right away.
If you change the way you manage your finances, you’ll also change the way you think about money flowing in and out of your accounts. And in turn, you’ll make better decisions that benefit you and your business.
Episode highlights:
Unpack how the profit-first approach Shawn Van Dyke outlines in Profit First for Contractors produces a powerful and positive psychological change to the way you see money flowing into and out of your business.
Learn the four most common profit-destroying mistakes that Shawn sees owners make all too often.
Find out which five bank accounts you need to set up right away.
00:00-Intro
01:35-About Profit First for Contractors
10:31-Why is minimal profitability so common in construction and trades?