Are you thinking of going self-employed and starting your own plumbing or electrical business? In 2007, Checkatrade realised that text messaging was a quicker way to contact their clients. Then communicating with new or existing customers is a must and it is important to build up a client base and keep in contact with them. new study by Checkatrade.com has found that text messages are an invaluable way of interacting with customers. Checkatrade.com allows tradesmen to register on the site, checks they are reputable and then advertises them in their local area. MORE >>

Houston joined the company in 2007, just shortly after it was started. Business of Construction Guest Post Friday Construction Construction Estimating Software General contractor Project managementFor this mid-week Guest Post Friday post, we welcome Houston Neal.  Houston is the Director of Marketing at Software Advice, a website that presents reviews and comparisons of construction software. He spends most of his day getting the word out about Software Advice’s resources. He enjoys researching and reporting trends in software and technology. Benefits of Estimating Software. MORE >>

Although much is unknown about them, surety bonds are a necessary requirement for many small businesses to open and are required on almost all major construction projects. In fact, the Engineering News Record reports the level of unemployment for construction is at a record high of 16% compared to 7% in 2007. Much of the work currently being completed by contractors are only backlog projects from the construction industry’s busiest years of 2005 to 2007. Some also feel the bottoming out of the industry means opportunity for new businesses and partnerships.  license. MORE >>

While layoffs and business closings are making the news, there is one sector that is quietly educating and growing a new economy filled with transformation and economic recovery. According to the Pew Charitable Trust report, between 1998 and 2007 there were two times the amount of job creation in the clean energy sector as any other sector in the nation. Business of Construction Green Building Guest Post Friday construction law musings Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Sustainable energy US Green Building CouncilImage via Wikipedia. million by 2013. license. MORE >>

SuretyBonds.com specializes in educating current and prospective business owners about local surety requirements. For example, back in 2007 government agencies in Vancouver had to rework laws that mandated certain green building stipulations in regard to roofs.  Bond Claims Business of Construction Green Building Guest Post Friday business Construction Construction Law insurance Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Performance bond Surety Surety bondFor this weeks Guest Post Friday at Musings, we welcome Surety Bonds.com , a leading online surety provider. MORE >>