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What are some of the more useful ones you have read? I will list off some of mine and tell you what I think:
Plan for Profitability, How to Write a Strategic Business Plan
Lee E. Hargrave
This was the best one, nothing to do with construction, it's about business planning in general, but you can apply it to any business. He has a lot of practical information all put together. I even sent the author my own business plan and he wrote back to me with his comments/suggestions.
The E Myth Revisited
Michael E Gerber
I read this before the contractor edition came out. I remember taking a business class and our instructor recommended reading it. It's good but it's more of a call to arms book, not quite as useful as the Lee Hargrave one.
Running a Successful Construction Company
David Gerstel
Not bad, he has some good insights on how he runs his company. The one I read is kind of dated, but he has a new version out. In his old one he explains how to run it with no computers or cell phones.
Finish Carpenters Manual
Jim Tolpin
This one I just finished, most the stuff in it I already knew. But he lays it out well and provides some information on bidding and running your own finish company.
Ones I was thinking of getting are:
The E Myth Contractor
Michael E Gerber
Although I read it's not as good as his first one, The E Myth Revisited.
Estimating & Bidding for Builders & Remodelers
Richard J. Langedyk
I need a good remodel estimating book, just found this browsing through Amazon.
For Pros by Pros Remodel Plumbing
Rex Cauldwell
Looks useful for a remodeler or handyman, just focuses on repairs and smaller jobs.
Selling 101
Zig Ziglar
Looks good, Selling is something I'm doing yet know nothing about.
The Oz Principle
Roger Connors, Tom Smith, Craig Hickman
Combines personal development and business development.
Thank God It's Monday
Roxanne Emmerich
Mixed reviews, some claim it's too generic, an easy read though, uplifting.
Plan for Profitability, How to Write a Strategic Business Plan
Lee E. Hargrave
This was the best one, nothing to do with construction, it's about business planning in general, but you can apply it to any business. He has a lot of practical information all put together. I even sent the author my own business plan and he wrote back to me with his comments/suggestions.
The E Myth Revisited
Michael E Gerber
I read this before the contractor edition came out. I remember taking a business class and our instructor recommended reading it. It's good but it's more of a call to arms book, not quite as useful as the Lee Hargrave one.
Running a Successful Construction Company
David Gerstel
Not bad, he has some good insights on how he runs his company. The one I read is kind of dated, but he has a new version out. In his old one he explains how to run it with no computers or cell phones.
Finish Carpenters Manual
Jim Tolpin
This one I just finished, most the stuff in it I already knew. But he lays it out well and provides some information on bidding and running your own finish company.
Ones I was thinking of getting are:
The E Myth Contractor
Michael E Gerber
Although I read it's not as good as his first one, The E Myth Revisited.
Estimating & Bidding for Builders & Remodelers
Richard J. Langedyk
I need a good remodel estimating book, just found this browsing through Amazon.
For Pros by Pros Remodel Plumbing
Rex Cauldwell
Looks useful for a remodeler or handyman, just focuses on repairs and smaller jobs.
Selling 101
Zig Ziglar
Looks good, Selling is something I'm doing yet know nothing about.
The Oz Principle
Roger Connors, Tom Smith, Craig Hickman
Combines personal development and business development.
Thank God It's Monday
Roxanne Emmerich
Mixed reviews, some claim it's too generic, an easy read though, uplifting.