As I’ve been writing lately, now’s the time to be planning your new construction venture. When the economy looks too good to be true and news articles are about everyone making money easily, it’s time to start looking for the fire exits. That time was a few years ago. Now, on the other hand, when every news story predicts gloom, opportunities are on the horizon.

I believe this winter will have more US contractors go out of business than I’ve ever seen in my life. As those firms die (often from overzealous new banking regulations), times will be tumultuous. Yet the time to plan for your new, efficient firm that does some thing better than anyone else is right now. If you’re already in that business, keep struggling through and building your niche.

Here’s a helpful video answering the question, “How can I start a construction company with no money?”

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrp3o4NFjhI

The first question in any business venture needs to be, “Who will be my customers? Who will pay me to do something for them?” You need some time to work through the understanding of the things at which you excel and how that can be packaged into something that will provide great value to your customers.

Think creatively, not just about how firms worked in the past, but about how they may work better in the future. Spend time on the concept now. It takes effort to drive the dream.