 My latest book, So, You Want To Be A Project Manager? was going to be my shortest book. I had planned for it to be a primer on the mindset and habits for growth in project management. But more words turned into more pages which spilled into more chapters. Honestly, my first draft was a MESS. The concepts were even more eclectic than this revised version. Thankfully some good friends gave earnest feedback and constructive criticism which helped me to strip things down to this current form. Having a good peer network is a great resource for your personal and professional development. I was glad to be able to incorporate insights on project management from everyday restorers throughout this book. One such restorer is David Watts, who was involved in the intricate 2019 fire restoration for The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. When I asked him about some of the mindsets that have helped him to be successful in project management. He replied, Mindsets for Success in Project Management
When I asked David about some of the habits that have helped him to be successful in his roles, he shared the importance of the PLAN (which is an element of SPEeD). The project manager must create a process for clear and consistent communication. The PLAN includes customer expectations, resource allocation, budget, problem-solving, and transparency. David says that once the project is assessed (SCAN) the following needs to be communicated early and often to keep EXECUTION on track. Habits of Successful Project ManagersDavid Watt's shared the following:
Early Reviews for This New Project Management Book“I like what I saw from the mediocre book. Jon puts into words things veterans of the industry should know and shortens the learning of those new to the industry. Most of us learn by on the job training with some guidance. His books provide guidance for those willing to take the next steps at raising their knowledge.” - David Watts (New York, NY)
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This week, on The Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast, we sit down to discuss Xactimate with Xactimate. Brian Austin is the director of instructional design at Verisk, Xactware division. Verisk is the parent company that owns Xactware which produces Xactimate. So, if you could ask Xactimate one question, what would it be? We asked Brian several questions and he said that Xactware has worked diligently to build feedback into their systems. Xactimate wants to hear from the everyday restoration contractor and all of its users. SPONSOR: The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Advocate Claim Service (ACS), "Where you can find solutions to claims that are causing you anxiety." David Princeton and his team are ready to help you navigate doubtful and disputed insurance claims. Are you able to deviate from Xactimate pricing?The Advocacy and Government Affairs (AGA) Committee of the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) was able to bring Mike Fulton, President of Xactware on for a industry briefing on Facebook Live, June 18, 2021. It appears that this video may no longer be available but portions can be seen via THIS LINK. Ed Cross, The Restoration Advocate, reminds contractors that Section 9 "Limited Warranties" of the Xactware licensing agreement reads, "You are responsible to ensure the estimate includes pricing consistent with components including, but not limited to, actual materials, equipment, and labor pricing...You agree to not inhibit or preclude deviations from the Price Data where contractor requirements, market conditions, demand, or any other factor warrants the use of a different line item price in the specific situation." Resources from Xactimate for new estimatorsThe Xactimate Sessions from The DYOJO Podcast File 002 - Learning to XM8 with all the resources from Xactimate The DYOJO Podcast Season 3, Episode 66 Guest: Brian Austin, Director of Instructional Design at Verisk Brian shares many of the tools available to all Xactimate users including many that are included with your annual Xactware subscription:
Three tips elevating your Xactimate skillsIf you didn't catch this from the previous paragraph, Xactware offers ILX Construction Training which is included in your annual Xactware license and is designed to help take an employees through the complete building process. In addition to these resources, Brian shares three tips for elevating your Xactimate game as well as your personal and professional development:
The DYOJO collaboration with DocuSketch offering a $200 discount on the initial hardware package to members of The DYOJO Nation who use the custom code "DS-DYOJO1". The DYOJO Podcast, the official home of the DYOJO Nation as so declared by The Global Watchdog, Pete Consigli, exists to help intentional restorers to shorten their DANG learning curve for personal and professional development. WATCH on YouTube or LISTEN on Spotify, Thursday at 9 am PST. I made it to the 2021 Restoration Industry Association (RIA) Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida.
We also tease our next bonus video, which will start the chronicles of "Two Cool Dudes" as Pete "The Global Watchdog" Consigli and I hit the road to meet with friends and discuss property restoration history. Stay Tuned - thedyojo.com/listen Benchmarks of Growth - Part 2 of 6 The DYOJO Podcast, Episode 57 Guest: Gordy Powell, Georgia Clean (Atlanta, GA) At the beginning of 2020 I set out to interview a broad swath of people in a position of leadership to compile their insights on various benchmarks of growth. Our motto for The DYOJO Podcast is, “Helping you shorten your DANG learning curve,” and the best way to achieve this is to learn from the trials and errors of your fellow entrepreneurs. Gordy shared several gems for those in a position of leadership to take into account for the personal and professional development:
This is the second discussion in a six part series on the benchmarks of growth. We will be discussing this topic in upcoming episodes of The DYOJO Podcast with dynamic industry leaders Lisa Lavender, Tammy Birklid, Whitney Wiseman, O.P. Almarez, and Andrew Golkin. If you would like to hear more of Gordy’s story and perspectives:
SPONSOR The DYOJO Podcast is sponsored by Enlightened Restoration Solutions (ERS). Ben Justesen and his team have put together a dynamic live class which reviews real world estimates and elevates your ability to master the methodology of Xactware. Including how to determine your own labor rates, create your own price list, and navigate pricing feedback. - thedyojo.com/listen #growthmindset #propertyrestoration Books by property restoration professionals for skilled trades, carpet cleaning, and insurance claims professionals, The DYOJO Podcast suggested reading list for January to keep your momentum for 2021. The key to becoming an Intentional Restorer is to train your mindset and your habits daily; this is The DYOJO Way. Thankfully we have so many great resources, including these titles from professionals within our industry as well as podcasts for and by property restoration entrepreneurs. The ServiceMaster Story by Albert M. Erisman Al does a masterful job of walking the reader through the early years of the development of the ServiceMaster company as an organization built on core principles lived out by five generations of leaders. Mr. Erisman's work is enlightening for any business leader who desires to build a company that is profitable while still grounded in their principles. I thought found two key principles that would benefit modern restorers: 1) the shingle principle of leadership, where managers understand their role as complimenting those who come before as well as after them; 2) having new leaders work in the field with their team members prior to assuming their executive roles. This is something we talk about in Be Intentional: Culture as well with regards to Ted McCarthy and the resurrection of Gibson Guitars. Erisman discusses how those in a position of leadership at ServiceMaster were able to navigate The Tension Between People and Profit.
We Did It Their Way by Wm. F. Bane Wm. F. (Bill) Bane tells the story of his family’s rise from obscurity to a position of prominence in the cleaning industry and how the family parlayed a twenty-dollar investment into a multi-million dollar business. This book is a compendium of some of his life’s adventures including thirty-five years in the cleaning profession. It is a step-by-step diagram of the path followed by the organization of the family business and the development of a unique cleaning system. The trials and tribulations associated with a new business are outlined in a sometimes humorous, but always realistic and truthful way. When Words Collide by Bill Wilson Bill Wilson presents the process for resolving insurance coverage claims and disputes. He emphasizes understanding the policy as the authority and encourages the commitment of all parities to finding a reasonable resolution. David Princeton joined The DYOJO Podcast to co-host our discussion with Mr. Wilson. As David wisely encouraged our audience, learn to effectively communicate your "because" when outlining your recommendations to the insured and the carrier. Understanding the policy and properly interpreting the policy, as it relates to unique claims situations, has been the career long passion of author Bill Wilson. In the book and our discussion, all professionals are reminded to "RTFP" which includes knowing what you are selling, being clear with your communications, and being reasonable with your interpretations.
The DYOJO Podcast is the weekly podcast of The DYOJO Way for Intentional Restorers. Helping property restoration professionals to shorten their DANG learning curve by developing the mindset and habits for achieving their goals.
Books by property restoration professionals for skilled trades and insurance claims professionals, The DYOJO Podcast suggested reading list to close 2020 out strong and start 2021 off on the right foot. The key to becoming an Intentional Restorer is to train your mindset and your habits daily; this is The DYOJO Way. Thankfully we have so many great resources, including these titles from professionals within our industry as well as podcasts for and by property restoration entrepreneurs. The 24HR Tech by Andrew McCabe Mr. McCabe has created a Step By Step Manual To Increase Mitigation Profits And Reduce Training Time To Just ONE DAY. This short and easy to read book is intended as a complete training manual for new Water Damage Technicians who wish to quickly learn how to properly document insurance losses involving water damage. Andy developed this process over years of water damage claims experience. He still uses it today in his consulting practice – Claims Delegates.
Get Out of the Truck by Idan Shpizear Idan shares his own story as a means to help entrepreneurs to Build The Business You Always Dreamed About. The book is a quick read. It was designed to either be read from cover-to-cover or as a resource that can be referred to as a business person goes about their process. Idan also speaks as a leader to other people in a position of leadership, distributing the lessons that he has learned as he built and scaled his property restoration business. Whether you are starting out or taking your organization to the next level, Idan shares, “As you work towards growing your company, don’t lose sight of the numbers. But don’t lose sight of these less tangible objectives either.”
Unqualified Success by Rachel Stewart Are you ready to be an unqualified success? Rachel has composed one of the best personal development books that I have read, Her story is proof of concept that you can venture out into something new and bridge The Gap Between Where You Are Now And Where You Want To Be To Achieve Massive Success. If you dare to read this book, you will find that your excuses melt and your obstacles become opportunities. You should feel unqualified but that should in no way stop you from pursing success. “When we are willing to trade in our need to win or succeed for a need to simply learn and grown instead, we open another world of possibility for achievement (p.186).” You are not alone, you have resources and a tribe of fellow unqualified successes rooting for you.
Independent Adjuster's Playbook by Chris Stanley Would you like to own your own business in a recession proof industry? Chris Stanley has created a career map that will take you from having zero experience to getting claims as fast as possible... without the frustration, heartache, and the dreaded waiting. In this conversational and action-oriented book, Chris presents a proven solution and underground playbook that will take from zero experience to working independent adjuster in as little as 30 days. This book is the Step By Step Guide & Roadmap To Becoming A Successful Independent Adjuster.
See the video below which aired as a segment in The DYOJO Podcast Episode 44 with Kevin Hussey of United Fire and Water Damage out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The DYOJO Podcast - helping professionals in the skilled trades shorten their DANG learning curve. |
AuthorJon Isaacson, The Intentional Restorer, is a 19 year veteran of the property restoration industry and a business coach through his organization The DYOJO. Archives
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