Business Toolbox Series

Seminars and webinars in this series will feature topics of general business interest (such as accounting, payroll, human resources, marketing, and customer service) as well as topics of specific interest for the residential construction industry (estimating, legal matters, contracts, etc.)

How to Work as a Contractor and Stay out of Trouble

Contracts  
  • The importance of a proper contract
  • C. 142A-The Home Improvement Contractor Statute
  • C. 93A-The Consumer Protection Statute
  • C. 93§48-Right to Cancel
  • Fixed price vs. Time and Material
 
Mechanic’s Liens
  • Why they are such a powerful tool
 
Disputes - Litigation vs. Arbitration vs. Mediation
  • The Courts
  • The Home Improvement Contractor Arbitration Program
  • The Guaranty Fund
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Presented by Andrea Goldman of Goldman Law Group. 
Andrea is a litigator, arbitrator and mediator who focuses on construction/ contractor, business, landlord/tenant and employment matters. She serves as the trusted advisor for construction companies and businesses in drafting contracts and planning. Andrea has extensive experience handling both sides of contractor/homeowner disputes and helps get projects back on track.

The Importance of Social Media in Business Today

Emphasis will be placed on how to create and monitor business/brand pages on Facebook and LinkedIn. The presentation will also outline best practices, methods, and strategies for engaging with BRAGB social pages and how cross-promotion will benefit all parties involved.
  • How small to medium businesses benefit from social media usage
  • The influence of social media on consumer decision-making
  • Creating and designing Facebook business pages and sharing content
  • Creating a LinkedIn business page and sharing content
  • What types of content should businesses share
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Presented by James Michael Sama, Social and Digital Marketing Manager at Nickerson
In his role at Nickerson, an award-winning, Boston-based communications agency, James helps businesses implement social media strategies to increase brand awareness, elevate their social presence online, and drive more revenue. Sama is also a nationally recognized speaker on the topics of social media, leadership, and self-development and has been featured in media outlets such as The Huffington Post, Fox News, and CNBC.

Expert Estimating for Maximum Profit

Fully understanding your costs to determine proper mark-ups & pricing models
As a small business, one of the most important things you can is to position your company to price and sell appropriately towards your goals, and to manage the risks that will arise through proper assessment and realistic projections. Regardless of your sales strategy or presentation model, understanding what it costs to be in business, beyond just what it costs to build or place your product, is the critical and often overlooked place to start.

Approved for 1 Hour continuing education credit in Business Practices toward the Massachusetts Construction Supervisors License.
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Presented by Bob Ernst, President, FBN Construction Company
​Bob Ernst of FBN Construction shares his experiences in determining how much and how to charge for services to ensure a reasonable bottom line. In over 30 years in business, he has experienced, firsthand, the mistakes and successes of his own companies and those of many others through peer groups and personal interactions with other business owners. This presentation and question & answer session will help you determine how much money you are actually making, versus “what it feels like” and why ... so you can be on your way to maximizing profits.