By Matthew Gardner, Gardner Economics LLC
August 9, 2010

What to Watch This Week

• It is likely that we will see productivity figures, which will be released on Tuesday, show an uptick as we continue to work employees harder instead of increasing hiring. This is supported by increases in the average workweek.
• The Federal Reserve is sure to keep interest rates where they are (0.25 percent), and I do not expect this to increase this year. In fact, the troubling payroll figures that we saw last week are likely to push the Fed to consider further accommodating actions to try and stimulate the very sluggish economic rebound.
• Inflation numbers, which will be released on Friday, will show an increase; However, the movement will be very modest. I am not concerned about inflation at this point.
• Consumer Sentiment numbers will be disappointing. I sometimes feel as if I am a broken record, but we are still concerned with the employment situation, and this will, yet again, weigh on this index.

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By Andrew Ballard, President of Marketing Solutions Inc. of Seattle

If I had a nickel for every time I heard “my marketing plan didn’t work”… I wouldn’t be rich, but I’d have a boat load of nickels. There are five common denominators that precede a failed plan. Regardless of whether you’re a builder, part of the supply chain or an associate, avoiding these mistakes should improve the outcomes of your planning.

Developing a strategic marketing plan is fundamental to succeeding in our increasingly competitive marketplace. But just going through the motions, to check it off the to-do list, won’t amount to a measurable impact.

Strategic planning isn’t a “to-do,” it is an ongoing “process” that should change as your business situation and external environment evolve. A leading management consultant, Ron Carucci (Partner at Passages Consulting), suggests, “A strategic plan begins depreciating immediately; the value is in the planning, not the plan.

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By Beth Madden, Madden Industrial Craftsmen, Inc

This is a tough market for job seekers. It is more important than ever to you make sure you are doing everything possible to keep the job you have. Here are three key factors, beyond basic job skills, that can be your key to success:

Punctuality is Key: It is important to show up on time every day you are scheduled to work. Whether you just started a new job, or have been on the job for years, in this market, employers will not tolerate either tardiness or unexcused absences. They are watching every dime and when you are late or miss a day’s work that is not planned, you end up costing your employer money by either lost production or additional resources required to cover your position. So, set the alarm clock early, and take care of yourself and your vehicle to make sure you can arrive on time every day.

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The Master Builders Career Connection has scheduled training for the new Washington State Energy Code that will go into effect on July 1. The classes are set for Wednesday, April 28, and Tuesday, May 11, and will be held at MBA Housing Center in Bellevue. Washington State University's Energy Program is training people statewide and has graciously agreed to make stops in Bellevue for our members.

This 3-hour session will introduce the significant changes this code will require. The course will focus on the changes to the energy code but will also discuss energy basics, code layout and use, and application to projects during the design, review, and construction phases. This is an excellent course for building department employees, builders, sub-contractors or designers.

Click  here www.masterbuildersinfo.com/mbaks3c.cfm to register for upcoming classes.

By Lynn Eshelman

2010 Auction Committee Chair

The old expression, “it takes money to make money,” couldn’t be truer when it comes to funding programs to provide training and help workers find employment in residential construction. As one of the valuable programs of the Master Builders Career Connection, ConstructionMatch.org is a resource for both employers and employees in the construction industry. And while housing has been depressed the last few years we know that as the economy recovers from the recession, the pent-up demand for new houses will mean a huge increase in building starts, remodeling jobs and the workers necessary to fill the demand. To my way of thinking, the need for the services provided by Career Connection is only going to become more important as the economy rebounds

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