Conceived in 2019 and launched in 2020,CAFÉ CONSTRUCT [CaCo] is a business podcast created and hosted by four ladies; one in education, two in architecture and one in research with a background in Urban Planning.
Our goal is to have insightful conversations with influential people in the Construction Industry in a bid to educate ourselves and by extension our listeners, on tips to succeed in this field.
We package our show as if it were a sit down in a coffee shop, hence the word 'Café' and set up an hour long recording to professionally engage and converse. Two seasons and running, we have managed to bring to the table discussions outside of design, often not taught in school. Speaking about careers and business in the world of Construction.
We continue to build our arsenal of knowledge from different practitioners on how they have managed to earn a living running their own firms.
For the aspiring professional-entrepreneur here are some tips from a few guests so far on what it takes. We have linked the full episode for you to indulge in the whole spectrum of conversation, but for now…these were quite unforgettable highlights.
FROM AN ENGINEER
Networking is a long game.
Networks are not only found in cocktail events and meetings, we are building a client pool from the moment we are born. Our family, primary and high school friends, campus-mates, neighbours and church community are all potential clients.
You network every time you interact socially and build a connection - people work with those they like. Therefore, maintaining these connections via Facebook and Instagram ensures that you take advantage of these networks as they will remember you when they need a consultant on a project. Call or message to check in with your family, friends and like or comment on posts made by acquaintances occasionally, it will go a long way… and networking is a long game.
FROM AN ARCHITECT
Compete on an international scale.
A successful practice does extremely good work that can match up to international standards, not just stay on a local scale.
This journey to great work starts right from graduation with the right kind of experience.
Be wise in choosing the Firm to join because the work ethic and quality of output will be inherited and when you step out on your own you are more likely to replicate these standards-whether good or bad.
FROM A CONTRACTOR
Cash is king.
Your business should have enough cash on hand to cover short-term operations, buy assets-equipment and machinery or acquire other facilities. Your company can have huge on-going projects but still have no money especially with delayed/late client payments.
When starting out their company (as highlighted in the podcast episode) one partner stayed on in employment until the company could sustain both partners fully. The partner working part-time in the budding company did not earn from it until fully joining but would still go on site visits during the weekends or late evenings. This was their strategy to build their company’s assets and cushion their business from slow days.
To build their cash flow over time; every six months they approach ten potential clients.
FROM A QUANTITY SURVEYOR
Get your Accounts on track from the start .
From the word go, keep a record of what your company brings in and what expenses are incurred then onboard an Accountant to help with the annual financial obligations of the company.
Structures and systems are very important- build them and maintain them.
As an owner, you have to earn a salary and not just spend directly from the account as the need arises. This is one example highlighting the difference between there being structure and having none.
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