George Hedley sent me a review copy of his new book, Get Your Business to Work: 7 Steps to Earning More, Working Less, and Living the life you Want.

I’ve known Hedley for more than a decade. I’m always encouraged by his insights and optimism. Unlike other professional speakers, he comes from the contracting side of the business. His understanding of a contractor’s life is one reason why he is a successful World of Concrete speaker.

His new book is a must-read for every masonry contractor. And Hedley’s timing couldn’t have been better. Over the last few months, each of you has had to face tough business decisions, laid-off well-respected employees, and seen your best-laid plans go asunder. The book provides some excellent tips on how to not only survive, but also grow.

Hedley offers no magic scheme. He suggests one simple concept for success. He writes, “Your number one priority is to keep your number one priority your number one priority!” Sounds so easy, but as we all know, it can be difficult to accomplish.

Can you write down your number one priority? If you can’t, now might be the time to hunker down and reassess your priorities. In the corporate world, it’s called strategic planning. In the Yelton household, it’s called focusing.

Let me offer you the priority statement on which I base every article I write or edit. I believe a mason contractor’s number one priority is to build durable structures safely and economically. Mason contractors who live by this priority survive.

In this special product newsletter, we are helping you achieve this priority. We are reporting on some innovative scaffolding products. We are also alerting you of new products you can use to become more efficient in the field.

And we are announcing a new World of Concrete Webinar offered by Hedley on “How to Win More Jobs in a Tough Economy: Give Customers a Better Reason to Reward Your Company the Contract.” I’m moderating the live event, so I hope you will join us.

Hedley’s presentation is our first live, online training production. We have designed it with your needs in mind.

We have timed it so you can use the Webinar as a group learning experience. All of your key staffers can listen together at a shared computer. Then follow the event with a heart-to-heart talk about how your team plans to survive the winter.

Let me know what you think. I want to help.

Rick Yelton