A top 10 list can be a humorous way to point out a sensitive topic. Combining fun and training; here is my list of symptoms that indicate a recession may be hurting your business.

As consultants, we are seeing a dramatic increase in embezzlement and employee theft. During tough economic times employees can experience more financial problems; throw in some drugs or an enabled employee and you have a formula for disaster. Now that things are tougher and you’re watching every penny, don’t be surprised if you find employee theft.

Unfortunately there are no directions that fall out of the womb with a newborn child, and most of us learn to be good parents through trial and error. Managing people is much the same. When you hire or promote your first foreman, salesperson and office administrator, there are no directions with that addition. 

Through 30 years of consulting, I have witnessed many changes, but the basic premises of running a successful contracting business remain the same. One of those foundations is maintaining effective office-field communications. 

As consultants, the last year has brought on a lot of work with companies who needed a lot of change. Here’s a glimpse of some of the problems we encounter in mature companies. The following profile is of a fictional company I’ll call Omega Contracting. 

I recently completed a seminar for roofing contractors and one of the group’s favorite topics was to complain about lowball competition. The comments and questions flew in. 

Recessions are a natural part of business ups and downs. Good times are generally followed by slower times. Since 1991, out economy has been on an expansion except for several short slowdowns. We now find ourselves in a different spot and many folks are anxious. Let’s add some perspectives and focus on results.

Now I’m not a lawyer or human resources manager, but as a management consultant I have helped fire a fair share of employees. For years, many companies have let a blazing economy and shortage of people hold them hostage.

Even without a recession, running a business can be an endless battle and constant firefight. I wish I had a crystal ball and could tell you everything is going to be OK. Unfortunately, no one can predict the future. I do know that groaning and moaning about the economy is not going to help you.

Contractors come in all sizes and shapes but there are four distinct stages that many fall into. I like to refer to theses stages as wonder, blunder, thunder and plunder. Let’s take a few minutes and talk about each and how the economy will impact contractors in each category.