NSCA has been distributing information and reaching out via social networks and podcasts this past year. So, I wanted to recap what you may have missed as well as some lessons we learned from those who follow these new means of communications.
The blog that got the most response was the one titled “S#!T Contracts.” Although it was probably not the most appropriate title, it did generate lots of readers and comments. My message was about understanding exactly what these contracts say. The feedback was a validation of my concerns. The lesson we learned was that our members really do need someone on staff who is very knowledgeable of sophisticated, and often one-sided, contracts that originate from the IT sector. We also learned that traditional construction contracts have become more onerous and those, too, require a savvy risk management professional to understand what you might be signing. Read the full blog.
The blog written about doing business from purchase orders (PO’ed about PO’s) stuck a chord with many. A few members took exception to my point and would rather do business in this less-formal method. They cited the ease of doing business, less paperwork and more room to maneuver. I fired back that more risk, one-sided and fine print always favors the issuer of the purchase order. The lesson learned was that you don’t have a deep appreciation for these things until you get bitten. Read the full blog.
Early in the year, a couple of blogs about prevailing wage got some attention. They also helped us understand just how many of our members are facing challenges with this and, in most cases, how little they understand about the requirements. We still find members being classified wrong. The good news is that we have been busy helping them file correctly and become more profitable on jobs requiring this provision. Read the first blog and the second blog.
I got called out this year by several readers who challenged my negativity. When I went back and read some of my blogs, I had to agree. Unfortunately, most of the topics were derived from members who called me with a problem or project that had gone bad. While it may seem negative, it’s more like an opportunity for the membership to learn from the mistakes/experiences of others. But, I promise to share more success stories in 2011.
Toward the end of the year, NSCA began releasing podcasts with industry insights and advice. This last podcast was a winner. In a conversation with an IT integration expert, I asked questions about where that world came from and where it is heading, followed by where a traditional A/V or security contractor might fit. It was very enlightening according to comments we received. Listen to the full podcast.
I encourage you to spend a few minutes and go back through these blogs and listen to the podcasts we have done. We intend to keep expanding the ways in which we reach out and communicate in a timely fashion. Your comments are much appreciated.
Finally, I do hope you have a terrific holiday season and that you make time to be with family and friends. As you get older you realize the importance of that. CW