Kitchen and Bath Business and Project Management: with Website

A comprehensive guide to operating a kitchen and bath firm and completing projects successfully Combining Kitchen & Bath Business Management and Kitchen & Bath Project Management, this is a definitive guide to professional practice for the kitchen and bath industry. The book shares winning strategies for achieving business goals and avoiding common pitfalls in running a firm. It offers vital project management guidance on product installation, estimating, and the people skills needed to handle both tradespeople and clients. The book also features access to a companion website with customizable forms and an instructor's manual. Kitchen & Bath Business and Project Management is one of a series of volumes in the National Kitchen & Bath Association's Professional Resource Library. As the only not-for-profit trade association dedicated exclusively to the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA is the leading source of information and education for professionals. Essential information on: Business Management Business Plans Financial Controls Human Resources Vendor Selection Branding and Marketing Project Management Project Preparation Project Scheduling Preinstallation Conference and Checklist Realistic Product Expectations Managing the Jobsite

Chapter 1: Getting Started Do You Have What It Takes? Evaluate Yourself Before You Start Why Many Companies Do Not Make It Avoid These Common Mistakes Getting Help from Advisors and Mentors Summary Chapter 2: Planning Your Business What Type of Kitchen and Bath Business Are You Going to Operate? Your Business Selection Criteria Deciding on the Right Business Choosing a Name for Your Business Stages of Company Growth Short and Long Term Planning How to Create a Strategic Business Plan for a Kitchen/Bath Dealer Researching the Market Preparing Your Business Plan Summary Chapter 3: Business Start–up Issues Choosing the Business Legal Structure Other Requirements and Considerations Location, Location, Location Financing the Business A Look at Taxes Selecting Vendor Partners Buying Groups – Sharing Expertise Joining the Business Community Taking Advantage of Outside Help Summary Chapter 4: Accounting and Record Keeping Why You Need to Keep Good Records Establishing Bookkeeping Procedures Choosing an Accounting System What to Keep Track Of Accounting Software for Your Business Record Keeping and Administrative Needs Hiring an Accountant or Bookkeeper Budgeting for Profit and Cash Flow Summary Chapter 5: Financial Controls Understanding Financial Statements Chart of Accounts The Balance Sheet Cash Flow Analysis Financial Ratio Analysis Gross Margin Ideas on How to Improve Gross Margins Summary Chapter 6: Protecting Your Business Protection Includes Some of the Following: Developing an Insurance Program Protecting Your Business from Theft Summary Chapter 7: Basic Tax Management Basic Tax Management Special rules for small businesses Tax Responsibilities Specific Substantiation Requirements for Certain Expenses Some Hints on How to Prevent an Audit Help Available from the IRS Other Taxes Summary Chapter 8: The Basics of Human Resource (People) Management The Broad Picture of Human Resources Human Resource Trends for the Future Figuring out Your Needs Deciding on the Right Compensation System for Your Sales Team Examples of Compensation Plans Resourceful Recruiting Job Applications, Resumés, Testing, to Narrow down the List of Candidates The Art of Interviewing Making the Final Hiring Decision Summary Chapter 9: Human Resource Management—after the Decision Is Made A Special Note From Hank The Orientation Period Training and Development Policy and Procedures Manual Creating an Employee–Friendly Work Environment Alternate Working Arrangements May Attract Good Candidates Keep Tabs on Company Morale Conduct Regular Meetings Measuring Employee Performance Developing Disciplinary Procedures Defining At–Will Employment Terminating an Employee Termination for “Just Cause” Sample Forms Summary Chapter 10: Marketing Marketing and Sales Are Not the Same Looking at the Big Picture: the Marketing “Wheel of Fortune” Make the Time Your Marketing Plan and Budget Marketing Budgets Knowing Who Your Customers Are Are You Offering the Right Product/ Service Package? Knowing Who Your Competitors Are Business Image and Branding Are Important Establishing Your Brand Finding and Filling a Meaningful Market Position Why It’s Important to Have a Great Website Develop an Advertising Campaign Getting Your Work Published Social Marketing for Kitchen & Bath Dealers Sales and Selling How to Get Started Your Sales Team Needs a Strong Leader Summary of How to Build a Marketing Plan In Closing. . . Summary Chapter 11: Professional and Profitable Project Management Introduction Section 1: the Business Owner’s/Manager’s Responsibilities Section 2: The Designer of Record’s Responsibilities Section 3: Managing the Client’s Expectations and the Project Jobsite Section 4: Industry Standards for Moulding Order Procedures and Cabinet Installation Summary

Hank Darlington has more than forty years of experience as a business owner, professional manager, and industry consultant. Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID is an award-winning, internationally known kitchen and bath design authority and educator.