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Ben Sweeny, the salesman-turned-comedian behind that online persona Corporate Sween, says that bosses should waterboard their employees. “Some companies drown their employees with boring surveys and useless questionnaires,” he proclaims in a satirical video posted to LinkedIn a few months ago. “I drown my employees with two to three gallons of water, an incline table, and a hand towel.” Though the clip may seem racy for LinkedIn, a social network that’s earned a reputation as a reliable if buttoned-up venue for job networking, it has to date earned over 5,000 views and has reached over 7,000 unique members. And for Sweeny, its success is no surprise: Why shouldn’t job hunters appreciate a little slice of comedy? “There’s no reason for comedians not to post on LinkedIn,” Sweeny tells Fast Company. “Comedians want to perform on every stage they can, and LinkedIn is another stage.” Sweeny is not alone in that sentiment: Online and stand-up comics have begun to flock to LinkedIn to expand their reach. (In fact, Sweeny says he’s noticed his LinkedIn usage “growing substantially” among his comedy peers and says it may reach a point where it becomes “inundating.”) While LinkedIn doesn’t have data on comedy specifically, the platform has seen a general surge in video: The job networking site says video creation is up 36% this year, growing twice as fast as any other post format. “Humor is part of how we connect at work and helps us develop bonds,” says LinkedIn editor-in-chief Dan Roth. “For leaders, humor helps you show that you also make mistakes and don’t take yourself too seriously. So, we think humor has to be a part of LinkedIn.” However, Roth adds that LinkedIn pushes for the humor to focus on developing workplace bonds, rather than just “corporate memes or viral videos.” For many of the online comics, LinkedIn is more than just a new platform; it can also be a powerful networking tool for creators navigating their career. A number of comics tell Fast Company they’ve had brands reach out to them on the platform for collaborations and sponsorships—a large source of income for any full-time content creator. One newcomer in LinkedIn’s expanding comedy scene, Boston-based stand-up comic Joe Fenti, says LinkedIn isn’t just the best platform for workplace based jokes; it’s also inherently the funniest platform because of its “super serious, buttoned-up” default. “LinkedIn is very devoid of fun,” Fenti says. “Everyone puts on this very professional face, and they forget that you can laugh and have fun. People take the platform too seriously when it’s just a bunch of showboating, gloating, and bragging.” After finding success on other social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Fenti started posting his content onto LinkedIn a little over a month ago. His material often riffs on familiar corporate situations, like a boss hemming and hawing over the color background of a PowerPoint slide deck. He says half his LinkedIn posts “pop off” and the other half don’t really get noticed. Fenti enjoys adding humor to the platform where sometimes all he sees is someone saying they’re “humble and grateful” for a new job or position. “Why can’t we just talk like human beings?” he asks. Both Fenti and Sweeny have long focused on workplace humor, even before joining the work-based social media platform. That’s because their career background is corporate, rather than strictly comedic. Sweeny may have performed improv and stand-up in college, but he worked in sales before turning to comedy full time. Fenti similarly began his postgrad career as a consultant before pivoting to professional humor. These comedians don’t always create material specifically for LinkedIn; rather, the platform fits the humor they already produce. The Venn diagram between videos that Fenti posts on TikTok and LinkedIn is almost a circle, he says. The LinkedIn comic Your Average Finance Bro (and who declined to share his real name) says he sometimes turns his preexisting jokes into text-based posts on LinkedIn. Oftentimes, those posts perform better than his videos. “Different comedians take different approaches to LinkedIn,” says Your Average Finance Bro. “Some people post content that traditionally would not be accepted on LinkedIn. My approach is more creating something you could send your coworker as a joke, and you could message each other and be like: ‘that’s funny.’” Sweeny, for his part, likes to “play the villain” on social media by spoofing corporate bosses. Those characters can evoke big (sometimes shocked) reactions from online audiences. Sweeny says the best audience is those who don’t get the joke. In response to those cartoonishly evil boss videos, Sweeny says that every once in a while a commenter will get really offended. “People on LinkedIn can get really passionate about work,” Sweeny says. “So from my perspective, it’s obvious that I’m kidding. But I have people that comment all upset and tell me I shouldn’t be treating employees that way. And that’s the funniest thing I could ask for.” View the full article

US president’s pick to head Council of Economic Advisers has argued the central bank is at odds with US constitutionView the full article

Investment in professional development is more common than tuition reimbursement among top-ranked firms seeking to meet demand for AI-related training. View the full article

Interest-only loans, popular pre-2008, have revamped requirements and can be an option for borrowers looking for short-term lower payments, stakeholders say. View the full article

With today's low inventory, an MIP reduction would again be absorbed into home prices, offering no real relief to buyers, write the co-directors of the AEI Housing Center. View the full article

One of the most effective factors in containing the spread of HIV has been the widespread availability of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). A PrEP regimen—which has grown to include daily pills or injections every few months—can decrease the chances of HIV infection by up to 99%. To build on those gains, in 2021, the federal government, under the Affordable Care Act, mandated that health insurers fully cover PrEP, as well as clinical visits and the labs required every three months. But an upcoming hearing before the Supreme Court could upend that mandate. The case—brought by six individuals and two companies—is focused on whether mandating coverage of PrEP violates the religious freedom of certain business owners. Braidwood Management, one of the companies, is arguing PrEP coverage “facilitates and encourages homosexual behavior, intravenous drug use, and sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman,” according to the organization’s petition to the Supreme Court. “HIV doesn’t just impact the LGBTQ community,” says Kate Steinle, chief clinical cfficer at Folx Health, a healthcare provider focused on the queer community. “Removing this coverage [would] affect so many people.” There are currently 1.2 million people in the United States with HIV. While HIV infection rates have decreased over 75% since the mid-1980s, in 2022 there were at over 31,000 new cases of HIV infection in the US. About 20% of the new cases are women, 83% of whom were infected during sex with men. Without insurance coverage, generic PrEP could cost up to $60 a month, not including lab-work and clinical visits. At Folx Health, cash prices for an initial visit to get PrEP costs $159, follow-up visits cost $79 each, and labs run $97 a year. “If you have good insurance, the out-of-pocket costs might not prevent you from getting PrEP,” says Edwin Corbin-Gutierrez, a senior program advisor at NASTAD, a nonprofit that represents public health officials focused on HIV and hepatitis. “However, it can be a big burden for some people and the biggest impact will be on lower income people and the most marginalized.” A 2024 study found that a small price increase from $0 to $10 a month for PrEP would double the rate of people who don’t use PrEP. The study also found that the rate of new HIV infections among people who don’t have a PrEP prescription was double or triple the rate of new HIV infections for people who use PrEP. Companies who sell PrEP are now scrambling to come up with a plan that protects public health should coverage fall through. “We’re in wait and see mode,” says Daphne Chen, cofounder of TBD Health, a telehealth company that offers PrEP and sexual health services. “We’re hopeful that the government doesn’t want an HIV epidemic on its hands.” Both TBD Health and Nurx, another telehealth company that prescribes PrEP and treats other health conditions, have said that they’ll work to keep costs as low as possible and to partner with nonprofits to help fund people who won’t be able to pay for PrEP without insurance. Nurx says approximately 15% to 20% of its patients are not using insurance to pay for PrEP. “This comes at a really unfortunate time when we’re making great strides in the fight against HIV,” says Neil Parikh, chief medical officer at Thirty Madison, Nurx’s parent company. “We’ll do whatever we can to make this affordable and connect patients to assistance programs.” However, it’s not always as simple as wanting to make healthcare accessible. Blue Cross Blue Shield filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in which it argued that if some insurers drop PrEP and other preventative service coverage, other insurers will feel pressured to follow suit in the interest of keeping costs down and remaining competitive. “Preventative care isn’t just a health policy issue, it’s a business issue,” says Elizabeth Kaplan, director of health care access at the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School. According to a 2021 study, the cost of treating HIV can range from $400,000 to $1 million per person over the course of their life. Kaplan also points out there’s a new treatment for PrEP on the horizon: an injection that can last for six months (some existing injections last for three months at a time). This could further reduce HIV transmission rates for had to reach people facing housing insecurity or addiction issues who may struggle with PrEP in the form of a daily pill, or with the three-month testing requirement. Kaplan adds that a ruling that ends required coverage of PrEP doesn’t have to spell the end of it. “Companies can still choose to cover PrEP without copays,” she says. “We urge them to do so. It’s the right thing to do.” View the full article

When it comes to how optimistic we are as a country, the glass is more than half full. According to a recent Marist Institute for Public Opinion poll, 56% of Americans feel optimistic about 2025, while 43% are pessimistic. You may feel like optimism and pessimism is an inborn personality trait, but which side you fall on is actually a choice. While it sounds surprising, Sumit Paul-Choudhury, author of The Bright Side: How Optimists Change the World and How You Can Be One, consciously decided to be an optimist after the death of his first wife. “It was initially black humor,” he explains. “I was saying, ‘Things are really grim right now, but I’ve decided that they’re going to be better, and I’m going to act as though they’re going to be better.’” Unknowingly, Paul-Choudhury started doing things that nurture and direct optimism, and it worked. “It was moving me towards a brighter future than the one I had at the moment,” he says. “I realized I’d always been an optimist. I’d always tended to assume that things would work out well for me, but I thought of it as a personality trait that didn’t really mean anything. I came to the conclusion that optimism is quite powerful in the way that I was responding to my situation.” Why Optimism is Important Humans as well as the animal kingdom are set by default to be optimistic. Paul-Choudhury says there are evolutionary arguments as to why optimism is important. The most compelling is because we don’t always have the information we need. “We need something to prompt us to act,” he says. “Doing nothing from an evolutionary sense is not usually a path to success. You’re more likely to find solutions to your problems or new opportunities if you act.” There are varying levels of optimism, though, and people who are more optimistic are likely to search for ideas that will change the world, says Paul-Choudhury. “They are more likely to persevere in trying to realize those ideas,” he says. “Optimists tend to cope better with setbacks. They tend to be a bit more tenacious in pursuit of whatever the goal is.” Optimists also have social clout. “You’re going to hang out with somebody who tells you that things are good or are going to get better, rather than someone who’s going to say the opposite,” says Paul-Choudhury. “That means that optimists can also accrue considerable social and economic power.” The combination of a readiness for new ideas, the drive to pursue them, and the ability to draw others to your cause adds up to a formula for creating change, says Paul-Choudhury. How to Become More Optimistic Optimism can be learned, says Paul-Choudhury. One step is looking at how you frame failure. An optimist, for example, explains away failure by citing temporary external factors unrelated to their own ability or personality and reasons that are not likely to be repeated. A pessimist, on the other hand, will point to their own aptitude and determine they have failed before they even began. For example, Paul-Choudhury failed his driving test and chalked it up to a technicality and the persnickety personality of the inspector. A friend also failed her test, but she took a pessimistic stance, deciding that she was a bad driver. Another way to cultivate optimism is to practice a best-possible-self exercise, invented by Laura King, a professor of psychology at the University of Missouri. Spend 15 minutes a day writing about the version of you in the future where everything has gone right. Then spend five minutes imagining the future. Paul-Choudhury realized he had inadvertently stumbled upon this approach during his period of mourning. He wrote daily blog posts, describing a better future and attempting to explain what had happened. “They were all informed by the desire to work out who I could be now that such a large part of my life had suddenly been rendered irrelevant,” he says, adding that he continues to use this exercise when he feels he’s at a crossroads and needs a reminder to be optimistic. The downsides of optimism Too much optimism, however, can backfire, and Paul-Choudhury offers some cautions. You can become overconfident about goals that are not achievable, for example. You can become very selective about your use of information. Overconfidence can also skew your judgment, because it’s strongly tied up with the human urge to pay attention to information that suits your worldview. “If things are not going right, you may not notice, because you’re too busy collecting the pieces of information that tell you that they’re going well,” says Paul-Choudhury. And being overly optimistic can prompt you to pick too many goals, because you see opportunity everywhere. “That’s called goal conflict,” says Paul-Choudhury. “You don’t pick one thing to focus on and stick with, or you try to do too many things at once. That usually leads to an inability to manage all or any one of them.” A healthy level of optimism can better your life. Once you’re conscious that you are optimistic, direct it to the things that you want to change. Being able to always find the bright side can be a welcome safe harbor when life brings you a storm. View the full article

All aspects of the concrete business are thriving in the United States. It’s hard work, and much of it is labor-intensive. But the start-up costs aren’t high and concrete business owners have the potential to earn significant income. Read on for a guide on how to start a concrete business. Why Start a Concrete Business? Yes, the concrete industry in the U.S. has been experiencing steady growth, particularly due to infrastructure projects, residential development, and commercial construction. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials is also a contributing factor. Concrete Industry Trends Today There are many trends currently impacting the way concrete companies operate: Use of Recycled Materials: Eco-friendliness: With increasing environmental concerns, the concrete industry is now using recycled aggregate, replacing natural sand and gravel. Waste Utilization: Concrete industries have started using waste materials like fly ash, slag, and recycled concrete, reducing landfill waste. Cost-Efficiency: Using recycled materials can also prove to be cost-effective in many scenarios as it reduces dependency on virgin materials. High-Performance Concrete: Durability: High-performance concrete (HPC) is engineered for longevity, providing resistance to harsh weather and significant wear and tear. Strength: HPC often has a greater compressive strength than regular concrete, making it ideal for critical infrastructure like bridges. Self-Healing Properties: Some advanced forms of HPC are even embedded with bacteria that produce limestone, allowing the concrete to “heal” minor cracks. Digitalization in the Concrete Industry: 3D Printing: The industry has started leveraging 3D printing for creating complex concrete structures, reducing labor and material wastage. Digital Twin Technology: Simulates a structure’s behavior over time, helping predict when maintenance or repairs might be necessary. Software Integration: Various project management and structural analysis software have been integrated to enhance productivity and efficiency. Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Thermal Efficiency: Concrete’s natural thermal mass can store and release energy, providing a passive cooling and heating effect in structures. Green Building Certifications: With a focus on sustainable construction, concrete is being optimized to meet green building standards like LEED. Carbon Capture: Innovations such as carbon-injected concrete are gaining popularity, as they capture CO2 during the curing process, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint. Like many other industries, the concrete sector is evolving to address the challenges of our modern world. As demands for environmental sustainability and efficiency rise, the industry’s strategies regarding materials, technology, and processes are continuously adapting and innovating. What Does a Concrete Company Do? Residential Jobs often involve pouring foundations, driveways, and sidewalks. Commercial Larger-scale projects, like office buildings, require specialized equipment. Industrial Involves highly durable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc. Decorative/Specialty Focus on aesthetics, including stamped or colored concrete. Service TypeTypical Jobs/FeaturesEquipment/Requirements ResidentialPouring foundations, driveways, sidewalks.Standard concrete mixers, pumps, trowels/finishing tools. CommercialLarger-scale projects like office buildings.Specialized equipment, larger mixers and pumps. IndustrialDurable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc.Reinforced concrete, heavy-duty equipment. Decorative/SpecialtyAesthetic focus; stamped, colored concrete.Specialty mixers, color additives, stamping tools. Key Steps to Start Your Own Concrete Business As is common with all businesses, starting a concrete business involves a number of steps. If you’re interested in learning how to start a business in this growing field, read on for a guide. Market Research in the Construction Industry Before starting a concrete business, you need to do thorough market research. The research should include all types of concrete work being done in your area. After doing the research, you may realize that you can get your best start by providing an underserved niche, such as decorative concrete or specialized concrete applications for unique construction projects. Crafting Your Concrete Business Plan Your business plan should include information about your business structure, such as if you’ve formed the business as a Limited Liability Corporation or LLC (this is common), partnership or corporation. You should also incorporate details about your market research, marketing strategy, and plans for business growth in the upcoming years. Lenders like to, of course, see documentation of all your financials, and they also like to see a business plan. Registering Your Concrete Business and Legal Requirements You’ll need a business license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and likely a contractor’s license. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory. Researching General Liability Insurance This small business insurance protects against financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, or other general risks that can occur during business operations. Financing Your Concrete Business After you’ve crafted your business plan, organize all your financial information so you can present it to a lender. You can seek financing from a variety of lenders. Don’t overlook seeking lenders who are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has various loan programs offered through participating lenders. The SBA loans often have lower interest rates and longer repayments. Necessary Licenses and Certifications Requirements can differ depending on the state, but they typically consist of a business license, a contractor’s license, and possibly specialized certifications for certain types of work. Running a Successful Concrete Business Once you’ve learned how to start a concrete business, you’ll need to focus on providing concrete services for your customers. Here are some tips: Quality Concrete and Customer Satisfaction Your contract with a customer should be clear. It’s an agreement that describes the type of work to be performed and its cost. Don’t neglect to follow up with the customer. Ensure they are satisfied with the work completed. Request feedback to gauge their level of satisfaction, as this information will be essential for your future endeavors. Efficient Operations and Inventory Management One of the most critical parts of running a concrete business is organizing the delivery of the concrete. Big jobs may require numerous deliveries from concrete trucks. As soon as you’ve contracted a job, start taking steps to set up concrete delivery. Of course, the weather can always be a factor to waylay your best plans. But, at least the concrete supplier will know how much concrete you’ll need for the job, allowing the supplier to plan accordingly to line up production and drivers. Safety Standards and Compliance Key concerns include worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. OSHA guidelines are critical. Marketing Your Concrete Business You should establish a website and a presence on social media. Additionally, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce, which will allow you to network with other business professionals in the community, particularly contractors. Contractors from different industries can direct their customers to your business. Building Long-Term Client Relationships Once you have good clients, don’t neglect them. Thank them for the business association. Ask for feedback on their level of job satisfaction and ask for suggestions. Essential Tools, Equipment, and Costs to Start a Concrete Business Concrete Mixers: $1,000-$10,000 depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps: $20,000-$50,000 for basic models. Trowels/Finishing Tools: A few hundred dollars for a good set. EquipmentCost RangeNotes Concrete Mixers$1,000 - $10,000Price varies depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps$20,000 - $50,000For basic models. Higher-end models might cost more. Trowels/Finishing ToolsUp to a few hundred dollarsCost for a good set. Price can vary based on quality and brand. Marketing and Growing Your Concrete Business If you’re wondering, “what is marketing for a concrete business?” here are some tips to help your new venture succeed. Digital Marketing Strategies Your Facebook page and social media connections should be regularly updated with photos and videos showcasing your latest projects, as well as customer reviews. Building Partnerships with Construction Companies This type of partnership can work for both of you. The construction company or contractor provides leads or referrals, and you do the same for them. For instance, after completing a stamped concrete patio for a client, the client shares that his son has purchased a lot in the same development and plans to build a house. You can suggest a construction company that you have confidence in. Customer Retention Strategies Seeking customer feedback is the proven way to retain customers. That’s because positive and negative feedback tells you where you need to improve. You can use customer feedback to provide the best job possible. Starting a Small Concrete Business It’s true you can spend $1,000 by starting with a small mixer. You’ll need $20,000 for a basic concrete pump and about $100 for tools. In other words, you can be equipped for your business for less than $22,000. That doesn’t include your insurance or permit costs. Many construction jobs are “small jobs,” such as a backyard patio or a pad for a hot tub or spa. These are jobs that the “big” concrete companies may not be interested in doing. Taking on small concrete jobs will give you a start. With satisfied customers and a growing customer base, your new concrete business can continue to grow. You can buy bigger and better equipment as you can afford it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bimV01UGv6E%3Fsi%3D1_9lFuek9_o6unYX FAQs: How to Start a Concrete Business How profitable is a concrete business? Profits or concrete businesses can vary widely based on scale, location, and type of work, but expect margins from 2% to 10% depending on various factors, including overhead and labor costs. The annual earnings of a concrete contractor can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location, the size of their operations, and the nature of the contracts they undertake. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for construction managers, which encompasses concrete contractors, is approximately $95,260. Nevertheless, a self-employed contractor operating as a business owner might earn considerably more or less, influenced by their specific business model and prevailing market conditions. What qualifications are needed to become a concrete contractor? Qualifications often include a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an apprenticeship in the field. Many states also require concrete contractors to pass a licensing exam that tests knowledge of best practices, local building codes, and safety protocols. Experience is highly valued, and some contractors may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas. Are there risks associated with concrete businesses? Yes there are always risks involved when you’re working with heavy equipment. There are OSHA guidelines regarding worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. Adherence to the OSHA guidelines is critical. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Concrete Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

All aspects of the concrete business are thriving in the United States. It’s hard work, and much of it is labor-intensive. But the start-up costs aren’t high and concrete business owners have the potential to earn significant income. Read on for a guide on how to start a concrete business. Why Start a Concrete Business? Yes, the concrete industry in the U.S. has been experiencing steady growth, particularly due to infrastructure projects, residential development, and commercial construction. The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient building materials is also a contributing factor. Concrete Industry Trends Today There are many trends currently impacting the way concrete companies operate: Use of Recycled Materials: Eco-friendliness: With increasing environmental concerns, the concrete industry is now using recycled aggregate, replacing natural sand and gravel. Waste Utilization: Concrete industries have started using waste materials like fly ash, slag, and recycled concrete, reducing landfill waste. Cost-Efficiency: Using recycled materials can also prove to be cost-effective in many scenarios as it reduces dependency on virgin materials. High-Performance Concrete: Durability: High-performance concrete (HPC) is engineered for longevity, providing resistance to harsh weather and significant wear and tear. Strength: HPC often has a greater compressive strength than regular concrete, making it ideal for critical infrastructure like bridges. Self-Healing Properties: Some advanced forms of HPC are even embedded with bacteria that produce limestone, allowing the concrete to “heal” minor cracks. Digitalization in the Concrete Industry: 3D Printing: The industry has started leveraging 3D printing for creating complex concrete structures, reducing labor and material wastage. Digital Twin Technology: Simulates a structure’s behavior over time, helping predict when maintenance or repairs might be necessary. Software Integration: Various project management and structural analysis software have been integrated to enhance productivity and efficiency. Focus on Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Thermal Efficiency: Concrete’s natural thermal mass can store and release energy, providing a passive cooling and heating effect in structures. Green Building Certifications: With a focus on sustainable construction, concrete is being optimized to meet green building standards like LEED. Carbon Capture: Innovations such as carbon-injected concrete are gaining popularity, as they capture CO2 during the curing process, thereby minimizing the carbon footprint. Like many other industries, the concrete sector is evolving to address the challenges of our modern world. As demands for environmental sustainability and efficiency rise, the industry’s strategies regarding materials, technology, and processes are continuously adapting and innovating. What Does a Concrete Company Do? Residential Jobs often involve pouring foundations, driveways, and sidewalks. Commercial Larger-scale projects, like office buildings, require specialized equipment. Industrial Involves highly durable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc. Decorative/Specialty Focus on aesthetics, including stamped or colored concrete. Service TypeTypical Jobs/FeaturesEquipment/Requirements ResidentialPouring foundations, driveways, sidewalks.Standard concrete mixers, pumps, trowels/finishing tools. CommercialLarger-scale projects like office buildings.Specialized equipment, larger mixers and pumps. IndustrialDurable concrete for factories, warehouses, etc.Reinforced concrete, heavy-duty equipment. Decorative/SpecialtyAesthetic focus; stamped, colored concrete.Specialty mixers, color additives, stamping tools. Key Steps to Start Your Own Concrete Business As is common with all businesses, starting a concrete business involves a number of steps. If you’re interested in learning how to start a business in this growing field, read on for a guide. Market Research in the Construction Industry Before starting a concrete business, you need to do thorough market research. The research should include all types of concrete work being done in your area. After doing the research, you may realize that you can get your best start by providing an underserved niche, such as decorative concrete or specialized concrete applications for unique construction projects. Crafting Your Concrete Business Plan Your business plan should include information about your business structure, such as if you’ve formed the business as a Limited Liability Corporation or LLC (this is common), partnership or corporation. You should also incorporate details about your market research, marketing strategy, and plans for business growth in the upcoming years. Lenders like to, of course, see documentation of all your financials, and they also like to see a business plan. Registering Your Concrete Business and Legal Requirements You’ll need a business license, Employer Identification Number (EIN), and likely a contractor’s license. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory. Researching General Liability Insurance This small business insurance protects against financial loss due to bodily injury, property damage, or other general risks that can occur during business operations. Financing Your Concrete Business After you’ve crafted your business plan, organize all your financial information so you can present it to a lender. You can seek financing from a variety of lenders. Don’t overlook seeking lenders who are approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA has various loan programs offered through participating lenders. The SBA loans often have lower interest rates and longer repayments. Necessary Licenses and Certifications Requirements can differ depending on the state, but they typically consist of a business license, a contractor’s license, and possibly specialized certifications for certain types of work. Running a Successful Concrete Business Once you’ve learned how to start a concrete business, you’ll need to focus on providing concrete services for your customers. Here are some tips: Quality Concrete and Customer Satisfaction Your contract with a customer should be clear. It’s an agreement that describes the type of work to be performed and its cost. Don’t neglect to follow up with the customer. Ensure they are satisfied with the work completed. Request feedback to gauge their level of satisfaction, as this information will be essential for your future endeavors. Efficient Operations and Inventory Management One of the most critical parts of running a concrete business is organizing the delivery of the concrete. Big jobs may require numerous deliveries from concrete trucks. As soon as you’ve contracted a job, start taking steps to set up concrete delivery. Of course, the weather can always be a factor to waylay your best plans. But, at least the concrete supplier will know how much concrete you’ll need for the job, allowing the supplier to plan accordingly to line up production and drivers. Safety Standards and Compliance Key concerns include worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. OSHA guidelines are critical. Marketing Your Concrete Business You should establish a website and a presence on social media. Additionally, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce, which will allow you to network with other business professionals in the community, particularly contractors. Contractors from different industries can direct their customers to your business. Building Long-Term Client Relationships Once you have good clients, don’t neglect them. Thank them for the business association. Ask for feedback on their level of job satisfaction and ask for suggestions. Essential Tools, Equipment, and Costs to Start a Concrete Business Concrete Mixers: $1,000-$10,000 depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps: $20,000-$50,000 for basic models. Trowels/Finishing Tools: A few hundred dollars for a good set. EquipmentCost RangeNotes Concrete Mixers$1,000 - $10,000Price varies depending on size and functionality. Concrete Pumps$20,000 - $50,000For basic models. Higher-end models might cost more. Trowels/Finishing ToolsUp to a few hundred dollarsCost for a good set. Price can vary based on quality and brand. Marketing and Growing Your Concrete Business If you’re wondering, “what is marketing for a concrete business?” here are some tips to help your new venture succeed. Digital Marketing Strategies Your Facebook page and social media connections should be regularly updated with photos and videos showcasing your latest projects, as well as customer reviews. Building Partnerships with Construction Companies This type of partnership can work for both of you. The construction company or contractor provides leads or referrals, and you do the same for them. For instance, after completing a stamped concrete patio for a client, the client shares that his son has purchased a lot in the same development and plans to build a house. You can suggest a construction company that you have confidence in. Customer Retention Strategies Seeking customer feedback is the proven way to retain customers. That’s because positive and negative feedback tells you where you need to improve. You can use customer feedback to provide the best job possible. Starting a Small Concrete Business It’s true you can spend $1,000 by starting with a small mixer. You’ll need $20,000 for a basic concrete pump and about $100 for tools. In other words, you can be equipped for your business for less than $22,000. That doesn’t include your insurance or permit costs. Many construction jobs are “small jobs,” such as a backyard patio or a pad for a hot tub or spa. These are jobs that the “big” concrete companies may not be interested in doing. Taking on small concrete jobs will give you a start. With satisfied customers and a growing customer base, your new concrete business can continue to grow. You can buy bigger and better equipment as you can afford it. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bimV01UGv6E%3Fsi%3D1_9lFuek9_o6unYX FAQs: How to Start a Concrete Business How profitable is a concrete business? Profits or concrete businesses can vary widely based on scale, location, and type of work, but expect margins from 2% to 10% depending on various factors, including overhead and labor costs. The annual earnings of a concrete contractor can fluctuate significantly based on factors such as location, the size of their operations, and the nature of the contracts they undertake. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for construction managers, which encompasses concrete contractors, is approximately $95,260. Nevertheless, a self-employed contractor operating as a business owner might earn considerably more or less, influenced by their specific business model and prevailing market conditions. What qualifications are needed to become a concrete contractor? Qualifications often include a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by training or an apprenticeship in the field. Many states also require concrete contractors to pass a licensing exam that tests knowledge of best practices, local building codes, and safety protocols. Experience is highly valued, and some contractors may pursue additional certifications in specialized areas. Are there risks associated with concrete businesses? Yes there are always risks involved when you’re working with heavy equipment. There are OSHA guidelines regarding worker safety in relation to heavy equipment, exposure to elements, and the chemical properties of concrete. Adherence to the OSHA guidelines is critical. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Concrete Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here. Books offer a compelling, slower alternative to the onslaught of negative news. With terrific new free tools, it’s increasingly easy to access print, digital, and audio books. Read on for my favorite book sites and apps. The heavy-hitters Libby lends out free e-books and audiobooks through libraries in 78 countries. It works for 90% of U.S. libraries. You can search for and check out nearly anything, instantly, for free, on any device. Audiobooks: Check out and listen to audiobooks at any speed. You may not need to pay for an Audible subscription. Definitions: Click on any word in an e-book you’re reading in Libby for its definition or to see where else that name or phrase appears. Highlight: Save memorable passages for your notes. Multiple cards: You can use multiple library cards within a single Libby account. That helps you check which library has the shortest waiting list for a book in high demand. (See where you can get non-resident library cards). Limitation: Libby is digital-only—you can’t use it for physical books. That requires a separate app or site, like the NYPL app in New York. Kanopy provides free access to top-notch feature films and documentaries. I log in with my library card. Watch on the Web, iOS or Android, or on a SmartTV app like Google TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV. Limitation: libraries limit the number of videos you can watch monthly. Hoopla is an alternative to Libby that works with 3,900 library systems in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Like Libby it hosts audiobooks and e-books, but also bundles in comics, movies, TV shows, magazines, and music. Use Hoopla to read, watch or listen from the Web or on a mobile device. I recently discovered its free Bingepasses, which allow instant access to a collection of magazines or videos for a week. World Cat tells you which of 10,000 global libraries near you have a particular book. It works in multiple languages. Search for books in print, e-book, braille, audio, or other formats. Find your next read Most Recommended Books shows you a list of smart people. Pick an expert or celeb you like and see which books they recommend, along with brief quotes on why they like each book. Check Goodbooks.io and ReadThisTwice for more expert/celeb book picks. Whichbook’s World Map offers a creative way to find a book about any part of the world. Select a country and see books set in that region. Where to find book recs is a nice list from a Writing About Reading post. I also like the eclectic recommendations in the New York Times’ Read Like the Wind newsletter. BookClubs lets you find a book group near you or organize your own. Fable hosts book clubs & communities for sharing what you’re reading. Find free and cheap books Project Gutenberg has more than 75,000 free e-books and audiobooks. No registration required. See the top 100 list for free reading inspiration. The Internet Archive has searchable e-books and a free library collection. Bookbub is handy for bargain hunters. It shows discounted and free e-books. Available as a newsletter or check the site for deals. Support Independent booksellers Alibris has 200 million titles from indy booksellers around the world. Powell’s is the world’s largest independent bookstore. Bookfinder lets you search online to find any book at the cheapest price. Indiebound helps you find a nearby real-world indy bookstore. Abebooks has great deals from independents. Check its bargain books + collections. Caveat: Amazon has owned it since 2008. Tertulia is a well-designed online co-op bookshop owned by readers. Make your own book list Listy is free. It’s easy to look up & add books, and later export your list. (See my prior post about it). LibraryThing is free and easy for cataloging books & tracking reading. Free Notion book tracking template lets you customize a collection page. Free Airtable book list template & my Airtable example: 30 authors I like. Find great children’s books Sora is a digital library for kids. Schools make e-books and audiobooks available on the app. It works well with graphic novels, picture books, as well as comic books and textbooks. (We also use Libby for kids books). Epic is another popular kids e-book app. It’s fun to use, but be aware that it leans into gamification and extrinsic motivation—using points and streaks to entice kids to repeatedly open the app. Kanopy has a great kids section with video versions of books by Eric Carle, Mo Willems and other great authors to spark an interest in reading. It also has math and science lessons. This article is republished with permission from Wonder Tools, a newsletter that helps you discover the most useful sites and apps. Subscribe here. View the full article

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