ENR has a helpful article this week titled Recession’s Realities: The New Normal and How to Win Work. Explaining that the future in construction is unlikely to look like the past, the article hits the normal negatives of low pricing, lagging funding and scarcity of projects. On the positive side, however, they discuss an increase in quality, more functional joint venture partnerships and much more interest in innovation from Owners.

As I’ve been saying for years, these tough times will good for the competent folks and miserable for the those just trying to hang on. The good news? You get to choose to which group you belong.

The ENR article listed the following insert that impressed me:

Winning the Project: Tips from Owners
• Visit the site of the project ahead of time, even if you have to travel.
• Put together a team in which the different cultures mesh. (This strategy is more important than compatible computer platforms.)
• Make certain that every team member you propose will be on the project—and stay.
• Don’t go around, behind or above your official point(s) of contact to get a foot in the door or insider information. Such a move only makes it harder for them to choose you.
• Establish a rapport. Owners say again and again that chemistry is a key factor in selecting a winner.
• Don’t over-Google the people on the owner’s team. They consider it creepy if you know too much about them.
• Treat the administrative staff and the rank- and-file people well. They have more influence than you think.

I recommend you consider these guidelines carefully, regardless of your position in the construction food chain. How could these guidelines be varied to help you better succeed at what you do?