Contributions from Joe Stoddard

Joe Stoddard is an industry consultant and the director of builder operations for Dynami Solutions; www.joestoddard.com.

  • Sending faxes via email

    If you choose the right service, you can keep records of faxes to your content management system and remain paperless.

  • Virtual Network Setup

    What if you could sit in your truck outside your favorite coffee shop and use the copy of Chief Architect software installed only on your office computer (located 50 miles away) to finish your project design, then print the drawing on a printer in your client's family room while you're driving to...

  • Welcome to Web 2.0

    Seemingly overnight, something remarkable has happened. The next generation of Web-based applications — Web 2.0 — has arrived. Many of these are useful for remodelers, and many are inexpensive or free.

  • Software on the Move

    Last month we looked at the hardware needed to set up your mobile office. Now it's time to add some software. I'm going to assume you already have a contact manager, a basic office suite, and some accounting software.

  • Ideas for mobile technology in the field

    Today's remodeling industry exists on jobsites and in-home sales calls, doing business from work trucks and home offices. The days of being tethered to a desk computer are over, so get mobile.

  • Getting a Web site up

    Last time I wrote about what not to do on your Web site. This month I'll cover what you should do.

  • Budgeting for Tech Success

    What would happen if the pilot of your next flight cut back the throttle to save fuel just as the plane was leaving the runway? It wouldn't be pretty. Similarly, business-savvy remodelers seem to morph into their irrational clients when it comes to technology projects, expecting it to take less...

  • Security Resolutions

    Even though we're already into 2006, it's never too late to work on your game plan. Here are three resolutions for data safety and security for the new year. I'll expand on these topics throughout the coming year, so stay tuned.

  • Welcome to the Blogosphere

    Blogs are the ultimate word-of-mouth advertising. Always play fair and take care of your customers, subs, and suppliers, and even if you get a negative blog post from time to time, there will be an even greater number of happy bloggers coming to your rescue.

  • Easy Excel Estimators

    Almost every remodeler I've run into dislikes estimating, especially if it takes time away from the family to make some demanding tire-kicker happy.