What the 2016 Election Means for Painting Contractors

Did you watch the first presidential debate?

I did… In fact, we had a debate-watch get-together at the house. It was a good time.

As you probably know, I spent my early career in politics working on U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state/local races. I even wrote a book on it that’s still used at high-brow schools in D.C. … but that’s all ancient history now.

As we move through this year’s election season, let me give you a piece of hard-won advice: Don’t worry about it…

Why? It’s beyond your influence. Trust me, I know…

Outside of casting your vote, dragging a friend to the polls, writing a check, or volunteering for a campaign, your influence – nationally speaking – is inconsequential.

Will they tax you to death? Probably... Tie you up in more red tape? Certainly… Look out for those gaming the system before they consider your needs as a contributor? Absolutely…

Once you’ve done your civic duty, my advice is to ignore the whole rotten mess.

Take every moment you’d spend watching the news, trolling the internet, fuming on social media, or brow-beating a political adversary and instead turn your attention to what matters.

Things you have 100% control over. Where your influence holds sway. Turn it here…

#1 Your Business – You can’t correct the gross injustice of the tax code as an entrepreneur, but you can do your damnedest to out-earn their confiscations. You can…

1. Connect with your customers routinely to drive sales through the roof

2. Systematize your sales systems for maximum close rates and higher profit margins

3. Build referral networks and tap into other people’s lists and resources for pennies compared to traditional marketing

4. Target the largest commercial repaint contracts in your city and be their painter for life

#2 Your Personal Finances – Yes, the government will spend us into bankruptcy and insolvency. However, you do not have to follow their example.

1. Forget the Joneses. You know what you can afford. Spend well below your means, live simply, and invest money in making memories instead of piles of plastic and metal. You’ll sleep better.

2. Avoid payments and pay down debt. When the house is paid-for, the cars are paid-for, and your business is free and clear of obligations, you can move financial mountains and live like no one else. It takes discipline for just a few short years, but then you’ll have freedom for a lifetime.

#3 Your Relationships – When you are old and sitting in a nursing home bed, neither Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, nor their darling children will come to visit you. Instead of worrying about what’s going on in their lives, turn your attention closer to home.

1. Are you following your family as close as you are following the news? How’s your spouse… really. Have you talked to your kids lately? I mean truly talked with them. How are your folks? Don’t know? Find out.

2. There’s something bigger than all of us. Bigger than this election cycle. Bigger, even, than this great country we live in. Do you know what it is for you? If not, you better find out (and it’s easier than you think.)

You see, none of this requires that Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton do anything right. None of this demands a democrat or republican dislodge their heads from their hind-parts.

These are changes you can make today that will have immediate financial impacts tomorrow. These changes will give you meaningful returns, not hollow satisfaction. Focus your passion and intensity on your business, your household, and your relationships.

I promise, you’ll get much more than the small, smug, psychological satisfaction that political jockeying and punditry will bring you.

What say you?

Brandon Lewis, MBA
Director of the Marketing Department
THE ACADEMY for PROFESSIONAL PAINTING CONTRACTORS