How To Sign A Renovation Contract

Do you think it’s complex to put together a construction company’s marketing strategy? Well, think again! Marketing in the construction industry is based on the same fundamental concepts that govern all of marketing. Advertising isn’t the only trick in the book when it comes to marketing, nor is online marketing. Here are the fundamental concepts that you can use as a contractor to get your projects off the ground. How to Market a Construction Company A construction company’s marketing strategy isn’t all too different than that of any other business. The end goal is the same: your services must reach your client base. With that in mind, there are 6 basic marketing strategies you can use to make it happen: 1- Create a website A website is like a roadside shop. It can be located in an industrial zone or a pedestrian area in a big city. The benefit of a website is that, with time, you can take it from the former to the latter, and that, is solely with the power of search engines. As such, you’ll be able to attract new visitors, therefore, potential clients. We’ll delve into that in point 2. First, though, let’s take a look at the 2 ways you can create a website dedicated to your construction company: Go through a paid platform; Use a free CMS (Content Management System). The most common paid platforms are Wix and Shopify. They are designed to simplify your stock management as much as possible, as well as provide your clients with a variety of payment options. However, if your website is, first and foremost, a showcase website, free and open-source CMSs, like Wordpress.org (for beginners) or Drupal.org (for programmers), will work just fine. Then, to find clients, one has to know how to position themselves and evolve from a brownfield land to a major urban centre. 2- Content marketing Content marketing requires an all-out focus on search engines, more particularly Google, which represents 91% of the market, then Bing with a 3.19% slice of the market. And, that’s what’s referred to as SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Why optimization, you ask? Because it’s all based on algorithms, and it’s all free. However, to get there, you have to build content around keywords (words and phrases) with the following characteristics: In line with your company; Researched by Internet users; Low-level competition. To get this information, you can use paid software, or rely on Google Ads' Keyword Planner. With Google Ads, you can also design Ads campaigns, but we’ll get into that in point 6. To select your keywords, you can also rely on Google’s search engine. Want an example? Type “Construction company marketing” in your search bar. Scroll down to “Related searches,” to know what questions Internet users are asking: “Construction company marketing strategy examples”; “What is construction marketing”; “Marketing plan for construction company example”; etc. From there, you’ll simply need to create content around these subjects, meaning by writing, or outsourcing, blog articles. 3- Social media Kill two birds with one stone! Once the articles are uploaded onto the company’s website, share them on your social media, whether on your professional or personal pages. Dalia Ceron Gonzalez, of Image Marketing, said that “There are a lot of social media platforms that are useful marketing tools [LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, Ed.]. At first, try them all, then focus on the one that brings the most traffic to your website. Online marketing is driven by these platforms, which attract a large percentage of Internet users, including your clients. Don't forget that social networks also contribute to your company's image, since they reflect your clients' opinions. Social proof is key to success. 4- Direct marketing Danger, Will Robinson! Direct marketing is the act of using emails as a method of communication, but solely directed at those who have authorized the reception of said emails, and who can unsubscribe. Why? Because, otherwise, sending emails to lists of thousands of email addresses, purchased on the Internet, would consider you a spammer, and therefore you’ll be penalized. If you want to take a stab at sending emails as part of your marketing campaign, bear in mind all the measures put in place by CASL (Canada's anti-spam legislation) since it became effective in 2014. It's worth looking into, as Dalia Ceron Gonzalez rightly said, "If the contractor already has a good database, a newsletter is both useful and necessary." 5- Communicate locally You're a construction company, operating in a certain geographical area. As a result, your first clients are likely to be located near you. To connect with them, you have several options: Sponsor a sports team (buy jerseys); Finance an event (a run, annual party); Hand out flyers; Reach out to journalists and the local press; Advertise at your job sites and on vehicles; Rent a billboard. How to Develop a Marketing Plan To develop your marketing plan, you'll need to assess your company and its environment, and meet the following criteria: Use SWOT analysis; Describe your persona; Establish your goals; Apply the 4 Ps of marketing; Set a budget; Advertise. 1- What’s SWOT? SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Your strengths and weaknesses are internal to your company. It's all about your employees' skills and abilities, but their limitations too. Opportunities and threats are external to your company. They’re the market opportunities on which your construction company operates, and the threats that you face from competitors, labour shortages, or the state of the economy. 2- What’s your online persona? The indispensable element to any successful marketing strategy is the client. Who’s this “person,” this “persona”? To find out, answer the following questions: To which socio-professional category are you affiliated? What’s their financial means? What’s their gender? Are they tenants or homeowners? Do they own a house or condo? How did they hear about you? etc. As you’ve gathered, there isn’t one persona, but many. Which is what’s referred to as customer segmentation. By doing so, you’ll notice a certain type of client who prefers to buy your products or services rather than another. The key to successful online marketing is knowing your customers/clients. 3- Define your goals To ensure a clear and concise marketing strategy, you first need to define your goals: More job offers? More social media subscribers? Expand into new markets? The choice is yours, prior to moving on to the 4 Ps. 4- What are the 4 Ps? Product; Price; Place; Promotion. In one sentence, it means finding the ideal product or service for your targeted customer group, at the best price, right place, and right way. 5- Set a budget Everything has a price. If it’s not directly through hiring labourers or outsourcing to freelancers, you still have to pay for the time you would otherwise have dedicated to one said task. The more serious your campaigns, the more you’ll need efficient tools, like CRM (Customer Relationship Management). This is a tool used to manage a company’s relationship with customers. Dalia Ceron Gonzalez offered the following insight during our interview with her: "When it comes to marketing, we recommend having a budget that accounts for a small percentage of the company's sales [10% of sales, Ed.]." 6- Advertise Here’s the fastest marketing technique to get more job offers when one has a construction company. There are numerous advertising channels: Google Ads; Facebook Ads and Instagram; Pinterest Ads; LinkedIn Ads; Twitter Ads; etc. There are numerous platforms and they all depend on one thing: your persona. There’s a different demographic that uses, for example, TikTok and Facebook. As such, you have to target the right audience to render your ads profitable. Most importantly, note that not all keywords are created equal. Some are more expensive than others. Google Ads campaigns are very useful in this respect. Who develops the marketing plan? It all depends on the size of your company. It can be: You; Your marketing director; A specialized company. Either way, it's you, as the company's CEO, who approves the proposed marketing strategy. What apps can you use to market a construction company? Good news! All of these marketing tools are most likely already standard in your business: Client databases for newsletters; Standard communication tools between you and clients; Social media to generate a buzz around your company. So now that you've mastered the basics of construction marketing, the only thing left for you to do is get started. Strategy Examples to Promote Your Construction Company A paid marketing strategy employs a combination of campaign techniques. The first one is Ads campaigns on Google, the most widely consulted search engine. It’s the first technique because it’s the fastest, but unfortunately, also the least sustainable over time. When you halt your publicity campaigns, you halt your income as well. For this reason, you also need to rely on SEO. Although it's useless short-term, it's highly effective over long-term use. When marketing a construction company online, you need to add a company page to your Google Business Profile. It's where your local clients will find you. Be original with video marketing. Want an example? Film your teams on job sites and post these clips on YouTube as tutorials. They’re also on Google.

Have you ever thought about hiring labourers from foreign countries to offset the labour shortage, acquire new talent, or diversify your team? If so, it could be a great entrepreneurial strategy. However, as you’ve probably guessed, it can’t be done in a flash, and there are necessary steps to follow and very strict standards to abide by. Here’s an overview of what working with foreign workers entails. How can you hire temporary foreign workers in Quebec? Source: Canva First and foremost, you have to consider qualified local candidates before you even attempt to fill positions with international labourers. Have you set your sights on workers outside of Quebec? Perfect. According to Sonia Lopez Moran from Stretegiko, with whom we sat down for an interview, all companies must assess their ability to adapt accordingly and determine if they have the necessary resources to carry out projects without a hitch, before pursuing the possibility of hiring abroad. If your answer to both these questions is “Yes,” start looking to unearth those lucky few. To do so, you can, amongst other things, create an employer account on the Québec emploi website under the international section. From said service, you’ll be able to see candidates according to common research criteria such as region, contract duration, level of education, industry, etc. Has your research paid off? You’ll need joint approval from the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to hire a worker. You’ll be asked to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with both governments simultaneously. As for the selected individual, they’ll have to submit a temporary selection application to the provincial government to obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ). It’s your responsibility to send their request at the same time you submit your LMIA application. If the LMIA is positive and your temporary selection request is accepted, you’ll receive a letter co-signed by both governments as well as two CAQ copies. You’ll then be asked to send these documents to the candidate to move forward with the last step. Lastly, the foreign worker will have to contact the Government of Canada to obtain their work permit by submitting two CAQ copies and your letter confirming the temporary work request. To qualify, the applicant may be asked to submit additional documentation (work experience, criminal record, birth certificate, health check-up, diplomas, references, etc.). This final step will have to be approved and confirmed before the plane ticket is purchased. The work permit will be handed to the worker upon arrival. Foreign Worker Hiring Conditions Source: Canva Highly qualified or specialized workers To be eligible to hire some highly skilled labourers, your company must be endorsed by partners to the Canadian government. Their role is to determine whether the vacant position truly calls for foreign talent, whether it's vital to your company's development, and whether your company has innovative qualities. The authorized partners are Quebec Technology Association (AQT), Québec International and Investissement Québec. To learn more about requirements and exemptions, read the hiring requirements in Category A: Global Talent Stream, or see the list of occupations requiring global talent in Category B. Workers already in Quebec Are you looking to extend or renew a work contract? Are you looking to hire a foreign worker who’s already in Quebec, for example, an individual whose contract with another employer is nearing its end? The steps are the same: Submit an LMIA application, a new CAQ and a second work permit. Workers eligible to the Facilitated LMIA The Facilitated Labour Market Impact Assessment allows employers to fast-track their temporary foreign recruitment process for workers who will fill select positions as listed below. Here are examples within the construction industry: Engineering Director Architecture and Science Director Construction Director Construction and Residential Renovation Manager Property Management Agent Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiner Civil Engineer Mechanical Engineer Electrical and Electronics Engineer Metallurgical and Materials Engineer Geological Engineer Architect or Landscape Architect Urban and Land Use Planner Land Surveyor Civil Engineering Technologist and Technician Construction Estimator etc. How to Prepare and Submit an LMIA Application Source: Canva This evaluation is used to determine whether the foreign worker is fulfilling a real need and whether no Canadian resident is available to perform the tasks requested by the employer. We advise you the keep track of any and all reasons for which you can’t hire a local worker (résumés received, unsatisfactory interviews, etc.). You’ll need to request an LMIA application from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the Government of Quebec from the Ministry of Immigration, Franchisation and Integration (MIFI). Note that, in Quebec, the documents provided regarding yourself and your company must be submitted in French. Expect a 3- to 6-month delay. *Note that all supporting documentation that isn't in French will need to be attached to an official translation of the original document or a certified translation of the original copy. You’ll need to include the following with your request: A photocopy of the relevant LMIA application. It depends on which program you registered with and whether the workers are hired to fill high- or low-income positions (+ or - $25/h). To determine the appropriate salary, use the National Occupational Classification (NOC) table. The completed and signed Déclaration de l’employeur - Programme des travailleurs étrangers temporaires (Employer Declaration - Temporary Foreign Worker Program) form. Indicate the months of experience you deem necessary to perform the work needed and attach all supporting documentation. A signed copy of the work contract that both you and the employee have agreed to. The worker’s temporary selection application form. Verify that the section “Authorization given to employer” is completed and signed. Photocopies of any supporting documents related to the worker (passport pages, current résumé, diploma and transcript, work experience related to the job, former work permit if ever there is one, etc.). Fees of $432 per worker (non-refundable) to review your request. Who’s exempt from the LMIA? To know if you can jump over this step, check out the LMIA exemptions via the International Mobility Program. Here’s a list of reasons you could bypass the need to obtain permission from the Government of Quebec for an LMIA and/or Quebec Acception Certificate: The job offered lasts less than 30 days The individual is a company transfer The worker won’t receive monetary compensation The employee is a member of the International Experience Canada (IEC) or has a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) It’s a free trade agreement Note that, for jobs provided by the LMIA, you’re still required to obtain a work permit via Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If an exemption code applies to your situation, you must indicate it in your job offer. Foreign Worker Government Programs Specifications Source: Canva Here’s how Lopez Moran summarized the programs available for hiring foreign workers: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW): It allows employers to bring over immigrants for temporary jobs. International Mobility Program: For temporary foreign workers who don’t need to obtain an LMIA and/or Quebec Acception Certificate. Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP): If the worker wants to immigrate to Quebec permanently for work purposes. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): As the name already implies, this one doesn’t concern you… Your Obligations to Foreign Workers We’ve also learned during our interview with Sonia Lopez Moran that an employer has more obligations toward a temporary foreign worker for short-term contracts (6 to 9 months) than for contracts lasting 2 to 3 years. Here’s a list of your obligations to foreign workers: Fill in, sign, and submit a work contract in good and due form. Pay costs related to obtaining necessary company authorizations, such as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Verify that the worker has a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), or if they’re exempt from it, as well as a work permit. Help the worker obtain their documents (identification papers, SIN, medical file, etc.). Offer, free of charge, medical insurance, as long as the worker isn’t covered by the RAMQ. If it’s a low-income position (paid less than $25/h): Assume transportation costs to and from the work site and affordable housing. Report to the CNESST among others the hiring of a temporary foreign worker. Respect the previously mentioned commitments established during the hiring process, such as salary and method of payment, number of work hours, type of tasks, etc. Fulfill the terms and requirements mandated by the LMIA and Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). Advise the governments and submit a new LMIA request if needed should the work conditions change along the way. Keep all important documentation for 6 years. Comply with employment-related laws, both provincial and federal. Naturally, as an employer, you’ll need to respect these laws and fulfill your obligations toward your labourers, whether they’re foreign or not. Otherwise, you could be sanctioned for non-compliance. Well, at least now you're more informed!

Technological breakthroughs come hand in hand with a host of advantages, including the speed at which data can be compiled and the ease with which multiple pieces of information can be centralized. However, booming IT proficiency and ready access to digital tools also spell greater hacking risks and the need to protect large volumes of sensitive information. As a contractor, you without a doubt regularly collect a lot of personal and professional information, such as client contact information, employee SIN numbers, banking information, and much more. This goes without saying but, you have to ensure the confidentiality of all the aforementioned information. How to Protect a Company’s Personal and Professional Data Source: Canva Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the terms used in this blog article. Personal information is defined as follows: Recorded information that can, directly or indirectly, identify an individual (name, date of birth, social insurance number, email address, etc.). A privacy policy is defined as follows: An overview of practices and measures instilled by a company to ensure the protection of an individual’s personal information. This policy is designed to inform the target public of the level of commitment involved in protecting the data collected and to help individuals provide informed consent. The risk of injury is defined as: An act and event that’s likely to harm the concerned individual or their property. This is a situation that could harm their interests, damage their reputation, cause financial losses, harm their credit history, expose them to identity theft, result in their loss of employment, etc. A confidentiality incident is defined as: Unauthorized access, unauthorized use and communication, or loss of personal information. In addition to various scenarios, this could encompass situations where an employee exceeds their authorized rights and responsibilities by snooping or usurping an identity. It could also include inadvertent data leaks, such as an email mistakenly sent to the wrong recipient, instances of cyber-attacks, or the loss or theft of a USB key containing a sensitive database, among other potential incidents. How to Legally Harvest Personal Information Canadian companies must maintain complete transparency when collecting personal data from individuals. You must: Explain how data is collected (telephone numbers, software, quotes, forms, etc.). Provide information about how data will be used (communication, contracts, newsletters, exclusive discounts, payments, etc.). Gather only information relevant and justifiable in relation to objectives. (For example, there’s no need to obtain a client's banking information for in-person payments or their date of birth for promotional email subscriptions.) Avoid disclosing the information to any third party without explicit consent from the concerned individual, and clearly state the purpose for which the information is being disclosed. (For example, a construction contractor has to provide a client’s information to a field expert to carry out plumbing or electrical work.) State that the individual can withdraw consent for the use of their information. Highlight the rights of access and rectification granted by law. Retain data only for a period that’s reasonably necessary. How to Write a Privacy Policy While specific regulations may not explicitly outline requirements in this matter, it’s best to have an easily accessible privacy policy that’s readily available to your clients. It should be written in straightforward language that’s easy to understand. It should include the following elements: A short description of your company’s activities and services. Include the name and contact information of the company responsible for collecting data (most likely your company but could also include a referral platform like ours). The name and contact information of the person(s) responsible for protecting personal information. Numbers 1-2-5-6-7 of the aforementioned list. The duration for which the collected data will be retained. The security measures implemented to protect information. The date the policy took effect and when it was last updated. What are the mandates imposed by Law 25? Source: Canva Since September 22, 2022, Quebec's Law 25 has modernized the legislative provisions concerning personal data protection, imposing new obligations on all individuals conducting business activities. Additional security regulations are set to be introduced in September 2023 and 2024. Since September 2022, you must: Appoint a data protection officer to oversee your company’s personal information protection and publish their contact information on your website (or any other media readily available if you don’t have a website). In the event of a privacy-related incident, promptly notify the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec and all relevant parties, while maintaining an accurate and current log of such incidents. Obtain consent from the concerned individual prior to using their information for research, statistical analysis, commercial transactions, or any advertising and promotional purposes. As of September 22, 2023, you’ll need to: Apply policies regarding the governance of personal information, and state them in plain language on your website (or other communication methods). Write and publish a clear and concise privacy policy, particularly if you’re harvesting personal data through technology. Inform concerned individuals when they’re solely making a decision based on an automated process and when identification, location, or profiling technologies are employed. Destroy or render anonymous all personal information that’s no longer of use. Assess privacy factors when the law requires it and abide by new communication conditions, prior to divulging personal information outside of the province of Quebec, for example. Adhere to the latest regulations regarding obtaining consent for the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information belonging to minors or legal adults. Configure default settings to enforce the highest level of confidentiality and privacy. Comply with current personal information disclosure regulations to ease the grieving process. As of September 2024, you’ll need to: Provide all personal data collected through technology at the request of the concerned individual. The above-mentioned obligations regarding the protection of personal information apply regardless of the size of your company. Whether you employ 700 individuals, operate as a sole proprietorship, joint-stock company, or general partnership, all physical or artificial persons must adhere to their responsibilities by establishing and implementing best practices in terms of data protection. What’s cybercrime? Cybercrimes target your company’s confidential information and can manifest as the following: Malware that’s installed in incognito mode through apps or websites with the purpose of allowing a thief to access the content of your computer. Ransomware that blocks access to your computer and attempts to convince you to pay a sum of money to recover important data before it’s sold. Phishing uses more conventional methods, such as bogus emails or computerized calls intended to trick you into willingly providing personal information. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks considerably increase the traffic on your website, making it virtually impossible for your clients to access. It’s a money-making technique that either asks you to pay to restore accessibility or sells you a bogus repair service. Rainbow tables access your server to get ahold of everyone’s information at once, then analyze password algorithms and gain access to an entire server. How to Protect Your Company’s Data Below are some valuable tips to help prevent cyber attacks. Regularly check your software Ensure that your operating system, software, and firewall are up to date, that your antivirus software is of the highest quality, and that your Wi-Fi network is secure. Identify any gaps in your data management and protection, and fine-tune your approach. If necessary, consult experts to find the right tools for your situation, and resolve any problems or potential cyber-security loopholes. Secure data internally Unfortunately, the threat of an untrustworthy individual within your immediate circle or company is a possibility. While countering such adversaries can be challenging, you have to establish effective measures to minimize the risk of data breaches. You could, for example, impose restrictions on computer access in your absence, prohibit USB keys, frequently reset passwords, deny former employees access to internal websites, and install software that logs who had access to what and when that occurred, etc. Furthermore, when hiring new talent, don't be shy about having them sign an ethical code and non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Educate yourself about data protection Train your employees about the risks of using technology outside a highly secure network. For example, logging on to a public network to find client information in your database or clicking on a pop-up ad aren’t recommended, nor is leaving your computer unattended in the presence of your children when you're getting ready to send a confidential email, and so on. Establish a cybersecurity protocol First, outline the steps to be taken, and identify whom to contact in the event of a security breach (police, banks, clients, suppliers, etc.). Then, systematically backup documents on the Cloud and an external hard drive. Likewise, all folders containing personal information should be encrypted, and their encryption keys kept off servers. Get cyber insurance Such insurance could prevent financial losses and crisis management issues, while also putting you in touch with a variety of experts (IT security experts, legal advisors, public relations specialists, etc.). This insurance could cover legal or mediation fees, partially refund your business operating losses, finance a client credit monitoring service, and even contribute to hiring a public relations firm if you require media communication. How to Protect Against Data Breaches Source: Canva As soon as you have reason to believe or are aware that your company's and/or your clients' personal data has been compromised, and that the situation involves a risk of significant injury, you must report it to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and to the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec. You should also inform all those concerned, and immediately log the incident in a database for a period of 5 years. Subsequently, put into practice measures to minimize the extent of the leak and prevent such an event from happening again. For example, you could recover or require the complete destruction of stolen personal information, then fine-tune your security methods and correct any shortcomings identified at the time of the incident. How to Provide Government Services with a Written Notice Include the following information: Company name and NEG (Quebec Enterprise Number). Name and contact information of the individual to contact in regard to the breach. Description of personal information involved. Circumstances of the incident, if possible. Date or period during which the breach occurred and when your company took notice. The number of individuals involved in the breach. List the elements that led you to believe that there was a serious risk of injury. Measures put in place to inform affected persons. Measures taken or planned to minimize the risk of a breach occurring to mitigate the impact of a breach and prevent your company's data protection from being jeopardized by another breach. How to Provide Those Involved with a Written Notice Include the following information: Name and contact information of the individual to contact in regard to the breach. Description of personal information involved. Circumstances of the incident, if possible. Date or period during which the breach occurred and when your company took notice. Advise provided by your company suggesting ways in which the affected person can reduce the risk of injury. Measures taken or planned to minimize the risk of a breach occurring to mitigate the impact of a breach and prevent your company's data protection from being jeopardized by another breach. Last but not least, besides the embedded links we've provided, here are a few other articles about construction IT that may be of interest: Construction Contractor: Why You Should Optimize Your Profile How to Create a Good Website for Your Home Renovation Company Renovation Contractor: Choosing an Estimation Software 6 Apps to Help You Run Your Renovation Business Contractors: Acquiring News Clients Through Social Media How to Use Artificial and Augmented Reality in Construction Industry

Technological breakthroughs come hand in hand with a host of advantages, including the speed at which data can be compiled and the ease with which multiple pieces of information can be centralized. However, booming IT proficiency and ready access to digital tools also spell greater hacking risks and the need to protect large volumes of sensitive information. As a contractor, you without a doubt regularly collect a lot of personal and professional information, such as client contact information, employee SIN numbers, banking information, and much more. This goes without saying but, you have to ensure the confidentiality of all the aforementioned information. How to Protect a Company’s Personal and Professional Data Source: Canva Firstly, let’s take a closer look at the meaning of the terms used in this blog article. Personal information is defined as follows: Recorded information that can, directly or indirectly, identify an individual (name, date of birth, social insurance number, email address, etc.). A privacy policy is defined as follows: An overview of practices and measures instilled by a company to ensure the protection of an individual’s personal information. This policy is designed to inform the target public of the level of commitment involved in protecting the data collected and to help individuals provide informed consent. The risk of injury is defined as: An act and event that’s likely to harm the concerned individual or their property. This is a situation that could harm their interests, damage their reputation, cause financial losses, harm their credit history, expose them to identity theft, result in their loss of employment, etc. A confidentiality incident is defined as: Unauthorized access, unauthorized use and communication, or loss of personal information. In addition to various scenarios, this could encompass situations where an employee exceeds their authorized rights and responsibilities by snooping or usurping an identity. It could also include inadvertent data leaks, such as an email mistakenly sent to the wrong recipient, instances of cyber-attacks, or the loss or theft of a USB key containing a sensitive database, among other potential incidents. How to Legally Harvest Personal Information Canadian companies must maintain complete transparency when collecting personal data from individuals. You must: Explain how data is collected (telephone numbers, software, quotes, forms, etc.). Provide information about how data will be used (communication, contracts, newsletters, exclusive discounts, payments, etc.). Gather only information relevant and justifiable in relation to objectives. (For example, there’s no need to obtain a client's banking information for in-person payments or their date of birth for promotional email subscriptions.) Avoid disclosing the information to any third party without explicit consent from the concerned individual, and clearly state the purpose for which the information is being disclosed. (For example, a construction contractor has to provide a client’s information to a field expert to carry out plumbing or electrical work.) State that the individual can withdraw consent for the use of their information. Highlight the rights of access and rectification granted by law. Retain data only for a period that’s reasonably necessary. How to Write a Privacy Policy While specific regulations may not explicitly outline requirements in this matter, it’s best to have an easily accessible privacy policy that’s readily available to your clients. It should be written in straightforward language that’s easy to understand. It should include the following elements: A short description of your company’s activities and services. Include the name and contact information of the company responsible for collecting data (most likely your company but could also include a referral platform like ours). The name and contact information of the person(s) responsible for protecting personal information. Numbers 1-2-5-6-7 of the aforementioned list. The duration for which the collected data will be retained. The security measures implemented to protect information. The date the policy took effect and when it was last updated. What are the mandates imposed by Law 25? Source: Canva Since September 22, 2022, Quebec's Law 25 has modernized the legislative provisions concerning personal data protection, imposing new obligations on all individuals conducting business activities. Additional security regulations are set to be introduced in September 2023 and 2024. Since September 2022, you must: Appoint a data protection officer to oversee your company’s personal information protection and publish their contact information on your website (or any other media readily available if you don’t have a website). In the event of a privacy-related incident, promptly notify the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec and all relevant parties, while maintaining an accurate and current log of such incidents. Obtain consent from the concerned individual prior to using their information for research, statistical analysis, commercial transactions, or any advertising and promotional purposes. As of September 22, 2023, you’ll need to: Apply policies regarding the governance of personal information, and state them in plain language on your website (or other communication methods). Write and publish a clear and concise privacy policy, particularly if you’re harvesting personal data through technology. Inform concerned individuals when they’re solely making a decision based on an automated process and when identification, location, or profiling technologies are employed. Destroy or render anonymous all personal information that’s no longer of use. Assess privacy factors when the law requires it and abide by new communication conditions, prior to divulging personal information outside of the province of Quebec, for example. Adhere to the latest regulations regarding obtaining consent for the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information belonging to minors or legal adults. Configure default settings to enforce the highest level of confidentiality and privacy. Comply with current personal information disclosure regulations to ease the grieving process. As of September 2024, you’ll need to: Provide all personal data collected through technology at the request of the concerned individual. The above-mentioned obligations regarding the protection of personal information apply regardless of the size of your company. Whether you employ 700 individuals, operate as a sole proprietorship, joint-stock company, or general partnership, all physical or artificial persons must adhere to their responsibilities by establishing and implementing best practices in terms of data protection. What’s cybercrime? Cybercrimes target your company’s confidential information and can manifest as the following: Malware that’s installed in incognito mode through apps or websites with the purpose of allowing a thief to access the content of your computer. Ransomware that blocks access to your computer and attempts to convince you to pay a sum of money to recover important data before it’s sold. Phishing uses more conventional methods, such as bogus emails or computerized calls intended to trick you into willingly providing personal information. Denial-of-service (DoS) attacks considerably increase the traffic on your website, making it virtually impossible for your clients to access. It’s a money-making technique that either asks you to pay to restore accessibility or sells you a bogus repair service. Rainbow tables access your server to get ahold of everyone’s information at once, then analyze password algorithms and gain access to an entire server. How to Protect Your Company’s Data Below are some valuable tips to help prevent cyber attacks. Regularly check your software Ensure that your operating system, software, and firewall are up to date, that your antivirus software is of the highest quality, and that your Wi-Fi network is secure. Identify any gaps in your data management and protection, and fine-tune your approach. If necessary, consult experts to find the right tools for your situation, and resolve any problems or potential cyber-security loopholes. Secure data internally Unfortunately, the threat of an untrustworthy individual within your immediate circle or company is a possibility. While countering such adversaries can be challenging, you have to establish effective measures to minimize the risk of data breaches. You could, for example, impose restrictions on computer access in your absence, prohibit USB keys, frequently reset passwords, deny former employees access to internal websites, and install software that logs who had access to what and when that occurred, etc. Furthermore, when hiring new talent, don't be shy about having them sign an ethical code and non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Educate yourself about data protection Train your employees about the risks of using technology outside a highly secure network. For example, logging on to a public network to find client information in your database or clicking on a pop-up ad aren’t recommended, nor is leaving your computer unattended in the presence of your children when you're getting ready to send a confidential email, and so on. Establish a cybersecurity protocol First, outline the steps to be taken, and identify whom to contact in the event of a security breach (police, banks, clients, suppliers, etc.). Then, systematically backup documents on the Cloud and an external hard drive. Likewise, all folders containing personal information should be encrypted, and their encryption keys kept off servers. Get cyber insurance Such insurance could prevent financial losses and crisis management issues, while also putting you in touch with a variety of experts (IT security experts, legal advisors, public relations specialists, etc.). This insurance could cover legal or mediation fees, partially refund your business operating losses, finance a client credit monitoring service, and even contribute to hiring a public relations firm if you require media communication. How to Protect Against Data Breaches Source: Canva As soon as you have reason to believe or are aware that your company's and/or your clients' personal data has been compromised, and that the situation involves a risk of significant injury, you must report it to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and to the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec. You should also inform all those concerned, and immediately log the incident in a database for a period of 5 years. Subsequently, put into practice measures to minimize the extent of the leak and prevent such an event from happening again. For example, you could recover or require the complete destruction of stolen personal information, then fine-tune your security methods and correct any shortcomings identified at the time of the incident. How to Provide Government Services with a Written Notice Include the following information: Company name and NEG (Quebec Enterprise Number). Name and contact information of the individual to contact in regard to the breach. Description of personal information involved. Circumstances of the incident, if possible. Date or period during which the breach occurred and when your company took notice. The number of individuals involved in the breach. List the elements that led you to believe that there was a serious risk of injury. Measures put in place to inform affected persons. Measures taken or planned to minimize the risk of a breach occurring to mitigate the impact of a breach and prevent your company's data protection from being jeopardized by another breach. How to Provide Those Involved with a Written Notice Include the following information: Name and contact information of the individual to contact in regard to the breach. Description of personal information involved. Circumstances of the incident, if possible. Date or period during which the breach occurred and when your company took notice. Advise provided by your company suggesting ways in which the affected person can reduce the risk of injury. Measures taken or planned to minimize the risk of a breach occurring to mitigate the impact of a breach and prevent your company's data protection from being jeopardized by another breach. Last but not least, besides the embedded links we've provided, here are a few other articles about construction IT that may be of interest: Construction Contractor: Why You Should Optimize Your Profile How to Create a Good Website for Your Home Renovation Company Renovation Contractor: Choosing an Estimation Software 6 Apps to Help You Run Your Renovation Business Contractors: Acquiring News Clients Through Social Media How to Use Artificial and Augmented Reality in Construction Industry

There’s a plethora of marketing tools available, and, as a novice, you can easily get confused or spend your entire budget on them. With management tools, competitive analysis tools, and other keyword tools, it can be hard to know where to focus. We met with Dalia Ceron Gonzalez, of Image Marketing, to shed some light on this complex subject. Here’s how she summed it up: “The 5 recommended marketing tools for start-ups are a logo, brand image, main contact information, website, and business cards.” No more, no less. We’ll explain all of the aforementioned points, as well as the different tools to rationalize your marketing strategy and take it to the next level. Most of these tools are free and effective. The Relevance of Marketing Tools for Companies Source: Canva “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” The “law of instrument” or Maslow’s Hammer, as revealed by Abraham Kaplan and Abraham Maslow applies to numerous fields, including marketing. The key to successful digital marketing is using the right management and marketing tools. Rest assured, not every tool will require an additional monthly or yearly subscription. Most marketing tools are free and powerful enough to help you plan your marketing strategy like a pro. What Are the Marketing Communication Tools? Source: Canva Digital marketing isn’t the only way to win clients over. Your communication starts with much simpler elements: Logo A logo is indispensable for your company’s identity. Even if your core area of expertise is complex, your logo should still be simple. Take examples like Nike, Apple, or McDonald’s—they all have renowned logos because of their simplicity. When it comes to colour, stick to your graphic charter. Graphic charter Your company should have brand colours. These colours will not only be present in your logo but also featured on the pages of your website. Consider favouring greens to represent ecology, red for luxury, white for simplicity, or black for elegance. Business cards Source: Canva Keep it clean, simple, and to the point by including the following essential elements: Your address; Phone number; Email; QR code linked to your website. Portfolio Potential clients want to know what you’re capable of. Nothing’s worth more than a good portfolio filled with your best work. Fortunately, there are some websites like Heyzine that allow you to create up to 5 free portfolios and embed them on your website. Sponsorships As a construction company, you can make a name for yourself locally by sponsoring a sports team. How, you ask? By purchasing their team jerseys, for example, and having your company logo printed on them. Is the local hockey team organizing an annual raffle? Consider offering giveaways to promote your company locally. Expos Meet potential new clients not coincidentally, but where they’re actively seeking you out: expos. When they come up to you, it indicates that you have a solution to a problem they’re struggling to fix. Expo centres provide an opportunity not only to understand clients’ needs but also improve your services and refine your company’s message to better serve them. 5 Digital Strategy Tools for a Construction Company Source: Canva 1- Your website Accuracy and conciseness should guide you while creating every single page of your website. Potential clients should be able to quickly find answers to their questions. Within 5 seconds, all users should be able to gather the following information: Who you are. What you do. What your services are. What sets you apart from the competition. But most importantly, they should know what’s expected of them: Request a quote. Get in touch. Provide their email addresses. etc. If your website fails to deliver, redesign it until it becomes straightforward. 2- Social media As a construction company, your work is primarily focused locally. While Facebook is a good social media platform, it may not necessarily be the best option. Achieving high levels of exposure on Facebook without paying is becoming increasingly difficult. However, many contractors are now creating videos to showcase their work as tutorials and then posting them on YouTube. When it comes to establishing brand awareness throughout the province, few tools are as powerful as YouTube. Learn more about it in our article Contractors: Acquiring New Clients Through Social Media. 3- SEO Source: Canva That’s your blog articles, specifically written around keywords that you're targeting as a construction company. To ensure your presence among search results, it’s important to ensure that the content you create is: Up-to-date; Regular; Accurate; Interesting; Original. To outperform the competition, don’t look at what they’re writing. Instead, explain, in your own words, what you do and how you do it (techniques, materials, legislation, perspectives, innovations, etc.). 4- Google Business Profile This tool enables you to locate your company on Google Maps. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be surprised by the number of new clients who used to drive by your place of business every day without knowing it. Keep in mind that in this day and age, when people have a need, they often turn to Google as their first resource. 5- Google Ads It’s advertising, and you can achieve it on Google by targeting specific keywords. The goal is to rank first on the search results page. The benefit of using this technique is that it provides quick results at low costs, thanks to: Pay-per-clicks on your ad; Budget control by setting a maximum pay-per-click bid; No minimum budget requirement. Since you have the ability to stop your advertising campaigns at any time, you can manage your scheduling and stay in control. What Are the Most Used Digital Marketing Tools? Source: Canva If you’ve already done some research on the matter, you’re probably familiar with a few popular marketing tools. This is normal since they're the most widely used in digital marketing. Mailchimp Mailchimp is one of the most widely-used digital marketing tools for managing email campaigns. Its purpose is to automate your email sequences, increase open rates, generate more clicks, and ultimately drive more sales. Canva In digital marketing, design plays a crucial role in creating signs, videos, graphics, and social media posts. Canva allows you to do all of this yourself, like a true professional. Yoast SEO Yoast SEO is a WordPress plugin that is essential for your website’s SEO. As its name suggests, it serves as an SEO tool. It not only enables you to write your meta descriptions for your website but also helps you automatically generate the layout of your pages using schema.org. Semrush Semrush is a comprehensive marketing tool that allows you to analyze and monitor your competitors. With Semrush, you can uncover valuable insights such as: Their sources of website traffic; Their backlinks; Pay-per-click search traffic; Their ads on the Google Display Network; Their website’s ranking for each keyword. Trello Trello’s a free and user-friendly project management tool. It enables you to efficiently organize workflows among your team members and keep track of ongoing projects. Two Free Online Strategic Analysis Tools Source: Canva If you want to establish an online presence, Google is the way to go, and the good news is that Google offers a range of marketing tools designed to optimize your digital marketing campaigns. The best part is that all Google tools are free to use. 1- Google Analytics Google Analytics is the ultimate online tool for digital marketing. By setting up a line of code on your website and configuring Google Analytics, you gain valuable insights into your website’s user behaviour. You can track: User’s country and city of origin; New users; Visited web pages; Time spent per visit; Source of traffic (Google search, direct, social media); etc. Google Analytics provides you with a comprehensive understanding of how users navigate your website. It’s such a valuable tool that nearly every webmaster in the world uses it. 2- Google Search Console Google Search Console is an ideal add-on to Google Analytics. It’s a free online tool that enables you to: Monitor how your pages rank on Google’s search engine. Determine the keywords that contribute to your search rankings. Identify any page indexing issues on your website. Evaluate the user experience based on core web vitals.