A construction company's reputation is as good as its last project, especially if the revenue generated from that project is a significant percentage of the company's bottom line.

To win new clients, business development executives must demonstrate not only a stellar record for being on time and under budget, but also a consistent pattern of quality, compliance, employee care and risk management. Stopgap measures are no longer sufficient. Skyrocketing insurance premiums, workers' compensation costs, fines, penalties and not to mention reputation loss can have an adverse effect on a company's operations and business growth. So, what can companies do to get repeat business and strong referrals?

The answer lies in learning from other leading construction companies that operate at the highest maturity levels of safety, quality, cost and human resources management measures. What are the components of their operating framework? How do they maintain control over costs? How do they consistently demonstrate compliance, operate at higher speeds, continuously build their reputation and keep securing future business? Over the years, leading companies have institutionalized sound practices as part of their corporate DNA. Any compromise on quality, safety or reputation is not an option.