Forget Rockstars- Let’s Make Construction Sexy

Fine. But is there going to be lascivious whistling? I won't do it unless there's lascivious whistling.

Work is Sexy! Glad to see it in Print!

You mean we can finally stop talking about our “passion?” OMG – thank you. That alone is a gift!

For 20 years I was in construction – landscape construction. The only thing sexy about it was the occasional awards for our projects. Hard work? – no question about it. I left the house at 6 am and when the kids were young, my goal was to be there to tuck them in at 8:00 pm. In construction, when it was a light day, we called it a “half-day” – meaning 12 hours. That's the kind of talk that kept us sane.

Nevertheless, what is significant about your point is not that this is sexy, but more accurately, that it builds respect. Customers respect construction types because they know how hard the have to work to stay employed and/or make a buck.

It's a thankless business role for the most part, unless the customer is also a hard worker who naturally appreciates the effort. That's what keeps you doing it. It just takes a few of those to make the work worthwhile.

Yep, that's hard work alright. And most importantly, it's not how hard you work

Thanks for a perfectly brief post to read as I reflect on the past year and work on real goals for 2010. This speaks to the heart of why “overnight success” often comes after many, many nights of hard, smart work. I've taken some lumps this year (who hasn't?) and learned some valuable lessons. I plan to work smarter in the new year, and create my own brand of rockstar, which will (and should) look much different than everyone else's. Happy New Year, Chris!

When I was growing up, all the folks my dad respected (or forgave) were 'workers'. As in, “He's got a nice set of buildings and really keeps them up, he's a workah”. or “She talks a lot, but she's a workah.” I knew what was expected to excel in my father's eyes. Doesn't matter if you are in construction or a mailman. Be a worker.

I'm with you on this one! Maybe the rest of the world needs to get the same idea. I'm gathering up my land army to run it into a lazer target fed task force.

By the way my 3 words are SHARE MOBILIZE AND COLLABORATE with POWER, PASSION AND PERFORMANCE.

I'm so with you Chris! Putting on my work outfit with a belt for my ratchet!

So many people think that there is a “secret” for being successful in business. It comes down to a simple recipe of hardwork, and you are a pure example of that Chris! Here is to you having a great 2009!

Point taken!! and agree fully.

Your post really hits home for me because I spent most of my life in the trades, as a Millwright then a General Building Contractor. Hard work produces lasting results no matter the field it is used on.

Ten years ago at the pinnacle of my labor career I would have told anyone I would never own a computer, now I am a self taught Information Architect with a growing business. In 2006 I decided to learn Internet Marketing to sell the Chainsaw Sculptures I was producing at the time. My passion for sculpture was quickly overwhelmed by a new found love of writing code, and playing with Adobe products like Illustrator or Photoshop. Sixteen-hour + days, 6 to 7 days a week is all is took. Funny, but that was the same way I built my construction business.

Timing couldn't have been better for a change since construction is hurting right now. Between the two businesses, my finances are still afloat despite these trying times.

I agree work hard, but remember that seeds that are planted take care and patience. Hard work must always be accompanied with perseverance for success.

Craftsmanship and the people can can build stuff will be sexy again this coming year. And those “experts” who are riding on the backs of the hard work of others will fall away as the charlatans they are. Wonder if the Columbus Crew, the Hardest Working team in the MLS will be fashionable again :-) http://twitter.com/Columbus_Crew

Wow. Way back in Jan. http://gerardmclean.com/do-you-know-how-to-do-a…

Nothing wrong with hard work, it's what made this country great before a couple of generations of narcissistic entitlement freaks ran it into the ground. And BTW, construction workers ARE sexy.

Cheers,

Erick
——–
http://www.Contractor-City.com

*Goes to put on his construction hat

Oh, the email stream I wish I could share with you. : )

or… Pizza man – “he delivers” (NYPD Blue, if you remember) :-)

I do think that part of iJustine's success is due to her looks, as that's a sad fact in our society. Susan Boyle wouldn't have been half as amazing in her infamous performance if she was closer to society's definition of attractive.

Chris-

I don't think you (or anyone else) should diminish your role or any other of the 'social media rock stars' have upon people. Here's why:

A 'rock star' is just what we perceive stardom to be. If you go back, there was a time when the vaudeville acts would travel the country. There was Orson Welles and his radio shows. There was Elvis. Then came The Beatles.

Most people would agree that The Beatles were what actually conjured up the idea of being a 'Rock Star.' (except perhaps Stones fans). The Beatles music and their image came from Liverpool. (where the Titanic was built—a shipping yard—not looked upon fondly by Londoners, to this day, in fact).

Not only that, but they were the most prolific bands ever. Hands down.

I'm not trying to inflate your ego. But if you look at the mediums and the messages, there were messengers. The traveling show, the radio, the T.V… now we have the Internet…

My point is… I don't think it's wrong if I call someone making an impact on the internet or the social web a 'rock star' or Seth a 'rock star' or @lizstrauss a 'rock star' or 'Mitch Joel' a 'rock star' …they are indeed making an impact on culture—just like a rock star… it doesn't diminish a Working Class Hero…and I think John Lennon would concur.

You're a rock star Chris! Thanks for the inspiration!

Merry New Year!!!

I am definitely up for some hard work! It actually makes me feel better that you need a little smarts behind the looks and a little brawn behind the brain.

You can make it look as good as you want, being popular doesn't actually pay. You still have to add value and make a contribution!

Here's to some manual labor!

Amen Chris! Met with another client yesterday and she just does not get it. She actually told me she was too busy trying to generate sales to worry about her website and that consumers never read blogs from insurance agents. (Suffice it to say their business is struggling)

There certainly is much work to do.

I don't know what we all might have seen in the past 2 weeks, or maybe during the course of 2009 that grew this desire in us to see good work get done, and to see good workers be rewarded, but either way I'm really happy about how 2010 is looking already.

sd cards

Seems an pretty interesting article and I think that the idea is not bad.I hope that this kind article gets posted everytime.What do you think of portable storage (containers) if it is rented for only $59.99/month or less than that?

Thanks,
Portable Storage,
http://www.moveablecubicle.com

lol

Great post Chris – Glad that by you saying “work” rather than “fame”, that should change some mindsets

Chris,

I'm going to be honest with you. When I first came across your Twitter account I lumped you in with many of the “social media gurus” floating around the web and it annoyed me just on principal and kept me from giving your writing a chance.this morning I gave your blog a shot and I have to admit,I was wrong I find your writing inciteful and even inspiring. Sorry for jumping the gun. Have a great 2010 and be sure my hard hat is on.

Very True. But Jordan going from a HS kid cut from his BB team to the best Bbal player from JUST hard work, fit the post best..lol

But Bird id awesome too.