Seasonal offers can help bring new business to HVAC companies, as can pay-per-click ads and a website that's been optimized to show up in search engine results. Make sure your website features information about your team, helpful articles, images and videos to attract the attention of potential customers, Vasid Qureshi writes.

People, whether they're consumers or business buyers, want to purchase from companies they trust and like, and chatbots on your brand's website and social media channels can open up immersive, conversational experiences that boost brand image and likeability, Jacob Lucas writes. "With a chatbot, B2B marketers don't just tell a story, they involve their audience in it," Lucas writes.

The Supreme Court has blocked an OSHA rule on workplace COVID-19 vaccination and testing in a 6-3 vote but has upheld a similar regulation from the Department of Health and Human Services that affects health care facilities. "Indeed, although Congress has enacted significant legislation addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, it has declined to enact any measure similar to what OSHA has promulgated here," according to an unsigned opinion by the court's majority.

Airspace and flight regulations governing drones should not deter contractors from using the technology to bring new efficiencies to surveying, writes Margaret Farmakis, a customer relations executive at Propeller Aero. Farmakis reviews the rules and what it takes to obtain a license and begin flying.

A narrower definition of what constitutes an independent contractor may be forthcoming as the National Labor Relations Board weighs whether to change the parameters established under the Trump administration. A new definition could open the door to more unionization, according to D. Albert Brannen, partner in the Atlanta law firm Fisher & Phillips.

Better data collection and utilization and greater use of digital visualization are among the rising trends in construction technology likely this year. Matthew Thibault looks at these and three other tech trends to watch for, fueled in part by $100 million in funding under the new infrastructure law.

A growing number of construction software companies are looking to blend financial and other service features into their products and incorporate value-based pricing. One example is Flashtract, which has just raised $15 million in Series A financing for its payment software product, whose value is "tied to its ability to quickly receive, review and approve pay applications," says co-founder Ben Conry.

David Setzkorn, senior vice president and national practice leader for absence management at Hub International, writes that construction contractors should implement programs to address mental health issues. "Despite the financial and emotional strain, contractors must create a supportive, open environment for their employees," Setzkorn advises.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reminding companies of the upcoming electronic reporting deadline for 2021 Form 300A. The form is due by March 2 for companies required to submit.

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott used a portion of his recent State of the State Address to showcase the importance of career and technical education in developing the state's workforce. Scott, who had a career in construction before being elected governor, said the trades may be more vital than ever and indicated he hopes to grow enrollment in CTE.

Overall and nonresidential construction input prices both increased by 0.6% in December, according to a recent analysis of US Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Global supply chain challenges are likely to continue through the early months of the year, causing project redesigns and "upward pressure on construction materials prices," said economist Anirban Basu.

The Master Subcontract agreement provides the general terms and conditions between a Constructor (AKA general contractor, design-builder, construction manager) and a Subcontractor. This subcontract document coordinates with the ConsensusDocs 756 ConsensusDocs Standard Project Work Order Agreement. Get a sample of the 755 agreement and 756 work order today.