How do you think the economic downturn will affect the industry?

As a Business Development Manager in the construction industry I am more convinced than ever that companies who have focussed on building relationships with their clients and professionals they work with are the ones more likely to survive the downturn in the markets. Perhaps this is a little trite, but from my own observations, this is the case.Those involved in the housing sector are suffering most - but companies working in the public sector, health care and education have full order books. Panic has set in among some, trying to switch their sector focus on areas that are perceived to be buoyant.
Marketing for construction is about building relationships - and this is becoming even more crucial in this time of economic uncertainty.

People don’t fully appreciate the value of the construction industry. And so, what people need to understand, I think, is that you cannot have a sick construction industry and a healthy country. You need to have a thriving construction industry because the multiplier effect with construction dollars is much better than any other industry in the state. When construction goes well, retail outlets do well, cars and trucks are bought, people eat in restaurants, people shop for clothes. A number of vital industries really depend on a healthy economy. You need to keep the construction industry healthy in order for all sectors to benefit.