Title: Keeping Subs On Track Without Losing Your Mind
I hear you on the tech overload. Tried rolling out a scheduling app last year—looked great on paper, but reality hit quick. Some of my guys just ignored it, others got frustrated with logins or notifications, and a few never even downloaded it. Ended up chasing people down with calls anyway.
Honestly, the most effective system I’ve landed on is a mix of old-school and digital. I keep a printed schedule taped up in the site trailer, update it every morning, and send a quick group text if anything major changes. Not fancy, but at least nobody can say they didn’t know what’s going on.
I get the appeal of streamlining everything into one platform, but unless everyone’s bought in—and let’s be honest, that’s rare—it just adds another layer to manage. Sometimes simpler really is better, even if it feels like taking a step backwards tech-wise.
Definitely relate to this. Tried a fancy project management app last spring—looked slick, promised to “revolutionize communication.” Reality? Half the subs never even set up their accounts, and the ones who did just texted me anyway when they had questions. Ended up spending more time troubleshooting logins than actually building anything.
- What’s worked best for me is a dry erase board in the trailer with daily tasks and a quick group text in the morning. If something big changes, I’ll call the key guys directly.
- Some of my older subs just aren’t interested in apps or email, and honestly, I get it. They want to see the plan in front of them and get moving.
- I do keep digital backups for my own sanity, but I don’t force it on everyone.
It’s tempting to chase that “one app to rule them all,” but unless you’ve got a really tech-savvy crew, it just adds more headaches. Sometimes low-tech is just less stressful, even if it feels old-fashioned.
I totally get the appeal of those all-in-one apps, but honestly, I’ve seen more confusion than anything else when folks try to roll them out. Dry erase boards and group texts just seem to work better for most crews. I’m curious—has anyone actually found a simple tech solution that doesn’t end up being more trouble than it’s worth? Or is it just a matter of picking your battles and sticking with what your team’s comfortable with? I keep thinking there’s gotta be a middle ground that isn’t just endless paperwork or chasing people down by phone...
Honestly, I’ve tried a couple of those “simple” apps and they always end up being more hassle than they’re worth. Half the guys don’t check notifications anyway. I’ve had the most luck with a shared Google Calendar—everyone can see what’s up, but it’s not overloaded with features nobody uses. Still gotta chase folks sometimes, but it beats endless group texts.
- Totally get where you’re coming from. I tried using a fancy project management app once and it was like teaching my dad to use TikTok—just not happening.
- Google Calendar’s been my go-to too. Color-coding trades helps, but yeah, you still end up texting reminders.
- Honestly, I keep a whiteboard in the garage with the week’s tasks. It’s old-school but at least no one can say they didn’t see it… unless they’re avoiding me on purpose.
