Construction Sector Outlook: Use AI to turn the Insights into actions

The latest NAB Business Survey, as explained by Tenfold Business Coaching, gives a clear view of what is happening in the construction sector right now. It shows both problems and new chances for builders, tradespeople, and construction business owners. The survey says that the sector is mixed. Some areas are slow, but there is also cautious hope and signs that things are starting to improve. The article from Tenfold Business Coaching looks at the data carefully. It gives simple and practical advice to help people in the construction field get ready for what is next.

This guide explains how business owners can use the free version of ChatGPT to turn ideas into actions. No matter if you’re a custom home builder, plumber, electrician, or landscaper, you’ll find simple steps to help you. The guide gives easy prompts you can use on your own, without any technical words or complicated setups. It offers clear, practical advice to help your business grow and improve. The goal is to give you useful tips you can start using right away, so you can take your business to the next level.

Each section below follows the same structure and headings as the original article. It gives clear instructions on how to use ChatGPT. This helps you make smarter and quicker decisions.

What the Chart Says: Business Conditions and Confidence

The NAB survey shows that business conditions have dipped to their lowest point since 2020, while confidence has nudged upward. This signals a tough operating environment, but also a glimmer of hope. Construction businesses are feeling the pinch, yet some are starting to believe that better days are ahead.

To use ChatGPT to interpret this shift, a business owner can ask for help identifying what “low conditions” and “rising confidence” mean for their specific trade. ChatGPT can help clarify what actions to take when optimism is rising but performance is lagging.

Try prompts like:

“What do low business conditions and rising confidence mean for a small plumbing business in Australia?”

“How should I adjust my business strategy if confidence is improving but trading conditions are still poor?”

“What are three ways to prepare for a rebound in construction demand while conditions are still tough?”

Key Insights from the Survey in Plain English

The survey points out that profits are falling and trading is weaker than before. Many businesses face ongoing labour problems. However, there are some positive signs. Forward orders are getting better. Companies are also spending more on capital projects. Labour shortages are becoming less severe. Wages are still a big concern for businesses. Other worries include tight profit margins and government policies.

ChatGPT can help business owners break this down into manageable priorities. Use it to explore how to respond to wage pressures, plan for future orders, or assess hiring needs. A business coach might guide the strategy, but ChatGPT can support the day-to-day thinking.

Try prompts like:

“How can I prepare for rising wages without shrinking my profit margins?”

“What should I do if my forward orders are increasing but I’m not operating at full capacity?”

“What questions should I ask myself before hiring new staff in a construction business?”

What This Means for Builders and Trades Operators

Builders and tradespeople are seeing fewer customers now. They are making less money and having trouble staffing their teams. But things are starting to look up. More people are feeling confident again, and orders are increasing. This is a good time to prepare. Tenfold’s business coaching services can help clients notice these signs early. Then, they can take action before things get busy.

ChatGPT can be used to simulate planning conversations with a business coach. It can help you think through staffing, budgeting, and operational readiness. You don’t need to be tech-savvy; just ask clear questions and follow the advice.

Try prompts like:

“What steps should I take now to prepare for a busy season in residential construction?”

“How do I balance hiring with cash flow when forward orders are increasing?”

“What are the signs that I should start investing in new equipment or systems?”

Indicators to Watch: Opportunities and Risks

Confidence, forward orders, capacity utilisation, wage costs, and regional differences are all important signs to watch. Builders should keep an eye on these to find new opportunities. They can also help avoid problems like burnout or delays. Plans for spending on new equipment or projects are also useful to watch. They give clues about how the economy is doing overall.

ChatGPT can help you monitor these indicators and interpret what they mean for your business. You can ask for summaries, comparisons, or even draft questions to ask your suppliers or team. It’s like having a mini business coach in your pocket.

Try prompts like:

“What does rising capex in construction mean for small trades businesses in Queensland?”

“How can I tell if my business is at risk of overcommitting when forward orders rise but capacity stays low?”

“Help me write a checklist to monitor wage costs, profit margins, and capacity each month”

Five Actions to Take Now

The original article lists five clear actions that construction business owners should take now.

First, review your job pipeline to see what projects are coming up and what is already in progress. Next, check your pricing to make sure you are charging enough to cover costs and make a profit. Then, talk to your suppliers to find out if there are any changes or problems. After that, look at your cash flow to understand how much money is coming in and going out. Finally, start planning for growth so your business can get bigger in the future. These simple steps can help you keep your business strong and ready for new opportunities.

ChatGPT can help you implement each of these actions. Use it to draft pricing reviews, supplier emails, cash flow questions, or growth plans. It’s not a replacement for a business coach, but it’s a great way to get started and stay proactive.

Try prompts like:

“Help me review my job pipeline and identify gaps or bottlenecks for the next quarter”

“What should I include in a pricing review to make sure my quotes cover rising wage costs?”

“Write a short email to my supplier asking to lock in material prices for the next three months”

Prepare with Confidence

The NAB survey paints a picture of cautious optimism. Conditions remain challenging, but confidence is quietly building. For construction businesses, this is the moment to prepare, not panic. As Tenfold Business Coaching highlights, those who act early are best positioned to ride the next wave of demand.

This is where AI tools like ChatGPT can support your business coaching journey. Used alongside expert advice, ChatGPT helps you think through decisions, rehearse strategies, and sharpen your operational focus. It’s not about replacing your business coach; it’s about getting more value from every conversation and staying proactive between sessions.

Whether you’re reviewing your pipeline, adjusting your pricing, or planning for growth, ChatGPT offers a simple way to turn insights into action. It’s flexible, fast, and tailored to your questions. For builders and trades operators ready to take the next step, this is your edge.

Tenfold Business Coaching services are designed to help you lead with clarity and confidence. With ChatGPT as your thinking partner, you can prepare smarter, act sooner, and stay one step ahead in a shifting market. That’s next level business coaching, and it starts now.