tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9822333622172320482024-03-19T04:47:25.798-04:00Plumbing, Heating, AC, Electrical Service BusinessProviding information to the service contractor in the mechanical trades including both the residential and the commercial contractor.Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-23149011836439805702020-01-17T11:05:00.000-05:002020-01-17T11:05:16.329-05:00Oh No! My Service Manager Just Quit!<div class="WordSection1">
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Losing key people in your business is always difficult. It could be a senior Technician, a Service Manager, or an important Office Staff Member. They may leave your business for any number of reasons. Many of those reasons you believe you do not have any control over and so you just to “buck it up”. Here is a partial list of reasons employees leave our type of businesses:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Moving out of the area <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Family issue such as divorce, new baby, or family illness<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pursuing another career<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Health issues<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Distance from the office<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>9 to 5 Hours<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Not really suited for the service business<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pressure for change from the spouse<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Benefits<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pay<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>On call<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Going into business<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Being a stay at home parent<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Conflict with other Team Member or Members<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know there are others that I did not include but these are the ones I hear about the most. From owners I hear that it is often a total surprise that the employee is leaving. They had no idea it was coming. I don’t accept that in many cases. To me it is a fundamental issue the owner has failed to address in their business. That issue is communication with each and every employee on a regularly scheduled basis to discuss that employee’s performance and future with the company. Every employee should know how well they are performing and what the future for them with the company looks like. These are not the sit downs to discuss a pay increase, although those do need to occur. These are quarterly sit downs to discuss the progress the employee has made in the previous three months and what is expected in the next three months, one year and even five years. At these the owner should get a sense of where the employee is in their position at the company. Employees want to know how they are doing, what they can do to be better, and what the future holds for them.</div>
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Here is a method you could use. Get out your calendar and write in a ½ hour block of time for each employee sit down each quarter for the next twelve months. On your calendar mark ten days prior to each sit down with a note to give that employee an evaluation form for them to fill out and return to you at least two days prior to your sit down. Your will review the form and add your comments (constructive comments) and a plan of action for the next quarter, year and perhaps five years to the form. When you have the sit down with the employee you will review that form together, come to a consensus of the review and plan and have the employee sign the form and provide them a copy. Regular communication about their future will provide a way for the employee to be more open about what’s up in their head. Each time you meet you will use the previous meetings form and the new form to conduct the review and plan. This process goes hand and hand with a specific blueprint for each employee’s progression within your company in career development and pay. I call it “Blueprint for Success”. Between the reviews and the blueprint the owner will have reduced much of the “Where am I going” uneasiness of the employee. There are no magic bullets but regular communication and a plan will provide a more stable environment for the employee thus reducing the chances they will seek other opportunities and be lost to your company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you would like a copy of a form you could use in these sit downs and a sample of a “Blueprint for Success”, email me at Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com and I’ll send you a copy. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at <a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Spring Training</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If People are Sleeping...</span></a></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-77295302756881153772016-12-02T13:33:00.002-05:002021-10-11T14:45:32.049-04:00Time Doesn’t Fix Fires…..It Only Fuels Them!<br />
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Mrs. Smith just called and is very unhappy with the service
your company provided. <!--[if !vml]--></div>
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<!--[endif]-->She asked for the
owner but you told your Customer Service Rep you were “unavailable” but you
would get back to Misses Smith tomorrow after you spoke with the Technician. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Several days pass and the note about Mrs. Smith’s problem is
now way down in the “to do” pile. Several more days pass and since you have not
heard from Mrs. Smith, you decide to pitch the note. Guess what, Mrs. Smith has
not forgotten about her problem. In fact she is seething mad! She may not be a
computer genius but she can find several review sites to express her dismay! You
may be total unaware of the posts but other customers and potential customers
are reading her blasts at your company. Do you think they are going to totally
dismiss her comments? Probably not! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Unattended
Camp Fires Result in Forest Fires<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8ed5n1de8yIDKRSVAnf5pqcanbCtKOFUUkgWS5PmLe79OYcpgyA1W7IRoB1ZJZY-WQiEza6dhm-jEUrRPhBxnDuRiTfNJpHsU8NTrjorAyIb-Wo5iyHTMlsXBG56qWtPdKQnz5ZPbZE/s1600/FireForest122016.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8ed5n1de8yIDKRSVAnf5pqcanbCtKOFUUkgWS5PmLe79OYcpgyA1W7IRoB1ZJZY-WQiEza6dhm-jEUrRPhBxnDuRiTfNJpHsU8NTrjorAyIb-Wo5iyHTMlsXBG56qWtPdKQnz5ZPbZE/s320/FireForest122016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Why isn’t the phone
ringing? When homeowners or business owners look for a contractor, they check
the review for your company. With many options for them to choose from, why
would they choose a company with less than stellar ratings? You don’t have
that! Oh, Misses Smith isn’t the first to have and issue with your company and
she won’t be the last (if you are still in business). Every company has
customer issues from time to time. It’s how quickly and efficiently you handle
those complaints that matter to your customers. Most customers can see through
an illegitimate complaint posted by an unreasonable customer. But you must take
each and every complaint seriously, expeditiously, and effectively. Every
customer concern requires action and often a written response by the company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ignoring
customer Concerns is Contagious<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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tint=20000;mso-bevel-dpicontour:2.0pt'>Are You<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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tint=20000;mso-bevel-dpicontour:2.0pt'>Contagious?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->What you do as a business owner is
highly contagious! If you elect to ignore the concerns of your
customers, so will your employees. You keep asking why the phone isn’t ringing
with service calls. You really know the answer, you are afraid to admit your
short coming in responding to the customer. Well, it’s a good time to make a
2017 resolution to without hesitation, take care of the customer!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. </span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Contact him @ <span style="text-decoration: none;">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333px;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></a></span></b></span>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span></div>
<br /></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-27872943112206313312016-12-02T13:24:00.000-05:002016-12-02T13:24:20.399-05:00Mystery of the Toilet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3a8d6WbC-OU4k9wBpxiZCsDbOH29TMZj1e3cKCkUeTOioe2C0DXGvQ903HValzzxJgUu7BxWJvEnBB7leQFQlugcW68TsYuREma2rBywzdAX78BK3Aft8HpGDJ7nXQ2EPz6HhcJCOA0/s1600/toilet1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526794624926537042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR3a8d6WbC-OU4k9wBpxiZCsDbOH29TMZj1e3cKCkUeTOioe2C0DXGvQ903HValzzxJgUu7BxWJvEnBB7leQFQlugcW68TsYuREma2rBywzdAX78BK3Aft8HpGDJ7nXQ2EPz6HhcJCOA0/s320/toilet1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Our daughter, Melissa and Son-in-law, Kevin recently moved into their new home near Orlando. The house is about 3 years old and was a short sale. The previous owners moved out about a month before Melissa and Kevin closed and moved in. It is a larger home since they have 4 children and need some space of everyone.<br />
Lynn and I are in Florida for the fall months. Since we could not move into the home we are staying in for several days, we bunked in with Melissa and Kevin and the 4 grandchildren. I noticed that the toilet in the main bath did not flush properly. Of course being a plumber that was not something that could go unfixed! And as a guy who likes tools and working with my hands, I brought my trusty tool bag properly outfitted with us to Florida. I was fairly certain that one of the grandkids or a child of the previous owner had dropped something into the toilet that should not have been deposited there.<br />
It was Monday morning and the two grandsons left for school thus removing some of the chaos of four kids wanting to know what Grandpa is doing. The toilet was a builder’s model but the other similar toilets in the house flushed well so I was sure I would find a comb, a toy, a jar lid, or some other item in the trap-way of the toilet. I did not have a toilet auger with me (they don’t fit well in a tool bag), so I removed the tank from the toilet and pulled the bowl.<br />
This is where it gets interesting and my point of the story. I gently place the bowl into the bathtub on a rubber mat so I can check the closet bend for the “object”. There is no “object” but there is standing water at the bottom of the closet bend. I immediately thought that the “object” has gotten lodged in the lateral piping from the closet bend to the stack. I stopped and unfroze my brain and evaluated the issue. The trap-way is the smallest diameter of the water and waste pathway so an “object” logically would not make it into the lateral without continuing on its path through the system. My next thought was some sort of construction debris, a rag, a chunk of a 2x4 or something similar was the culprit. But then my brain got into gear and said to me that it would not just be a slow partial flush as the toilet was operating, but a total blockage and a potential overflow of the toilet, which did not occur. Also the water remained in the lateral at the bottom of the closet bend even after several minutes. Being a well-trained Master Plumber for over 35 years, I remembered the basics of plumbing. Hot is on the left, “stuff” flows downhill and payday is Friday. The lateral must be going uphill!<br />
I removed the screws holding the closet flange to the floor and tried to pry up the piping. If it didn’t work, I would need to open the living room ceiling to make a repair and that was not my first choice of solutions. Slowly the PVC closet riser came up but the water was not leaving. I decided that I would continue to pry it up since there was not much to lose. If the line broke or a joint broke that wouldn’t be an issue since I would need to open the ceiling for a repair anyway. The pipe kept coming up. The water began to drain. I continued to pry it up. At four and ½ inches, the water finally drained out completely. Having cleared hundreds of plugged or partially plugged toilets over the years, I had never seen this problem before. <br />
What do I do now? Thinking about the alternatives of opening the ceiling to provide support for the lateral or just cut the riser down and glue a new flange on to the riser to support the lateral, I decided to just depend on the closet flange to hold up the piping. Not the way I would do it if I have access to the lateral piping, but with a substantial gluing surface on the flange I used, I was counting on the flange glue joint to support the piping. With everything put back together, the toilet now flushes perfectly for a builder’s model. <br />
But how did this happen? The installing plumber didn’t support the lateral properly and the finish plumber didn’t test flush the toilet to assure that it was working properly. Perhaps a carpenter or the tile man pushed down the riser and broke the hangers. In any event, the details of a job are as important as the core task of the job. Be sure to remind your technicians of the importance of details especially testing of the finished job whether plumbing, HVAC, or electrical. They too may find a unique problem!Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com154tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-8605460092795094512016-08-04T14:08:00.001-04:002016-08-04T14:10:55.233-04:00Biking for Water!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIpsNzMl8dlF8fQKYCDQfimdPr3T4zdxyGrhwmhurScQwAVOj4iEl6zKpi1BUPNcn7wGBAWtivTk2hF9Y_pIlFuHtIox-Sj7zTea3GjG7oNm_-4-S_nvH2XGM2tyMOAkDk4A5vI9ZXN8/s1600/Biking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIpsNzMl8dlF8fQKYCDQfimdPr3T4zdxyGrhwmhurScQwAVOj4iEl6zKpi1BUPNcn7wGBAWtivTk2hF9Y_pIlFuHtIox-Sj7zTea3GjG7oNm_-4-S_nvH2XGM2tyMOAkDk4A5vI9ZXN8/s320/Biking.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saturday Training Ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Water is life…and hundreds of millions of people around the world are suffering today because they do not have access to clean water. Hope Water Project is committed to providing clean water by partnering with communities and drilling deep water wells in some of the world’s neediest areas. Our current project is to provide 1,000 new water wells for the Pokot tribe in northwestern Kenya.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you may know I have been an active participant in raising
funds for Hope Water Project (<a href="https://hopewaterproject.org/">https://HopeWaterProject.org</a>
). I have run 2 half marathons as fund raisers over the past 2 years. On August
21<sup>st</sup>, I am attempting to complete the Assenmacher 100 mile bicycle
ride. I have not been a long distance bike rider in the past. Lynn and I have
just done some 10 -15 mile rides here in Michigan and in Florida for pleasure.
The training is challenging and kicking my butt! That’s a biking joke!
Fortunately, we conveniently live right off Hines Drive where I have been doing
most of my training.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am asking you to team up with me and Hope Water Project to
partially fund drilling a well for fresh water in Africa for a tribe of people
who have never had access to water that is clear, sanitary, and disease free. I
am asking that you donate, it is a tax deductible contribution, and you will
know exactly what it will accomplish. Here is a link to video that shows what
Hope Water is working to provide <a href="https://vimeo.com/57262283">https://vimeo.com/57262283</a>.
And over 85% of all money raised goes directly into drilling and installing new
wells.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is the process:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go to: <a href="https://hopewaterproject.org/">https://HopeWaterProject.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Click on: Donate tab and scroll down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Select: Assenmacher 100<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Select: Kensington Church<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You will see some pictures of participants. If you don’t see
me, click on: Show All or Show More tabs at the bottom of the pictures
displayed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make your donation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you have other great causes you support and are unable to
provide financial support to Hope Water, I understand. But if you have been
Blessed this year and can help, I Thank You!</span></div>
<o:p></o:p>Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-8313857554049356222016-01-07T09:59:00.000-05:002016-01-07T10:02:06.082-05:00Are you the same person you were as the New Year started a WHOLE year ago, but you WANTED to change?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXXNSFgZxN0LkLc3_ntDSvN_6-KFXCKsTdPf7iR5q5hcjLKQsMH7WDb_f1GiuJyP5slinzp1W5RqjVDMeSvyc7iIZg_TOiem7FjIpYwgAzbWToWKyxl5l2Jk0CWr5TaV5CnEbFQ8MtiQ/s1600/184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXXNSFgZxN0LkLc3_ntDSvN_6-KFXCKsTdPf7iR5q5hcjLKQsMH7WDb_f1GiuJyP5slinzp1W5RqjVDMeSvyc7iIZg_TOiem7FjIpYwgAzbWToWKyxl5l2Jk0CWr5TaV5CnEbFQ8MtiQ/s200/184.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s talk a little about that issue. Same old, same old,
different day! I’ll bet the year flew by and you ran out of time to make the
changes to your life to become “who you wanted to become.” Life moves quickly,
daily emergencies come up; insignificant tasks are on your lists, others use up
your time and on it goes until the day is over. Then the week is over, then the
month is over, and finally it’s a new year and you haven’t become “who you
wanted to become.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a businessman, you have a list of things you need to accomplish
each day you arrive at your business. That list could be on paper, on your cell
phone, on your computer, in your head, or in a planner. Of course the list is
long and daily you have a number of items you just don’t get to start or
finish. Those items seem to keep rolling forward to the next day, the next
week, or the next month. These often are the things we need to be doing to
become “who you want to become.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
You also have a calendar with things scheduled for certain
dates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZoAYB6drFAhZudNJhwFYaipWrCbx7LfzAAIvFbzxBU7dj4rbI3C_TAV7om33xC5hn_-vs6aSw7N6p-w5VmYowg8XtLBPIhCH-FOtTZVAbwJDdnpOaJxaL8IxUE_3uyL441MWx9TwK8A/s1600/197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZoAYB6drFAhZudNJhwFYaipWrCbx7LfzAAIvFbzxBU7dj4rbI3C_TAV7om33xC5hn_-vs6aSw7N6p-w5VmYowg8XtLBPIhCH-FOtTZVAbwJDdnpOaJxaL8IxUE_3uyL441MWx9TwK8A/s200/197.jpg" width="200" /></a>and times.These could be meetings, seminars, conventions, vacation, kid’s
ball games, a social event or perhaps a golf outing. Most of these are based on
outside influences and demands. When you take a close look at your calendar,
you find that there is little or no time left for “who you wanted to become.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">"Whether you think that
you can, or that you can't, you are usually right."</span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: right;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Henry Ford</b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Schedule
less about what to get done than who you want to become!</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To become “who you want to become”, requires a commitment of
time, energy and perhaps money. Let’s look at a couple of possible examples. We’ll
look at a business related scenario and a personal related scenario.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Business</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You would like to grow your business but since you came up
as a Technician, you really don’t really understanding of the financial side of
your business. You have said you need to do something about that but another
year has gone by and you’re not making any more that you did when you worked
for someone else. Then another year goes by and the same thing all over again!
Time for a timeout! Time to put a couple of hours aside (your business won’t
fail if you do this). You need to analyze the options. You could go a local
junior college and take classes in finance and accounting. You could take some
online classes in finance and accounting. This is not the best option since it’s
too easy to sluff it off and never get the financial understanding you need to
improve your business. You could hire a business coach to work with you in your
business and teach you the fundamentals of finance and accounting. These are
just a couple of options. Surely there are more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now comes the hard part. You must change your life in some
way to accomplish this goal no matter which choice you make to move forward. To
truly become “who you want to become” you will need to put a much higher
priority on understanding the financial side of your business than you might
have in the past. If you take classes at a junior college, you will need to
attend the classes (time), do the studying and assignments (energy), and pay
for the classes (money). The same would apply if you took online classes with
the exception that it would require a lot more energy to learn what is needed
that a classroom setting. If you hired a business coach, time, energy and a lot
more money would be involved to get the understanding that you need. The upside
is there would be someone right there with you as problems and concerns arose.
Change is required to become “who you want to become.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is one more issue to keep in mind and that is balance
in your life. You still need time, energy and money for your personal life of
family, friends, home, and recreation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Personal</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You enjoy playing golf with some friends and you’re able to
play 9 holes 2-3 times a month with </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8D1i8AKJ_Bco1NLFk16tFwBYgHzUP6Xdd1AqIFAYuBAwjmvBo7ACcZv0v0RSNSm-tMJuWvGGKIDy-zhXMwfGnsK-ZRdVSk1KrbYoTq-HvTVwUm39zbe4m7fnxyFm1jYav8sobvO51A/s1600/Putting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGX8D1i8AKJ_Bco1NLFk16tFwBYgHzUP6Xdd1AqIFAYuBAwjmvBo7ACcZv0v0RSNSm-tMJuWvGGKIDy-zhXMwfGnsK-ZRdVSk1KrbYoTq-HvTVwUm39zbe4m7fnxyFm1jYav8sobvO51A/s200/Putting.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
them. Your handicap is 25 and has been for
years. In fact a couple of years ago it was 23 so you have slipped a little. Some
weekends you’re able to watch an hour or so of the PGA Pros play and deep down
you would like to play more like them. You realize you’re a contractor and not
a golf pro but a score in the low to mid 80’s would be a dream for you. For
this dream to come true, you would need to commit a heck of a lot more time,
energy and money to achieve that dream!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This will require ongoing lessons and coaching for as long
as several years to change your game on a consistent basis. This is a real
money, energy and time commitment. It would also require hours and hours at the
driving range to practice what you have been taught, more time energy and
money. And it will also require playing much more frequently to maintain the consistency
and feel to shoot the lower scores and become “who you want to become.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here also there is another issue to keep in mind and that is
balance in your life. You still need time, energy and money for your personal
life of family, friends, home, recreation and your business. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It's a New
Year</span></b></h2>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO4qKHaPPvKsOAgpBZE0KMYZX3Ygbbjs3tUgrtwlVioseroiX29dI_eJDY_bagx7Yhh2Z_9SaPg5NVk6-_NPmM_VIL-yOgpjuKqFxLlaR1g91UF4Lp1qxn_8cWFW5rYneJYwZm32zxdg/s1600/120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO4qKHaPPvKsOAgpBZE0KMYZX3Ygbbjs3tUgrtwlVioseroiX29dI_eJDY_bagx7Yhh2Z_9SaPg5NVk6-_NPmM_VIL-yOgpjuKqFxLlaR1g91UF4Lp1qxn_8cWFW5rYneJYwZm32zxdg/s200/120.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">So as we start a new
year, are you going to become “who you want to become” or are you going to
repeat last year and the year before and the year before that? You decide!</b><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50
years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning
service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in
the service business to grow and prosper. </span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Contact him @ <span style="text-decoration: none;">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></a></span></b></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span></div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-10701847210663247902015-08-18T10:08:00.000-04:002015-08-18T10:08:30.830-04:00Until You.......<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqXM-TXmCNFUUM_VAFSD592r3uXP5UpNPrF4ZVP80fNeQmCTQRCBQ7mT2b8y4Nx914couVSipAYxU6eikaA2AJyG52CnAfw4YlWbftlajDE3vlaOAP-yzv_w9uooXo_PbO5WonB6Yl-o/s1600/FingerPointing.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAqXM-TXmCNFUUM_VAFSD592r3uXP5UpNPrF4ZVP80fNeQmCTQRCBQ7mT2b8y4Nx914couVSipAYxU6eikaA2AJyG52CnAfw4YlWbftlajDE3vlaOAP-yzv_w9uooXo_PbO5WonB6Yl-o/s200/FingerPointing.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yes You</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_789100141"></span><span id="goog_789100142"></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> as a business owner decide to change and improve
the performance of your company, profitability won’t change.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> decide to improve the look of your business and
your Technicians, your company will still look like amateurs rather than pros.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> begin to understand the financial side of your
business, you will continue to operate like a “Ma & Pa” operation rather
than a business.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> understand that an employee won’t always do the
way you would do it, you will micro-manage every phase of your business and
limit it’s potential.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> expect and strive for the very best customer
experience, you will just be another contractor, not memorable to your
customer, not recommended by your customer if they even remain as a customer.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> enforce your company standards, you will have
none.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> look at your employees as customers who deserve
the best customer service, you will only attract mediocre employees.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> improve your marketing, you can expect that you
won’t attract large numbers of new customers.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> have menu pricing (flat rate) and keep it current,
you can expect customer complaints and low profits.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> plan and put aside money for retirement, you will
be working until you die.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> train you Technicians, you can expect other
companies to take you customers with better knowledge and better customer
service.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> set goals, your future will drift like a ship
without a rudder.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> check costs in each part of your business, you
will loss profit by over paying to that friendly salesman.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> have your call takers use a script and check on </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">them, you will loss opportunities to other contractors.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBkK8AktCydTuC55clJgtHCBn1xHOuNc08rOPAwRBpoN9LKYhYKmKoToDSL3DxKjRG8Sase6s2qJfFm96Mcoin3K2ztdLyw_kR8Bhe3mwc4G3DAteZDSaRfQbt5ptGLlSuXSE-sRIfCg/s1600/Holding+Card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBkK8AktCydTuC55clJgtHCBn1xHOuNc08rOPAwRBpoN9LKYhYKmKoToDSL3DxKjRG8Sase6s2qJfFm96Mcoin3K2ztdLyw_kR8Bhe3mwc4G3DAteZDSaRfQbt5ptGLlSuXSE-sRIfCg/s200/Holding+Card2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> work with a consultant or a contractor group, you
will not grow in knowledge and learn from other’s experiences.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> set financial controls in your business, you open
your business to employee thief and dishonesty.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Until you</b> decide to change, your business is falling behind
and will eventually fail!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Need help with change? Give me a call or email me, I can help
<u>if</u> you are ready for cultural change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You can get more information at our website </span><a href="http://sayyestosuccess.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.SayYesToSuccess.com </span></a><br />
</span><br />
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan
has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a
large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for
the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business
to grow and prosper. Contact him at</span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<h4>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span> </span> Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-84698836116857816492015-03-12T11:01:00.000-04:002015-03-14T14:54:48.917-04:00Are You a Half-Hearted Kamikaze Revisited? <H2><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why Update</span></b></h2>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUqP4Xq75zKkmCOBPD7xRxF3YbU9BdLi8hZl3f6gr3lTLCUo1Xo_W_AhJyfdLfnk5Frce6lDwXUHRE9NvV8O-po3mILls-kfcntemLLiBcqOdWHAExhmLlceA2b4bDRIUtsYT7Yw1Dys/s1600/Kamikaze032015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUqP4Xq75zKkmCOBPD7xRxF3YbU9BdLi8hZl3f6gr3lTLCUo1Xo_W_AhJyfdLfnk5Frce6lDwXUHRE9NvV8O-po3mILls-kfcntemLLiBcqOdWHAExhmLlceA2b4bDRIUtsYT7Yw1Dys/s1600/Kamikaze032015.jpg" height="143" title="" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I find this trait so prevalent
in small business today I see the need to write about it again with updates
since I wrote about it in 2012. A lot has added to the causes of this disease
that has infected small business owners.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p>
<br />
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A quick review of the term “Half-Hearted
Kamikaze”</span></b></h2>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> It came from Tim Elmore a Christian Pastor and
Speaker. I think it is relevant in today’s service business. First let’s look a
definition of Kamikaze. As Tim Elmore puts it,”</span><span style="background: #F3F4EE; color: #666666; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A Kamikaze is someone who (whether for
good or evil) puts everything into one purpose.” Wikipedia defines
the <b><i>Kamikaze</i></b>, literally: "God wind"; common
translation: "Divine wind", where suicide attacks by military
aviators from the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels in the closing
stages of the Pacific campaign of World War II. These attacks were designed to
destroy warships more effectively than was possible with conventional attacks.
Numbers quoted vary, but at least 47 Allied vessels, from PT boats to escort
carriers, were sunk by kamikaze attacks, and about 300 damaged. About 14% of
kamikaze attacks managed to hit a ship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>The Business Definition</b></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what is a
Half-Hearted Kamikaze? My definition as relating to business is a service
business owner who talks the story of improvement, change, and full commitment
but does not consistently strive to achieve the goal of an extremely successful
business with time for the owner to enjoy life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfxunBJwOIg4CI6h0HbaiXzB2YrPOCKtS9YgxxV5CG-_TZsBG47-XMV13lje2-fegGe-0koRMEwPZGLC5Z-m9OyiGKxp20gIJWe-D_4ATtXseKy3GuCFRxp77hPxqV4Fy587Xx1vWjjY/s1600/Cruiser032015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BEC Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfxunBJwOIg4CI6h0HbaiXzB2YrPOCKtS9YgxxV5CG-_TZsBG47-XMV13lje2-fegGe-0koRMEwPZGLC5Z-m9OyiGKxp20gIJWe-D_4ATtXseKy3GuCFRxp77hPxqV4Fy587Xx1vWjjY/s1600/Cruiser032015.jpg" height="186" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So why are so many service business owners
half-hearted?</span></b></h2>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My observations of
dozens and dozens of service businesses demonstrate several reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They may great
technicians but they are not knowledgeable business owners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another reason is the owner just does not have
the drive to take the business to success but is satisfied with a paycheck
equal or less than they could make as a technician for a successful company.
Perhaps their spouse works and provides the additional income and benefits for
the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Often an owner enjoy
technical side of the business so much they shy away from the hard decisions,
the “books”, margins, waste, and the changes needed to more the business to the
next level. Not necessarily larger but more profitable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A recent trend I am
seeing is business owners dealing with technology. They either get so involved
in technology that they forget about the fundamentals of operating a successful
business or they fail to grasp the opportunities that newer technologies offer
to improve the fundamentals of a business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also a recent issue
is the red tape and regulations imposed by the government that stifle success
these include regulations that do not make sense for a small business, burdensome
paperwork, poorly trained inspectors, codes that change often, codes that do
work for existing structures, laws that vary city to city, and of course
government involvement in employee benefits. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The last one I’m going
to mention is marketing. A business owner can no longer rely on a simple “Yellow
Pages” display ad to generate business. With websites, social sites, third</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRXJrafgLfkUSCbU_UVL2YP-OFjMGW1YEv0wFygayvJ7-WMOQnTipAABceZLK_FsvuQn9PmBsmXhKioLWn3VGtH30TdkEhLg35KUJdcHVX970kmnFL_updtaaqhpFj7AxJTXfVWND7kk/s1600/Carrier032015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRXJrafgLfkUSCbU_UVL2YP-OFjMGW1YEv0wFygayvJ7-WMOQnTipAABceZLK_FsvuQn9PmBsmXhKioLWn3VGtH30TdkEhLg35KUJdcHVX970kmnFL_updtaaqhpFj7AxJTXfVWND7kk/s1600/Carrier032015.jpg" height="136" title="" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
party advertising, customer online reviews, mobile marketing, and dozens of
other newer marketing places and technics, the business owner is lost so they
often give up.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Consequences</span></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The owner probably has
little or no retirement fund when he retires. He may take cash under the table
thus compromising his integrity. His business may be supported by his vendors
who provide credit too easily. He owes more than the business is worth. He may
have stress related illnesses such as heart trouble, high blood pressure,
diabetes or another health issue. He retires to a life much less than a
business owner deserves, if he is able to retire. Perhaps he works at a big box
store like Walmart or Home Depot instead of enjoying retirement, hobbies, and
the grandkids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h2 style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So what’s the answer?</span></b></h2>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either become fully
engaged or work for someone who is and avoid the downside of being
half-hearted. Today there are dozens of ways to beat the half-hearted disease.
Contact me if you would like to discuss this more and move your business
forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Don't be a Half-Hearted Kamikaze, make the decision today!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="ttp://tinyurl.com/o7qxjdt">Link to original article here.</a></span></b></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50
years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning
service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in
the service business to grow and prosper. </span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Contact him @ <span style="text-decoration: none;">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></a></span></b></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-89554554781227217662014-12-31T13:29:00.001-05:002014-12-31T13:29:14.738-05:00I had a Heart attack!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32REHbd-sbCh2OQRpoLpmexen75hJB7wiKI2OoJCnMFV4bUJrXQ7NGIkp0DzRxr6X3RvC5rorRJlIz6Tw26BNpnPouHhbijtkjqLvzT_-ZejHV2gMssv1aJkhTybzOpiUYxjbgYhyphenhyphenizY/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32REHbd-sbCh2OQRpoLpmexen75hJB7wiKI2OoJCnMFV4bUJrXQ7NGIkp0DzRxr6X3RvC5rorRJlIz6Tw26BNpnPouHhbijtkjqLvzT_-ZejHV2gMssv1aJkhTybzOpiUYxjbgYhyphenhyphenizY/s1600/DSC_0579.JPG" height="131" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here
is the story in his own words of a young Technician who had a heart attack. Our safety and health training helped him survive and act quickly to prevent severe damage to his heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUZPSMqvs1IZD3nab7NtJUKE6wO5FZZlD1_sKARhFQ7COhv5bSAK-v2jWmUpBAV0oWdeHHmPFV9fWLuttGa36m26DgSHfhsKW1OdxXyU-H-ndFNmB9JE2iE3QAk2ZvLMhKBtkd24t-Ko/s1600/ChrisStory122014_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Health and Safety Training" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUZPSMqvs1IZD3nab7NtJUKE6wO5FZZlD1_sKARhFQ7COhv5bSAK-v2jWmUpBAV0oWdeHHmPFV9fWLuttGa36m26DgSHfhsKW1OdxXyU-H-ndFNmB9JE2iE3QAk2ZvLMhKBtkd24t-Ko/s1600/ChrisStory122014_0001.jpg" height="640" title="" width="492" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Page 2</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzU1YG-HglGZFYvjmzSc46w7aAqUW-jkEGUdiKo86YWGPP-xEnfBd5SMulCLRq7nOFDmBYuT_6HTfAQJ0_4lCs3ghxiLf8jbp_OF03Jl5xyLpZYMm1-Qz9srjNDszj0fVFzh2rxi1SSQ/s1600/ChrisStory122014_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzU1YG-HglGZFYvjmzSc46w7aAqUW-jkEGUdiKo86YWGPP-xEnfBd5SMulCLRq7nOFDmBYuT_6HTfAQJ0_4lCs3ghxiLf8jbp_OF03Jl5xyLpZYMm1-Qz9srjNDszj0fVFzh2rxi1SSQ/s1600/ChrisStory122014_0002.jpg" height="640" width="494" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Need Health and Safety Training for you and your staff? <a href="mailto:Info@SayYesToSuccess.com" target="_blank">Contact us! </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can get more information at our website<span style="color: #0000ee;">, </span></span><a href="http://sayyestosuccess.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SayYesToSuccess.com </span></a><span id="goog_847393526"></span><span id="goog_847393527"></span></h4>
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan
has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a
large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for
the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business
to grow and prosper. Contact him at</span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></h4>
<h4>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-51261530541329586292014-09-30T13:02:00.001-04:002014-09-30T13:04:30.363-04:0013 Small Simple Actions to Change Your Company Culture<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being an owner or manager in a service business is fast
paced, grinding, and can be total consuming</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BVn_uUpHY27hrr25AYcz9S36EuUYr0KiH_pz88_nriOSMTPpjvXVcs4nDtikrwhW7gwf8VY56cTwR6dJUlAwAYP-3is0wEArk6OQlbim_OBj1NXPKiCtPmR8eofIx7uha-nREY6wlak/s1600/Puzzle092014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BVn_uUpHY27hrr25AYcz9S36EuUYr0KiH_pz88_nriOSMTPpjvXVcs4nDtikrwhW7gwf8VY56cTwR6dJUlAwAYP-3is0wEArk6OQlbim_OBj1NXPKiCtPmR8eofIx7uha-nREY6wlak/s1600/Puzzle092014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> of all your faculties and
inter-resources. This also holds true for your inside staff and your field
Technicians. So here are 13 tips to improve the culture in your company by
small things you as a manager or owner can do on a regular basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Morning Greeting<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you walk in and some of your staff is already at the
office, greet each one by name and with a positive greeting. I know you often
come in with things on your mind, or lack of sleep, but this can give your
staff a boost which can carry over to the customers they touch that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Feed the Crew<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having a meeting? Stop at Mickey D’s or Dunkin Donuts and
bring in something for them to eat. It doesn’t need to be exotic or expensive.
They will feel you care about them. Be sure to recognize any food allergies or
dietary issues and take care of those individuals also.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acknowledge<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acknowledge years of service with your company for each
employee. You can do this on social media, send them a card, post it on the
company bulletin board, have a cake with their name on it, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or even have something like a special hat or
jacket for 1 year of service, 5 years of service, 10 years of service and so
on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Celebrate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ALWAYS celebrate wins. When you reach a goal within the
company such as meeting the monthly budget for sales and profit, reaching a
specific number of Maintenance Agreements, excellent customer reviews, or a successful
change within the company celebrate. This can be as simple as an announcement
at a meeting or something more like lunch for everyone. Be sure to include
everyone and show the benefit of the success to the employee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Orient<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When a new employee comes into a company, they have a great
sense of uneasiness. Introduce them to every employee you can. Let them know
who to go to for payroll, uniforms, truck issues, in the warehouse and so on.
When they agree to come on board, send them a letter welcoming them and their
family to your family (company).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Suggestion Box<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a suggestion box where employees can express their
ideas on improving the company. When a suggestion saves the company money or
greatly improves customer service and revenue, acknowledge that suggestion and
reward the employee. Incidentally, all suggestions <u>must </u>be answered by
management within 1-2 weeks with an answer why or why not the suggestion will
be implemented. If you don’t, the employees will stop giving suggestions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ring the Bell<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a bell and ring it when a replacement system is sold, a
maintenance agreement is sold, or an add-on sale by a Technician. People like
wins so celebrate wins. Casinos have bells, sirens, lights, and other devices
to acknowledge wins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Post Results<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE3WhBxb4hyphenhyphenL2gyIFFVzONko4AZVr7P3d5FQSIhJDQURL05Eh05HXmefcaSlXIZOZML9w5c7g5eLaqKUV7Irs6ynOk-nqG_ZNlhCDYdVXS7bZS8MhmKJYi2bCGNh96GualxHbC9jCiLU/s1600/Hands092014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHE3WhBxb4hyphenhyphenL2gyIFFVzONko4AZVr7P3d5FQSIhJDQURL05Eh05HXmefcaSlXIZOZML9w5c7g5eLaqKUV7Irs6ynOk-nqG_ZNlhCDYdVXS7bZS8MhmKJYi2bCGNh96GualxHbC9jCiLU/s1600/Hands092014.jpg" height="194" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Post goals and employee results to meet those goals. This
could be sales, maintenance agreement sales, CSR sales, number of customer
calls vs. closes and so on. This will increase sales just by posting and create
some competition among employees. Also post a simple monthly company financial statement
for all employees to view.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Play Games<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the daily grind, employees get bored and their job
becomes a heavy task each day. Have some games from time to time. Have everyone
bring in a baby picture and post it. See if someone can guess whose picture
each one is and have a small prize for the most correct guesses. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are books with ideas for games that
companies can play.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Think Family<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each employee has a family outside of your business that is
very important to them. Many employees are lost because of issues outside of
work that deal with family. Look at your company policies and view them from an
employee and family perspective. When you have a company activity, such as a
Christmas party or picnic, think about making them family focused to include
spouses, important others, and kids.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">11.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be sure to have a safety manual for the company and be a
stickler for safety in the office, warehouse, and on the jobsites. Think of
safety as an employee benefit that is reasonable to conduct and tells each
employee that you care about them. If you bypass safety issues they feel you
don’t care for their wellbeing and will not give their best to the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">12.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Image<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The image of your company is displayed every day by your
trucks, employees and building. Employees don’t want to work for a company with
dirty bathrooms, messy warehouses, poor uniforms, filthy office carpets, and so
on. They want to work for the companies with the best images because it is a
direct reflection on them. This is not an overnight or cheap change for some of
you but if you make strides in the right direction without back-sliding, they
will notice the change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">13.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Career</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most employees are looking for a career not just a job. For
each employee, layout a career path they can achieve over a period of time. I
would suggest over the next 5 years. There should be title changes as they
advance, improved compensation, company provided training, and direction for
them. They should have specific goals and skills to reach in order to move to
the next level. They should be evaluated at least yearly but I would recommend
semi-annually. Your employees are being enticed by other companies with
opportunities. What are their opportunities at your company? Show them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">14.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bonus Idea<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JiwIEGRftA990vv1_MR93JalHX93CW8Bcfl0aNwdyt_CT5Guy1dV-0kDzTix98KZhAZDJym94QrgzBH__bMyZ5CA-RsbbU20RdTex1tqCrX4YN3aEhzSHvzmpmMzXXxrN20ZxGXXUIU/s1600/ThankYou092014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JiwIEGRftA990vv1_MR93JalHX93CW8Bcfl0aNwdyt_CT5Guy1dV-0kDzTix98KZhAZDJym94QrgzBH__bMyZ5CA-RsbbU20RdTex1tqCrX4YN3aEhzSHvzmpmMzXXxrN20ZxGXXUIU/s1600/ThankYou092014.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A simple “Thank You” to an employee for doing a great job or
going beyond the call of duty, goes a very long way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Change Starts<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Change starts at the top. These are “nice ideas” but if <u>you</u>
don’t change and <u>implement</u> them or other cultural changes, your company
will not change for the better. The culture will not improve and you will
continue to struggle with many more employee issues and greater turnover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Help<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Need help with change? Give me a call or email me, I can help
<u>if</u> you are ready for cultural change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial;">You can get more information at our website </span><a href="http://sayyestosuccess.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.SayYesToSuccess.com </span></a><br />
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at</span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></h4>
<h4>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span></o:p> </span> </div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-24710791088584508552014-08-15T14:17:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:17:15.704-04:00Do You Need a Mobile Solution?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpBx-R0AfgIz-Sc8MUYTZoiYMvK3dc0O9qPNGdYw0H_OSKbWndG5InF1OzTz754AWi2gMnWQnQxQ36GBTmeAKk_dIWlV3nZ8fuqricYUzHh0PovmdHZMwohMnWJujHVTbvYmhTtW2Cvo/s1600/mobile-phone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Helping Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical Service Contractors" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpBx-R0AfgIz-Sc8MUYTZoiYMvK3dc0O9qPNGdYw0H_OSKbWndG5InF1OzTz754AWi2gMnWQnQxQ36GBTmeAKk_dIWlV3nZ8fuqricYUzHh0PovmdHZMwohMnWJujHVTbvYmhTtW2Cvo/s1600/mobile-phone.png" height="163" title="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group " width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The continued march of technology has given us access to information in the palm of our hands. We can find any business, service, or product information on our cellphones.</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went from "bricks that could only make calls to cellphones that easily fit into our shirt or pants pocket and allow us to open the internet or so to say everything in the world. It's not just us as business people but your customers and potential customers are becoming more and more dependent on their mobile technology. Although I started out by discussing cellphones, that mobile technology includes tablets and phablets. If you are not up to speed on technology a phablet is an over-size smart cellphone. The demand for desktop computers and laptop computers has dropped substantially with the power and ease of smartphones, phablets, and tablets. Website Magazine had an interesting 5 question quiz so you can understand the magnitude of use of these devices. Here is the quiz which you can take yourself. You will be amazed at the numbers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. What is the amount of time spent on mobile devices per
day by the average U.S. consumer in 2014?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a. 20 hours and 14 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. 12 hours and 14 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. 5 hours and 57 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. 2 hours and 42 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. 38 minutes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. What percentage of worldwide Google Play revenue do
Freemium apps account for?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>98 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. 72 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. 38 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. 17 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. 53 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. In what app category do U.S. smartphone users spend
the most time interacting?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a. News/Info<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. Communications<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. Shopping/Commerce<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. Games<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. Social<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. What percentage of consumers are watching videos on
their smartphones?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a. 75 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. 93 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. 25 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. 42 percent<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. 12 percent <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5. As of June 2014, how many mobile Internet users are
there worldwide?</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a. 890 million<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b. 1.2 billion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">c. 106 million<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">d. 7.1 billion</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">e. 3.4 billion</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">Answers at the end of this post</span></em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSViYxKf2cn-46Pv6gFn5giM0nTsroqNkRpmrhFpZhvDhiW7te42uhUK3JrksqSjDXDAGFQ1y_20rdqgu46wzqYOXPbTeri4Tu2mPcpL6Icv79mpCGurjVedI1AImF4mMcoR3zKy6Nwuw/s1600/mobile-website-comparison-wl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Helping HVAC, Plumbing, and Electricial Service Contractors" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSViYxKf2cn-46Pv6gFn5giM0nTsroqNkRpmrhFpZhvDhiW7te42uhUK3JrksqSjDXDAGFQ1y_20rdqgu46wzqYOXPbTeri4Tu2mPcpL6Icv79mpCGurjVedI1AImF4mMcoR3zKy6Nwuw/s1600/mobile-website-comparison-wl.jpg" height="148" title="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" width="200" /></a></div>
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So what should you do to tap into this market and assure your website is best viewed on every type of device? There are at least three choices. One is to have a responsive site which means your website display changes when your customer uses their mobile device to access it. If it is a desktop or laptop it displays the way you had it built. If it is viewed on a smartphone, phablet, or tablet it displays differently to make it much more useful for the viewer. Another option is to build a totally separate design when one of these mobile devices opens your website. You could also develop an App but then the customer would need to upload your App to see your content. Probably not the first direction a contractor should select. Each of these solutions are time consuming and costly to develop but as with everything in business "It costs to attract customers". Begin to investigate the options and costs. As you put your 2015 budget together you should put this cost into it to meet this new trend. The numbers are only going to grow as more people have these devices and learn the convenience they provide. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can get more information at our website </span><a href="http://sayyestosuccess.com/"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.SayYesToSuccess.com </span></a></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at</span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a></h4>
<h4>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: red;">Answers to the Quiz:</span> <span style="color: red;">d, a, e, a, b</span></span><br />
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Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-68753117135639882642014-05-23T11:58:00.000-04:002014-05-23T12:01:04.683-04:00A Memorial Day Tribute<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A very inspiring and potent video to thank our veterans and currently servicing soldiers.</h3>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyau0xX3oR-h_hn8VHK_RJhSb4PaOTi5DOrDF43SCwbUoJ9p50Gy4cuXuDwnYoHMrLtPAhWAof8ZMwHU72GEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> This video is quite large so it will take some time to load. It is several years old and not my creation and it is very well done.</h4>
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Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group thanks each and every veteran and active military soldier for their service. Being a baby boomer, I especially thank those Viet Nam Veterans who were often undercut with a lack of recognition for their service.</h4>
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Think about hiring a Veteran when you have a job opening!</h4>
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<br />Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-34206542652402581562014-05-15T18:05:00.000-04:002014-05-15T18:05:11.496-04:00Prepare for the N.A.T.E. Test in the Detroit Michigan Area<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We have upcoming N.A.T.E. review classes for Core, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump.These are evening classes so you won't loose you opportunities to earn. Testing is scheduled a few days after the classes so you can review, retain, and test.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyIix01qQt3m_SLtFNfIw2JwpIjmoTGv_tfCcPP4VXC7eT4rYIXiOQdSNGNQ9wzVpJaBmpjFwuOeKoudHz38A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can get more information at our website <a href="http://sayyestosuccess.com/">www.SayYesToSuccess.com </a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Dan has
been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a
large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the
past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business
to grow and prosper. Contact him at<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><b>Also check out these Posts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped">Minor Leaguers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9">Spring Training</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b">If People are Sleeping...</a></span><br />
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<br />Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-38804444339038904492014-04-24T14:12:00.001-04:002014-04-24T14:12:42.064-04:00Finding the Right Technicians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G_9-urBYRXnDkbA_PeCN_sL7CrMizL9keQRfp3YgZ5LAKoeBE0YckXRUiksjT5vJmER-e63SnzS_lPjWQo0c3Xpl6pwUOacHkCmtCDSicL4Q8rT4flvSB6EiiLerNKton2aX5FR6k_Q/s1600/NowWhat042014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G_9-urBYRXnDkbA_PeCN_sL7CrMizL9keQRfp3YgZ5LAKoeBE0YckXRUiksjT5vJmER-e63SnzS_lPjWQo0c3Xpl6pwUOacHkCmtCDSicL4Q8rT4flvSB6EiiLerNKton2aX5FR6k_Q/s1600/NowWhat042014.jpg" height="200" title="" width="152" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding Technicians</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last time I gave a list of ideas for finding that "right Technician".
My definition of "the right Technician" is one who can consistently produce
profit for the company with a minimum amount of drama. I mentioned several ways
to do this and I would like to expand on one in this article.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ability to find a profit producing Technician is difficult at
best and probably impossible in your service area. The old ways of a newspaper
ad for a Technician with 5 years of field experience in the service business
are no longer productive. It's finally time you groom your own. This can be a
long and arduous task and sometimes the results are poor. Here is a tip you can
use to have greater success and cut the time for that new Technician to be a
profit producer for the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to School</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tip is simple. Get involved! Yes, get involved with every
college or trade school that has a program for young people to get into the
trade. Be sure to include local high school programs. All of these schools are
desperate for company owners and managers to advise on improving their programs
so their graduates will be successful in find high paying jobs in your trades.
This normally is a morning or afternoon each quarter so the time commitment is
really minimal. By being involved, you will know the instructors and other
staff. What does that do for you? That's simple. You can have access to the
best students, those with the best attitude, skills and desire to improve
themselves. With a basic instruction and knowledge of the trade, they are more
prepared to start fast. They may be willing to intern at your business which
will give you an even better picture of their attitude and skills. You may be
able to hire them on a part-time basis if necessary to assist during busy
seasons. This could be in the field or as support in your office or warehouse.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Ulwz0xNf9hR5jSbRGpugOYWyDBjlAewot5WdoSk7WvUeXAVGnuHJlRcxuDKEHzQY8d59Ub0BRMZxHr7RJ8ZE9Jixuc5qMZQo_0ERa41wv1UAejcZZpsyGEYNOyv0P29RY23qJFn2qI/s1600/TechSchool042014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group, BEC Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj0Ulwz0xNf9hR5jSbRGpugOYWyDBjlAewot5WdoSk7WvUeXAVGnuHJlRcxuDKEHzQY8d59Ub0BRMZxHr7RJ8ZE9Jixuc5qMZQo_0ERa41wv1UAejcZZpsyGEYNOyv0P29RY23qJFn2qI/s1600/TechSchool042014.jpg" height="200" title="" width="189" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Graduation</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When they are ready to graduate, you will be able to cherry pick
the graduates and as an added bonus train them in your culture and systems.
This avoids that baggage problem you can have when you hire a Technician
"with experience". Remember companies don't let go of profitable
Technician without baggage. Those looking for a job often have issues that will
cause trouble or divert your focus of serving the customer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhlcL5561UumR1yyEOH1DiDDSdh-BQeuFt0vqWGnAIhvFHOaNCZdKLxYQOxt_4HfPPtKFPO8MAErzDQ6-25cmwoVyyRkLgpUS_d-MmJjtcyOUhyphenhyphenpGxhHMXTnmCexf_8y-rQGpiN5aNas/s1600/Tech042014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghhlcL5561UumR1yyEOH1DiDDSdh-BQeuFt0vqWGnAIhvFHOaNCZdKLxYQOxt_4HfPPtKFPO8MAErzDQ6-25cmwoVyyRkLgpUS_d-MmJjtcyOUhyphenhyphenpGxhHMXTnmCexf_8y-rQGpiN5aNas/s1600/Tech042014.jpg" height="200" title="" width="133" /></span></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>How to Start</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Start with one school or college and give it a try.
Meet with your management team and explain why you're doing this, the benefits,
the challenges, and the overall reward. Put together a plan for this new
Technician so you can measure the progress and make a quick decision if it</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is or isn't working
with that individual</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. If necessary, fire him or her, wish them well,
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and move on to someone who has all the
characteristics to quickly become a profitable Technician.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stay Tuned</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand tuned for the next article on some additional ideas to overcome some of the issues listed above.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"> </a><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Also check out these Posts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minor Leaguers</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring Training</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If People are Sleeping...</span></a></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-47532413902794519722014-02-21T12:16:00.001-05:002014-02-21T12:16:40.020-05:00Why can't I find young Technicians?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I meet with clients I am hearing how hard it is to find
young Technicians in plumbing, HVAC, or electrical service companies. Their
advertising for new Technicians goes without much in the way of success. With
unemployment high, especially for young adults, you would think there would be
a significant number of applicants for entry level or helper type positions. It
just does not seem to be. Let’s look at some of the reasons this is the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">High School Counselors<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvxJlVce2lesiWJTGBKAyNWiJ62hmjl3dT6Kj1pkih5x3IRjfKiCPXF1IGpx6fGGJeDqDDnEbXmUatQcX-nIR9CtxW3Cs3v8DaCRvOOtQwhtQQUprHlDog8hfKCYz6cQPyaHpYSVHfrU/s1600/Counselor022014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hiring Young Technicians for Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfvxJlVce2lesiWJTGBKAyNWiJ62hmjl3dT6Kj1pkih5x3IRjfKiCPXF1IGpx6fGGJeDqDDnEbXmUatQcX-nIR9CtxW3Cs3v8DaCRvOOtQwhtQQUprHlDog8hfKCYz6cQPyaHpYSVHfrU/s1600/Counselor022014.jpg" height="150" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Without a lot of exposure to the opportunities for highly
skilled service technicians, the long-term career opportunities, and the
monetary rewards, many counselors are not showing students the careers available
with firms that provide service in our fields. Successful students are pushed
toward four year (or more) college degrees and jobs that relate to those
degrees. Students often end up with a degree, no job, and tens of thousands of
dollars of debt in their early twenties. Those students with little motivation
or poor grades are directed to a whole variety of various trades and jobs. With
the complexities in our industry today, we need successful students with great
educational backgrounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those Leaving the
Military<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many younger Americans join the military when they graduate
from high school. They mature</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe_qYcnzjP7ksQQjtwobUkZgOfwDKR2rf5KaCpJek6nPagFWTX6acWwsu-gx8TvUkFdwVNBEKpZofEmRF9COs3dfwnGQRt9B6aTyMmFi-3UkM5ISQu7XDEMFMJimVLmGHYwafmZxTZN0/s1600/Veterans022014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Electrical Service Companies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqe_qYcnzjP7ksQQjtwobUkZgOfwDKR2rf5KaCpJek6nPagFWTX6acWwsu-gx8TvUkFdwVNBEKpZofEmRF9COs3dfwnGQRt9B6aTyMmFi-3UkM5ISQu7XDEMFMJimVLmGHYwafmZxTZN0/s1600/Veterans022014.jpg" height="133" title="" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and gain training in the military that could be
applicable to our businesses. They learn how to use tools, computers,
understand technical manuals, and many other skills. They leave the military
with their <br />
GI education benefits but we have few opportunities for them to use them in our
service industry. Instead, they are actively recruited into other skilled labor
industries such as aircraft maintenance, automobile repair, and computer repair.
There are schools specifically setup and operating to train young veterans in
these fields. These fields also have a lot of pizazz which we lack or we lack
conveying it to veterans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drugs, Driving
Records, and Records<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0P7hTjLUwZ3fQg5pFvE_jLbYTjzjsbHw5JrUgJFAXOT6u0Hqx12h4LdRR-q40uezIpclclhoTvVVA0yvuACN7OwnWtISlQgOtn4B_yw959nzet0Rnpua8KqoSO8ls4Rk3SJhv9faYRA/s1600/Drugs022014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0P7hTjLUwZ3fQg5pFvE_jLbYTjzjsbHw5JrUgJFAXOT6u0Hqx12h4LdRR-q40uezIpclclhoTvVVA0yvuACN7OwnWtISlQgOtn4B_yw959nzet0Rnpua8KqoSO8ls4Rk3SJhv9faYRA/s1600/Drugs022014.jpg" height="132" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My experience has been that a third to a half of those who
apply for an entry level position cannot pass a pre-employment drug test. Many young applicants have serious driving
violations which are not acceptable to insurance companies. Since we work in
customer’s homes or place of business and employees must be able to drive our
vehicles, the legal liability is too great to for a business to take the risk
and hire them. Lastly, some come in with criminal records. This can present
business risk that most of us are unwilling to take on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weekends and Nights<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many young job candidates are not willing to do whatever it
takes to continue in our field. They</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGtb8r-E-G7eGOT4pW7okK6T4isVy0Xw8PDyMtlNDZpYHIfiqCxlmQQbq8EuqJH6tKMQBmwGtIqyVd5us440bvVF90yiDv52IUmGZFOeUHd55G07HnRWrIC8D-gJLer1iosHBJw2nSg0/s1600/OJT022014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGtb8r-E-G7eGOT4pW7okK6T4isVy0Xw8PDyMtlNDZpYHIfiqCxlmQQbq8EuqJH6tKMQBmwGtIqyVd5us440bvVF90yiDv52IUmGZFOeUHd55G07HnRWrIC8D-gJLer1iosHBJw2nSg0/s1600/OJT022014.jpg" height="132" title="" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> want evening and weekends free for their
own pursuits and not burdened with on call during these times. They will pursue
jobs that don’t require interruption of their personal life.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instant Gratification<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many young prospects are not willing to put in the years and
the energy to gain the knowledge necessary to service the plumbing, heating,
air conditioning, or electrical in homes
and businesses. They can conquer the skills needed to flip burgers in a few
hours. They can learn to do a lot of less skilled jobs in a few days or weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>No in house training
or career plan</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvgqMal7CWT9qvatMQnXDSPCFvlLV44AQo80_Nk0QN7pdF-6LP11S0z8lJaGolSoUxd1CZcgbuUFegREMEsnqvK0igE5VoVhkhk_dKfWJuUTBvOSLBMDIjzGXEG7a5HcaCrezIbHBjnk/s1600/electrician022014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvgqMal7CWT9qvatMQnXDSPCFvlLV44AQo80_Nk0QN7pdF-6LP11S0z8lJaGolSoUxd1CZcgbuUFegREMEsnqvK0igE5VoVhkhk_dKfWJuUTBvOSLBMDIjzGXEG7a5HcaCrezIbHBjnk/s1600/electrician022014.jpg" height="200" title="" width="145" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Few contractors have developed any type of in house training
program for the future of their business. They look for Technicians who already
possess the technical and customer service skills necessary to meet customer
needs. There is no career plan so a young prospect can see where they can
advance and have a career not just an entry level job. All the young prospect can see is 20+ years doing exactly the same thing day in and day out. The old adage, "What's in it for me" still rings true in young people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Competition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We think of competition, we think of other businesses in our
fields. Sure</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oKhhTRS8-i7qqmtDRt9Lj7yzRCFcMXY4B7INi1-lMTMIdpVJtM66v05lVxcQEPFxNkj2Nc9M4tx_UP7EpQUiCjIwwGuU3cdGmqMnYxnXtAIISnUm8OI_upYAU_9SNddJ5jvLm8K-7OU/s1600/school022014.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oKhhTRS8-i7qqmtDRt9Lj7yzRCFcMXY4B7INi1-lMTMIdpVJtM66v05lVxcQEPFxNkj2Nc9M4tx_UP7EpQUiCjIwwGuU3cdGmqMnYxnXtAIISnUm8OI_upYAU_9SNddJ5jvLm8K-7OU/s1600/school022014.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oKhhTRS8-i7qqmtDRt9Lj7yzRCFcMXY4B7INi1-lMTMIdpVJtM66v05lVxcQEPFxNkj2Nc9M4tx_UP7EpQUiCjIwwGuU3cdGmqMnYxnXtAIISnUm8OI_upYAU_9SNddJ5jvLm8K-7OU/s1600/school022014.gif" height="175" title="" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> they are some of your competitors for young workers but businesses
outside of our field are much bigger competition. Young people with skills are
being hired by school systems, maintenance companies, chain stores, building
owners, manufacturing companies, and even unrelated services and products
industries.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Stay Tuned</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stand tuned for the next article on some ideas to overcome
some of the issues listed above.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"> Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Also check out these Posts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minor Leaguers</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring Training</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If People are Sleeping...</span></a></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-89823320061731487472014-02-12T13:11:00.001-05:002014-02-12T13:11:44.202-05:00Can Your Business Have Too Much Profit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDsMS0ra8SEykXtOxwyo2OwR8ZGYt7XPhctnzmhCCP5LDlG67lUr1d1HSrGAsWeqKQXFTydKzqXkehkI8-_GFQ36nomFvvXFtytUI7cA8ep3UUJcNYP2Ura6ZF6TE4j5zta18-a_fVb4/s1600/Profit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDsMS0ra8SEykXtOxwyo2OwR8ZGYt7XPhctnzmhCCP5LDlG67lUr1d1HSrGAsWeqKQXFTydKzqXkehkI8-_GFQ36nomFvvXFtytUI7cA8ep3UUJcNYP2Ura6ZF6TE4j5zta18-a_fVb4/s1600/Profit.jpg" height="200" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The service business is an interesting business. It has its
ups and its downs. The downs are often related to weather in the HVAC service
business. A cool summer or a warm winter can slow down the customer’s need for
service and reduce the opportunities for system replacements since the systems
aren’t taxed with mild weather. The plumbing, HVAC and electrical service businesses
are usually affected by poor economic times. When customers are concerned about
their income and expenses they tend to let maintenance and service go or look
for cheaper (in their eyes) alternatives such as friends or a handyman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What Contractors tend to do</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contractors tend to tighten up the purse strings when the
economy is slow or the weather does not cooperate. They put off new trucks,
computers, tools, and needed repairs on those items. After all, they need to
meet payroll, satisfy suppliers and pay their taxes. I’ve been there and done
that through several recessions and a number of poor weather seasons. That’s
what a small business does to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of my clients had very good years in 2013. Some even
had record growth and record profits. In Michigan, the cold weather of December
and January resulted in the phones ringing. At least two of my clients had
record January sales and profits. What a way to start the year. But, what
happens when a service business has a very good year or even a very good month?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>High Five Times</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often the first reaction is of joy and high fives as it
should be. Then suppliers and other vendors are paid so accounts with them are
current, again as it should be. But here comes the concern I have that a
profitable year or even a very profitable month causes owners to spend on computer
upgrades, trucks, tools, give oversized wage increases, and buy stuff for owner
use. They don’t do it at a reasonable pace but tend to forget about the need to
have some reserves since another stretch of tough months may be ahead. Funds
are spent with the thought that the next month or season will also be very profitable.
They also forget about paying down on their line of credit since the bank may
only require a payment of interest or minimal principle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ko1a12yTo9jrr-RNa2Pqw970MIPoxvvwcYK7ZjHkzdzqxqWMgNzeXwbLiRHJtGSop1fXqnsrsZV3l5KRIOJtnh1n1Pt6p4on-j0HO-S5wTiJdPVTwOk4OIm84RfWSID36qYhH6EUnwA/s1600/antgrasshopper.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Say Yes To Success" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ko1a12yTo9jrr-RNa2Pqw970MIPoxvvwcYK7ZjHkzdzqxqWMgNzeXwbLiRHJtGSop1fXqnsrsZV3l5KRIOJtnh1n1Pt6p4on-j0HO-S5wTiJdPVTwOk4OIm84RfWSID36qYhH6EUnwA/s1600/antgrasshopper.gif" height="173" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Ant or Grasshopper</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ant and the Grasshopper, also known as The Grasshopper
and the Ant (or Ants), is one of Aesop's Fables, providing a lesson about the
virtues of hard work and planning for the future. Similarly as business owners,
we should be storing up our abundance for the difficult times that inevitably
will be coming. When we are prepared for slower business, we can pay our
vendors on time often getting better pricing and terms. We can get materials
without scrambling around to try and get them since our credit may be tarnished.
We can be prepared to take on additional opportunities when business picks up.
Financial reserves give a business a better chance for survival and a chance to
grab opportunities when they present themselves.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The answer is NO a business cannot have too much profit but the profit must be used wisely.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Check us out at <a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">www.SayYesToSuccess.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Related Information:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/12/did-i-go-or-grow-in-2013.html">Did You Go or Grow in 2013</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/05/the-walking-dead.html">The Walking Dead</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/11/are-you-this-committed.html">Are You this Committed?</a></b></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-54846391893864910252014-02-05T15:02:00.000-05:002014-02-05T15:02:00.503-05:00First to Try Guy<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me relay an experience I had a number of years ago and
then a repeat of that experience 15 or so years later. I guess I didn’t learn
from the old adage, “Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The New Rooftop Units<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DtWJVNA52KpyTcrSA1GARpCPy4a7ktt7dNMlfr8hJIoyDdOS3nbgUVKwn_rZy2e8InZuU2RPDHRQh76Pu06ccyjGluhoRnKA2AwjLUK55Y4KAD686HqpvqLvue-SjruwRTmtwgAIJ34/s1600/RTU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DtWJVNA52KpyTcrSA1GARpCPy4a7ktt7dNMlfr8hJIoyDdOS3nbgUVKwn_rZy2e8InZuU2RPDHRQh76Pu06ccyjGluhoRnKA2AwjLUK55Y4KAD686HqpvqLvue-SjruwRTmtwgAIJ34/s1600/RTU.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a sales engineer with a large HVAC equipment
manufacturer right out of college. I was teamed up with a great mentor and partner.
We had submitted bids to contractors who were bidding on a low rise office
complex which would require multiple 20-30 ton rooftop units. Our old units
were not very competitive since the curbs, plenums, dampers, and other
accessories needed to be assembled and installed on the basic unit. Our
competitors had fully assembled units which saved the contractor labor, making
the installed price less than with our equipment. Well the powers to be at corporate
saw the light. They redesigned our units so they would be fully assembled at
the factory. We also had some features available in the units that engineers,
owners and installing contractors would find of value. The installing
contractor who got the job liked our bid and we were selected to provide the
equipment with our redesigned units.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the largest order the factory had to date on these new
units, so one of the engineers flew in to see the installation and be there for
startup. As we were driving him from the airport to the jobsite, we passed
another low rise office complex going up. Just the structural steel was in
place but the roof curbs were set in place for the roofers to install the
roofing material. The engineer commented,” Is that the way they support the
roof curb and unit?” We discussed this for several minutes when my partner and
I looked at each other in sheer astonishment. The engineer thought much more
structural steel was used to support the rooftop unit. We knew we were in
trouble! The type of fans used in these units caused a lot of vibration when
installed with code approved structural steel which was much less than the
engineer had thought would be used. We had a problem job! We did eventually
solve the problem but the lesson was<b> IT IS NOT ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA TO BE THE
FIRST TO TRY GUY. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The New Furnaces<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUxN5vlmUiUrtpN7VrxxT7fULMV-ENRcNIJZNYcbNnV2oCwI_4Pd6KRwY7EDOslayt_imeUFjx5CA4Bf1_-xoExcJMTla_qh1b8X3LhsH7YQJeYlpGPnNmaYomZuDvadvjF8u5V1q1cw/s1600/Leak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUxN5vlmUiUrtpN7VrxxT7fULMV-ENRcNIJZNYcbNnV2oCwI_4Pd6KRwY7EDOslayt_imeUFjx5CA4Bf1_-xoExcJMTla_qh1b8X3LhsH7YQJeYlpGPnNmaYomZuDvadvjF8u5V1q1cw/s1600/Leak.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaking Chimney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I moved on after several years in that position to take over
a family plumbing business. Years later, after adding HVAC to my plumbing
business, our major equipment supplier held their annual dealer meeting and
introduced the furnace of the future. It eliminated the flue damper, had a new
heat exchanger, had a new circuit board to control the unit and could vent into
a masonry chimney just as the less efficient units did. It increased the
efficiency from the mid-sixty percent efficient to eighty percent efficient.
Wow! We immediately began to market and sell the units. Obviously most every
customer wanted a more efficient furnace in their home and we were ready to
provide it. After installing dozens of these units, we started getting calls
about water on the basement floors below the chimney cleanout. What was going
on? We asked the factory engineering staff and they said it was condensate
forming in the chimney. They asked if our chimneys had clay tile liners inside
of the brick. Well of course they did since this had been code for many
decades. What they didn’t know that most clay lined chimneys do not have a
consistent air gap between the clay tile liner and the exterior brick so the
chimneys were too cold to carry the moisture out of the chimney before
condensing. What can be done? No one seemed to have an answer. By trial and
error we found that installing an aluminum liner the problem went away. After several years the flue piping began to
rot out and had to be replaced with B vent. The aluminum liners rotted out and
had to be changed. Several generations of circuit boards had to be replaced.
Problem after problem gave us the privilege of satisfying many unhappy customers
at our expense for issues that was not our fault. I recall one contractor who
did not jump on board with the new and improved units for two plus years. He
avoided many of the headaches we endured .The lesson was<b> IT IS NOT ALWAYS A
GOOD IDEA TO BE THE FIRST TO TRY GUY</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although it can be exciting to have newest products, the newest
truck designs, the newest software, it can be costly and create unhappy
customers, employees, or owners. </span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tread
cautiously when and if you decide to be the first to try guy!</span><o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Also Checkout:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/12/did-i-go-or-grow-in-2013.html">Did You Go or Grow in 2013</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/05/the-walking-dead.html">The Walking Dead</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/11/are-you-this-committed.html"><b>Are You this Committed?</b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">Checkout our new website</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Often owners and managers need assistance in using their time wisely to grow the business or improve the business. <b>We can help.</b> Contact us</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a>.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-12318345357870262432014-01-29T11:56:00.001-05:002014-01-29T11:57:42.638-05:00What's Your Excuse? I think I Know It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJTazxf6dTqihpohyhvlG8s6b8KocjSG_RwASmfgHbJ-VTDIZUOApHyAC-SsXtX_KT3nZwNElPebSRTjlBgMYLIrgIXjIhbyjhtD2rMNKBs9_Cf4_daOzkkydK7V2jip7wgjJdrGA3qs/s1600/Excuses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJTazxf6dTqihpohyhvlG8s6b8KocjSG_RwASmfgHbJ-VTDIZUOApHyAC-SsXtX_KT3nZwNElPebSRTjlBgMYLIrgIXjIhbyjhtD2rMNKBs9_Cf4_daOzkkydK7V2jip7wgjJdrGA3qs/s1600/Excuses.jpg" height="166" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are some excuses you may have heard, or perhaps you will
soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I was stepping out of my trailer and I missed
the step and landed on the ground injuring my back.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My waterbed busted and my room is flooded.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I spent my paycheck on lottery tickets, and I</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">’</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">m
out of gas until payday.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My wife said she is going to conceive today, and
I want to be there when it happens.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">When I got up this morning I accidentally took
two Ex-Lax in addition to my Prozac. I can</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">’</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">t get off the john, but I feel good
about it.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My car ran out of gas on the way to work so I
pushed it to a gas station, but I got a stomach hernia and I have to go to the
doctor</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">’</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">s.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thought you would like to see some of the excuses people use to
get out of work. I think I know yours! For most all of us, that excuse is
tomorrow. We use it all the time. I'll update the menu price book tomorrow.
I'll get that quote out tomorrow. I'll talk with "Joe" about his poor
performance tomorrow. I'll look at the company financials tomorrow. I'll return
that extra material tomorrow. I'll check tech invoices tomorrow. I’ll
do a budget tomorrow. I'll set company goals tomorrow. I'll get back to that
unhappy customer tomorrow. I'll call that customer that owes us money tomorrow.
Guess what.....tomorrow never comes. It is just our number one excuse to avoid
doing the hard stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all have a mental list of the hard stuff we must do at some
time or another. Start off slow and easy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Select one of those tough tasks and
do it today. In fact do it as soon as you finish reading this blog! After you
complete it, you'll be so glad that one of those tough things is now accomplished.
Then while the joy of the moment is still there, ask your secretary, wife, girlfriend,
or key employee to keep on you to accomplish at least one difficult task every
day. You'll be surprised how quickly you get though the list. Yes, more things
come up but our issue is often the mountain looks so very big. What you are
doing is breaking it down to small hills or just bumps in the road. They are a
lot easier to overcome than a big mountain of tough tasks.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRSAg9ETlBgtqmY4a9UJbs6bR1EbpwmTl4WdMauDC8krtCWfmgmjUO61qDmUszU4aovIUz427-JbgMCKPncjem3VCbgItE3cSp-oUdfqN4-gn_ORDkp-qJGYiszWDgFSrM4k03jLwmjU/s1600/Hill3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="SayYesToSuccess.com" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRSAg9ETlBgtqmY4a9UJbs6bR1EbpwmTl4WdMauDC8krtCWfmgmjUO61qDmUszU4aovIUz427-JbgMCKPncjem3VCbgItE3cSp-oUdfqN4-gn_ORDkp-qJGYiszWDgFSrM4k03jLwmjU/s1600/Hill3.jpg" height="147" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some people like to use a calendar and put those bumps on a
certain day each week or month to accomplish. Example would be to check
receivables every Tuesday morning and call customers in the afternoon that are
behind. Often these tasks are best accomplished when you have fewer
distractions so close you door and only be disturbed if the building is on
fire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember, a bump or even a hill is a lot easier to get over than
a mountain!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u>Also Checkout:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><u><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/12/did-i-go-or-grow-in-2013.html">Did You Go or Grow in 2013</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/05/the-walking-dead.html">The Walking Dead</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/11/are-you-this-committed.html">Are You this Committed?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">Checkout our new website</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Often owners and managers need assistance in using their time wisely to grow the business or improve the business. <b>We can help.</b> Contact us</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
a<br />
<o:p></o:p>Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-82986072504123301002013-12-30T17:40:00.000-05:002014-01-29T11:08:02.321-05:00Did I go or grow in 2013?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As the year 2013 comes to an end and the New Year, 2014,
starts perhaps it’s a good time to reflect back on the year and ask myself a
few questions. This could go on for quite a few paragraphs so I’m going to
limit it to one question. That question is, “Did I go or did I grow?” I saw
this dichotomy in a daily Bible reading I do each morning. It applies to our
spiritual life but it can also apply to our daily business activities.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL_g5QyRMiHzj0f0CkSPOjkSd1zrzlDDPOpW0pRVuY5lDB4rl-ntuAM20QqanF9ZVViPge20iNpNYqDMFhHg6_-_jewvjwEahQYcECBnJfQiBl5lblhrJVGLtwLh7lQp0SdLN48ruIF8/s1600/Stressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL_g5QyRMiHzj0f0CkSPOjkSd1zrzlDDPOpW0pRVuY5lDB4rl-ntuAM20QqanF9ZVViPge20iNpNYqDMFhHg6_-_jewvjwEahQYcECBnJfQiBl5lblhrJVGLtwLh7lQp0SdLN48ruIF8/s200/Stressed.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Each and every day our businesses have challenges we must
face and problems we must solve. We have a tax audit, a key employee quits, an
angry customer threatens to sue, the checking account is a little thin, a
Technician has an a fender bender or some other issue. We sometimes think it’s
only our business or our industry that has challenges but every business both
big and small must deal with the circumstances they are dealt. The question I
ask myself and I’m asking you is “How do we really deal with those challenges
and circumstances?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do I just go through the motions, through the challenge,
through the circumstance and move on to the next challenge, the next
circumstance, the next crisis? If I just go through them I probably am not any
better off when the next one appears before me. This does not mean I don’t
solve the issue, correct the problem or meet the challenge. What I am asking is
“have I become a better owner, a better boss, a better service provider for my
customer? Has the problem taught me anything other than becoming more of an angry
cynic? Has the circumstance made me bitter? Has the challenge created health
issues? Has the crisis affected my mental state?” When we just go through the
problems our health, our mental state, and our attitudes are definitely changed
for the worse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the other hand, when we grow through a crisis, a problem,
a challenge, or an issue we look at it with a different frame of mind and
attitude. We can ask ourselves, “What can I learn from this? What can I do
differently to avoid this from happening that makes real sense?” Look at the
crisis or problem after the immediate rush necessary to handle the emergency
and find a constructive way to avoid a repeat or very similar happening from
causing the frustration and stress. The answer could be a new policy, training,
passing some responsibility down the chain, replacing a problem employee or a myriad
of other solutions. But you are not going to find solutions unless you take the
time and effort to correct the situation so the issue won’t pop-up again. Time
and again I hear owners whining about a problem, an employee, a situation but
they do nothing to eliminate the issue and formulate a plan to keep the issue
from reoccurring. Learn. grow, and change to make things work better within the
business.</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiS_ngD2-Ojvogud2Ni30bda8g0B0KBFImAipd9T_BgCLDzdkV2NBuKZNbH_8rHLjfaFsBVavHPhVSiXiGgkAnvaTQpavWxnj6P_Qpwc0KXa5QfyWmO8SCI4ae03nKwY1VuJwo9Ifnq8/s1600/res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyiS_ngD2-Ojvogud2Ni30bda8g0B0KBFImAipd9T_BgCLDzdkV2NBuKZNbH_8rHLjfaFsBVavHPhVSiXiGgkAnvaTQpavWxnj6P_Qpwc0KXa5QfyWmO8SCI4ae03nKwY1VuJwo9Ifnq8/s200/res.jpg" height="106" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So make a New Year’s resolution to GROW not go and your life
will be a lot less stressful and your business a place to feel good about!</span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Related Posts </u></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
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<li><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/05/the-walking-dead.html">The Walking Dead</a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/search?updated-min=2012-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2013-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=8">Are you Committed?</a></span></span></span></li>
<li><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/09/are-you-half-hearted-kamikaze.html">Are You Half-Hearted Kamikaze?</a></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-51967451568747429662013-11-04T11:46:00.000-05:002013-11-04T11:48:13.486-05:00What's Your Excuse?<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Employee Absenteeism</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Employee absenteeism is one of those things that owners and mangers often sweep under the rug. They just<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoMiZt-Y57Kx43y-ETF4B_V80oDw83YT15Fqh0hyphenhyphenwXmS1JhYrYDSDqpq3BHv4aN11V7pFsWE0127gUr6Hipn8LYGDAc5C_hYs0rgeoSeHoCSb0Etkrmss4dSTB46NsSruDh5PFliNFAs/s1600/Fustration.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Bergstrom - Elder Consulting Group" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyoMiZt-Y57Kx43y-ETF4B_V80oDw83YT15Fqh0hyphenhyphenwXmS1JhYrYDSDqpq3BHv4aN11V7pFsWE0127gUr6Hipn8LYGDAc5C_hYs0rgeoSeHoCSb0Etkrmss4dSTB46NsSruDh5PFliNFAs/s200/Fustration.png" title="" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frustrated Owner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
don't want to deal with it or spend the time to solve the root causes. Absenteeism can cost thousands in revenue and angry customers. It is an issue that should be attacked and the root causes eliminated. </span>Excuses can range from the believable to the what.<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"> Here are a few of the excuses recently posted by
CareerBuilder.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee's
false teeth flew out the window while driving down the highway</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee's
favorite football team lost on Sunday so needed Monday to recover</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
was quitting smoking and was grouchy</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
said that someone glued her doors and windows shut so she couldn't leave the
house to come to work</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
bit her tongue and couldn't talk</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
claimed a swarm of bees surrounded his vehicle and he couldn't make it in</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
said the chemical in turkey made him fall asleep and he missed his shift</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
felt like he was so angry he was going to hurt someone if he came in</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
received a threatening phone call from the electric company and needed to
report it to the FBI</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
needed to finish Christmas shopping</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee's
fake eye was falling out of its socket</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
got lost and ended up in another state</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Employee
couldn't decide what to wear</span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
you liked those you might look at <a href="http://www.ergoware.com/blog/101-excuses-for-missing-work">egroware’s
list of 101</a> excuses for missing work. It is hilarious to read the excuses
people give for missing work. At the same time it is a real problem for contractors
who are trying to run lean and not be over staffed. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Combating Absenteeism</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There
are many legitimate reasons an employee needs to miss work. They could include
illness, an accident, a family situation. These need the understanding and
compassion of a business owner. It is the unexpected absences without a reasonable
excuse that I’m discussing here. Let’s look at some thoughts that might help reduce
absenteeism in your business.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When
hiring, check with previous employers about a job candidates attendance record
and if the previous employee considered them a reliable employee. Would they
hire the prospective employee again?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have
a firm but fair policy in your employee handbook. Follow the handbook in all
cases or you may be subject to legal issues.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Eliminate
sick days with pay. Change them along with vacation days to “personal days”
which the employee can use as needed. Be sure to use them for each absence.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have
a policy of no holiday pay if an employee misses the day before or day after a
holiday without previous approval.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Track
absences and make it part of the employee’s evaluation when it comes time for
increases.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have
an annual award or incentive for perfect attendance.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">
</span><br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7.<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Require
written approval (7 days or more in advance) for vacation or days off when</span> it
is a none emergency. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Also the approval must be done by a manager or the owner.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't just sweep absenteeism under the rug. Put some controls into place and plug a hole of lost revenue and customers. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also Checkout:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/03/cruise-thoughts.html">Cruise Thoughts</a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012_10_01_archive.html">Is This Customer Service?</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">Checkout our new website</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Often owners and managers need assistance in using their time wisely to grow the business or improve the business. <b>We can help.</b> Contact us</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-88539593341843235332013-10-02T10:24:00.000-04:002013-10-29T19:38:47.888-04:00You Don't Care!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit95fD3u2hCioIVjfiA1Y2J6v2j-P7fwulSc4CiHoL4XOyxVW1T2JIQYBwv6CuDg5vNyTdUEBFiFtvoWtxmRL5epvZ-V88m93JgMlr-adeZ44Xl8TaJitJ6mDKoMC9CoB4FCZZy2jfeqU/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit95fD3u2hCioIVjfiA1Y2J6v2j-P7fwulSc4CiHoL4XOyxVW1T2JIQYBwv6CuDg5vNyTdUEBFiFtvoWtxmRL5epvZ-V88m93JgMlr-adeZ44Xl8TaJitJ6mDKoMC9CoB4FCZZy2jfeqU/s200/DSC_0047.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Employees wear these pink bands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning
service business for more than 50 years. My Dad was a plumbing service
contractor who worked out of his home. I helped him as a high school student on
weekends and during the summer months. I grew to love the business and the
ability to help customers by solving problems they could not solve themselves.
Why do I tell you this? It is to let you know I have been around the block a
few times in this industry. I have seen and heard a lot. I have been with
thousands of customers from little old grandmas to auto industry leaders. All
have a concern for the integrity and character of the company they use for
service and the Technician who arrives at their home or business. So let’s
focus in on a way to improve the perception of your business in the eyes of
your customers. Remember, <b>Perception is
the customer’s reality.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I search the web for contractors’ websites, receive their
email newsletters, or review their customer newsletters, I find a need to
improve on the message that the company I’m looking at has integrity and
character. If you Google the word plumber what do you see? Many of the images
are of someone’s butt crack. If you watch television and there is an investigative
sting operation, it’s an HVAC company. We lack professionalism, trust,
character, and integrity in the eyes of many customers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a customer searches for a service contractor, they have a
lot of anxiety about the choices before them. They look for a local contractor,
one who’s name they recognize, one some friend or neighbor recommended. Often
they are confused and have that helpless feeling. They are pretty sure they are
not going to be happy with the outcome of the service, the Technician, or the
price. There are many ways to help change that perception including clean well
maintained trucks, neat uniformed Technicians, well done website with pictures
of babies and moms, friendly Customer Service Reps, booties, and a host of
others. But let me give you one more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A client, Thornton and Grooms, is active in the community.
They do most all the activities other<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoXRhhJU6iBCfFT1AMNxPDzjf144mDUHBgxTr4W7hpPY_vi10iHmnn507q-mvqsP1F9EP_QA7_DnEcEtwj2Ih8j1z21SxYOvejYCnfMlemZf0gXVIGfHFKMxq9f96rZsFTDH7b_eUlQg/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoXRhhJU6iBCfFT1AMNxPDzjf144mDUHBgxTr4W7hpPY_vi10iHmnn507q-mvqsP1F9EP_QA7_DnEcEtwj2Ih8j1z21SxYOvejYCnfMlemZf0gXVIGfHFKMxq9f96rZsFTDH7b_eUlQg/s200/DSC_0015.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the Pink Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
contractors are involved in such as home
shows. But they also give back to the community through their<a href="http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/involvement"> “<b>Hearts and Heroes Award”</b></a> donations to
charities, service and installations for the needy, and major campaigns. One
such current campaign is focused breast cancer awareness and assistance with <a href="http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/pink-fund">“<b>The Pink Fund”</b></a>. Each of these are company-wide
efforts which give the employees a sense of belonging to a caring firm and it
helps to show that it’s not about butt cracks and rip-<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKCYLqRYYL1koXfbNoC1or_IicKCXU5BlSvDRiLoMk7zn-5Ph-nHbdR7AXANq_Z8Tkn1ZFkUimesaHvg5eJuAkDeItLLkXIMeXLZO-NYNPwfxxBBYkSoY7jFf7yo6aQXIclZbVgMs0gQ/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKCYLqRYYL1koXfbNoC1or_IicKCXU5BlSvDRiLoMk7zn-5Ph-nHbdR7AXANq_Z8Tkn1ZFkUimesaHvg5eJuAkDeItLLkXIMeXLZO-NYNPwfxxBBYkSoY7jFf7yo6aQXIclZbVgMs0gQ/s200/DSC_0014.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Pink Shirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
offs. The concept is
always to provide the best service but to also include the “We care” in
everyday business. It helps to give the customer a secure feeling about the
business. Click on the <b><a href="http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/involvement">Hearts and Heroes Award</a></b> or <a href="http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/pink-fund"><b>The Pink Fund</b> </a>above to
see how they use this concept. Then look at the banners that run across their <b><a href="http://www.thorntonandgrooms.com/">Home page</a></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are your future customers confident that You Care when they
see you marketing or does your image lack a solution to that customer concern?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also Checkout:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2013/03/cruise-thoughts.html">Cruise Thoughts</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012_10_01_archive.html">Is This Customer Service?</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">Checkout our new website</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often owners and managers need assistance in using their time wisely to grow the business or improve the business. <b>We can help.</b> Contact us</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-29444136946150907432013-08-23T10:18:00.003-04:002013-08-23T10:18:56.029-04:00Where am I Going with you?<div class="WordSection1">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoFJyxG5T9FfhRoPufyB_7TOxXdFAc6kGarqOUYoKo5QzrcMUwhJXqdMjKAdQDxhdW2xba7nhABjMf944YEjGuWQioqqNs8Rgq9whsTje-4O2KrF1zunmXGLeyZeZAvagZ244rK4x-PQ/s1600/lost2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoFJyxG5T9FfhRoPufyB_7TOxXdFAc6kGarqOUYoKo5QzrcMUwhJXqdMjKAdQDxhdW2xba7nhABjMf944YEjGuWQioqqNs8Rgq9whsTje-4O2KrF1zunmXGLeyZeZAvagZ244rK4x-PQ/s200/lost2.png" width="146" /></a></div>
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Losing key people in your business is always difficult. It
could be a senior Technician, a Service Manager, or an important Office Staff Member. They may leave your business for any number of reasons. Many of those reasons
you believe you do not have any control over and so you just to “buck it up”.
Here is a partial list of reasons employees leave our type of businesses:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Moving out of the area <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Family issue such as divorce, new baby, or
family illness<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pursuing another career<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Health issues<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Distance from the office<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->9 to 5 Hours<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Not really suited for the service business<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pressure for change from the spouse <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Benefits<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pay<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->On call<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Going into business<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Being a stay at home parent<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Conflict with other Team Member or Members<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know there are others that I did not include but these are
the ones I hear about the most. From owners I hear that it is often a total surprise
that the employee is leaving. They had no idea it was coming. I don’t accept
that in many cases. To me it is a fundamental issue the owner has failed to
address in their business. That issue is communication with each and every
employee on a regularly scheduled basis to discuss that employee’s performance
and future with the company. Every employee should know how well they are
performing and what the future for them with the company looks like. These are
not the sit downs to discuss a pay increase, although those do need to occur.
These are quarterly sit downs to discuss the progress the employee has made in
the previous three months and what is expected in the next three months, one
year and even five years. At these the owner should get a sense of where the
employee is in their position at the company. Employees want to know how they
are doing, what they can do to be better, and what the future holds for them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaMa_EM6eM1NE7KyQ1CVLQkUzJHZ7jHt9yGxPCGvRiFm4JpXM280j1OQeOyXVMwQ5GvEh1AXeJ_LC-O8gHQGoUpfRtrLeXR9GEDxDKqYBBAf-CJMxnrScn4sQmnue_SLEKU-DV6sX8U8/s1600/Surprise.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaMa_EM6eM1NE7KyQ1CVLQkUzJHZ7jHt9yGxPCGvRiFm4JpXM280j1OQeOyXVMwQ5GvEh1AXeJ_LC-O8gHQGoUpfRtrLeXR9GEDxDKqYBBAf-CJMxnrScn4sQmnue_SLEKU-DV6sX8U8/s200/Surprise.png" width="126" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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Here is a method you could use. Get out your calendar and
write in a ½ hour block of time for each employee sit down each quarter for the
next twelve months. On your calendar mark ten days prior to each sit down with
a note to give that employee an evaluation form for them to fill out and return
to you at least two days prior to your sit down. Your will review the form and
add your comments (constructive comments) and a plan of action for the next
quarter, year and perhaps five years to the form. When you have the sit down
with the employee you will review that form together, come to a consensus of
the review and plan and have the employee sign the form and provide them a
copy. Regular communication about their future will provide a way for the
employee to be more open about what’s up in their head. Each time you meet you
will use the previous meetings form and the new form to conduct the review and
plan. This process goes hand and hand with a specific blueprint for each
employee’s progression within your company in career development and pay. I
call it “Blueprint for Success”. Between the reviews and the blueprint the
owner will have reduced much of the “Where am I going” uneasiness of the
employee. There are no magic bullets but regular communication and a plan will
provide a more stable environment for the employee thus reducing the chances
they will seek other opportunities and be lost to your company.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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If you would like a copy of a form you could use in these
sit downs and a sample of a “Blueprint for Success”, email me at Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a> and I’ll send
you a copy. <o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to grow and prosper. Contact him at Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com<a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also check out these Posts:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/kohnped"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Minor Leaguers</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/mpde6f9"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring Training</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/lvym99b"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If People are Sleeping...</span></a></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-41620086951195290902013-05-31T12:13:00.001-04:002013-05-31T12:13:46.012-04:00The Walking Dead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0T40vEpvp8j6RCT_Jqh6D97C-vgAwVoP5vd-_uyNvId8NXBa2I2j4cW7J4pHq_j2QfjEh4OhEG4W1iFcbIf-iE4Jcg2DsVrb8wEyVODwPfPllSxOHuBmzMTacKHOcDhkmZWe6E_TNnA/s1600/walking-deadResized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="From the TV Show "The Walking Dead"" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0T40vEpvp8j6RCT_Jqh6D97C-vgAwVoP5vd-_uyNvId8NXBa2I2j4cW7J4pHq_j2QfjEh4OhEG4W1iFcbIf-iE4Jcg2DsVrb8wEyVODwPfPllSxOHuBmzMTacKHOcDhkmZWe6E_TNnA/s1600/walking-deadResized.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Walking Dead is one of the most popular programs on
television. This fall the fourth season will begin. It is on Facebook, there
are apps, there are games and I expect there will be a series of movies in 3-D.
The idea came from the comic books which began back in 2003. After an
apocalyptic event, humans fight “walkers” similar to zombies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My question for you is “Are you one of the humans or one of
the ‘Walking Dead’”? Now you’re asking what I mean by this question. I’m asking how engaged you are in your
business. Let’s do a little self-analysis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First pull up a 5 day hour by hour calendar on your
computer. One with at least hour slots on it. It might be best to print it unless
you are on your computer all day long. Start by tagging each of the calendar’s
days with a number from 1 to 5. I have put one together for you that you can
access on our website (Go to <a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/">www.SayYesToSuccess.com</a>,
click on the Free Stuff button and Download the pdf form). You are going to
write in the calendar hour by hour what you are doing. I know this isn’t easy
but you can do it. If you get an hour or two behind you can think back and put
into the calendar. You must have some disciple to do this and be of the right
mindset. You must be ready to change your business and your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the days progress you start to gather a picture of what
you do all day long. As a business owner or manager, there are an endless
variety of tasks you must perform. You’re the coach, the CEO, the CFO, the CSR,
the Buyer, the Technician, the Service Manager, the HR department, the delivery
driver, the estimator, the collections department, the referee, the trainer,
the tool crib man, the vehicle maintenance department, and on and on. There are
a never ending list of tasks you can handle and a myriad of problems and issues
for you to solve. After the 5 days you will have a reasonable idea of where your
time has gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now comes the interesting and difficult part. I want you to
take an hour alone with your office door closed, computer screen off, cellphone
turned off and a mindset that you want to improve your business. If the office
doesn’t work, try a quiet coffee shop in your area such as a Panera to analyze
your input to the business. Perhaps you need to do this early in the morning or
on a weekend so you won’t be distracted by your people needing you during this
hour. I can assure you that your business will not fail because you have been
out of touch for an hour.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jKRe5sAfc61YZXYbWgVYoFB9rAj9LKNVGJ3OFz94O1G9Xl-M61N-Lt4x2EQ2ndYVxfJlbNPlwfS_-j3W3kztYvyhxugOC8Y7HMuNLBvxmJRKUbyD4VzAGEoZjMfpgVS9iRFS1701f1A/s1600/walking-dead2Resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="From the TV Show "The Walking Dead"" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jKRe5sAfc61YZXYbWgVYoFB9rAj9LKNVGJ3OFz94O1G9Xl-M61N-Lt4x2EQ2ndYVxfJlbNPlwfS_-j3W3kztYvyhxugOC8Y7HMuNLBvxmJRKUbyD4VzAGEoZjMfpgVS9iRFS1701f1A/s1600/walking-dead2Resized.jpg" title="" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at the various tasks and honestly ask yourself, “Could
someone else in our company do this instead of me? Could I hire someone for a
lot less payroll expense to do these tasks? Could I sub these out to someone
else?” Then ask you, “Have I put in a real effort during this week or have I
just slacked off?” And finally ask yourself, ”What did I do to make changes
within the business that will make the business more profitable this week?”
These last two questions are the real telling ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven’t put the time into your business or the true
effort, you are one of the “Walking Dead” as far as your business is concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have done little or nothing to make changes to
improve your business then you have not been the spark to make things happen. You
are one of the “Walking Dead”. These could be checking you invoices, flat rate
books, and financials for price changes. It could be developing or editing the
employee manual. It could be building a budget. It could be looking at new
income producing options for your business. It could be training your
Technicians to have better customer service skills. It could be improving your
marketing. The list is endless and different for every owner and business. But,
you must do it to survive in today marketplace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out these posts:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/11/are-you-this-committed.html"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you Committed?</span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccessblog.com/2012/09/are-you-half-hearted-kamikaze.html">Are You a Half-Hearted Kamikaze?</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/" target="_blank">Check out our new website</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often owners and managers need assistance in using their
time wisely to grow the business or improve the business. We can help. Contact
us</span>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: #0400; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</a></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
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Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-11451695068645173892013-04-12T15:52:00.000-04:002013-04-12T15:55:13.980-04:00Are You An Addict?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgeIF4Rxylve6bZxWkVb29bo1Ct-1VOmys8220R5J3eptyBKQcUEhtHtA0Niayk-9_B8KgXGCOO3srWqR5PgOJJWyhIr5APe7UHRjf8h9pNOhoJNn2V6AwAzU3MT5wlaKKQhLNWwblY8/s1600/B&C402013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgeIF4Rxylve6bZxWkVb29bo1Ct-1VOmys8220R5J3eptyBKQcUEhtHtA0Niayk-9_B8KgXGCOO3srWqR5PgOJJWyhIr5APe7UHRjf8h9pNOhoJNn2V6AwAzU3MT5wlaKKQhLNWwblY8/s200/B&C402013.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just
a few days ago we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the cellphone. It has
revolutionized communications in just 4 decades. The Internet, texting, email
and other new modes of communication own their birth and explosive growth to
the cellphone. Dr. Martin Cooper, the inventor of the cellphone conceived the
idea after seeing a military walkie-talkie. You probably remember "the
brick".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
cellphone is so common that there are nearly 6 billion worldwide and by next
year there will be more cellphone subscribers than the population of the world!
Little by little landlines are disappearing as people no longer view
them as needed. Have
you seen a pay phone lately? But there are also several downsides to cellphones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bills
for cellphones can easily exceed $100 a month and for many $200 a month
for an individual or a family.
A business may spend $1,000 or more per month. At one time we complained
about a home telephone bill of $25.00 a month or a commercial telephone bill of
a couple of hundred dollars. It's
an expense of the instant communication society that did not exist in
the past. There is also the cost of the cellphone itself partial paid upfront
and in the monthly charge. There are charges for internet access, insurance,
text messaging, and other add–on services.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfQQLfO0q2FxqQ83DEFu-ko6oEYuHl0D8z93hXkXNMnR1Nud_R_hMiSPstCx7hC445P9WmqnZqYkGARCthJnPTLymCd276_LWtMySwJsV_Gu5DjrGWWwt5Rh1NofJ_3eYmtW-u5FLj5I/s1600/OriginalCellphone042013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfQQLfO0q2FxqQ83DEFu-ko6oEYuHl0D8z93hXkXNMnR1Nud_R_hMiSPstCx7hC445P9WmqnZqYkGARCthJnPTLymCd276_LWtMySwJsV_Gu5DjrGWWwt5Rh1NofJ_3eYmtW-u5FLj5I/s200/OriginalCellphone042013.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dr Martin Cooper with first cellphone</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instant communication devices have caused your
Technicians to have created a dependence on you! They don’t need to think for themselves
of solve problems on their own. Why should they take any responsibility if they
can call you and let you make the decision or solve their problem? You have
become an enabler for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have all heard about the dangers in using the phone
while driving. Then there is texting while driving. And for some surfing the
internet on the cellphone while driving is happening. Recently a helicopter
pilot crashed and died along with the others on the helicopter because the
pilot was preoccupied with texting while flying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I was shopping at Lowe’s for some brackets to
hang in our utility room and passed four different employees all talking on
their cellphones as they were being paid by Lowes. Perhaps, some were on calls
from customers or associates but I doubt that. How many lost hours does your
company have from your employees spending countless hours on their cellphones
talking, texting, or surfing the internet? Must of the touted efficiency gains
of cellphones have been lost to misuse by employees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now on to my major point of the article, have you become
a slave to that handful of plastic, chips, and buttons? A year or so ago, I had
a business owner in my NATE review classes and then take the NATE test. All
through the review classes he was a wreck because he couldn’t be constantly
watching the screen of his phone. He barely made it through the test without
his phone. He was an addict to the instant communication age. He actually had the
shakes after the test as I checked his paperwork for submission to NATE. I see
people constantly checking for texts, calls or the internet in restaurants,
stores, malls, walking, and every other activity. I’m not talking an occasional
check but every 2 or 3 minutes. Some of my family members can’t sit and eat a
meal without checking their phones. It has become an addiction for many. This
new addiction will cause us to hear about CA (Cellphone Anonymous). "My name is Dan and I'm a cellphone addict. It's been 1 hour since I last used my cellphone." There are
very few calls or texts that are so critical that they must be responded to
within seconds.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi629vJbMKmBPngykSgcW1-nPJ04Z5j3bZvBvsTSKsvN0_GmD4dTiZHvh4FMHJU3DUptJkulzmgMTFFWMx7aAIyppN9hAFLzC6B_VZQ2rKgcRU-OddIFnZHOCpTXKM4Uwm-SYVWEc4d6oY/s1600/CA042013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi629vJbMKmBPngykSgcW1-nPJ04Z5j3bZvBvsTSKsvN0_GmD4dTiZHvh4FMHJU3DUptJkulzmgMTFFWMx7aAIyppN9hAFLzC6B_VZQ2rKgcRU-OddIFnZHOCpTXKM4Uwm-SYVWEc4d6oY/s200/CA042013.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cellphone Anonymous?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what to do? Review you cellphone bills for ways to
save costs. When your Techs call you to solve their problems, ask them how they
would solve it. When they answer, hang up. Have a company cellphone use policy
in place and active. You can be an example to your employees by not being
connected 24/7 for every call. If there is an emergency, I guarantee you that
you will hear about it quickly. Decide to turn your phone off after hours. Get
a life! The world will not end! You won’t miss the blah-blah of most calls and
texts!</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and for the past 13 years has helped small companies in the service business to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></div>
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Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-44492699880133484062013-03-22T08:55:00.000-04:002013-03-22T09:05:54.808-04:00Cruise Thoughts<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVNm9JBVI2WeY3_tHNt5wufU-HM4ajPg-cUP_mj7NfBC4txmOQHpgeQDv4l8bN9Cj8lYz0d2Sfi3yP9LrgkW4HGRc90m6hpvwa_UVu8NGiPiI4pVeTtg9NG0561Z6oCKY86Nk8RzyBek/s1600/CruiseShip032013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cruise Ship" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVNm9JBVI2WeY3_tHNt5wufU-HM4ajPg-cUP_mj7NfBC4txmOQHpgeQDv4l8bN9Cj8lYz0d2Sfi3yP9LrgkW4HGRc90m6hpvwa_UVu8NGiPiI4pVeTtg9NG0561Z6oCKY86Nk8RzyBek/s320/CruiseShip032013.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a>Have you
ever been on a cruise? If you have, you will recognize these things about the
cruise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruises
have Onboard Credit Card for all expenses. Do you accept credit cards and do
you have a credit easily available for your customers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise provide a long list of extras and add-ons:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Soft
drink cup<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Shake
and Juice glass<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Art
auctions<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Drawings
to encourage seeing all shops<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Shops<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Limited
time sales<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Approved
excursions <span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Liquor<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Beer
and wine<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Upgrade
dining<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Room
service extras<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Transfers
to and from the ship<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Photos<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Videos<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Naturalist's
books and videos<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Room
upgrades<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Frequent
travelers benefits<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Deposit
for future cruises with benefits<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Spa
with dozens of pampering options<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Aerobic
classes<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Wine
tastings<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->In
room refrigerator with soft drinks and bottled water<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Laundry<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Laundry
services<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tuxedo
rental<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->"Garage
sale"<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->"Kid
free" zones<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->On
board classes<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->On
board tours<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Casinos<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--> Extra for Internet services with various
packages<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
One
online site states "On a 7 day cruise a couple will average $400-$600 in
extras." Another site tells cruisers to expect to spend an additional
40-60% above the cruise fare. The cruise lines are very good about offering
add-ons. Do your customers spend 40-60% more than the basic repair or
replacement cost?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruises
have coupon books for on board and at ports. Customers are looking for <span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span>deals<span style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">”</span> to save money. Are you giving
them coupons and add-on discounts?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruises
have constant marketing even on in room television. Do you have a constant on
going marketing campaign? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
ships have daily newsletter with schedule, coupons, and marketing. Do you Techs
have handouts and literature to give to the customer?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
ships have seminars on the ports and the cruises port activities to sell
extras. Does your website or blog have educational material for the customer to
learn about new products and services?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
ships recommended places to buy in port (the cruise line gets paid to do this).
Do you have add-on products or services that a subcontractor might provide that
you receive a referral fee for?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
lines have frequent cruiser cards with perks. Do you have a preventative maintenance
plan with extra perks for repeat and ongoing customers?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
companies have monthly magazines, e-magazines, and other mailings and e-mailings.
Do you have a newsletter that goes out at least twice a year and monthly
e-mailings? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
lines have group discounts. Do you have affinity cards for employees of your
commercial accounts with a discount?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
ships have special cruises for those with special interests. Do you have
products and services for those with special needs and do you market to them?
An example might be backup sump pumps in areas that have a high water table.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
lines cater to special groups such as:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Handicap<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">Different Economic Groups<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Smokers<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Couples<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Singles<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Kids<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Old<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo9; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Young<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l9 level1 lfo10; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sedate<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l10 level1 lfo11; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Active<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l11 level1 lfo12; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Women<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo13; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Men<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1" style="margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-list: l12 level1 lfo13; tab-stops: list 9.0pt; text-indent: -9.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;">•<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Families<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
Do you
actively cater to special groups with your products and services?<span style="mso-text-raise: -1.0pt; position: relative; top: 1.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise lines are selective in the people they hire. They must cater to customers, be friendly,
they are well trained, they are clean cut and neat, they all wear complete
uniforms. Do your Techs and in house employees fit this bill?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
Cruise
lines have systems in place in every operation. Does your company?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUE0taf0mEYkl61KbjcIS0VEIzT70QOnOkzBTOfbbkghCTNM9YjjB7fEmDhjTINjJDbxULssauPE3zhZsX1v5KJAGYRjYoiyi0zgZPkYV__nyP3B7RafGQI9DXchF8BEi1dlf8HNuSGQ/s1600/Cruising032013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cruising" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUE0taf0mEYkl61KbjcIS0VEIzT70QOnOkzBTOfbbkghCTNM9YjjB7fEmDhjTINjJDbxULssauPE3zhZsX1v5KJAGYRjYoiyi0zgZPkYV__nyP3B7RafGQI9DXchF8BEi1dlf8HNuSGQ/s200/Cruising032013.jpg" title="" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="Body1">
Are you
offering a list of options for your customers? Are you constantly marketing in
a variety of forms? Do you cater to special groups? Is your presentation from
the beginning to the end of a transaction with a customer friendly, with clean
cut neat professionals who use a proven system to make it a wow experience for
the customer?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
If you
have been on a cruise you can relate to each of these. If you have not been on
one, you should try it and see these things for yourself.<span lang="en-US" style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-982233362217232048.post-66023252225237846142012-11-12T13:06:00.005-05:002012-11-12T13:07:21.313-05:00Are you this Committed?<br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Here
is a question you need to ask yourself as a business owner. Are you really
committed to the success of your company? In other words, what are you willing
to do to have success in your business? Now don't take my words the wrong way.
I am only talking about legally, ethically, and morally. My experience is most
owners are too busy with the day to day stuff, too tired, too uncommitted to
challenge themselves and their team. Perhaps this will inspire you to challenge
yourself and your team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="Body1" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
owners of Thornton & Grooms are committed to rapidly grow their maintenance
agreement base to keep the Technicians busy and provide opportunities for
future business. A maintenance agreement customer is much more likely to have
work done by that company and have replacement work done by that company. They
may not get further quotes or at least will get fewer competitive quotes.
Thornton & Grooms long term goal is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">20,000
agreements by 2021</b>. That is a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“big
audacious goal”</b> that will change the structure of Thornton & Grooms. It
will reduce their marketing to non-customers. It will allow them to have at
least a dozen Preventative Maintenance Technicians who can grow into full NATE
certified Service Technicians. Since these agreements also include a plumbing
maintenance inspection, they will also grow on the plumbing side of the
business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1htJD9sZD5nOVQnszaTXqv77JU8qC_CLKRlCcUuFEJV6Xm50DEvqbro3scLL6wYIepWLXlRDYen7sNXkxlzwaOAmtm2ORXOdSPwHb6M5HZOFHPIZTURHb-shEorrnxQFgHgNxyOemdRg/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1htJD9sZD5nOVQnszaTXqv77JU8qC_CLKRlCcUuFEJV6Xm50DEvqbro3scLL6wYIepWLXlRDYen7sNXkxlzwaOAmtm2ORXOdSPwHb6M5HZOFHPIZTURHb-shEorrnxQFgHgNxyOemdRg/s320/photo2.JPG" title="Matt, Mike, and Dave getting shaved!" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt, Mike, and Dave getting shaved!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
how did they go about being fully engaged and committed towards this goal? They
challenged their Technicians on the HVAC and plumbing side of the business. If
the Technicians could sell 240 maintenance agreements in 5 weeks, they would
shave the heads of the owners, Matt, Mike, and Dave. With a full commitment by
all employees, they sold 262 maintenance agreements in the five week period. So
guess what happened last Friday morning. Yes the heads were shaved!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7k1EbYlDOD73PmDaQdRi3jrSXxIvW_drYgNmaRI9px9rg5Po9sd57P_czEgK-gSA1Xij56rYsWIUSVe91PCVzKc-YSBaLP-Ji-8NgYdgODnio1sYYnF7uuzva0FZL_-6oh0G8muO-x8/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7k1EbYlDOD73PmDaQdRi3jrSXxIvW_drYgNmaRI9px9rg5Po9sd57P_czEgK-gSA1Xij56rYsWIUSVe91PCVzKc-YSBaLP-Ji-8NgYdgODnio1sYYnF7uuzva0FZL_-6oh0G8muO-x8/s200/photo1.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
that time of year to plan ahead for 2013, to set <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“big audacious goals”</b> that you are totally committed to and engaged
in achieving. If you go to our website, <a href="http://www.sayyestosuccess.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">and
click on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Free Stuff”</b> there are
forms there to help you put together your goals for 2013. Be fully committed
and engaged in 2013! In fact start today and set goals for the remainder of
2012.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: #0400; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-language: #0400; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Change or be left behind, you have to decide.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan has been in the service industry for nearly 50 years. </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He has operated a large plumbing, heating and air conditioning service company </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and for the past 12 years has helped small companies in the service business to </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">grow and prosper. Contact him at </span><a href="mailto:Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan@SayYesToSuccess.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
</span><br />Dan@SayYesToSuccesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17118815085245192610noreply@blogger.com0