Note: This post is the second of a two-part article. Click here to read part one. A complete product. What do we mean when we say that our business has a complete product? This means that our product is not only profitable enough to sustain (and grow) our business, but it also helps our business and our customers in many ways. …
The Complete Product
In business, our success is tied to our ability to juggle our numerous responsibilities, ensuring that many different things come together at once. The main thing that you must have, the one thing that no business can survive without, is a product that is ready for public consumption. The simple fact that you have a product, however, does not guarantee success. While …
Developing Trust. The Importance of Relationships in Your Business (Part 2).
Note: This post is the second of a two-part article. Click here to read part one. It is impossible to go down to your local bank, open a savings account with $100 and then turn around and attempt to withdraw $500. The teller would look at you like you are crazy! Your business relationships work the same way. As a …
Developing Trust. The Importance of Relationships in Your Business (Part 1).
Trust. It is one of those words that evokes a certain, unique mental imagery for most people. Some people will immediately think about a parent or favorite family member, some will think of lifelong friends and others may think of a pet or a favorite place. The point is that trust can be hard to define and even harder to …
Expecting the Unexpected
I hope that this post finds everyone in good health. Today I wanted to talk about a near-miss that I had on my morning commute. I was traveling east on a two-lane interstate, and traffic was not too bad, so I was going (about) the posted speed limit of 70mph. As I was approaching a major off-ramp, there were vehicles in the right …
Here We Go Again… Why Effective Communication Trumps All
I hope that everyone is well and enjoying some activity that excites them. I, on the other hand, just finished an eight-hour re-certification class for my pest control licenses. While the vast majority of us must undergo some type of continuing education or re-certification classes on a regular basis to keep our licenses/certifications in effect, the benefit and knowledge …
Unnecessary Boredom; How I Lost Five Hours of my Life
I hope that everyone is having a wonderful day! Today I would like to touch on a subject that is near and dear to to hearts of business people everywhere: lessening liability in our businesses. I recently spent an arduous five hours in a state board of home inspectors meeting, listening while an inspector was “raked over the coals” for …
Why Morals Matter More Than Money
As I am always trying to expand my mental database of home inspection knowledge (which is a good thing), I belong to a few different forums where home inspectors gather to discuss issues and share ideas (which is something that I highly recommend to all inspectors). Recently, an inspector with about 10 years’ experience posted a rant about being approached by …
The Gig Economy. Growing Your Business One Referral at a Time
Every generation seems to have its own new words and catch phrases. One of today’s hot ideas is the “gig economy.” The website Investopedia.com describes the gig economy as having temporary, flexible jobs and employers who gravitate to these freelance type workers instead of full-time employees. The gig economy is responsible for many of the benefits of modern life, such as Uber …
Holiday Cheer. How Sharpening the Axe will Help Cut Down that Tree.
I am not sure when you are actually reading this, but as I sit here typing this post it is late on Christmas night. So, if you do happen to be reading this on Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. If you happen to be a person who celebrates a different holiday, then I wish you a wonderful holiday …