The end of the year approaches. Time to assess progress and get ready for a fresh start and new year. NOW is the time to clean up your accounting messes. Like being physically fit, fiscal fitness requires a bit of focus and discipline. The numbers may not be way off. So you and [...]
Every day, I get lots of email invitations from all kinds of business experts. They promise inspiration and ways to help me make more money. Do you get them, too? Some of the invitations in your inbox are probably from me! I believe in offering help when I can, and accepting [...]
Are you sold on flat rate pricing? (a.k.a. upfront pricing, straight forward pricing or bid pricing.) I hope so. There are lots of reasons why it’s a good idea. The number one reason? Your customers want to know how much it’s going to cost before they agree to the repairs or replacement. More reasons: [...]
No more secrets. Owner Susan at Allied Plumbing & Heating has created transparent pay levels for the Techs and they appreciate the honesty and clarity. Now, they know what they need to do to move up the ladder. Pretty cool! (And, nice pic of the two of us on Ride Along Day last week!) I’ve [...]
Here’s a snippet from a recent conversation with a plumbing contractor… “If Bob knew what Steve was making per hour he would quit on the spot. But I had to pay Steve a premium to get him to come work for us. What else can I do? It’s so hard to find good people.” And [...]
When I meet with a client, I ask them to, “Tell me what your life would be like if all your dreams came true.” Often the response includes, “I want my business to run without me. I want to give my employees a chance to grow and move up the ladder.” Kenny Chapman, of Peterson [...]
Budgeting. UGH. I call it the "B Word" because so many people are resistant to the word BUDGETING. Nobody wants to Budget, right? Budgeting is all about deprivation and doing without. It's like...gulp...dieting. Budgeting doesn't have to be a soul-sucking, frustrating experience. The way I teach it is fun, easy and powerful. From Main Street [...]
Family businesses are the back-bone of small businesses in the United States. They comprise 80 to 90 percent of all businesses, and they face many heartbreaking issues, like divorce, succession planning, turf battles, and “why can’t you be more like your brother?” arguments. Chances are you are involved in a family business…or work for one. [...]
Perhaps my recent birthday has something to do with today’s business building message. We are too old to waste time. That may not “land” if you are in your twenties. However, it seems like I was 20 years old about 15 minutes ago. At 20, I graduated college and turned down a half dozen “real [...]
“I just can’t find good employees. Nobody wants to work for a dollar anymore. Thank goodness for Joey. He’s my top producer. Customers love him and he delivers top sales every month. If I could clone him, I would! He is one in a million.” My pal Vince owns a Heating and AC company. He’s [...]
