AND THE LAST TIME WAS?

It obviously is no secret that managing a business today is more complex than in the past. It also is no secret that we have more resources at our disposal to manage those businesses than we had in the past. 

If my parents heard me talking about tweeting, linkedin or pod casts they would think I was talking to birds, building a chain, or creating a nest for some kind of insect. They just wouldn't understand.

It is fantastic that we have so many gadgets and new tools at our disposal, but..when was the last time you really used old fashioned ideas and ideals in managing your business? Let me give you a few examples,

When was the last time you made a conscious effort to visit your top ten customers IN PERSON to thank them for the business and not request a price increase or answer a complaint? When did you just drop in to see them and say, "I just want you to know that I really appreciate your business"?

When was the last time you went out in the field at night to visit some of the cleaning techs to just say "thank you" for the great job they are doing to keep the customers satisfied?

When was the last time you reviewed the sales literature you send in the mail to prospects? Does it represent you well or is it from the olden days (2010)?

When was the last time you reviewed your sales proposal to see if it really said what you wanted it to say and in the order you wanted it said or has someone changed it to suit their needs and not yours?

When was the last time you went with your sales representative, if you have one, to see if they are delivering your company proposal in the manner in which you have asked them and trained them to do?

When was the last time you reviewed your maintenance service agreement (contract) to make sure it covered all the areas you want covered like--

----being an evergreen agreement?
----spelling out what triggers a price increase?
----what the procedure is for termination of the agreement making sure you have the same rights to terminate as the customer does?
----making sure you have a right to cure clause in the agreement?
----making sure you have a paragraph that allows your customer to "steal" your employee as long as they pay a recruiting and training fee equal to a stated percentage of the employees annual salary?

When was the last time you reviewed your training class to be sure you are covering all the areas you want covered BEFORE an employee reports for work the first day?

When was the last time you scheduled a "refresher" training class for all your cleaning techs and supervisors to make sure everyone was cleaning in the way you want it done? Remember, you are the one that sets the standard for everything that occurs in your organization.

When was the last time you actually sat in on a training class?

When was the last time you reviewed your orientation procedure for new employees to assure you are complying with all current state and federal laws?

When was the last time you got your management staff together and told them in person how much you appreciate them for the great job they are doing? An in person thank you will go much further than an e-mail. 

You see, no matter how many electronic gadgets we have, how we tweet, link in, or listen to or create pod casts, one thing never goes out of style--YOU PERSONALLY LETTING PEOPLE KNOW YOU CARE AND ARE INVOLVED IN HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION IS MOVING FORWARD (OR BACKWARD). 

By no means am I throwing stones at all the wonderful new ways we have to get new business and manage our companies, but let's not get lost in front of the computer screen thinking we can operate our businesses from our desk. It will not work in the long haul. You will eventually pay the price. 

How about taking one of the items I mentioned above each week starting this week and see how you are doing. You may be surprised at what you find. If everything is perfect, you can pat yourself (and your staff) on the back for a job well done. If you find some things needing your attention, correct them immediately before they become major issues. Hopefully you find everything in smooth running order. 

Talking about orders, we have published a book that contains all of the 2012 blog postings in one place. It is over 100 pages in length and can serve as an excellent reference on the things we talked about last year that can hopefully help you in your business this year and beyond. You'll find it under the book section of our web site. We have kept the price very reasonable. 

Till next time. MAKE IT A GREAT WEEK.