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Casual Articles - The Howl Issue #3
Consider what works best for the location. You either store spill kits in every area prone to spills, or you have one or two kits that can be taken to the area where a liquid is spilled. Some spill kits have handles that make them easy to carry to the site of a spill. Otherwise you use dollies or wheeled containers or even forklifts to make larger kits portable. When choosing these options, its important to know the limits of your response team and the ground they have to cover to get to a spill. If you locate spill kits in all the spill prone areas you may want to consider wall-mounted kits. When selecting kits for small areas, like the inside of a truck, a kit in a bag is probably the best choice.Think about what you already have. If you already have an old spill kit container that just needs to be restocked or you have a cabinet where you would like to store a spill kit, then most spill kits have refills you can get. Based on your absorbency needs choose a refill and stock it in the container or cabinet already at your place.Determine what kinds of liquids you need to absorb. Do you need a spill kit designed to absorb both water and oil-based liquids? Or will you have to deal with a highly corrosive liquid where a possible chemical reaction needs to be considered?Decide if you'll need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)? You should always allow room in your kits for PPE to be added. This ensures that the right equipment is available at the time it's needed most. Get the right gloves or the right size suit in your kit and you will help alleviate an already stressful situation.Figure out the largest amount of liquid that could be spilled from a holding tank or container. If you use totes, consider the volume of your largest tote. If you use drums, this would normally be either 30 or 55 gallons.Realize that you may not be able to absorb the whole spill, especially if it's a big one. Spill kits can be used with dikes and drain covers which channel or contain liquids, so they can be recovered with pumps. After you get the liquid up, absorbents can be used to remove the rest of the spill.
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So t
What is it that motivates the entrepreneur and true home based business opportunity seeker?Of all the hundreds of thousands of people who make the transition every year from employee to entrepreneur, some succeed and others fail.Could there be some common characteristics those who manage to succeed all have in common?Many of these successful home based business opportunity seeker seems to recall some sense of urgency when starting their business. This sense of urgency has been described as a transition which took them from merely the desire to start a business to a necessity.Ranking high on the true entrepreneur's list of reasons for striking out on their own also seems to be a fundamental need to control their own destiny. The true entrepreneur is never truly happy taking orders from a higher-up and ultimately, seeks to find some way in which they can shape their own destiny.There are many different motivating factors which inspire home based business opportunity seekers to become their own boss. For some, it's the desire to improve their overall quality of life. For others, it's the need to achieve a personal level of accomplishment by reaching certain goals.Now, desire and passion aren't all it takes to be successful, but these are the things that will make the big difference over time in the way of long term success and financial independence.As a bit of a personal note, I truly believe that a large majority of the people who manage to find success in business in general as well as business online have one truly important thing in common.I've heard said that the #1 mistake entrepreneurs and home based business opportunity seekers make is looking for the hottest product to sell.Let me explain…Sure it's great to have a product that's in demand, however take this into consideration. People don't purchase products because of the product itself. People purchase products because of the benefits those products offer.More important that trying to sell the hottest product is being passionate about your product and your business. People respond to genuine enthusiasm about products and services. When you are passionate about what you do, it really makes all the difference.Something I like to say is this, "it's much, much easier to turn something you love into a business/money making opportunity than it is to turn a business/money making opportunity into something that you love."
If you missed Issues #1 & 2, e-mail: rick@ceostrategist.com for copies of these issues.
This month’s issue contains:
• The Housing Bubble --- Is It Finally Ready to Burst?”
• First in a series on “The Challenges Facing Family Owned Businesses”
--- How can you turn over your business to your children without creating chaos?
• Kids and Guns
• 15 Revealing Questions To Ask A New Sales Candidate
• Client Corner --- “My Kids Can’t Cut It”
The Housing Bubble --- Is It Finally Ready to Burst? ---- Economists have been predicting the burst of the bubble for the past five years. Every year they have been wrong. 2005 was supposed to be the year when things really started to slow down. Low and behold, 2005 was another banner year. Those in the building supply business are sitting around smiling as they count the profits. I am not an economist, thank God, but maybe, just maybe the economists are going to finally be right as some signs are beginning to show that may indicate a slow down in the housing boom. And of course, the auto industries problems, specifically General Motors with their recent layoffs and plant closure announcements just adds strength to this conjecture. What’s the old saying? “So goes General Motors, so goes the economy.”
Sales of existing homes fell almost 3% in October and the decline could have been higher except for the demand created by the surge of Hurricanes, especially Katrina. The level of unsold homes in October was at its highest peak in nineteen years. Some of this may be attributed to the fact that prices have risen at a pace not seen in twenty five years. A chief real estate economist stated; “The housing boom has likely passed its peak. (We have heard this before) The boom is winding down. I expect continued softening in housing.” (David Lereah, chief economist for Realtors.)
Economists also predict that the buildup of unsold homes across the nation would dampen the surge in prices that saw 69 cities report double digit price increases this summer compared with third quarter 2004. Another prediction is an additional ? point increase in interest rates by June of 2006 which could create a slow down in price increases to about 5% next year.
In reference to new construction, it also has shown signs that the bubble may be ready to burst. Housing construction and new building permits were down sharply in October. The Commerce Department reports that construction of new homes and apartments fell by almost 6%, which was the biggest decline in seven months. Applications for new building permits fell almost 7%, which is the biggest decline in six years. Nariman Behravesh, another expert chief economist stated, “We are likely to see a steady downward trend in housing activity over the next few months. Mortgage rates are at the highest level seen in more than two years.” National Association of Home Builders said a new survey showed builder optimism fell in November, the largest amount since the September 11th terrorist’s attacks.
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So t
One of the most important maintenance tasks of any cleaning program is vacuuming. Besides making a building look cleaner, proper vacuuming keeps a building "healthy". Floors, whether they are carpeted or hard floors, are the largest horizontal surface in any building. As floors are the low point, this is where everything that gets tracked in or falls out of the air will collect.A normal adult will breathe in about 70 pounds of air each day and the air we breathe contains billions of dirt particles. As most people spend 90 percent of their day indoors it is important that the air is as contaminant free as possible. The airborne dirt found in commercial buildings comes from various sources: tracked-in dirt, people, vegetation, cars, smoke, manufacturing processes, and even inefficient ventilation systems. Two of the most common irritants, dust mites and pollen, are so small they are invisible to the human eye.Dirt and dust particles float around in the air and are whipped up by improper cleaning. Then these particles either gently drift around until they once again settle on surfaces, or they are breathed in by your employees and visitors. The average dirt particle is 0.06 microns in size. Compared to the average human hair, which is 50 to 100 microns across, these dirt and dust particles are extremely small. However, if the concentrations of these particles are high they can irritate the lung tissue and cause problems with allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.Realistically speaking, dirt and dust will always be a part of any building that we clean. However, a study done by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1995, "The Total Building Cleaning Effectiveness Study" found conclusively that proper cleaning can reduce commercial building airborne dust. There is no better way to stop dirt from collecting and fouling indoor air than by vacuuming.To stop dirt from fouling indoor air, your cleaning company should choose a vacuum that has strong suction, and an airtight, sealed design. It should also have a filter that stops dirt and dust from escaping and leaking back into the area that has just been cleaned. Hard to reach areas should also be cleaned regularly. Cleaning staff should pay attention to corners, baseboards, door frames, ceiling fans, louvered doors, and mini-blinds, which are all places that dust is prone to collect.Rooms that are damp, such as kitchen areas and restrooms, are not just places where dirt and dust collect, but are also places that can have harmful a
• Kids and Guns
• 15 Revealing Questions To Ask A New Sales Candidate
• Client Corner --- “My Kids Can’t Cut It”
The Housing Bubble --- Is It Finally Ready to Burst? ---- Economists have been predicting the burst of the bubble for the past five years. Every year they have been wrong. 2005 was supposed to be the year when things really started to slow down. Low and behold, 2005 was another banner year. Those in the building supply business are sitting around smiling as they count the profits. I am not an economist, thank God, but maybe, just maybe the economists are going to finally be right as some signs are beginning to show that may indicate a slow down in the housing boom. And of course, the auto industries problems, specifically General Motors with their recent layoffs and plant closure announcements just adds strength to this conjecture. What’s the old saying? “So goes General Motors, so goes the economy.”
Sales of existing homes fell almost 3% in October and the decline could have been higher except for the demand created by the surge of Hurricanes, especially Katrina. The level of unsold homes in October was at its highest peak in nineteen years. Some of this may be attributed to the fact that prices have risen at a pace not seen in twenty five years. A chief real estate economist stated; “The housing boom has likely passed its peak. (We have heard this before) The boom is winding down. I expect continued softening in housing.” (David Lereah, chief economist for Realtors.)
Economists also predict that the buildup of unsold homes across the nation would dampen the surge in prices that saw 69 cities report double digit price increases this summer compared with third quarter 2004. Another prediction is an additional ? point increase in interest rates by June of 2006 which could create a slow down in price increases to about 5% next year.
In reference to new construction, it also has shown signs that the bubble may be ready to burst. Housing construction and new building permits were down sharply in October. The Commerce Department reports that construction of new homes and apartments fell by almost 6%, which was the biggest decline in seven months. Applications for new building permits fell almost 7%, which is the biggest decline in six years. Nariman Behravesh, another expert chief economist stated, “We are likely to see a steady downward trend in housing activity over the next few months. Mortgage rates are at the highest level seen in more than two years.” National Association of Home Builders said a new survey showed builder optimism fell in November, the largest amount since the September 11th terrorist’s attacks.
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So t
Have you considered how little post you get these days?I know most of our post is junk mail, statements and bills, so getting a letter from someone or a card is quite unusual and certainly stands out from the rest of the post.With email being so prolific and fast, it is sometimes easy to forget to remember the power of a hand written note.I love greetings cards and always have a supply ready to send a thank you note or to celebrate a birthday.I have even tried some of the online tools, my favourite being Cardstore which have a truly premium feel to them versus some of the other online card distributors.But what would it take for you to develop your own greetings card that you could send as a thank you or a follow up note to clients and network partners?In developing your own gift card, digital printing can certainly has a role to play and you could have a card designed and printed for less than US$3 a card. That is certainly equivalent to the cost of purchasing a card.The beauty of your own card though is that you can develop the card around your personal brand.YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ACTION STEPWhy not check out your local digital print shop this week and find how much it would be to create bespoke gift cards to reflect your personal brand?Using your personalised gift card will ensure that you stand out from the crowd and get remembered by your business colleagues when you send them a personalised note.
Sales of existing homes fell almost 3% in October and the decline could have been higher except for the demand created by the surge of Hurricanes, especially Katrina. The level of unsold homes in October was at its highest peak in nineteen years. Some of this may be attributed to the fact that prices have risen at a pace not seen in twenty five years. A chief real estate economist stated; “The housing boom has likely passed its peak. (We have heard this before) The boom is winding down. I expect continued softening in housing.” (David Lereah, chief economist for Realtors.)
Economists also predict that the buildup of unsold homes across the nation would dampen the surge in prices that saw 69 cities report double digit price increases this summer compared with third quarter 2004. Another prediction is an additional ? point increase in interest rates by June of 2006 which could create a slow down in price increases to about 5% next year.
In reference to new construction, it also has shown signs that the bubble may be ready to burst. Housing construction and new building permits were down sharply in October. The Commerce Department reports that construction of new homes and apartments fell by almost 6%, which was the biggest decline in seven months. Applications for new building permits fell almost 7%, which is the biggest decline in six years. Nariman Behravesh, another expert chief economist stated, “We are likely to see a steady downward trend in housing activity over the next few months. Mortgage rates are at the highest level seen in more than two years.” National Association of Home Builders said a new survey showed builder optimism fell in November, the largest amount since the September 11th terrorist’s attacks.
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So t
Just as most of us know what it really takes to lose weight, most are also aware of what is necessary to manage well. Both things are simple, but they are by no means easy. Much as being healthy requires a lifestyle change and a return to the basics, so does being a good manager.The way to lose weight, of course is to burn off more calories than are consumed. Eat less and/or exercise more. Simple. To be a good manager, follow the golden rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Everything stems from that. Equally simple.So what’s the problem? Despite the fact that there is more written about leadership and management now than ever - more books, more aids, more methodologies to show the way - Americans remain fatter than ever, and management in the aggregate is worse now than ever. How can this be?The simple answer is that it’s hard. It’s hard to eat healthy and exercise. It’s hard to do what is necessary to be a good manager. If it weren’t hard, everyone would be doing it. Not only is hard to be a good manager and remain healthy but it’s frequently enjoyable to do the opposite. It’s fun to eat unhealthy foods. It’s fun to go on management junkets and service our needs as opposed to those of the organization.Some are in the state of denial. They don’t believe there is a problem at all. These are the ones that do the most harm to themselves and most especially to others. It’s difficult to convince people to change when they don’t see that there is a problem. Did you ever come across a woman that insists she’s a size 4 when she’s more like a 14? How about the “I’m just big boned” line? Some awful managers think they are the greatest. They routinely violate basic management tenets and twist and warp management wisdom to reflect positively on themselves. They need a “near death” experience to awaken.Some are born leaders. They don’t think about leadership at all. They just have an innate ability to manage and lead well. It comes easy to them. Similarly, some are born with higher metabolisms, and are naturally more muscular. Some managers never pick up a book or go to a seminar yet are masters at leading. Some people eat whatever they want yet remain slim and muscular. Life is not fair, but that doesn’t mean that leadership can’t be learned or that those with slower metabolisms can’t lose weight. It simply means that for those that are not naturally gifted, it will take more time and more effort. They may never be as great, but they can make improvements and become good
In reference to new construction, it also has shown signs that the bubble may be ready to burst. Housing construction and new building permits were down sharply in October. The Commerce Department reports that construction of new homes and apartments fell by almost 6%, which was the biggest decline in seven months. Applications for new building permits fell almost 7%, which is the biggest decline in six years. Nariman Behravesh, another expert chief economist stated, “We are likely to see a steady downward trend in housing activity over the next few months. Mortgage rates are at the highest level seen in more than two years.” National Association of Home Builders said a new survey showed builder optimism fell in November, the largest amount since the September 11th terrorist’s attacks.
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So t
When I was a child, there was a pool nearby and every year my parents bought us season tickets. My brother and I swam there everyday. One day we were swimming the length of the pool underwater. As I came up at the edge of the pool gasping for air, the lifeguard was there to meet me. He asked if my brother and I would join the swim team. We were so excited; we talked about it for days.The next few weeks we prepared for competition. That day arrived and our first meet took us to a pool across town. We all piled out of the car and I still remember how our excitement was shattered. As I looked across the parking lot at the other team, each member was in a matching uniform. At that moment, I knew the thoughts of my teammates, “We were going to get creamed.” Our coach saw our faces and quickly said, “Shake it off, they just look pretty.” Yes, they did and we lost. After all, we looked like a bunch of kids from a watering hole. The other team even told us that. We all felt it. They were a real team with real uniforms.That’s how it is in the business game. You're judged by appearance. That’s because when you first meet a person, visual appearance is the first item sent to the brain. It’s the only data the brain has at that time. The minute I saw the other team in those splendid matching uniforms, my brain said, “They’re better than you.”Hey ladies, get the Uniform! Since your image is the first piece of information the other person sees, that’s when their mind forms an opinion of you. Your clothes are your uniform. If you wear the uniform of business, the suit, then you’re considered one of the team. If you don’t wear the uniform, then you are not taken seriously.Women often tell me that they don’t get respect from their male counterparts in the office. Their opinions are not taken into consideration. That’s because they look like us kids from the pool. Each of us picked our swimsuits and they showed our personality. I wore a two-piece pink swimsuit with white ruffles. My brother wore a yellow and purple boxer type suit. We looked colorful, but not focused!Think about it. You walk into a boardroom full of men and they all have on suits. Their business attire is very similar and each is in a power color, gray, navy, or black. All men’s suits are alike. They have those splendid matching uniforms. How focused they look, just like that swim team. Now check out the business attire of the women in the office.Oh, you see a pink dress with white r
So, is the bubble ready to burst? Many economists seem to thinks so. However, the statistics cited have been cited in the past. The predictions of a bubble burst have been reported in the past. On the other hand, some economists disagree at least partially. David Seiders, chief economist for home builders stated that he believed that sales of both new and existing homes, while still setting records for a fifth consecutive year in 2005, will only see a small 5% decline in 2006. This would represent a very soft landing (5% is not much considering the growth we have experienced over the past five years). Do they really know? Who knows? Maybe that’s why Roosevelt said he would only deal with “One Armed Economists.” So they couldn’t say, “On the other hand”…
Be cautious in 2006. Don’t panic but don’t bet the farm. Initiate a contingency planning process. If you don’t need the plan in 2006, so what, sooner or later the economists might get it right and that contingency plan that you have tucked away will become invaluable.
__________________________________________
First In A Series On Family Owned Businesses------ In 2006 we will try to cover many of the issues and challenges in “The Howl” that face privately held family owned businesses. Every family owned business faces difficult challenges. Readers are encouraged to e-mail rick@ceostrategist.com with comments, questions and topics for discussion related to the challenges faced by family owned businesses.
How can you turn the business over to your children without creating chaos--- This is probably the toughest question any business owner that has family working in the business will ever face. However, the answer is simple. The answer is….. It depends. It depends on how well you (the owner) have prepared yourself and your child for this transition. Have you planned this out? Has your successor been trained, developed and prepared for the transition? This is pretty easy if you only have one child in the business and he/she just happens to be the next Jack Welch of wholesale distribution. This child has worked outside the business for someone else for a minimum of five years. They have completed their MBA and they worked their way up in your organization starting in operations or customer service. They don’t walk around with their silver spoon visible and they don’t wear their family title on their sleeve. “Piece of Cake!”
Let’s face Reality--- That scenario, although it certainly does exist, is the exception and not the rule. In most cases privately held businesses generally have several family members working in the business. When the president has more than one child in the business, things start to get more complicated. Before we dive into that challenge, “How do we select the next President?” let’s review a few statistics.
• Family business is the driving force behind the US economy providing over 50% of our employment
• 59% of family owned businesses have only 1 or 2 owners
• 25% of family owned businesses surveyed in 2004 stated they would seek non family member CEO’s for succession
• Key areas that family owned businesses seek advice and counsel on include:
--- Strategic Planning
--- Organizational Design
--- Operational Effectiveness
--- Leadership Development
--- Succession Issues
--- Compensation
--- Sales Effectiveness
--- Risk Management
Now, how do you decide on who should be the next President? If you are not one of the lucky few described in the opening scenario and you have multiple family members working in the business, your stress level is already at a high point. First, many if not all family members working in the business have feelings of entitlement to some degree. This is generally true of at least one if not all of the president’s kids. Choosing the next president becomes even more difficult if the children have used their name as a title instead of the actual title of the job function they performed and the position they hold in the company (This is often unintentional and some kids don’t even realize it). This difficulty increases exponentially if none of the kids have demonstrated a high le
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