I don’t have a real problem with contractors who advertise low prices. That, in and of itself, isn’t a big concern. What bothers me is that such contractors often imply that they do high quality work for a low price, and anyone charging more than them is ripping off customers.
Such implications are dubious at best, and blatantly dishonest at worst. It would be refreshing if a company advertised low prices and acknowledged that the quality of their work and service is lacking. Their web site might look something like this parody site.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Time and Materials
Many painting contractors think that estimating by time and materials (T&M) insures a profit on every job. This view can be very misleading.
For example, a contractor agrees to perform a job on T&M at $35 an hour. He will likely think that this $35 is going to go straight into his pocket. But that $35 must also cover overhead and profit. If his overhead is typical (about 50% of the selling price) his actual net income is reduced to $17.50. And if he is aiming for a 10% profit, his income drops to $14 and hour.
Because of this, T&M can build a false sense of security. The contractor mistakenly believes that he can’t lose money. Working for $14 an hour is simply not worth the head aches, stress, and other issues that accompany owning a business. At that rate, the contractor would likely be better off working for someone else.
A further problem with T&M is that it can be a lazy way to estimate. Rather than learning how to accurately estimate a job, the contractor essentially becomes an hourly employee.
This is not to say that there is no place for T&M. There are situations where T&M may be appropriate and beneficial to all parties. But I think those situations are far more rare than most contractors believe.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
For example, a contractor agrees to perform a job on T&M at $35 an hour. He will likely think that this $35 is going to go straight into his pocket. But that $35 must also cover overhead and profit. If his overhead is typical (about 50% of the selling price) his actual net income is reduced to $17.50. And if he is aiming for a 10% profit, his income drops to $14 and hour.
Because of this, T&M can build a false sense of security. The contractor mistakenly believes that he can’t lose money. Working for $14 an hour is simply not worth the head aches, stress, and other issues that accompany owning a business. At that rate, the contractor would likely be better off working for someone else.
A further problem with T&M is that it can be a lazy way to estimate. Rather than learning how to accurately estimate a job, the contractor essentially becomes an hourly employee.
This is not to say that there is no place for T&M. There are situations where T&M may be appropriate and beneficial to all parties. But I think those situations are far more rare than most contractors believe.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Jumping off the Roof
In our youth, most of us feel rather invincible. We can do stupid things like drink all night, ride a bike for 20 miles without training, and jump off the roof with few, if any, significant effects. But as we get older, such activities tend to result in greater and longer lasting pain.
The typical painting contractor is not immune to this sense of immortality. Just as jumping off a roof will ultimately have some negative physical effects, climbing ladders and pushing a roller will as well. Years of physical work will eventually wear on the body.
If you don’t believe, go jump off your roof about 50 times in a row. Then you will have some idea what it’s going to feel like doing it when you are 50 years old. You might be thinking that that is a silly idea. And you would be right. But I think it is a silly idea to think that your body can take a daily pounding and keep on ticking. As somebody once said, it ain’t gonna happen that way.
A contractor I work with has had a bad year. He has had several medical problems, the last of which will keep him out of work for several weeks. I know of a carpenter who broke his wrist and is in a similar situation.
If you are in the bucket, that is, you earn your money slinging a paint brush, you could be one accident or illness away from serious financial problems. If you can’t work, how will you pay your bills and feed your family?
This isn’t intended to ruin your day. But if you fall off a ladder and aren’t financially prepared, that will ruin a lot more than your day.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
The typical painting contractor is not immune to this sense of immortality. Just as jumping off a roof will ultimately have some negative physical effects, climbing ladders and pushing a roller will as well. Years of physical work will eventually wear on the body.
If you don’t believe, go jump off your roof about 50 times in a row. Then you will have some idea what it’s going to feel like doing it when you are 50 years old. You might be thinking that that is a silly idea. And you would be right. But I think it is a silly idea to think that your body can take a daily pounding and keep on ticking. As somebody once said, it ain’t gonna happen that way.
A contractor I work with has had a bad year. He has had several medical problems, the last of which will keep him out of work for several weeks. I know of a carpenter who broke his wrist and is in a similar situation.
If you are in the bucket, that is, you earn your money slinging a paint brush, you could be one accident or illness away from serious financial problems. If you can’t work, how will you pay your bills and feed your family?
This isn’t intended to ruin your day. But if you fall off a ladder and aren’t financially prepared, that will ruin a lot more than your day.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Falling Down the Mountain
I have never been a fan of winter sports, despite the fact that I grew up in Ohio. For this reason, I was 21 before I ever tried skiing.
I am generally pretty athletic, but I have never enjoyed strapping something to my feet and attempting to move. I’ve never been good at skating, but I thought skiing might be different. I was wrong, very wrong.
I should have known that it wasn’t going to be a good experience when I lost my lift pass before I even got to the slopes. As a newbie, I thought it wise to try the bunny hill first. That’s when I got my second clue that skiing wasn’t for me—I fell down while going up the tow rope.
I think I made two attempts to ski down the mountain. I seldom got very far without falling. By the time I had fallen down the mountain, I had snow crammed inside my clothes. I removed the ski equipment, returned it to the rental stand, and headed to the lodge. Drinking beer by the fireplace was a lot more fun. Not to be a quitter, I tried skiing one more time, with very similar results. I concluded that if God wanted me to ski, I would have been born with wood planks for feet.
Sometimes we need to know when to give up. We can’t be good at everything, and some activities just don’t click with us. We need to be honest with ourself and accept that fact. Life is too short to spend it in a futile pursuit. At the same time, perseverance is indeed a virtue. The trick is knowing when to be persistent, and when to throw in the towel.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I am generally pretty athletic, but I have never enjoyed strapping something to my feet and attempting to move. I’ve never been good at skating, but I thought skiing might be different. I was wrong, very wrong.
I should have known that it wasn’t going to be a good experience when I lost my lift pass before I even got to the slopes. As a newbie, I thought it wise to try the bunny hill first. That’s when I got my second clue that skiing wasn’t for me—I fell down while going up the tow rope.
I think I made two attempts to ski down the mountain. I seldom got very far without falling. By the time I had fallen down the mountain, I had snow crammed inside my clothes. I removed the ski equipment, returned it to the rental stand, and headed to the lodge. Drinking beer by the fireplace was a lot more fun. Not to be a quitter, I tried skiing one more time, with very similar results. I concluded that if God wanted me to ski, I would have been born with wood planks for feet.
Sometimes we need to know when to give up. We can’t be good at everything, and some activities just don’t click with us. We need to be honest with ourself and accept that fact. Life is too short to spend it in a futile pursuit. At the same time, perseverance is indeed a virtue. The trick is knowing when to be persistent, and when to throw in the towel.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Time is Money
You have probably heard that time is money. For a painting contractor this is more than a cliché—it is a literal truth. More than anything, we sell time. We sell the time of skilled craftsmen.
When we estimate a job we are trying to determine how long the job will take, that is, how much time is involved. We are providing a service, and the cost of that service is ultimately determined by the amount of time required to provide it. This may seem obvious. But what is obvious and what is truly understood are often quite different.
The profit on a job is ultimately going to be determined by the accuracy of our estimate. If we estimate 40 hours, but it takes 50 hours, we did not sell enough time. (There may be production issues involved, but that is a different issue.) We will still incur expenses for those extra 10 hours. This will reduce, and more likely eliminate, the profit on the job.
Selling sufficient time is the primary issue in estimating. In that respect, our profit for the job is determined at the time of the sale.
Accurate estimating is not rocket science. But it isn’t a guessing game either. It boils down to knowing how long each task takes. If you know the time required for each task involved in the job, you can accurately estimate. When you know how much time to sell, you really can make money.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
When we estimate a job we are trying to determine how long the job will take, that is, how much time is involved. We are providing a service, and the cost of that service is ultimately determined by the amount of time required to provide it. This may seem obvious. But what is obvious and what is truly understood are often quite different.
The profit on a job is ultimately going to be determined by the accuracy of our estimate. If we estimate 40 hours, but it takes 50 hours, we did not sell enough time. (There may be production issues involved, but that is a different issue.) We will still incur expenses for those extra 10 hours. This will reduce, and more likely eliminate, the profit on the job.
Selling sufficient time is the primary issue in estimating. In that respect, our profit for the job is determined at the time of the sale.
Accurate estimating is not rocket science. But it isn’t a guessing game either. It boils down to knowing how long each task takes. If you know the time required for each task involved in the job, you can accurately estimate. When you know how much time to sell, you really can make money.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Acrylic Factor
If you watch many sporting events, you will soon hear an announcer attribute a player or team’s performance to some “factor” . A loud crowd creates the “noise factor”. An older player has the “experience factor”. A young player has the “hunger factor”.
I won’t argue that these things have no impact on a player or a team. A vocal, friendly crowd can certainly provide inspiration. Experience can be beneficial, and youthful exuberance can be motivating. But the real and ultimate cause of success on the field is the player’s skill and performance.
Most of a player’s time is spent in mundane, and often boring, activities. He watches videos, lifts weights, practices routine skills, etc. Little of his time is spent on the field in front of cheering fans.
Few painting contractors ever perform before large, cheering crowds. But there are factors that influence our performance. Of these, one stands supreme, and I call it the “acrylic factor”.
In a paint can, acrylic is a superior resin. It has excellent adhesion.
In a business, acrylic is a metaphor for systems. Systems provide adhesion for the business. Systems produce consistent, desired, and superior results. Systems are the glue that holds the business together.
A business that lacks the acrylic factor performs less efficiently and less effectively. Paradoxically, despite its adhesive qualities—and actually because of them— the acrylic factor can turn your business into a well oiled machine.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I won’t argue that these things have no impact on a player or a team. A vocal, friendly crowd can certainly provide inspiration. Experience can be beneficial, and youthful exuberance can be motivating. But the real and ultimate cause of success on the field is the player’s skill and performance.
Most of a player’s time is spent in mundane, and often boring, activities. He watches videos, lifts weights, practices routine skills, etc. Little of his time is spent on the field in front of cheering fans.
Few painting contractors ever perform before large, cheering crowds. But there are factors that influence our performance. Of these, one stands supreme, and I call it the “acrylic factor”.
In a paint can, acrylic is a superior resin. It has excellent adhesion.
In a business, acrylic is a metaphor for systems. Systems provide adhesion for the business. Systems produce consistent, desired, and superior results. Systems are the glue that holds the business together.
A business that lacks the acrylic factor performs less efficiently and less effectively. Paradoxically, despite its adhesive qualities—and actually because of them— the acrylic factor can turn your business into a well oiled machine.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Secrets of my Ways
Once in a while someone will ask me how I can write so many blog posts, post on boards, run a business, and still have any time for fun? Some have asked me if I ever sleep or if I’m on some kind of stimulant.
The truth is, my “secret” has been shared openly for many years. I discuss it in virtually every post on this blog. So I guess that means it really isn’t a secret. I do it with systems.
Systems are a huge time saver. Because I have systems in place, I don’t need to spend my time running around to pick up a check. Because I have systems in place, I can work up virtually any estimate in less than 15 minutes.
There are many ways to utilize systems. The above are just a few examples. Another way I use systems is to write many blog posts in one sitting. I will often write 3 or 4 at one time, rather than try to come up with an idea and bash out an article. I keep a running list of ideas, and work on them for 40 to 50 minutes a couple of times a week. When I get in a writing mood, I write. The result is a backlog of material.
Another way to use systems is to utilize technology. Many electronic gadgets can be programmed to perform certain functions at a pre-set time. For example, my virus software automatically scans my computer at a certain time each week. And I also post many of these blog articles at one time, and then set the day and time for it to be posted to the blog.
None of this huge in and of itself. But by using systems regularly and consistently, my time is used very efficiently. That alone allows me to get more done. The coffee doesn’t hurt either.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
The truth is, my “secret” has been shared openly for many years. I discuss it in virtually every post on this blog. So I guess that means it really isn’t a secret. I do it with systems.
Systems are a huge time saver. Because I have systems in place, I don’t need to spend my time running around to pick up a check. Because I have systems in place, I can work up virtually any estimate in less than 15 minutes.
There are many ways to utilize systems. The above are just a few examples. Another way I use systems is to write many blog posts in one sitting. I will often write 3 or 4 at one time, rather than try to come up with an idea and bash out an article. I keep a running list of ideas, and work on them for 40 to 50 minutes a couple of times a week. When I get in a writing mood, I write. The result is a backlog of material.
Another way to use systems is to utilize technology. Many electronic gadgets can be programmed to perform certain functions at a pre-set time. For example, my virus software automatically scans my computer at a certain time each week. And I also post many of these blog articles at one time, and then set the day and time for it to be posted to the blog.
None of this huge in and of itself. But by using systems regularly and consistently, my time is used very efficiently. That alone allows me to get more done. The coffee doesn’t hurt either.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Mike’s Seafood and Painting
I frequently see contractors advertise that they “do it all”. When I see such ads, all kinds of things go through my head. And most of them aren’t fit to write in a contractor oriented blog such as this.
I think it is great to be multi-talented. I think I’m a good writer, a decent chef, and I can add up some fairly large numbers. I can do basic electrical work, some plumbing, and I can tear down fences. I can do a lot of other things as well, but I’m starting to get tired of boasting and really need to get on to my point.
Despite the widespread and impressive array of talents I possess, I would hardly claim that I “do it all”. The primary reason is that it isn’t true. Another reason is that just because I do something doesn’t mean I do it well. And I really doubt that anyone who claims he can “do it all” does it all well.
The guys who advertise such nonsense usually have an assortment of services plastered on the cardboard sign taped to the side of their station wagon. Often, the heat from the sun makes the crayon lettering melt and run down the side of their car. I find this somewhat amusing, as it clearly shows that there is one thing they can’t do—make a decent sign.
The conglomeration of services these business tycoons offer is sometimes absurd. Most offer the gamut of home services—painting, trash hauling, landscaping, roofing, tile work, etc. But my favorite is Mike, who runs a combination seafood delivery service and interior painting company. (He tried exteriors, but the fish kept getting a little stinky by the end of the day.)
It is much better to do one thing well, than a dozen things decently. Sometimes, even when you do multiple things well, you can send the wrong message to customers. For example, Mike’s customers are curious about that cooler he keeps in the corner everyday. They suspect it’s his beer.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I think it is great to be multi-talented. I think I’m a good writer, a decent chef, and I can add up some fairly large numbers. I can do basic electrical work, some plumbing, and I can tear down fences. I can do a lot of other things as well, but I’m starting to get tired of boasting and really need to get on to my point.
Despite the widespread and impressive array of talents I possess, I would hardly claim that I “do it all”. The primary reason is that it isn’t true. Another reason is that just because I do something doesn’t mean I do it well. And I really doubt that anyone who claims he can “do it all” does it all well.
The guys who advertise such nonsense usually have an assortment of services plastered on the cardboard sign taped to the side of their station wagon. Often, the heat from the sun makes the crayon lettering melt and run down the side of their car. I find this somewhat amusing, as it clearly shows that there is one thing they can’t do—make a decent sign.
The conglomeration of services these business tycoons offer is sometimes absurd. Most offer the gamut of home services—painting, trash hauling, landscaping, roofing, tile work, etc. But my favorite is Mike, who runs a combination seafood delivery service and interior painting company. (He tried exteriors, but the fish kept getting a little stinky by the end of the day.)
It is much better to do one thing well, than a dozen things decently. Sometimes, even when you do multiple things well, you can send the wrong message to customers. For example, Mike’s customers are curious about that cooler he keeps in the corner everyday. They suspect it’s his beer.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Hand is Quicker than the Eye
I’ve long found magic tricks fascinating. I enjoy the challenge of trying to understand how the magician manages to pull off his trick. I realize that most tricks rely on misdirection, for example, getting us to focus out attention one hand while he is doing something with the other.
Such misdirection creates the perception of magic. Yet, this perception is not real. We simply did not observe all of the facts because our attention was focused elsewhere.
We can perform similar “magic” with our paint contracting company. We can create an illusion with effective marketing.
For example, we conduct an annual sign promotion. During the month of November we place signs in the yards of past customers. We select customers in a small area. For the entire month our signs appear to be everywhere.
The power of this “illusion” is incredibly powerful. Within the areas we put up the signs, our presence is hard to miss.
There are other ways to create similar “illusions”. For example, a proximity marketing program—consisting of door hangers and direct mail postcards—can create a similar impression. Within a short period of time, you can expose potential customers to your name many times. The result is the appearance that you are everywhere.
There is nothing magical about effective marketing. All it requires is a solid plan and careful implementation.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Such misdirection creates the perception of magic. Yet, this perception is not real. We simply did not observe all of the facts because our attention was focused elsewhere.
We can perform similar “magic” with our paint contracting company. We can create an illusion with effective marketing.
For example, we conduct an annual sign promotion. During the month of November we place signs in the yards of past customers. We select customers in a small area. For the entire month our signs appear to be everywhere.
The power of this “illusion” is incredibly powerful. Within the areas we put up the signs, our presence is hard to miss.
There are other ways to create similar “illusions”. For example, a proximity marketing program—consisting of door hangers and direct mail postcards—can create a similar impression. Within a short period of time, you can expose potential customers to your name many times. The result is the appearance that you are everywhere.
There is nothing magical about effective marketing. All it requires is a solid plan and careful implementation.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Why You Should Get Deposits
For many years I didn’t get any money from customers until the completion of the job. I viewed this as a sign of honesty and a way to develop trust. It may have worked that way some of the time, but it also left me vulnerable to the whims of my customers.
For example, we would get to the end of the job and have a door to paint. The customer couldn’t make time to be home for us to paint the door, so the job was not completed. He would then refuse to pay us anything until the door was painted, yet he wouldn’t provide us access. He basically had us over the barrel.
We also had lots of situations where we scheduled the job, ordered materials, etc. only to have the customer back out at the last minute. We were stuck with materials that we might not use, as well as a hole in our schedule.
We now get deposits. If a customer wants us to make a commitment to their project, he should be willing to make a commitment to us. A deposit shows that he is serious.
Deposits (and progress payments) do more than show that the customer is serious. They also provide us with steady cash flow. If I have 3 $10,000 jobs going on, those progress payments make it much easier to pay my expenses.
I have a deal with my banker. He won’t paint houses and I won’t finance painting projects.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
For example, we would get to the end of the job and have a door to paint. The customer couldn’t make time to be home for us to paint the door, so the job was not completed. He would then refuse to pay us anything until the door was painted, yet he wouldn’t provide us access. He basically had us over the barrel.
We also had lots of situations where we scheduled the job, ordered materials, etc. only to have the customer back out at the last minute. We were stuck with materials that we might not use, as well as a hole in our schedule.
We now get deposits. If a customer wants us to make a commitment to their project, he should be willing to make a commitment to us. A deposit shows that he is serious.
Deposits (and progress payments) do more than show that the customer is serious. They also provide us with steady cash flow. If I have 3 $10,000 jobs going on, those progress payments make it much easier to pay my expenses.
I have a deal with my banker. He won’t paint houses and I won’t finance painting projects.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask
I was talking to a contractor a few days ago and he mentioned that he was going to have to take a Friday off. Knowing that he had plenty of work, I asked why. It turned out that he was going to finish his current job a day early, but his next customer was expecting him to start on Monday.
I asked him if he had called his next customer to see if she would be ready. No, he said. I already told her it would be Monday. I finally convinced him to call her, and she was thrilled that he could start earlier than expected.
Sometimes we just need to ask for what we want and not be so concerned about hearing “no”. We just might hear “yes”. It can be easy to “know” what the answer will be, and then refrain from ever asking the question.
I see this occur in regard to all kinds of issues relating to paint contracting—deposits, scheduling, employee pay, vendor relations, etc. Far too often the contractor refuses to ask a question, and then he complains about the “answer”.
I’m not a mind reader, and I seriously doubt that you are either. Why should we assume that we know the answer when we haven’t even posed the question? Making such assumptions does a disservice to everyone involved. We don’t get the real answer, and the other party never gets a chance to answer the question. The worse thing that can happen is that we get an answer we don’t like, but it never hurts to ask.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I asked him if he had called his next customer to see if she would be ready. No, he said. I already told her it would be Monday. I finally convinced him to call her, and she was thrilled that he could start earlier than expected.
Sometimes we just need to ask for what we want and not be so concerned about hearing “no”. We just might hear “yes”. It can be easy to “know” what the answer will be, and then refrain from ever asking the question.
I see this occur in regard to all kinds of issues relating to paint contracting—deposits, scheduling, employee pay, vendor relations, etc. Far too often the contractor refuses to ask a question, and then he complains about the “answer”.
I’m not a mind reader, and I seriously doubt that you are either. Why should we assume that we know the answer when we haven’t even posed the question? Making such assumptions does a disservice to everyone involved. We don’t get the real answer, and the other party never gets a chance to answer the question. The worse thing that can happen is that we get an answer we don’t like, but it never hurts to ask.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
When Pigs Fly
My wife has a pig collection. She has a jade pig, wood pigs, fat pigs, and skinny pigs She has pigs that make noises and some with funny faces. But she doesn’t have a flying pig. And there is a reason for that. Actually, there are several reasons.
First, pigs don’t fly. Second, if she had a flying pig it would be bouncing around in the curio cabinet I built and would make a mess. Third, if she had a flying pig I’d steal it from her and sell it to the carnival.
So the chances are very, very strong that we won’t be having a flying pig in our house. I’m pretty adamant about that.
Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind. Over the course of the years I’ve owned a paint contracting company I’ve changed my mind many times about many different things.
For example, I once thought I’d never be able to charge more than $25 an hour. (I’m glad I changed my mind on that one.) I used to think that if I wanted something done right I had to do it myself. (Another one I’m glad to have changed.) I used to think certain painters were irreplaceable, but after replacing them I learned differently.
It’s good to be solid in our decisions. But we must also remain open to new information. We must be willing to reconsider our position if the facts so warrant. And we must seek out new information whenever it is appropriate. That is how we grow. And it’s also a stance that I won’t change. At least not until pigs fly.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
First, pigs don’t fly. Second, if she had a flying pig it would be bouncing around in the curio cabinet I built and would make a mess. Third, if she had a flying pig I’d steal it from her and sell it to the carnival.
So the chances are very, very strong that we won’t be having a flying pig in our house. I’m pretty adamant about that.
Of course, I reserve the right to change my mind. Over the course of the years I’ve owned a paint contracting company I’ve changed my mind many times about many different things.
For example, I once thought I’d never be able to charge more than $25 an hour. (I’m glad I changed my mind on that one.) I used to think that if I wanted something done right I had to do it myself. (Another one I’m glad to have changed.) I used to think certain painters were irreplaceable, but after replacing them I learned differently.
It’s good to be solid in our decisions. But we must also remain open to new information. We must be willing to reconsider our position if the facts so warrant. And we must seek out new information whenever it is appropriate. That is how we grow. And it’s also a stance that I won’t change. At least not until pigs fly.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Which Comes First?
I often hear painting contractors tell me that they can’t afford to market their business. I’ll do that when I start making money, they usually say. And how do they expect to make money if they aren’t advertising? They don’t have an answer to that question.
Such contractors reverse cause and effect. They seek the effect—leads and the money they generate—without enacting the cause—advertising.
When I point this out, they usually respond that it takes money to advertise. Duh!?! Apparently they think that I am oblivious to that fact. Or maybe they think I’ve always had tons of money just sitting around.
The fact that advertising requires money does not mean that advertising must be expensive. My first advertising “campaign” cost me $20. It consisted of me going to a local print shop and having about 1,000 fliers printed. I then delivered the fliers personally. I delivered them almost daily. Trust me, it wasn’t fun, particularly in July when the temperature approached 150, the humidity level was even higher, and giant flies hovered over my head like vultures awaiting the final breath from a dying gazelle.
Over the years I’ve delivered thousands and thousands of fliers and door hangers. (I tried to get this listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, but I didn’t have the right documentation.) Marketing creates leads, and leads generate sales. Sales—if properly priced—produce profits, which fuel additional marketing.
If you don’t have money to market, find it. Because marketing comes first.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Such contractors reverse cause and effect. They seek the effect—leads and the money they generate—without enacting the cause—advertising.
When I point this out, they usually respond that it takes money to advertise. Duh!?! Apparently they think that I am oblivious to that fact. Or maybe they think I’ve always had tons of money just sitting around.
The fact that advertising requires money does not mean that advertising must be expensive. My first advertising “campaign” cost me $20. It consisted of me going to a local print shop and having about 1,000 fliers printed. I then delivered the fliers personally. I delivered them almost daily. Trust me, it wasn’t fun, particularly in July when the temperature approached 150, the humidity level was even higher, and giant flies hovered over my head like vultures awaiting the final breath from a dying gazelle.
Over the years I’ve delivered thousands and thousands of fliers and door hangers. (I tried to get this listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, but I didn’t have the right documentation.) Marketing creates leads, and leads generate sales. Sales—if properly priced—produce profits, which fuel additional marketing.
If you don’t have money to market, find it. Because marketing comes first.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Mind Your P’s and Q’s
In merry old England it was not uncommon for a bartender to tell an unruly patron to mind his pints and quarts. This eventually gave way to the expression “mind your P’s and Q’s”. That expression has several applications to a paint contracting business.
For example, it could apply to your paint, though I doubt you buy many pints or even quarts of paint. However, accurate estimating will help you avoid purchasing excessive quantities of material, and this will ultimately save you a considerable amount of money. Purchasing an extra quart of paint per week would cost $400 a year at $8 a quart.
It could also apply to financial management—minding your pennies and quarters. While I am not advocating excessive frugality, the small things can often break us. A dollar here, a dollar there—these can add significantly to the bottom line.
If you are seeking an 8% to 10% net profit, these small things can make all of the difference in the world. If you start throwing away a few dollars each day that profit is eroded. Good financial records and stringent management are the key factors in controlling costs.
Some may think that such penny pinching is a waste of time. Certainly, collecting pennies is not a very good way to accumulate wealth. However, the mindset involved will carry over to bigger items. Consequently, if you mind your P’s and Q’s, you just might find that the dollars take care of themselves.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
For example, it could apply to your paint, though I doubt you buy many pints or even quarts of paint. However, accurate estimating will help you avoid purchasing excessive quantities of material, and this will ultimately save you a considerable amount of money. Purchasing an extra quart of paint per week would cost $400 a year at $8 a quart.
It could also apply to financial management—minding your pennies and quarters. While I am not advocating excessive frugality, the small things can often break us. A dollar here, a dollar there—these can add significantly to the bottom line.
If you are seeking an 8% to 10% net profit, these small things can make all of the difference in the world. If you start throwing away a few dollars each day that profit is eroded. Good financial records and stringent management are the key factors in controlling costs.
Some may think that such penny pinching is a waste of time. Certainly, collecting pennies is not a very good way to accumulate wealth. However, the mindset involved will carry over to bigger items. Consequently, if you mind your P’s and Q’s, you just might find that the dollars take care of themselves.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
When the Cat’s Away
Have you ever left a job site for a while, and upon your return, found that your crew did little or no work? You would be unusual if this has never occurred.
Quite often, when the cat is away the mice will play. When Sylvester is at the vet getting his shots, the little vermin will scamper about the house with impunity. They take an extra break, wander out to the van to get some caulk, or check out Oprah. They might do a little work, but they won’t act like they do the boss is there.
There are several possible ways around such a problem. One way is to never leave the job site. Another is to mount webcams on every job site. Or you could pay one of your painters to be an informant. Of course, all of these will likely create other problems—like animosity and poor morale.
A more effective and practical approach is piece work. Pay your people for what they produce, not for the hours they work. Pay them for what they do, not for just showing up.
In it’s simplest form, a painter would be paid $X for painting a door, $X for fixing a drywall crack, etc. If it takes him an hour to do the door, he makes $X per hour. If he can do 2 doors in an hour, then he makes twice X per hour.
Under piece work the mice may still play when the cat is away. But they will be doing it on their own dime, not yours.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Quite often, when the cat is away the mice will play. When Sylvester is at the vet getting his shots, the little vermin will scamper about the house with impunity. They take an extra break, wander out to the van to get some caulk, or check out Oprah. They might do a little work, but they won’t act like they do the boss is there.
There are several possible ways around such a problem. One way is to never leave the job site. Another is to mount webcams on every job site. Or you could pay one of your painters to be an informant. Of course, all of these will likely create other problems—like animosity and poor morale.
A more effective and practical approach is piece work. Pay your people for what they produce, not for the hours they work. Pay them for what they do, not for just showing up.
In it’s simplest form, a painter would be paid $X for painting a door, $X for fixing a drywall crack, etc. If it takes him an hour to do the door, he makes $X per hour. If he can do 2 doors in an hour, then he makes twice X per hour.
Under piece work the mice may still play when the cat is away. But they will be doing it on their own dime, not yours.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Cucumbers
For many years my wife and I have had a vegetable garden. We’ve had varying degrees of success. It seems that every year we have to fight some new malady—too much rain, not enough rain, white flies, etc. We were never satisfied, and for good reason.
But we have kept at it. We’ve tried different varieties, planted at different times. We’ve modified our watering and fertilizing. In short, we’ve modified our plans as we learn more.
We now have a bounty of cucumbers on the vine. In fact, we now fear that we may have to throw some away.
Cucumbers are like a paint contracting business. (I don’t mean that our business is green and prickly.) Our business needs to be nurtured and fed. It needs planning and pruning. Like cucumbers, business has a particular nature, and that nature determines what type of nutrients and conditions will lead to success.
Spraying a herbicide on a cucumber plant will ultimately lead to its demise. Neglecting to water and fertilize the vine will undermine its vitality. In other words, if we don’t give the plant what it needs it will not grow and produce.
The same with our business. If we do not give it what it needs it will not thrive. It we don’t supply our business with capital we cannot purchase the nutrients it needs. If we don’t create leads we cannot produce the results we seek.
It is possible to grow cucumbers despite neglect. You might get lucky and receive enough rain. It’s one thing to take such a chance with cucumbers—the consequences of failure are pretty minor. But why take a similar chance with your business?
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
But we have kept at it. We’ve tried different varieties, planted at different times. We’ve modified our watering and fertilizing. In short, we’ve modified our plans as we learn more.
We now have a bounty of cucumbers on the vine. In fact, we now fear that we may have to throw some away.
Cucumbers are like a paint contracting business. (I don’t mean that our business is green and prickly.) Our business needs to be nurtured and fed. It needs planning and pruning. Like cucumbers, business has a particular nature, and that nature determines what type of nutrients and conditions will lead to success.
Spraying a herbicide on a cucumber plant will ultimately lead to its demise. Neglecting to water and fertilize the vine will undermine its vitality. In other words, if we don’t give the plant what it needs it will not grow and produce.
The same with our business. If we do not give it what it needs it will not thrive. It we don’t supply our business with capital we cannot purchase the nutrients it needs. If we don’t create leads we cannot produce the results we seek.
It is possible to grow cucumbers despite neglect. You might get lucky and receive enough rain. It’s one thing to take such a chance with cucumbers—the consequences of failure are pretty minor. But why take a similar chance with your business?
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Watch What you Say
One day when I was in grade school I called my brother a name. Apparently he desired to prove me correct, because he quickly went to our mother and told on me.
My mother confronted me with my alleged crime. I chuckled and said, “That means cat.”
To which my mother replied, “And why are you calling your brother a cat?” Obviously she wasn’t buying my explanation.
“Well, it also means being a woman,” I stammered.
“And what is wrong with being a woman?” asked my mother, who happens to be a woman.
I felt cornered, but I thought quickly. “Nothing, unless you are a guy. It’s an insult if you are a guy.” I was relieved when my mother told me to never use that word again, which I didn’t. At least not until I was alone with my brother. He didn’t tell on me again.
I’m much more careful with my language now. We never know when someone—such as a customer— might overhear our comments. It’s not that I am so concerned about offending people, but I see no reason to do so accidentally. I much prefer to offend people intentionally, particularly when they act like a cat.
Even inadvertent and seemingly innocent comments regarding politics, religion, or other topics can offend someone. While I think many people are far too sensitive, there is a time and place for such comments. Your customer’s home is not one of them.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
My mother confronted me with my alleged crime. I chuckled and said, “That means cat.”
To which my mother replied, “And why are you calling your brother a cat?” Obviously she wasn’t buying my explanation.
“Well, it also means being a woman,” I stammered.
“And what is wrong with being a woman?” asked my mother, who happens to be a woman.
I felt cornered, but I thought quickly. “Nothing, unless you are a guy. It’s an insult if you are a guy.” I was relieved when my mother told me to never use that word again, which I didn’t. At least not until I was alone with my brother. He didn’t tell on me again.
I’m much more careful with my language now. We never know when someone—such as a customer— might overhear our comments. It’s not that I am so concerned about offending people, but I see no reason to do so accidentally. I much prefer to offend people intentionally, particularly when they act like a cat.
Even inadvertent and seemingly innocent comments regarding politics, religion, or other topics can offend someone. While I think many people are far too sensitive, there is a time and place for such comments. Your customer’s home is not one of them.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Monday, June 9, 2008
Ice Cream Headaches
When I was a kid our family gatherings almost always included home made ice cream. The flavor would depend upon the season, but those frozen desserts were always delightful. Eager to get a second helping, I would often eat my first bowl too quickly and soon be suffering from an ice cream headache.
It was many years before I learned the cause of this excruciating pain, but the irony of something so tasty causing such agony was not lost on me.
Sometimes owning a paint contracting business reminds me of those experiences. Sometimes owning a business is a lot of fun, kind of like eating a bowl of home made strawberry ice cream. And sometimes it is like an ice cream headache—such a painful experience that I just want to be shot and put out of my misery (fortunately those times are pretty rare).
As I have matured I’ve learned to eat ice cream more slowly. One reason is to avoid ice cream headaches. Another reason is that if I want more ice cream, I’ll simply go get more ice cream.
Similarly with my business. I’ve learned the causes of most of my frustrations and problems, and I’ve developed systems and procedures to reduce and/ or prevent them. Just as eating ice cream more slowly staves off the feeling an ice pick is poking my brain, systems stave off the desire to stick an ice pick in my brain.
Writing about home made ice cream makes me want to make some tonight. Fortunately I have one of those small electric machines, because I really wouldn’t relish the thought of sitting my butt on one of those crank machines. Besides, I don’t think my wife would have time to do the cranking.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
It was many years before I learned the cause of this excruciating pain, but the irony of something so tasty causing such agony was not lost on me.
Sometimes owning a paint contracting business reminds me of those experiences. Sometimes owning a business is a lot of fun, kind of like eating a bowl of home made strawberry ice cream. And sometimes it is like an ice cream headache—such a painful experience that I just want to be shot and put out of my misery (fortunately those times are pretty rare).
As I have matured I’ve learned to eat ice cream more slowly. One reason is to avoid ice cream headaches. Another reason is that if I want more ice cream, I’ll simply go get more ice cream.
Similarly with my business. I’ve learned the causes of most of my frustrations and problems, and I’ve developed systems and procedures to reduce and/ or prevent them. Just as eating ice cream more slowly staves off the feeling an ice pick is poking my brain, systems stave off the desire to stick an ice pick in my brain.
Writing about home made ice cream makes me want to make some tonight. Fortunately I have one of those small electric machines, because I really wouldn’t relish the thought of sitting my butt on one of those crank machines. Besides, I don’t think my wife would have time to do the cranking.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Guessing and Profits
All too often a painting contractor argues that he can accurately bid a job based on the square footage of the floor area. Such arguments are more than simply silly, they are an evasion of the facts.
I looked at a 2,400 square foot house yesterday. How many doors are there? How many windows? How many linear feet of baseboards? How much wall area? I’d be willing to bet a lot of money that it would take a lot of guesses before anyone came within 10% in regard to these 4 questions.
If guessing floats your boat you should probably get a job at the carnival guessing weight. And if you “calculate” your painting prices by guessing, you probably will have that opportunity pretty soon. Guessing is inherently inaccurate and an invitation for disaster.
Even if by some fluke you guess reasonably accurately, many other questions cannot be answered simply by measuring the floor area. What kind of prep is required? How many coats will be needed? Are there any access issues? What type of coating is currently on the substrates? And on and on.
Some may think that this “method” works fine for new construction. Many of the variables involved in painting are known in new construction. However, this still leaves unanswered many questions—like the actual quantity of the surfaces to be painted. Some may think that this isn’t a big deal, and I guess it isn’t. That is, unless you are in business to actually make a profit.
If you are a typical contractor, a net profit of 8% to 10% us a reasonable goal. It doesn’t take too many mistakes in estimating to wipe out that 8% to 10%. So if you want to keep on guessing in regard to prices, it is my guess you won’t be doing it very long.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I looked at a 2,400 square foot house yesterday. How many doors are there? How many windows? How many linear feet of baseboards? How much wall area? I’d be willing to bet a lot of money that it would take a lot of guesses before anyone came within 10% in regard to these 4 questions.
If guessing floats your boat you should probably get a job at the carnival guessing weight. And if you “calculate” your painting prices by guessing, you probably will have that opportunity pretty soon. Guessing is inherently inaccurate and an invitation for disaster.
Even if by some fluke you guess reasonably accurately, many other questions cannot be answered simply by measuring the floor area. What kind of prep is required? How many coats will be needed? Are there any access issues? What type of coating is currently on the substrates? And on and on.
Some may think that this “method” works fine for new construction. Many of the variables involved in painting are known in new construction. However, this still leaves unanswered many questions—like the actual quantity of the surfaces to be painted. Some may think that this isn’t a big deal, and I guess it isn’t. That is, unless you are in business to actually make a profit.
If you are a typical contractor, a net profit of 8% to 10% us a reasonable goal. It doesn’t take too many mistakes in estimating to wipe out that 8% to 10%. So if you want to keep on guessing in regard to prices, it is my guess you won’t be doing it very long.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I Can’t Get No Satisfaction
For a long time that classic Rolling Stones song could have served as my theme song, because I never seemed to be satisfied. Nothing ever seemed to be quite good enough.
I still hold to that idea to some extent, but in a more reasonable fashion. I still think that what was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough today. But at the same time I appreciate what I accomplished yesterday, which is much different from my previous attitude.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to do better. Anyone who says he can’t do better is a liar, insane, or dead. But we must also allow ourselves the pleasure and enjoyment of celebrating our accomplishments. If we don’t, what is the point? We are simply spending our life chasing something that is just out of reach.
Along the same lines, I’ve also learned that doing it better isn’t always necessary. Sometimes we need close to perfection. But sometimes good is good enough. Recognizing those times has saved me a lot of effort, energy, and stress.
Most small business owners are pretty tough on themselves. There is nothing wrong with being driven to excellence. But at the same time we need to pat ourselves on the back once in a while. And while we are doing that, it might be good to remove our foot from our butt. Patting ourself on the back can be just as motivating as kicking ourself in the butt.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
I still hold to that idea to some extent, but in a more reasonable fashion. I still think that what was good enough yesterday isn’t good enough today. But at the same time I appreciate what I accomplished yesterday, which is much different from my previous attitude.
There is nothing wrong with seeking to do better. Anyone who says he can’t do better is a liar, insane, or dead. But we must also allow ourselves the pleasure and enjoyment of celebrating our accomplishments. If we don’t, what is the point? We are simply spending our life chasing something that is just out of reach.
Along the same lines, I’ve also learned that doing it better isn’t always necessary. Sometimes we need close to perfection. But sometimes good is good enough. Recognizing those times has saved me a lot of effort, energy, and stress.
Most small business owners are pretty tough on themselves. There is nothing wrong with being driven to excellence. But at the same time we need to pat ourselves on the back once in a while. And while we are doing that, it might be good to remove our foot from our butt. Patting ourself on the back can be just as motivating as kicking ourself in the butt.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Riding the Storm Out
An ill wind is blowing across the landscape. Oil is at an all-time high. Illegals are “stealing” all of the jobs. Construction is slowing. Foreclosures are battering the banking industry. And grain is so expensive that chickens are selling their eggs so that they can feed their children.
Painting contractors across the country are seeing competition increase. New construction painters are entering the repaint market. Laid off painters are hanging out their shingle. Every hack who ever watched a show on HGTV thinks he can run a painting company. What’s a legitimate painting contractor to do?
I could offer all kinds of sage advice. I could tell you to increase your marketing, sharpen your sales skills, and tighten your financial controls. Or, I could tell you to improve your systems, spiff up your company image, and review your business plan. But I won’t do that.
I could tell you to suck it up and tighten your belt. Or, I could tell you to not worry and be happy. But I won’t do that.
Instead, I will tell you to do all of the above. It may sound cliché, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s easy to make money in an up economy. It’s easy to ignore the fact that a business isn’t operating efficiently when times are good.
Hurricane season just started. The local media is going through their annual frenzy to tell us how to prepare. Most will ignore their warnings, and when the first hurricane approaches the stores will be flooded with people seeking water and batteries. At some point the shelves will be bare and the unprepared will raise their voices to complain.
The time to prepare for a storm is before the storm is even approaching. If you wait you might find yourself fighting with others for that last bottle of water. By then it may be too late.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Painting contractors across the country are seeing competition increase. New construction painters are entering the repaint market. Laid off painters are hanging out their shingle. Every hack who ever watched a show on HGTV thinks he can run a painting company. What’s a legitimate painting contractor to do?
I could offer all kinds of sage advice. I could tell you to increase your marketing, sharpen your sales skills, and tighten your financial controls. Or, I could tell you to improve your systems, spiff up your company image, and review your business plan. But I won’t do that.
I could tell you to suck it up and tighten your belt. Or, I could tell you to not worry and be happy. But I won’t do that.
Instead, I will tell you to do all of the above. It may sound cliché, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It’s easy to make money in an up economy. It’s easy to ignore the fact that a business isn’t operating efficiently when times are good.
Hurricane season just started. The local media is going through their annual frenzy to tell us how to prepare. Most will ignore their warnings, and when the first hurricane approaches the stores will be flooded with people seeking water and batteries. At some point the shelves will be bare and the unprepared will raise their voices to complain.
The time to prepare for a storm is before the storm is even approaching. If you wait you might find yourself fighting with others for that last bottle of water. By then it may be too late.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Cost of a Gallon of Paint
What do you pay for a gallon of paint? Do you realize that your actual cost is likely much higher?
Let’s say that a gallon of paint costs you $20. Let’s say you pay your foreman $20 an hour. With labor burden, his actual cost to you would be over $25 an hour.
One day your crew runs a little short of paint, so the foreman hops in his truck and goes to the paint store. It takes him an hour for the entire trip. You still must pay him, so that gallon of $20 paint has now cost you $45.
Unless you have the most unusual crew in the world, they likely will not be quite as efficient and productive when the foreman is away. So during his hour-long trip, let’s say that they actually only accomplish 50 minutes of work. A 2-man crew would then lose 20 minutes of production time while the foreman is gone.
If your average wage is $13, this 20 minute loss would cost another $4.33 plus labor burden, or close to $5.50. Now that gallon of paint has cost you $50.50. But it could be worse.
Let’s say that now only did the crew lose some production time, but that some of the work they did wasn’t up to your standards. When the foreman discovers this he instructs the crew to fix their work. If this takes 10 minutes, we must add another $5.50 to the cost of that gallon, pushing the total to $56.
While all of this is hypothetical and the actual numbers can vary, it should be clear that that gallon of paint can cost a lot more than what the store charges.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Let’s say that a gallon of paint costs you $20. Let’s say you pay your foreman $20 an hour. With labor burden, his actual cost to you would be over $25 an hour.
One day your crew runs a little short of paint, so the foreman hops in his truck and goes to the paint store. It takes him an hour for the entire trip. You still must pay him, so that gallon of $20 paint has now cost you $45.
Unless you have the most unusual crew in the world, they likely will not be quite as efficient and productive when the foreman is away. So during his hour-long trip, let’s say that they actually only accomplish 50 minutes of work. A 2-man crew would then lose 20 minutes of production time while the foreman is gone.
If your average wage is $13, this 20 minute loss would cost another $4.33 plus labor burden, or close to $5.50. Now that gallon of paint has cost you $50.50. But it could be worse.
Let’s say that now only did the crew lose some production time, but that some of the work they did wasn’t up to your standards. When the foreman discovers this he instructs the crew to fix their work. If this takes 10 minutes, we must add another $5.50 to the cost of that gallon, pushing the total to $56.
While all of this is hypothetical and the actual numbers can vary, it should be clear that that gallon of paint can cost a lot more than what the store charges.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Thinking Skills
I recently discovered a web site that offers some very interesting and helpful information on improving thinking skills.
Our ideas and thoughts ultimately determine the actions we take. If our ideas are true then our actions will generally be successful. Conversely, if our ideas are false or erroneous, our actions will lead to failure.
Unfortunately, our thinking often gets bogged down. We may be distracted, or the task at hand seems overwhelming, or we simply reach a road block. When this happens, our thinking can result in a paralysis of sorts-- we aren't sure what action to take.
The web site Thinking Directions provides a lot of useful information for improving thinking skills and overcoming these mental road blocks. I highly recommend their pamphlet "Thinking on Paper". This pamphlet provides a simple system for thinking through problems.
To quote from the web site: "Thinking has one fundamental purpose: to help you figure out what to do. What action should you take, now or later?" Your answer will ultimately determine your success, or lack thereof.
All of us face situations in which we struggle for an answer. Having a system for working through these struggles not only saves time, it can help us reach better conclusions.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Our ideas and thoughts ultimately determine the actions we take. If our ideas are true then our actions will generally be successful. Conversely, if our ideas are false or erroneous, our actions will lead to failure.
Unfortunately, our thinking often gets bogged down. We may be distracted, or the task at hand seems overwhelming, or we simply reach a road block. When this happens, our thinking can result in a paralysis of sorts-- we aren't sure what action to take.
The web site Thinking Directions provides a lot of useful information for improving thinking skills and overcoming these mental road blocks. I highly recommend their pamphlet "Thinking on Paper". This pamphlet provides a simple system for thinking through problems.
To quote from the web site: "Thinking has one fundamental purpose: to help you figure out what to do. What action should you take, now or later?" Your answer will ultimately determine your success, or lack thereof.
All of us face situations in which we struggle for an answer. Having a system for working through these struggles not only saves time, it can help us reach better conclusions.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Celebrating Achievement
I happened to catch the end of the Scripps National Spelling Bee final last week. There were several interesting things about this: it was on a major network during prime time; and it was a remarkable celebration of achievement, specifically intellectual achievement.
Now I’m no spelling geek. I am a reasonable speller. I also know how to use a dictionary, and with the advent of computers, spell check. So I don’t need to know how to spell prosopopoeia or esclandre. Hell, before the spelling bee final I didn’t even know what they mean.
At a time when candidates for President are slamming achievement and encouraging citizens to forsake success, it was refreshing to see achievement and success celebrated.
Many of the contestants appeared to be either first or second generation Americans. Their families came to America for the opportunity our country offers. They came here for the freedom to pursue their values and exercise their independent minds. It was only fitting then, that so many of these “new” Americans made it to the national finals.
Amidst the daily struggles of building our paint contracting business, we sometimes need a sign that success is possible. We sometimes need the emotional fuel of witnessing and celebrating achievement. I found it in a 12-year-old boy who knew how to spell guerdon. Thank you Sameer Mishra and congratulations.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Now I’m no spelling geek. I am a reasonable speller. I also know how to use a dictionary, and with the advent of computers, spell check. So I don’t need to know how to spell prosopopoeia or esclandre. Hell, before the spelling bee final I didn’t even know what they mean.
At a time when candidates for President are slamming achievement and encouraging citizens to forsake success, it was refreshing to see achievement and success celebrated.
Many of the contestants appeared to be either first or second generation Americans. Their families came to America for the opportunity our country offers. They came here for the freedom to pursue their values and exercise their independent minds. It was only fitting then, that so many of these “new” Americans made it to the national finals.
Amidst the daily struggles of building our paint contracting business, we sometimes need a sign that success is possible. We sometimes need the emotional fuel of witnessing and celebrating achievement. I found it in a 12-year-old boy who knew how to spell guerdon. Thank you Sameer Mishra and congratulations.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
Mending the Fence
Here in Texas, we often have to mend our fences to keep the cattle from straying off. But the problem with mending fences is that the Indians keep sneaking up and shooting at us. They don’t quite seem to realize that it’s not polite to shoot at people when they are mending fences. But then I don’t have any cattle, so I’m not sure why I’m even mending my fence.
Actually, I do know why I am mending my fence. My wife has been bugging me for 3 or 4 years to do so. Of course, the fence that started leaning after a bad storm years ago bothered me, but not enough to actually do anything about it.
It’s often the case that we will put up with things that we aren’t happy about in our paint contracting business, rather than exert some effort to fix it. We’ll look at that leaning fence every day, and swear that we will fix it soon. And we never do.
Mending fences isn’t fun. I had to remove about 50 pickets and 3 posts. I had to re-dig post holes, set new posts, and then put the whole thing back together. It was about 90 out and the humidity was somewhere around 150%. I had to change my shirt 4 times. But it needed to be done, and I’m not one to put off unpleasant tasks. (Well, not for more than 4 years.)
I’m proud of my new fence. My cattle won’t be wandering off. More importantly, my wife won’t be asking me when I’m going to mend the fence. Like many unpleasant tasks in our business, I’m glad that it’s done and I appreciate the results. Sometimes we just need to roll up our sleeves and do it.
Unfortunately, my wife has some more tasks for me. But I still have a few more years to work on those.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Actually, I do know why I am mending my fence. My wife has been bugging me for 3 or 4 years to do so. Of course, the fence that started leaning after a bad storm years ago bothered me, but not enough to actually do anything about it.
It’s often the case that we will put up with things that we aren’t happy about in our paint contracting business, rather than exert some effort to fix it. We’ll look at that leaning fence every day, and swear that we will fix it soon. And we never do.
Mending fences isn’t fun. I had to remove about 50 pickets and 3 posts. I had to re-dig post holes, set new posts, and then put the whole thing back together. It was about 90 out and the humidity was somewhere around 150%. I had to change my shirt 4 times. But it needed to be done, and I’m not one to put off unpleasant tasks. (Well, not for more than 4 years.)
I’m proud of my new fence. My cattle won’t be wandering off. More importantly, my wife won’t be asking me when I’m going to mend the fence. Like many unpleasant tasks in our business, I’m glad that it’s done and I appreciate the results. Sometimes we just need to roll up our sleeves and do it.
Unfortunately, my wife has some more tasks for me. But I still have a few more years to work on those.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Sunday, June 1, 2008
TANSTAAFL and Other Acronyms
If you were alone on a desert island it is doubtful that you would sit around waiting for someone to deliver dinner. Your well being, indeed your very survival, would depend on your efforts. In such stark and crude conditions it is hard to evade the fact that There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch (TANSTAAFL).
Our success as painting contractors depends on many factors, but we are the ultimate source of our success or failure. We get to choose what we have for lunch, and then we must be willing to pay for it. We can choose what kind of business we want, and then we must be willing to take the actions that create that kind of business.
Just as TANSTAAFL, TANSTAASBWHW—There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Successful Business Without Hard Work. But it takes more than just hard work to create a successful business. It takes sound business practices (BP). It also takes implementation (I), motivation (M), and perseverance (P). In short, business success requires BPIMP.
It is wonderful to dream big dreams (DBD) for your business. I admire those who aspire to reach new heights. But to DBD without BPIMP is basically just wishful thinking and the belief that TANSTAASBWHW isn’t true.
(Acronyms are funny things. Sometimes the acronym becomes a word as its use becomes more common. For example, both scuba and laser are actually acronyms. But that’s another issue for another day.)
Regardless of the acronyms you choose to use, business success has no shortcuts. TANSTAAFL.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
Our success as painting contractors depends on many factors, but we are the ultimate source of our success or failure. We get to choose what we have for lunch, and then we must be willing to pay for it. We can choose what kind of business we want, and then we must be willing to take the actions that create that kind of business.
Just as TANSTAAFL, TANSTAASBWHW—There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Successful Business Without Hard Work. But it takes more than just hard work to create a successful business. It takes sound business practices (BP). It also takes implementation (I), motivation (M), and perseverance (P). In short, business success requires BPIMP.
It is wonderful to dream big dreams (DBD) for your business. I admire those who aspire to reach new heights. But to DBD without BPIMP is basically just wishful thinking and the belief that TANSTAASBWHW isn’t true.
(Acronyms are funny things. Sometimes the acronym becomes a word as its use becomes more common. For example, both scuba and laser are actually acronyms. But that’s another issue for another day.)
Regardless of the acronyms you choose to use, business success has no shortcuts. TANSTAAFL.
© BEP Enterprises Incorporated 2008
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