The rapport you establish and the approach applied with customers requires balance. Typically there are different styles.
Most people can claim some of both of these types of attributes. So what might be the proper balance? Sales people should take the time to evaluate their own attributes. Being self aware of yourself and what style you possess and what style you want to present. Play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses so that you present the perfect balance in order to increase sales and profits. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Bane-Clene® News and Views
Our thoughts and comments on the carpet cleaning industry.
Friday, March 22, 2024
BALANCE
Friday, March 15, 2024
STAY AHEAD
We obviously live in an age of information. In order for a service business to Stay Ahead and be successful and therefore profitable, it needs to avail itself of the latest and the best information. Most information is gathered by two methods. Formal information is generated through market surveys and testing in house. Informal or practical information is gathered from customer feed back and by those using the products and or equipment in the field. Formal information is all well and good but it has its draw backs. It usually tends to be costly and also time consuming. So let’s concentrate on informal information. Customer Service Representatives (CSR) should spend as much time as needed fielding customers questions, concerns or comments. In coming contact whether by phone or e-mail provides a wealth of information. CSR’s should also “seek” information by asking the right questions. Such as:
Customers normally like to be asked their opinions (surveyed). This conveys to them that they are involved and important. That said, be sure to inquire from them, if they have the time to talk (respond). On the surface, these informal conversations may seem unimportant to a business. However, they are actually the life blood of a service business and helps it Stay Ahead. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, March 08, 2024
IRRITATING
We have all at one time or another been in the presence of a person who is or who we felt was irritating. It is important when communicating with customers or prospects either in person or over the phone that we make a favorable impression. Here are some “habits” that might be attributed to someone who could be considered irritating.
This evaluation and the subsequent “tagging” of the talker as irritating might seem arbitrary and harsh. However, it could also serve as a self-evaluation so we don’t become someone whom we feel is irritating. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, March 01, 2024
RUDE DRIVERS
Service units that are well lettered and clean are tremendous assets to a company in regards to public relations and advertising. Unfortunately, the reverse can be true. Take the example of a cowboy driver jockeying a van in and out of traffic with the company name readable a block away. How many prospective customers do you suppose could be adversely affected by his or her wild and potentially dangerous ride? Or, how about the van that double parks and blocks a lane of traffic while the driver goes into a store to pick up an order? Then, there’s the driver who won’t let the car out of the parking lot into a lane of traffic. The list could go on almost indefinitely. The results are guaranteed to be the same in every instance. Those people denied an entrance to a traffic lane, cut off, or scared half out of their wits, will certainly remember the slogan and name on the side of the vehicle.… Call ‘Us’ On The Carpet®. Therefore, they never will unless it’s to admonish the Company for their drivers’ behavior. A professional driver is courteous, cautious, obeys speed limits and is always watchful for others who may not be driving that way. On the operational side, a professional driver always checks the gasoline, oil, water and tires of the vehicle before leaving the garage. That vehicle will be responsible for all of the income earned that day and a good driver will extend the proper and necessary time to ensure that the vehicle will function properly all day. Reckless driving and careless maintenance are the signs of immature drivers and people who really don’t care about their profession or perhaps a combination of both. As owners, we should do our best to be sure our drivers are living up to and demonstrating the desired image of our Company. Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, February 23, 2024
GAS CONSERVATION
Gas prices continue to fluctuate as they go up and down like a yo-yo. So here are some obvious but practical ideas to get the most bang for your buck at the pump. Tips for Gas Conservation
Once again, these are obvious and we have all heard them before. That said, we can all use reminders from time to time. Good Cleaning, Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, February 16, 2024
THE ECONOMY
In spite of what the “experts” say, the economy is still at a fragile state. Interest rates are high; prices for the majority of staples, housing and energy have not reduced even after approaching 4 years since the outbreak of Covid. Chances are they won’t. Most Companies are discouraged in attempts to hire new employees. Comments we hear “Doesn’t anyone want to work anymore? Where is all the unemployment we hear about?" These are common laments among people in the cleaning and other small businesses. Part of the problem is that many of the incentives to work (I need money) have been negated by Governmental programs that basically provide people with enough money that they don’t have to work to maintain a basic existence. CHECK BEFORE HIRINGWhile hiring is never a slam dunk event, in times like this it invites more care and due diligence. Drug tests and credit checks for potential hires can be done; however, there are Federal and State laws that control what can and cannot be done. If you go this route, be sure you are within the law. Having an attorney drawing up the documents is the prudent course of action. A simple check you can do is have your Insurance Agent run the applicant’s Driver’s License through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If their license is either suspended or has been suspended, they are obviously not a competent driver and should not be driving a service vehicle. SECURITYPeople have always been cautious of whom they let in their homes but there seems to be more issues with burglaries, home invasions and the like. Maybe it’s the economy? To assuage your customer’s possible trepidations, your truck should be lettered. Employees should have some type of uniform shirt and identification. Industry related patches and name tags are ideal additions to a uniform shirt. These will not only add to your creditability but they inspire consumer confidence. Related Articles and Information:
Related Products:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, February 09, 2024
Protecting The Environment
A lot is being said and pontificated about being and going green. Bureaucrats at the Local, State and Federal level are decreeing and mandating what we should and should not do. What we should buy and not buy. In general, they are spewing a lot of hot air but alas most of them don’t practice what they preach. We are not against protecting the environment, in fact we have been green since the founding of our Company in 1962. Our equipment is electric and our chemicals and cleaning solutions are biodegradable and contain no harmful contaminants. Here are but a few simple and effective initiatives we all can practice:
Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, February 02, 2024
ANNIVERSARY
Bane-Clene Corp.® will celebrate our 62nd Anniversary - February 4th, 2024We will presume you know the story of how a small start up Janitorial Service morphed into what we are today. An International Manufacturer and Supplier of Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals and Accessories. We don’t have to tell you that being in business has its trials and tribulations. However, more importantly, it has its many rewards for which we are thankful. Here is just a partial list of what we are thankful for:
Lastly, we are thankful that 62 years ago, Wm. F. Bane had a vision and we at Bane-Clene® strive everyday to promote and build on his vision. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, January 26, 2024
SUCCESS
Success means many things to different people. In sports, it's winning the game or match. While certainly this success is important, it however is temporary. Because there will be another game or match that will either be won or lost. So in athletics success may be considered fleeting or short lived. Success in our personal and or professional life is entirely different. Our everyday lives are monitored or controlled by sets of rules, regulations and laws that constitute boundaries. The way we navigate these boundaries will either lead us to success or unfortunately failure. Even if you have achieved success in the past, don’t be lulled into thinking that the future will automatically spell success. We should always look to improve our services and products. Don’t let your market share decline because your competitor is doing it better. Also, Small Business is constantly challenged by new rules and regulations from local, State and Federal regulatory bodies. While certainly some of these are designed to help society in general, they may temporarily be a hurdle to Small Business. Many businesses large and small were not able to adapt and closed. We need to always look to the future and do our best to navigate around any impediments that hamper our success. Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, January 19, 2024
WEB SITES
As we start another year, we are continually reminded about the importance of computers in our lives both personally and professionally. The internet is the “Main Street” storefront for Small Businesses. If you are not already utilizing it, you are certainly missing out on an inexpensive way to market your business. Customers want to know who you are and what your business is all about. Besides a Website, Social Media and Review Sites will give the customer a visual and verbal story of your Company. Build Trust...and Brand Ambassadors. People look for Companies they can trust. Cultivate reviews for your Web Site through Social Media. Positive reviews will show that people like your Company and ultimately trust you. Post pictures and videos on your Web Site showing your Company in action. Here are some statistics to consider.
Under the presumption you have a Web Site, be sure to evaluate it periodically. If you don’t have a Web Site, you should consider having one developed. If you do not want to establish a Web Site at this time, at least consider establishing a presence on Social Media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn. If you haven’t already, we strongly recommend using Google’s Blogger and Google Business Profile:
A final thought, we have all seen how Social Media can either be very good or be detrimentally bad. That said, always work so that your Company is “trending” to the good. Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, January 12, 2024
BUYER vs CUSTOMER
Consumers whether retail, wholesale or service, ultimately buy from someone they trust. When a purchase is made from your Company, if that is a first time occurrence, then that may be from a buyer. If it is a second time purchase, then that buyer has become a customer. A buyer may be responding from an advertisement or a special offer. Which is good, but sometimes that buyer is just shopping for the best price. So take this opportunity to interact and provide the buyer the product and or service they expected even if your price is not the lowest. If you do this, then the buyer will become a customer and the price you charged is seen as a reasonable and equitable value and therefore justifiably worth the money paid. A buyer will become a loyal customer and will patronize, endorse and continue to buy from a Company that they trust and that treats them well. Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, January 05, 2024
Marching Forward
Are you reacting and or responding to change? Many firms fail due to the fact they are not marching forward. Marching Forward doesn’t necessarily mean you need to forget the past. Past actions have gotten you to where you are today. As we usher in a New Year and you look at your past reactions and actions, what do you see? Have those reactions and or actions been positive or have they been negative? Like all of us, we wish some had never occurred and others we want to bottle and use again and again. These past actions and or reactions have produced both threats and opportunities. Companies that respond to the threats and defend against them and those that seize the opportunities and use them to their advantage will continue marching forward. These opportunities present themselves in different manifestations that will influence consumer responses.Trends, fads and the like come and go, yet others are long term therefore longer lasting. It is important to recognize the difference and be cognizant that if you are not marching forward, your competitors just may be. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, December 29, 2023
Happy New Year
January 1st obviously ushers in a New Year. It’s a time that many reflect upon their previous accomplishments and failures. Then we look forward vowing to correct or not to repeat our failures. We also plot and plan for the time to come. Each of us has goals and aspirations. We should always strive to achieve them. If you are not moving forward, then it is inevitable that you will become stagnate or worse yet begin to move backwards. So, after all that reflection, we usually come up with New Year Resolutions. They come in a variety of purposes, personal, family, business and community among them.
The following passage was written by Bishop John H. Vincent in 1909. It is appropriate not only on New Years Day but every day of our lives: “I will this day try to live a simple, sincere and serene life. I will repel promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity and self-seeking. I will cultivate cheerfulness, magnanimity, charity and the habit of silence. I will exercise economy in expenditure, carefulness in conversation, diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust and a child-like trust in God.” Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, December 22, 2023
MERRY CHRISTMAS
December 25th is celebrated as a religious (by a majority of Christians) and cultural holiday by billions of people around the world. For Christians, it is marked as the day Jesus Christ was born in the town of Bethlehem. Some believe Jesus was the Son of God or a prophet or others have no belief either way. No matter what your beliefs are, take time to reflect upon the meaning of Christmas. It is a time that promotes Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all. May God bless you and your family. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Friday, December 15, 2023
EXPERT
There is an old adage that says an “expert” is anyone that is more than 50 miles from home. So how does that relate to the Cleaning Professional who is working in their market area inside that 50 mile radius? A cleaner may be the best. They may be adept and skilled in all the latest techniques and procedures. But unless those abilities are communicated, unfortunately that cleaner will rarely be considered an “expert” beyond their customer base. So how does one achieve that “expert” status? Well, certainly advertising can extoll the skills of the cleaner. However, the cleaner must also be able to communicate to their customers and inquiries those skills. These communications may come in many forms. One of which is verbal presentations coupled with demonstrations. For example, consider offering a local church a credit of $25.00 per person towards cleaning services for every person that attends a demonstration of cleaning at the church. What better place to spread the word. Be sure that not only is your presentation polished but your truck, equipment and yourself are polished and therefore will portray you as an “expert”. Related Articles and Information:
Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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Thursday, December 07, 2023
Remember Pearl Harbor
Became the battle cry of WW II as President Roosevelt (FDR) uttered these words, “Sunday, December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy.” Thus on that fateful morning, the United States was propelled into WW II by the attack that took place as our Pacific Fleet lay at anchor. The last known Survivor, Lieutenant Commander Lou Conter, celebrated his 102nd Birthday in September. As we commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, a thought comes to mind. Will “Remember Pearl Harbor,” ”Remember the Maine” and “Remember the Alamo” become forgotten or irrelevant. Will 9/11 succumb to the same fate? Not because those that were there or were aware of it are gone. But because those events have been relegated to the back pages of History books or are routinely ignored by many schools as they “preach” not “teach.” Unfortunately, there has been a tremendous cost in the loss of lives in these tragic events. Thank God for our brave troops and first responders who have been involved in them. In this land of plenty and freedoms, with all of our problems, people still yearn to come to live here. However, please remember “Freedom is not free.” Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® Please read the latest issue of the Clene-Times® at www.baneclene.com/publications/. Please visit our web site at www.baneclene.com. The Bane-Clene® Team. Free Bane-Clene Information PackageFree packet of information about Bane-Clene can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-800-428-9512 (U.S. ONLY!). Your information packet will include a full color catalog and price addendum. Packets will arrive in approximately 2 weeks through standard United States Mail. You can also order the packet at the Catalog Request Form.
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