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 Package
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Friday, December 31, 2021
Happy New Year
Friday, December 24, 2021
MERRY CHRISTMAS
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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 Package
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Friday, December 17, 2021
Happy Holidays
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The holidays have been in full swing this month. Many dates are celebrated or commemorated during this month. Naming a few, but certainly not all:
However, even if you don’t practice or believe, they all have many points in common. The one we will focus on is that they all promote “Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all”. Once again, no matter what you practice or don’t, if you have not already done so, take a few moments to reflect on that common viewpoint. 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 Package
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Friday, December 10, 2021
BILL OF RIGHTS
The United States Constitution as of this writing has 27 amendments. December 15th is designated as the Bill of Rights Day. The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution of The United States and were written in 1791. Over the last few years, much attention has been called to some of the amendments. Some members of Congress have even stated "What would the Framers Say" and "It's an assault on our Democracy" when using the Constitution as an apparent defense of their OWN agendas. The Framers were highly intelligent individuals. They also possessed tremendous foresight and therefore set out to prevent the Federal Government from controlling individuals and States' rights. It was designated that the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the people. The following Amendments are some of those that are most often involved in Litigation. Therefore resulting in Judgments and or incarceration and potentially Appeals.
Our elected officials are tasked with upholding the Constitution. That said, it is very important to VOTE. That is the way we can protect our freedoms by electing like minded individuals. Those individuals should be our voice in Washington, D.C. not the voice of lobbyists or their OWN agendas. That is what The Framers intended when they drafted The Bill of Rights. 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 Package
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Friday, December 03, 2021
Remember Pearl Harbor
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That was the battle cry of WW II. President Roosevelt (FDR) said, "Sunday, December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy." Not many are alive who were there that fateful morning when the attack took place on our Pacific Fleet as it lay at anchor. Those who were there will never forget and others not there will never forget it or where they were when they heard the news. As we commemorate the 80th 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 Package
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Thursday, November 25, 2021
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is truly a special day. It was first celebrated in 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans shared a fall harvest. In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving Day is more than memories, food, football and parades. It is a day of thanks. On this day, we are reminded of the bounty of treasures that are a part of our everyday lives. We spend a few, often too brief, moments in prayer or meditation before dinner to say thanks for our family, friends and the wonderfulness of our lives. The true meaning of Thanksgiving should not end there. Ponder the two words that are involved: thanks and giving. We should therefore be reminded to give thanks and to share. Take the time to share our economic benefits, material wealth and talents with those who can use our help. Once again as you sit down to dinner, ponder the true meaning of Thanksgiving. 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 Package
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Friday, November 19, 2021
TACT
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Tact is the ability to get people to do what you want them to do without offending them. Nothing is more important to the smooth operation of any company. Using tact keeps people in the mode of doing their best. This can be accomplished without berating or belittling someone. It also avoids potential bitterness and resentment. A tactful boss or manager should never set out to blame someone. When you blame people, it seldom makes them want to do better. In the end, it will stir up potential morale problems, especially if the blame is found to be all or partly undeserved. When something is wrong and things aren't going right, don't start looking for who is to blame. Start looking for what is wrong and how everyone can work together to make it better. Whether the problem was the result of neglect, inefficiency, an honest mistake or an oversight approaching those involved with tact will go a long way in solving the problem. Whatever was the cause of the situation should now be eliminated. 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 Package
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In America, we enjoy many of our freedoms because of the dedication and courage of all our Veterans. Veterans Day always falls on November 11th. It is this day that we honor those Veterans. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The first Armistice Day was commemorated in 1919. The day was originally set aside to honor the Veterans of World War I. After World War II and the Korean War, Congress recognized a need to expand the meaning of the day and recognize ALL veterans. So in 1954, the word "Armistice" was replaced with "Veterans" as a way to include all Veterans of all American wars. Veterans Day is a federal holiday which many cities celebrate with parades and ceremonies. In Washington, D.C., the celebration includes a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans Day is a day not only to honor those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, but also to recognize those who continue to serve today. Take this time to thank a Veteran who fulfills this patriotic duty to maintain the freedoms of our country. You can show the respect you have for them by properly honoring and displaying the American Flag. One way that is accomplished is by always standing and placing your hand over your heart during the playing of the National Anthem. 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. 
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Friday, November 05, 2021
CRITICIZING
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There's something about criticizing people who aren't there to defend themselves that normally offends most people's sense of business etiquette. Even if the criticism is justified, it doesn't make a positive impression. It may also, in a sense, imply that the person who bought the product or service made a mistake. Insulting a prospect is no way to make a sale. Also, if someone is busy criticizing the competition, they may not spend enough time in selling their Company and what it has to offer. So how does someone proceed to project the idea that their product or service is better? Know the competition and what it is they can offer. Then specific details should be given on how one's own product or service will be of benefit to a prospect. Emphasis should especially be made on definite advantages. Once these advantages are pointed out, it is a good idea to ask the prospect to make their own comparisons. When asking comparisons to be made, it should be done tactfully. While criticizing the competition may occasionally produce a sale, in the long run it will have the opposite result. That said then more often than not emphasizing one's own service or product advantages will obtain the desired results. 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 Package
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Friday, October 29, 2021
FRIENDLY FAVOR
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All of us appreciate a favor. In the service business, the majority of the time most of your customers are probably not known well enough to be considered a friend. However, that doesn’t mean they cannot be treated as you would a friend. A friend is normally someone you would do a favor for. Examples might be picking up their mail while they are out of town. Or meeting someone at their home who is going to be doing some work for them. So what kind of friendly favor can be done for your customers? Offer to clean an entry mat or small rug either outside the front door or one just inside at no charge. You can offer to come back and remove foam blocks and or furniture tabs, if you feel the customer might require assistance in doing so. Doing a friendly favor will help build relationships with your customers that will foster a feeling of friendship. Which will lead to additional business in the form of repeat customers and referrals. While you may not technically be a friend, you will gain a reputation as the Friendly Carpet Cleaner. Related Articles and Information:
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Friday, October 22, 2021
ATTENTION
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A good sales presentation has to begin with something that grabs the prospect’s attention. There are several ways to accomplish that, among them:
No matter the approach, remember it is very important to grab their attention. 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 Package
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Friday, October 15, 2021
NET WORTH
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Most people think of Net Worth as being what a person or company is worth monetarily. However, Net Worth may also be associated with a purchase. When someone buys a low grade product or contracts a budget service, they may feel satisfied when they make their purchase. However, when they use the product or see the results of the service and those results do not live up to expectations, then they are displeased. They then see the value and thus the low Net Worth of their purchase. Conversely, when they buy a well made product or contract a high quality service and they see the results of that purchase and those results equal or exceed their expectations, then they are very pleased. Thus, this purchase has a high Net Worth. Since Net Worth can either be of little or no value or of immeasurable value always purchase or provide a product or service that is of high Net Worth. 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 Package
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Friday, October 08, 2021
Standards
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People judge leaders by the standards they set. It is so very important in running a business.If they don’t practice these standards themselves, it will be nearly impossible to expect their employees to practice them. Good leaders appreciate the fact that the power of a good example is one of their most powerful tools. This example will influence others far more than verbal advice or pontificating. The strengths and weaknesses of a company are most often than not reflected by the person who is in charge. If a leader is having difficulty getting people to measure up to the standards they insist upon, then perhaps they should look in a mirror. Are they practicing these standards wholeheartedly or are they just putting on a act? Related Articles and Information:Related Carpet Cleaning Business Articles and Information:
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Friday, October 01, 2021
The Journey
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You have been sent on a journey. You may have not had a choice about when or where it started. If so, you may not know when or where it will end. You may not have a guide or a map. However, you know it will end sometime. There will be rules that apply to this journey. If so, you may have had to learn them as you went. Sometimes you can't control them or it may be difficult to follow these rules. Once you have started this journey, you must continue every day. Some days you will feel like it and other days you will not. Along the way, you will have people that will become your family. There will also be friends and associates.These people will help you and be of a benefit to your journey. Unfortunately, there will also be people that will not help you. For your journey to be successful, it will be important to avoid those that will not help you or who will hinder your journey. This will be the journey of life. 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 Package
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Friday, September 24, 2021
Mistakes
Everyone at one time or another makes mistakes. No living being is perfect. So what are some of the things someone can do if they make mistakes?
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 Package
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Friday, September 17, 2021
Ignored
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No one likes to be ignored. Your employees need your attention for various reasons. How can you provide the attention they need which will make them feel better and work better? By noticing the work they do and complimenting them on improvement or continued good work. Also by pointing out to them how important they are to the company. Conversely, by noticing work that is not up to company standards and offering help to improve their work. By occasionally engaging them in conversations about their life, families and interests. By asking them to express their opinions and ideas about work situations they are familiar with. Finally and possibly most important is to listen when they bring up a personal problem. Often times you may not be able to help. However, just by the fact you are listening, you are letting them know they are not ignored. 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 Package
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Friday, September 10, 2021
PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS
Productive meetings where good things get accomplished rarely just happen. They are well planned and executed and they require leadership and forethought for that to be accomplished. As obvious as this may seem, many people responsible for meetings continue to ignore these facts. They call meetings without visualizing what they want to accomplish. They have no plan and are not prepared. Is the meeting to solve a problem or problems? Then they should have a plan of action which will solve it or them. If the meeting is an informative presentation, then an outline should be handed out. If any other documents are needed to support the presentation, they too should be distributed at the outset of the meeting. If this is not done before-hand, then the meeting ends up being disorganized and a waste of time for everyone. Productive Meetings don’t just magically happen. They happen because those in charge of the meeting were well prepared and made the proper presentation. Related Article 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 Package
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Friday, September 03, 2021
Labor Day
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Labor Day is September 6th. It is a federal holiday which honors the American worker, who has added to the prosperity and well being of our country. Certainly, we as Carpet Cleaners fit into this classification. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states officially celebrated it. Labor Day has been labeled the “unofficial end of summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season. It is traditional for parades and picnics to be held in communities all across the country. Many fall activities also begin at this time. During the Labor Day weekend, the NCAA will have a full slate of football games. The NFL traditionally plays their kickoff game the Thursday after Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race is held at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina. At Indianapolis Raceway Park, the NHRA hold their finals for the U.S. National Drag races. It is also the middle point between weeks one and two of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships held in Flushing Meadow, NY. Once again there are a plethora of National, State and Local activities that take place Labor Day Weekend. Wherever you are, whoever you are with, take time to acknowledge yourselves and the hard work you do and the fact that our small businesses are the backbone of our country. 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 Package
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