MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY MAY 31, 2021

Before we reflect on the history and meaning of Memorial Day, let us take time to remember all those who have died due to the pandemic that has swept our country. Without the leadership, courage, dedication and sacrifices of many, the number of deaths would have been far greater. The custom of honoring those who have fallen in battle by cleaning and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition. It was originally called “Decoration Day”. In early rural America, this duty was usually done in late summer and became an occasion for family reunions. After the “Civil War”, the practice became more prominent as America’s need for a patriotic ceremony to honor its military dead. After “WW I”, the day was expanded to honor those who had died in all American Wars. The tradition of wearing red Poppies as a symbol of this day was actually the idea of an American, Miss Moina Michael, who became known as the “Poppy Lady”. The holiday, which is now observed on the last Monday of May, was originally observed on May 30th. It is considered the unofficial start of Summer. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of “The Indianapolis 500” which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It will be run May 30th, 2021. The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day”, first used in 1882. However, it only became the most common name after “WW II” and was not declared a Federal Holiday until 1967. While the passing of an act in 1968 created 3 day weekends for Memorial Day and other holidays, it has also no doubt contributed to a general nonchalant observance by some people for this important day. We at Bane-Clene® do not take that nonchalant attitude. We realize that our great country is just that because of the dedication and countless sacrifices of the men and women who have fought and died to keep us, The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

BEING KNOWN ANOTHER WAY

On April 30, 2021 we posted Blog #274 regarding “Being Known”. We received some comments, so it was decided to write a follow up to it. In that Blog, we talked about the telephone being the “door” to your business. One reader wrote this account. “Another door” to a business in today’s digital world is often via a Company website, FaceBook, FaceBook Groups, Blogs, Google Maps, Google My Business, LinkedIn, Twitter and a myriad of other social sites. A company is often Being Known Another Way not only by the aforementioned methods but also by recommendations from friends, neighbors and co-workers. Our reader continued his story. He needed a plumber, so he checked Facebook Groups for his neighborhood and for his city to see what experiences others had and whom they would recommend. After checking the web sites for a few of those recommended, one was picked that showed images of similar before and after work of the services needed. Rather than call the business, a website contact form was filled out to set up an appointment. Appointment information, estimated pricing and confirmation was done via text messages. So here you have two methods of Being Known - the more personal way via telephone and what some feel is the more direct way via website and text messages. In today’s world, it is advisable to be able to provide answers and service either way. As a follow-up to the reader’s story, he posted to Facebook Groups for his area what a good job the plumber did, how professional he was, how reasonable the cost was and highly recommended him. Facebook Groups showed that 32 people in the area had seen and “liked” his recommendation! Recommendations like that boost and add sales to your business! According to a 2015 Nielsen survey, the most credible form of advertising comes straight from the people we know and trust. According to a recent article, one out of every three Facebook users, or approximately 800 million people, use their platform for reviews and recommendations. Additionally, two out of three users, about 1.6 billion people, visit the page of a local business every week. Here’s how Facebook describes it “Recommendations: Your customers are your best ambassadors. When people look for places to eat, shop, or book a service, they often ask their friends and families where to go. That’s why we’re making it easier for people to recommend your business by bringing Recommendations to your Page. People will now be able to post a recommendation for your business, including text, photos, and tags directly on your Page. And recommendations will also help you reach people while they’re searching for or talking about your business.” Related Articles and Information: Advertising - the Essential Element Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Customer Service in the Carpet Cleaning Industry Phone Courtesy Telephone Etiquette in the Carpet Cleaning Business 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners

BIG ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER

This is an often used statement to describe various entities, government agencies, companies and a myriad of other things. There are obviously a number of media options available when it comes to advertising. Among these are Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, Yellow Pages and the Internet. Certainly a few of these have seen diminished relevance in the digital age. For example, Yellow Page ads have shrunk through the years but you should consider at the minimum a bold line listing. This gives you more prominence whether someone still uses the book or accesses the web site of the provider. It is difficult to hold the line on advertising expenses. Many advertising outlets have automatic increases that kick in. Others are trying to “sell” you on the concept of having the biggest presence in their particular medium. This is where Big Isn’t Always Better. Prudently evaluate and budget your advertising expense. Don’t overspend; conversely, do not under spend. As always the “cheapest” and best form of advertising is repeat and referral business. Remember Big Isn’t Always Best. However, Being The Best Is Always Best. Related Advertising and Sales Aids Information: ABCs of Advertising Advertising - the Essential Element Advertising the Bane-Clene Way Why Doesn’t My Advertising Work? Related Advertising and Sales Aids Products: Advertising Handbook for Carpet Cleaning Companies Consumer Postcards Course to Success Video - Advertising, Marketing & Sales DVDs Gas Station Four-Page Brochure for Mailers and Handouts “How to Care for Your Carpet” Residential Carpet Care Brochure Jimmie Brochure Pet Problems Brochure Sales Aids Products from Bane-Clene Sta-Clene Lasting Beauty Brochures Stone Care Guide Mailer and Stone Care Guide Large Brochure Thank You / Reply Card “We Can’t Promise” This Brochure and Self-Mailer 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 Free 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. Bane-Clene Home Page Articles, Videos and Products for Professional Carpet Cleaners On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 9, 2021, in The United States of America and many other countries around the world. It is an honoring of the Mother of a family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence mothers have had and continue to have on our society. Mother’s Day can trace its roots to ancient Greek, Roman and Christian traditions. Also, Native Americans believe in the tradition of Mother Earth. All of these traditions have taken on their own type of celebration and recognition. The modern Mother’s Day began in the USA in 1911. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day as a national holiday which would be recognized on the second Sunday of May. The Bane-Clene® family sends our love and blessings to Mothers everywhere.