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 30, 2022
Happy New Year
Friday, December 23, 2022
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 16, 2022
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 09, 2022
Reaching Your Destination
Do you know where you are going and how you intend to get there? It’s called goal setting. If you decide to “go along for the ride” and let someone else set your goals, you might have a problem. Be sure you have confidence in the people who chart your course. How much confidence would you have in the pilot of an airplane if he came on the PA system and announced, “Welcome aboard ladies and gentlemen! this is your captain speaking. We’ll be flying at 34,000 feet on our trip to Hawaii. I’ve got a pretty good idea where it is and I’ll head in that general direction as soon as we get off the ground.” There would, no doubt, be a mad rush to get off the plane. Yet many people entrust their future to “pilots” who have no sense of direction. Some do not even have a destination in mind when they “take off.” Other people change “pilots” from time to time and wonder why they never arrive anywhere. Trust your future to guidance from advisors who know where they are going! 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 02, 2022
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 81st 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 24, 2022
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 18, 2022
Every Time The Phone Rings – The Boss is Calling
It’s through the telephone that most of your customers receive their first impression of your company! A smile is contagious, and a smile can be transmitted hundreds of miles through the telephone. Greet your customers with a smile in your voice, and you can be certain that you are making a good first impression. Be sincere when you are talking with customers. Confidence in your products and services is conveyed to your customer through your sincerity. Be polite! Don’t forget simple phrases such as, “How may I help you?” “Is there anything else I can do to help you today?” and “Thank you for your order.” Avoid saying “no.” If asked by a customer to do something about which you are unsure, let him or her how that you will certainly try! This is a positive approach, and it reassures the customer of your desire to help. Remember, the customer is your boss! He or she may not sign your pay check, but without the customer, you wouldn’t have a pay check. 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. Additional Articles and Information:Free Bane-Clene Information Package
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Friday, November 11, 2022
VETERANS DAY
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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 04, 2022
VOTE
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November 8th is obviously election day. If you have not already done so, PLEASE exercise your right to vote. As small business owners whoever is in charge has a tremendous effect on yours and all of our businesses. The Bane-Clene® Team. 
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Friday, October 28, 2022
SURVIVAL MANAGEMENT RULES IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
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Rule number 1: Don’t believe everything you see and hear. The media can and will manipulate issues. Rule number 2: Avoid the “woe is me” mentality exhibited by others; stay positive and upbeat. Rule number 3: Take time to re-evaluate and possibly redefine company policy. Rule number 4: Good employees currently are harder to find. Work with those you have to improve output. Rule number 5: Avoid cutting advertising; however, re-evaluating and fine tuning its direction is prudent. Rule number 6: Evaluate expenses, any trimming of expenses will go to the bottom line. Rule number 7: Take your time to make decisions, the wrong decision may erode the bottom line. Rule number 8: If the decision you made ends up being wrong, don’t fret just correct it and make it right. Rule number 9: When it’s time to VOTE, remember who and what caused these uncertain times and VOTE for change. 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 21, 2022
CREATIVITY vs IMPLEMENTATION
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Businesses are constantly being bombarded with ads about having more creativity. Creativity is simply defined as thinking of new things or ideas. But what if the things or ideas are already available to them and they have not been utilized or discovered? It’s all well and good and certainly necessary to have creativity, but what a company really needs to be successful is to have implementation of these creative things or ideas. Usually there are creative and also “can-do” people in most organizations. So, are the creative people also being implementing people or are they forming a road block? If they are a road block, then Management must take the necessary action to get these ideas in the hands of those that will implement them. Businesses will prosper and grow by a “get-things-done” environment; therefore, creativity followed by implementation is a recipe for success and more 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 Package
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Friday, October 14, 2022
WASTING TIME
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Are you someone who is or do you know someone who is wasting time? People who perform tasks or accomplish duties on time and in an efficient way have learned to avoid pitfalls that waste time. Among them are: Laziness. Not effectively using their time whether for work or even play. For some people, it is a simple avoidance of tasks or duties. Do they find the task is too difficult or are they uncomfortable in performing it? For still others, it is a character flaw because they may be lazy by nature. Procrastination. Delaying or otherwise unnecessarily and voluntarily postponing tasks that require immediate attention, which may result in negative or possibly irreversible consequences. Unfortunately for some people this becomes habitual or worse yet it is intentional. Distraction. People let anything or anyone interrupt their attempt to perform a task or fulfill a duty. Is the distraction caused by a lack of their ability to focus? Or do they not like the task or duty they are to perform so they simply allow themselves to become distracted? Or do they feel it is beneath them and purposefully become distracted? Impatience. These people are annoyed or irritated by mistakes. Are the mistakes the fault of a person due to a lack of preparation, thoroughness or initiative? Their mistakes may be reduced or avoided by more or improved training. If the mistakes are due to a lack of the abilities of the person, then a substitute person may be the answer. However, if the mistakes are due to outside factors then these while not insurmountable are more difficult to prevent or correct. So therefore be patient. It’s been said time is short therefore one can presume that wasting time is time wasted. 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 07, 2022
PERSONAL PROBLEMS
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Having responsibility for people whether as an Owner, Manager or Supervisor has its ups and downs. One of the down or difficult situations is dealing with an employee’s personal problems. It is vitally important to approach the employee in a compassionate and helpful way. If an employee is having difficulty with their tasks, then it is up to the “boss” to find out why. Is it a lack of training or is the employee ambivalent to the job? It should be pointed out the difference between Company standards and the employee’s performance. That scenario may hopefully be corrected with evaluation, education or a “pep” talk. But what if the employee is having personal problems brought on by a situation at home or at work? The boss must tread carefully when getting embroiled in melodramas, inter-company conflicts or family and or home issues. The boss can initiate a conversation stating that there is an issue and assuring that they are there to help and endeavor to solve the problem. This should let the employee know that the boss is willing to listen and work with them. If the personal problem is a conflict within the Company, that should be fairly easy to address and solve. However, if the issue involves some type of addiction or problems with family or at home, then it is best to work with the employee to seek professional medical and or counseling services. The last thing the boss wants is for personal problems to spiral out of control 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 30, 2022
TIME
It has been stated that Time is on our side. That may or may not be true. Actually, Time is either fleeting and can dissipate in the blink of an eye or seemingly last forever. With it, presumably anything can be achieved; without it little or nothing can be accomplished. Each day begins with a finite allotment of Time. So what will be done with this precious commodity? Will it be wasted on meaningless deeds or exploits or will it be cherished and used to create, accomplish or otherwise achieve a goal? You cannot work forward and borrow the next moments nor can you work backwards and regain what has been spent. What do you want out of life? Among the possible achievements people strive for are to be healthy, successful, content and to have respect for others and themselves. Therefore, using Time efficiently is of the most importance in achieving these desires and aspirations. The Time is now because in reality we possess all the Time we will need. 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 23, 2022
SUPERVISORS
Supervisors are not only in charge of a number of people but they also need to be in charge of their personal feelings. Supervisors are only human; they have likes and dislikes the same as others. But good Supervisors know how not to let their feelings show (which is not always easy) or let those feelings affect the way they operate and treat others. If people feel the boss is treating them or others unfairly or unevenly, then their performance will suffer. People work best when they feel get the same treatment as everyone else. Also, morale will be low when people are subject to the personal whims of their boss. Good Supervisors should adhere to these basic principles:
Supervisors should strive to treat everyone equally regardless of their personal feelings. 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 16, 2022
WINNERS
Do winners take chances or risks or do they act upon an opportunity? If you were to collectively ask them, the majority would probably reply that they had seen an opportunity and acted upon it. Thus they had become winners. Winners will seek out rewards and, while acknowledging there is a chance for failure, they do not fear failure. They exclude negative thinking from their psyche and always strive to think positively. Positive thinking people will more often than not achieve their goals and aspiration. Winners are described as being lucky but they know that so-called luck is actually the culmination of preparation and opportunity. If someone is not prepared, they may not see an opportunity that has presented itself. Opportunities abound for those prepared to act upon them. Winners are positive thinking people that will more often than not achieve their goals and aspiration. 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 09, 2022
ATTITUDE AND MOTIVATION
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Sometimes people are bored and frustrated because they do not possess the proper Attitude and Motivation. At times, it may be the business or the field the business is associated with. However, more often than not it’s the people themselves. Unexcited, unmotivated people can carry their boredom with them. This affects everyone they come in contact with whether they are the owner, manager, supervisor or one of the employees Each of us is responsible for bringing the proper Attitude and Motivation to the workplace. Are you bored, unstimulated and or unmotivated? Then, it is your responsibility to yourself and for the sake of others to change your Attitude so you will have the proper Motivation. 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 02, 2022
LABOR DAY
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Labor Day is September 5th. It is a federal holiday which honors the American worker, who has added to the prosperity and well being of our country. We as Carpet Cleaners are the embodiment of this classification and as entrepreneurs expand it even further. Small businesses have been and will always be the economic backbone of our country. 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 play 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 midway 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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Friday, August 26, 2022
STAFF
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Being an owner, manager, supervisor, etc. is easier when you have staff that works hard, follows operating procedures and genuinely care about their jobs. But what can be done, if whom you have does not fit the bill or you can’t find new people to join your company to accomplish your goals? Above all, do not complain about the situation in front of the staff. This alienates those that are fitting the bill. Also, it will not improve the attitudes and performance of those who are not doing their job to the standards that are expected. Different strategies should be taken depending on your position in the Company. If there are multiple owners, then a meeting should be called to discuss alternatives. If you are the sole owner of the Company, you could meet with a trusted Advisor. If you are not the owner of the Company, then go to the owner(s) or your immediate boss and discuss the situation. Whichever scenario your situation fits any discussions certainly needs to be done privately. After you have stated your case, listen to what is being said. Your boss, other owners or an Advisor are going to have their opinions and ideas. If you felt it necessary to discuss the situation, then once again you want to listen to what they have to say. Attracting new help willing to work is extremely difficult especially in these current times. So the obvious course of action is to work with existing staff. Your first step is to review with your staff what they perceive their duties to be and what do they do to accomplish them. After that information is gathered, you will know what needs to be done. Do you need to start over with training and procedures? Or is it just a matter of tweaking what is being done and how? No matter what course you take, be cheerful and encouraging. Above all, be patient, realize that there will probably be some errors or missteps. If your staff is striving to do their best, then acknowledge that effort, even if they are not doing it exactly as you would like. Recognizing and appreciating their effort will encourage them to strive to do even better. Anyone can be a good “boss” when they have excellent staff to work with. The true test is what can be accomplished when the present staff is not as good as they need to 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 Package
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