Image is generally defined as an impression of something or someone. It can be a mental image or a visual representation. A customer or prospect converses with you via phone or e-mail. They see your advertisements or they have been referred to you. Therefore they have an Image of you and your Company. So when you or your technicians arrive on site is that Image reinforced or tarnished? Image is important in business and in fact it’s vital to a Company’s success. What a prospect or customer sees on that first Image (impression) will affect present and future business dealings. A clean, well-lettered truck in someone’s driveway is not only good advertising but it is also a testimonial as well. People intuitively tend to judge people or Companies upon first impression. So what kind of impression are you giving? A dirty and battered service vehicle will lose business opportunities. A technician who is unkempt or lacks social graces will cost you repeat or referral business. If your equipment looks as though it has seen better days, it will raise doubts in the mind of the customer of whether their carpet and furnishings, etc will come clean. Personal grooming, good manners, the appearance of vehicles and equipment.… these are as paramount to your success as knowing how to do the job. What does your IMAGE say? 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, June 02, 2023
IMAGE
Friday, May 26, 2023
MEMORIAL DAY MAY 29, 2023
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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. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May. The first national commemoration was observed on May 30th 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. 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. Its 107th running will be Sunday May 28th. The preferred name for the holiday gradually changed from “Decoration Day” to “Memorial Day"; it was 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
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Friday, May 19, 2023
ATTITUDE
Having an attitude conjures up different thoughts. So if someone is said to have an attitude, is that good or bad? On the negative or bad side, “having an attitude” usually means someone is being disrespectful, argumentative or arrogant. Did that person not get their way? Are they acting out because they don’t like the person or persons they are talking to or working with? Perhaps they are bored with their job? Or are they just generally in a bad mood? In the work place, “having an attitude” will affect someone’s job performance and their interaction with other employees and or supervisors. Looking at the positive or good side of “having an attitude” indicates that someone is usually easy to get a long with, they respect others and are open to new ideas or philosophies. This person makes those around them feel better and subsequently will improve others’ attitude. The winners in years to come will project and adopt a good attitude. This attitude will help them to be successful and to be leaders. 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, May 12, 2023
MOTHER’S DAY
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Mother’s Day will be celebrated on May 14, 2023, 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. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® 
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Friday, May 05, 2023
PROBLEM SOLVING
Problem Solving is easier said than done. Sometimes a problem isn’t a problem but just a simple decision that must be made. So if your decision involves a problem, then ask yourself these basic questions.
Before making a Problem Solving decision, think it through as best you can by considering any ramifications. Is it fair to all concerned? Does it replace old policy or define a new one? Is it a permanent solution? Once decided, take the appropriate action and be prepared to stand behind it. Be able to address any concerns that arise. Finally, measure the success or failure of your decision. If the decision was a failure, admit it. Be prepared to go back to the proverbial drawing board to resolve the unsolved problem. Problem Solving is considered a personal strength rather than one that’s learned through education or training. You can improve your Problem Solving skills by familiarizing yourself with common issues in your company. Also, communicating and strategizing with others who may have more experience or insight to the issue at hand may be helpful. 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, April 28, 2023
LEMONS OR LEMONADE
A service business or in fact any business is many things. As the saying goes, “it’s a blessing and a curse”; put differently it’s Lemons or Lemonade. Running a business is a tough and demanding job. Do we achieve the desired results every time? Unfortunately the answer is NO! Is the customer always correct in assessing our work or finished product? Probably NOT! However, when dealing with an unhappy customer, acting quickly is imperative. This affords us the opportunity to turn the Lemons into Lemonade. It is estimated that the majority of unhappy customers will do business with your Company again, if the issue is resolved in an efficient, timely and satisfactory manner. With that in mind here are a few tips:
Presuming it was, sit back and enjoy your glass of Lemonade 😎. 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, April 21, 2023
DECISION
The decision making process is about gathering and reviewing information. The quality of this information that is considered will obviously effect the decision. Seek information that is valid, pertinent and otherwise relative to the decision. Conversely, flawed, incorrect or incomplete information could lead to an ineffective decision being considered or worse yet implemented. Here are a few ideas that may make that decision making process less daunting and ultimately lead to the correct one being chosen.
After taking the above steps, it is time to review the decision. Did it achieve the desired results? If the answer is yes, then it is time to move forward. Unfortunately, not all decisions will give the desired results or solve the problem. If that is the case, then the situation should be re-evaluated and the process started again. Do not be reluctant to tackle the situation again even if the first result was not what was desired. That would be a bad decision. 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, April 14, 2023
LISTENING vs HEARING
Have you ever heard someone say: “You are not listening are you hearing what I am saying?” If someone says “listen,” they are wanting you to pay attention and “hear” what they are saying. Many consider there is a definable difference between listening and hearing. This merits considering the plausible and possibly undeniable differences between them. Listening is defined as a purposeful action employed by a person when they are interested and actively listening to what someone is saying. It can either be active or passive. Active listening would mean they are absorbing and therefore paying attention to the person talking to them. They may be curious, anxious, annoyed or have one of many other emotional reactions. Ultimately, they will develop a response. This response could obviously be positive or negative depending on what is being said. Being a good listener will help build strong and genuine relationships with people. Choosing to actively listen to a person shows them that what they have to say matters. Passive listening would be defined as being disconnected and inattentive to what is being said. Consequentially, active listening is an important quality to possess and may assist in resolving potential conflicts that can ultimately damage relationships. Conversely, passive listening is not a good way to communicate if you are intending to build and or strengthen a relationship. So in a simplistic viewpoint, passive listening could be defined as hearing. A physical act no matter whether it is words or sounds. It tends to be passive and requires no concentration or attention. It is just a function of using ones’ ears. If someone elects not to listen because they are too busy or not interested in what is being said they are minimizing those talking. Therefore, just hearing may potentially create rifts in relationships and those may be irreversible Be a good listener; don’t just hear what is being said. 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, April 07, 2023
CREDIT
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One of the essential qualities of a good boss is giving credit where credit is due. Too often. managers, bosses, supervisors, etc. take credit for other people’s ideas. This effectively does two things: lessens the respect their subordinates have for them and therefore consequently undermines their authority. Would you bust your hump for someone who constantly took credit for the ideas of others? The answer is a resounding NO. People will put forth their greatest efforts when they are implementing ideas that they can claim as their own. Not all ideas will merit consideration. Therefore, it is up to the boss to weed out bad or marginal ones and cultivate the good ones. Giving people credit will elicit their support and they will enthusiastically adopt the plan. This strategy by the boss of recognizing the person’s idea will have the added benefit of encouraging others to come forth with their own ideas. Bosses taking credit for the ideas that are not their own sows the seeds of discontent and discord. Once again, give credit where credit is due and your Company will sow good seeds and reap the benefit of greater productivity and success. 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, March 30, 2023
NEVER
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Never, Never, Never when making an excuse say you have been busy. Customers don’t want to hear that. It implies that they are low on your priority list and you are not concerned about them. For example your running late for their appointment, you should say that you were unavoidably detained and you are terribly sorry. If asked for what detained you, it might be better to state that your last appointment took longer than anticipated. Assure them that when you arrive you will devote the time necessary to fulfill your commitment to them. You should also apologize for any inconvenience this has caused them. Above all do not make feeble excuses such as traffic was terrible, I had a flat tire, the truck broke down, etc. Customers will see right through them for what they are. Accordingly they don’t want to hear the details of your issues. They are only concerned with their issues. 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, March 23, 2023
QUESTION
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Can a question become a quest and therefore spawn an answer? Does a question become a seed for creativity? Does a child’s innocent question state the obvious or raise a philosophical debate? Perhaps a question is a combination of all of these. Where would we be today if the great minds, inventors and explorers had not had a question? Perhaps many of their questions were ridiculed and labeled absurd and unattainable. Thankfully that did not stop them and they persevered. To that end we have medicines, inventions and a myriad of other questions turned into ideas and finally discoveries that have benefited mankind through the ages. While we all won’t possibly ever match the magnitude of the aforementioned accomplishments, we can still ask questions. Ask questions by focusing on matters that affect your life, your work and the everyday actions and situations in your life. Do not automatically decide whether the question bares merit or is ridiculous. Just asking yourself will begin a process. The next step will be to pose your question to your family, friends or co-workers depending on who might benefit from your question and subsequent answer. After gauging their reaction and receiving input, advise and even debate, this will hopefully give you the encouragement to continue your quest for an answer to your question. There’s an often repeated adage that the only stupid question is the one never asked. 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, March 16, 2023
TOOLS
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No matter the vocation or profession, the proper tools will bring success. Watching a professional painter, you quickly realize that they do not use an inexpensive paintbrush. Such inferior equipment, in addition to taking too long, not carrying enough paint and wearing out quickly, produces generally unsatisfactory work. Professional carpenters use heavy duty saws, hammers, etc and always have extra blades and back-up tools with them. You don’t see a farmer plowing 150 acres with a tractor that was purchased at a big box store. The tractors, combines and other tools they use get the job done efficiently and quickly. Professional athletes use the best equipment available and take advantage of constant coaching to attain and then remain on top of their game. The coach’s task is to observe and instruct, all the while keeping abreast of the latest developments in the sport. There are golfers who go out every weekend and “practice to be bad”. They may have professional tools, but instead of seeking advice and coaching from the club professional, they blame their poor play on the wind, the course and even the caddie! To be a real winner and achieve success in any chosen profession or field of endeavor, one must use the best equipment and techniques available. They should seek good coaching, schooling and instruction. Use the proper tools and take advantage of learning from professionals who are winners. Never take advice from losers! 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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Thursday, March 09, 2023
HEALTHY
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What is healthy? Dictionaries define healthy as being in good health, being well, feeling good, etc. That definition would presumably relate to a healthy body. Which, while not easy to maintain, doing things like eating right, getting moderate exercise and watching the consumption of alcohol among other things will make the maintenance of a healthy body less difficult. Additionally there are other elements that should be healthy. What about the mind and spirit? A healthy mind is important and probably the easiest to maintain but vitally important because it combines and works together with the body and spirit. Which brings us to the last part of this healthy equation, the spirit. It might be the hardest part to maintain. People get sad, depressed, overwhelmed, etc. All of these can affect the mind and then the body. So here are some simple things to help one’s spirit and keep it healthy and therefore ultimately affect the mind and body. Hugging helps the body and mind. It keeps you healthier, lessens depression, reduces stress, helps sleep patterns. It is invigorating and rejuvenating, plus it takes little or no effort. Smiling reduces stress that may exist in your body and mind. It is said that smiling can trick your brain into happiness. A smile😊 is a frown🙁right side up. Did you smile? If you did then you automatically feel better. Laughter is said to be the best medicine. It is the manifestation of joy and delight. Laughter can decrease stress. It triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good medicine. In these trying times, any and all things you can do to stay healthy will certainly benefit you. Now, if only the economy would get healthy that would certainly make us all feel better. 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, March 02, 2023
WHAT DOES YOUR ADVERTISING SAY?
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There are many theories, views or premises of advertising depending on whom you talk to or whom you are paying for their expertise. The bottom line is What does your advertising say? Is it hard sell or soft sell or is it subtle? Whatever methodology you are using, you need to know and understand your market. What are the demographics, potential market share and size of your market? These are just a few of the parameters that figure into the equation. Mostly you need to understand your potential customers needs and what motivates them to purchase to be effective. Once this has been established, then where are you going to invest your advertising dollars? Just spending money does not guarantee a return on investment and consequentially success of your advertising program. TV and radio advertising is typically dominated by those with a large advertising budget, therefore they may not be practical for a small or mid-size business. Print advertising has had its day but is now overshadowed by digital advertising. That said, depending on your market (whom you are trying to reach), print may still offer an effective return on investment don’t overlook it. Digital advertising through Google is tough unless you have a substantial amount of money to invest to try to dominate your market. A potential alternative which would require less money is through Social Media platforms. So What does your Advertising Say? 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, February 24, 2023
SOLVING PROBLEMS
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Solving Problems in a business is not just management’s job, it’s everybody’s. One of management’s main functions should be as coordinators who keep everyone working together.Everybody has a right to an opinion about any problem and should be encouraged to express it. Depending on the hierarchy and size of the company, managers should submit a list of these opinions to their immediate “boss”. Not all opinions will be used, but that is also the job of management to sift through these ideas/opinions and decide on which if any should be implemented. If everyone works on Solving Problems, then a Company is bound to achieve more success and therefore 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, February 17, 2023
TRAINING PEOPLE
Training people is a function that is extremely important and vital to an organization. Unfortunately, it is often done haphazardly or with little or no supervision or done by the wrong person. Just because the person tasked to training knows their job inside and out, they may not be able to “teach” others what they do and how they do it. Being able to communicate and having the ability to show understanding of their own duties are important qualities for someone who will be training people. Regardless of the job, the trainee must learn and understand the basic structure, hierarchy and mission statement of the company. The trainee should have a list or outline of their job functions and the order in which they normally take place. There is a potential valuable side benefit to training. It is that the trainer is outlining and dissecting their own job in order to train someone. It not only “refreshes” the trainer’s functions of their job but shows them how important they are to the welfare and ultimate success of the company. Training people is not for everyone and therefore should be tasked to the proper person. 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, February 10, 2023
Indecision
Many business people have the belief that putting off or delaying making a decision will help avoid mistakes. But will the delay avoid a mistake or is it a mistake by indecision? People will say “Call me later”, “I can’t see you right now”, “I’m too busy” or a myriad of other excuses. Once again. the delay of making a decision that is easy to decide only compounds the issue and is indecision at its worst. That is not to say that you should make snap decisions but those that can be decided immediately should be acted upon. Yes or No is the correct decision for most propositions. Answer those quickly and move on; the last thing you want to do is get bogged down by having to many decisions at once. Being bogged down by indecision will lead to mistakes. 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, February 03, 2023
ANNIVERSARY
Bane-Clene Corp.® will celebrate our 61st Anniversary - February 4th, 2023We 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 61 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
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