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 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

PROBLEM SOLVING “QUIZ”

Problem Solving is defined as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex or even everyday issues. Therefore in business, it follows that the more problems solved the more success for the Company and theoretically there will be more profits. Problem Solving requires separating facts from fantasy. It may also require thinking on our feet. As owners or managers, we should ask ourselves these basic questions. If we encounter a previously resolved problem, are we quick to react and solve? If it’s a new problem, do we look for similarities with previously resolved problems Can we see a problem from several different angles? Do we spend too much time gathering information, therefore delaying resolution? If needed, can we break complex problems into parts and solve each part in order to resolve the issue as a whole? Are we willing to listen to our “gut” when contemplating a resolution? If we are stumped, are we willing to ask for help? Simply put, the more “yes” answers the more adept at the basics of Problem Solving. Related Articles and Information: Building Your Own Carpet Cleaning Business Four Characteristics of a Successful Person The 15 Factors of Success in Carpet Cleaning Business Twenty Steps to 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 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

ROBOTS

Robots have definitely made life easier. They have increased production in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and many other industries. But some say, and rightfully so, they have obviously taken the person to person relationship out of business and perhaps someday every day life. When you call most Companies today, you need to navigate a menu. The majority of the time, that takes you in a circuitous route. Maybe that route “allows” you talk to a virtual assistance which tries to help you and when finally that is deemed not possible you are transferred to a live person in a customer service position. You are immediately told that due to an abnormally large number of calls your wait time may be longer than usual, whatever usual is. Customer Service is very important in any business. Large Companies can employ Robots, whether human or artificial, and survive because most of the time we need them more than they need us. Think of the Government, Utilities, Banks, etc. However, Small Business can not because it’s obviously easier for a customer to go elsewhere. So in customer service, avoid becoming another of the Robots by employing a few simple techniques. Do not brush off a customer’s concerns or questions. Converse with customers in a friendly and sincere voice. Speak to customers as equals. Don’t speak with “scripted” replies. If customers feel they are being treated professionally and with care, they will be more apt to deal with that Company now and in the future. Related Articles and Information: 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 On-Line Spot & Stain Removal Guide & Procedures for the Professional Carpet Cleaner

VETERANS DAY

In America, we enjoy many of our freedoms because of the dedication and courage of all our Veterans. Veterans Day will be celebrated on November 11th. It is the 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 celebrations include 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. We can show the respect we have for them by properly honoring and displaying the American Flag. Another 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. 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

VOTE

November 5th is obviously election day. Besides electing a new President on this day, there will be many other elections of significant importance. Also, many of the members of Congress, Governors, Mayors, Local Representatives, etc are being elected all of whom will have an impact on us. Even local school boards influence how and what our children are taught. 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. We need leadership that is Pro Small Business and fiscally responsible. 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