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Obviously, Independence Day, the Fourth of July, is the day the United States commemorates its Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject and subordinate to the monarch of Britain and were now united, free and independent states. This day historically has been marked by various activities. Among them parades, celebrations, baseball games, reunions, social gatherings, concerts and firework displays. Much has transpired over the last few years and those events and the occurrences happening now continue to affect and challenge our daily lives. We continue to face trying and abnormal times, times that continue to challenge the very fabric of America and The Republic for which it stands. We should not forget this fact, that this day marked the beginning of a long and bloody conflict to gain the Independence that our founding Fathers felt was so very important. It is what became the American Way of Life and what was so eloquently stated in The Constitution. The fact that not everyone agrees with what everyone else says is what makes America great. The fact that we are free to disagree, the fact that we are free to voice our opinion and the fact that we are free to live our lives as we see fit. As long as, we do so with honor and respect of all others and within the boundaries of the law. So as you participate in whatever you have planned for this day, take a moment to be thankful for what you have and the fact that you live in The United States of America. God Bless America!! 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 30, 2023
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Friday, June 23, 2023
UNDERBID
Underbid is a word that strikes fear into the hearts of contract cleaners. We all have received that call or e-mail saying that a contract has been canceled due to the fact you have been underbid. It’s certainly a debilitating feeling when losing a large account. Unfortunately or is it “fortunately” there is always someone out there who will work for less. Sometimes when losing a large account, while your gross sales may be lower your profit margin may be higher. The reason being is that costs will be lower. Avoid lowering your charge to meet the competition. If you do that, then the Company you have the contract with will think they were being “overcharged” previously. Always strive to maintain a high quality of service, this will establish an impeccable reputation in your market area. Some of the "lost' accounts will return.. You’ll hear them say, “I just had to try them at that price.” Ultimately, they realize that the “lower” price produced a “lower” quality service. Develop a philosophy that you can’t do all the cleaning in your market, so only do the best. By staying with the highest standards of service, you will attract customers who seek the highest level of proficiency and are willing to pay a “fair” price for “high” quality service. You may even want to become selective in your clientele. This may become warranted for one and two truck operations where the number of technicians may be limited. You want your people rested and able to provide top quality, daytime service to the most affluent residential market. Residential cleaning accounts for the majority of the total cleaning production in this country. The balance (the commercial market) is inherently the less profitable night work. If crews are working day and night then quality will suffer. You will get your share of the Commercial market as many residential customers either own, manage or work for Companies. These residential clients become your emissaries of good will. No sales force could accomplish what these satisfied customers will do for you. This will allow you the luxury of working for a Commercial market that appreciates “high” quality service. When the competition works for low pay and at night, they do not do a good job in the market that seeks and is willing to pay for high quality. Simply put, a happy customer means repeat business. Related Articles and Information:
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Friday, June 16, 2023
FATHER’S DAY
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Father’s Day is June 18th.. It is a day to mark and celebrate the contribution that our Fathers have made in our lives. Many people send or give cards or gifts. These gifts are often related to their Father’s hobbies or interests. Father’s Day is a relatively modern holiday, so different families have a range of traditions. Besides cards or gifts, many Fathers receive a phone call, if circumstances prevent a family from being together. If families can get together, activities may revolve around church, since the day is Sunday. Many families will have parties or outings that honor all the Father figures in their extended family. These Father figures include fathers, step-fathers, fathers-in-law, grandfathers and great grand fathers. The Bane-Clene® family sends our love and blessings to Mothers everywhere. Thank you for reading Bane’s Blog® 
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Friday, June 09, 2023
REPEAT BUSINESS
The initial sale is certainly important, but is not the “most critical” sale in regards to the long-term profitability and ultimately the success of your company. Initial sales while certainly profitable are not as profitable as repeat business. The sales that follow after you have earned the customer’s trust will ensure higher profits. Expenses such as marketing are not figured into the cost of repeat business as that cost was absorbed in the first sale. Generating repeat business and keeping customers go hand-in-hand. Satisfied customers will return repeatedly and will recommend you to their friends, relatives, neighbors and business associates. Keeping a customer happy is easily within our control. Here are some suggestions:
Simply put, a happy customer means repeat business. Related Articles and Information:
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Friday, June 02, 2023
IMAGE
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, 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:
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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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