Master of Your Domain

 I don't know if you are like this, but I find my productivity goes in spurts. I am an insane workaholic for a bit, then it slows down and I get lazy. This ebb and flow usually comes when I start and complete a project. When I am working on a  project I feel like I am overwhelmed but that the world is within my grasp, but then when the project is complete I slack off.

I recently read about a system that Jerry Seinfeld used called "Don't Break The Chain" and I think it may be just the thing my compulsive mind needs to get things in order. I am going to experiment with it, and it starts with me explaining it to you.

Basically, you need to target the every day things you need to work on. For me that includes Writing my book, reading business articles, writing my blog, growing my company and getting some exercise. Now you print off a calender for each task and set out a minimum requirement. Using writing for example, I am forcing myself to write for 30 minutes a day. Most times I will write for much more, but this is the minimum time needed for me to feel satisfied with my progress.

Once I have completed the task, I can go to my calender for that task and put a big X on it. Then, I will try not to break the chain of X's that are on the calender.
I think setting low minimums for the day and also allowing yourself vacation time is a must. The calenders need to be in a place you see every day as well, so that if there is a day without that coveted X, you feel shame, I mean... you couldn't find 20 minutes to run on your treadmill?!?!

In theory it sounds great. I bought a bulletin board for my bedroom and printed off some calender from HERE so that every day when I wake up and when I go to sleep I see the calenders, and those Xs can cheer me on!



Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Your Other Clients

Management is always tricky. It's even trickier when you realize that you have two sets of clients you need to be concerned with.


The obvious client is the actual client. The people that buy your goods or services. It is your job to keep them happy with the product and service they recieve. You have the power to make their problems go away and to steer your company in wise directions.


The second set of clients you have are the people you manage. What you are selling them is the idea that their time is appreciated and well spent. If you fail in that task, the people you have invested time, money and energy into, will take their skills elsewhere or to a competitor. 


Your subordinates are as much clients as the people that pay you in money, only your workers pay you with someting much more precious... their time. Everything is a trade. Money for goods and time for money. Make sure you respect both sides of your business, because any client can jump ship at any time, and finding good clients is the hardest part of any business.



Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

My Amazing Haircut

I just got back from a little weekend trip to Toronto. There was a comedian that I like playing there, so I made a weekend of it. One thing I NEVER forget to do is make a stop at Monsieur Barber Shop and Spa. It is a mens only hair place that will give you a hot shave, haircut and/or manicure. The staff is VERY knowledgeable in how to cut a mans hair and the shop is beautiful on the inside, sporting antique barber chairs, huge mirrors and some nice TVs with news and sports playing.

The picture I posted is actually one of the stations and here is the LINK to their website. This is not an ad, rather I think they are an excellent example of how to run a customer oriented business.

First of all, the place looks fantastic. It's fancy but not intimidating. The price is not insane either. $25.00 for a shampoo and cut with a TON of extras. The guys there know how to cut a mans hair, and understand the different issues we have. The guy I had, showed me that I was doing around my ears wrong and gave me tips on how to correct it.

The service started with a shampoo where he tucked my collar in so as not to get it wet, then did the shampoo and escorted me to my station. He asked what I wanted and I told him, and he made a few suggestions about just some minor things. He asked me what I used and I told him so he suggested another product, that he did not try and sell me. Instead he told me where I could get it, if I wanted to make the change.

After the haircut he pulled out a warm wet towel to spread over my head to remove the small clippings and relax the follicles. This was followed by the brush, with a touch of talcum powder. My barber never had to leave to answer the phone or help the next person. They had someone there specifically for that, so he was totally focused on the task at hand.

It's all the small touches that make me look for excuses to drive to Toronto for a haircut. That, and I look FANTASTIC!


Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Who Are You?

One of the projects I am trying to work on is a booklet that teaches my existing and new employees about our company and what makes it stand out. I think it's important that I am not the only one who knows this, because if the people who work for me understand it, they can be more productive and have better ideas that reflect what it is we are trying to do.

I started my company with a very unique look at how this business worked. High end customer service, with high quality people working for me. It has positioned us as "The Premium Service" in our field but when I ask my employees how we are different, they can't really tell me... and that's a problem.

Brand Identity is important no matter what your industry is. It is important that managers AND employees know so that thy can act accordingly which in turn is communicated to your clients. 

Here is a perfect example.

A theme park that has rides, popular characters, shows and live shows. Which one is it?

Exactly, that's any park anywhere. Canada's Wonderland features all of these things. It has no specific identity and, while it manages to stay open, it's parent company (Cedar Fair Parks) has spent more than a few years, trying to break even. It's currently posting some modest profits but let's look at another park that has it's Brand Identity down to a science.

Walt Disney World is the number one tourist destination in the world. It's rides often are not as thrilling, but it's identity is spot on. Disney knows exactly who it is and how to communicate that to it's clients. Each new employee, from churro sales person to CEO attends a class on the history of the company and it's brand identity. Because of this, Disney is one of the biggest media juggernauts in the industry.

When you look at that comparison, it isn't hard to see why being in touch with your brand puts you in touch with clients.

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

The 80% Rule

My friends often come to me asking advice on how to start a company. Many of them have great ideas but they are having difficulty pulling the trigger on their venture. There are many details to finally having your business at 100% readiness which is why I invented the 80% rule.

You need to figure out what you absolutely need to start your company. For example, I have an office with a desk, fax machine, a couple of computers, etc. I don't NEED any of that. I have a couch and a laptop. That's all I NEED as far as office needs go.

I routinely tell my friends to learn from my mistakes and once they get 80% there... Hang up the Open sign. Nothing makes you take care of those last few details faster than knowing you are open for business and you better get moving. Also you may find that many of those things you don't even want. I JUST bought a Fax machine, a piece of equipment I was sure I needed. I only bought the machine because it was a dollar at an auction. I've used it a little, but I was just fine sending my one fax every few months from the corner store.

The trick to starting your own venture is to just start it. You'll figure out the details as you go, and sometimes you'll find a niche that isn't being served, that would have been impossible to occupy if you were at 100% from the start.

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

A Tale Of Two Employees

Today we present a tale of two employees. Both are fictional but loosely based on employees I have encountered and both were terminated from their places of business.

The first employee, let’s call him Alphred, was always fearful of his job. He always worried about his job security and whenever someone was hired, he talked about how he was sure that he was about to be replaced. This naturally started his thinking in a downward spiral, where he constantly compared himself and his work to the others around him. Alphred always seemed to be the best in his mind, so how could they be replacing him? He routinely mentioned this fact to coworkers and clients.

What Alphred didn’t know was that there had been no plan to replace him. The company liked it when people felt secure in their jobs so they would work hard to grow in a company where they felt their future was. However, after several months, Alphred’s worry and paranoia created an acidic environment and his worst worry was fulfilled.

Our second employee we shall call Betrice. Betrice worked hard and was always trying to be the best at whatever task she was assigned. She had a thirst for knowledge that made her functional in many roles. She was confident in herself and did what she could to teach those around her. The company leaned heavily on Betrice until she uttered the words most hated by the boss “I think I am pretty safe in my job” then she was dismissed within a week. The boss hated people feeling safe and liked everyone to be fearful so they would work hard to keep their positions.

These are two actual people I know. Those are the two actual outcomes. When you motivate your employees, how do you do it? Through comfort or through fear? Which company do you feel had the better outcome, and which employee do you feel was more of a loss?

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Being the Right Face

So we’ve discussed how I and many companies use facebook to weed out employees from our resume piles (if you missed it, here's the link), but if you were reading carefully, you got some tips on what to do if you are applying for a job. Have a public facebook profile.

I give extra attention to applicants with facebook profiles that make the person look stable, fun and likable. Now that you know my trick, you can use it against me and other employers to make yourself more desirable. Why not have your facebook profile website right on your resume? I want to know as much as I can about you, so give me some place to go after the resume.

If you decide to do this, you have to be careful about what you decide to post to your profile. Stay positive, watch the things you “like” and ask yourself “What impression does this post leave to a prospective employer.”

Social media is an excellent way to advertise your business, so why not advertise yourself? 

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Gingerbread Fingers?

Vision is important in any company. You can tell because it’s written on motivational posters in many offices here in Sarnia-Lambton. While I think it makes sense that you need to understand your company, where it’s going and what you hope to achieve, it is important to understand that the right business vision can shape lives and change the world.

I was watching Mary Poppins last week, one of my favourite Disney movies of all time, and the idea of Vision really presented itself. Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins was based on a book by P.L. Travers about a mysterious, cold nanny in the 1930s. Walt tried as early as 1938 to acquire movie rights for the book but was turned down over and over again for over 20 years until 1961. Travers was sure that Disney would ruin her characters, so she insisted on script approval rights when she finally agreed.

Walt and Travers fought for several more years over the movie. Finally, Disney was frustrated and made the movie the way he wanted to. Walt hired the timeless Sherman Brothers to write songs for the movie and to everyones delight, they suggested the same places in the book for songs. Songs that are still ready available to whistle in most peoples minds.

The film was made and Travers never stopped complaining about what a horrible movie Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins turned out to be. Her lack of vision would have tied the movie up until the end of time, but Walt knew exactly what he wanted and, to his credit, the film received 13 Academy Award nominations and 5 wins.

Mary Poppins is an enduring classic that is probably in most of your homes. I think we can all agree that Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins was enchanting, where as a the Travers Mary Poppins, who breaks off her fingers and turns them to gingerbread to feed the children, would probably have been a little too… what’s the word…supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

The point is, that it is important to know what you want to accomplish and how you want to go about doing it. There is no use in buying a road map, if you don’t know where you want to end up.

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Never Dismiss The Dismissed

Sarnia is an amazing community. We all know many people who have left the city, only to return with a new found love of the area. It’s an interesting place, full of great people, cool businesses and unique dynamics. It’s a town just big enough to have great opportunities, but small enough so that everyone knows everyone. This can make dealing with former employees a little tricky.

Because former employees don’t leave the area, that means you are turning people out that you are bound to run into again. It also means that they may quickly become competition, or even potential customers. This is clearly a problem and dealing with it can be tricky.

One way of course is to look inward, and see if this person needs to go. If they are going to be out there achieving, how can they achieve for your company? Maybe you aren’t motivating them or supporting them. Get to know what the problem is before dismissing it completely.

Sometimes people just aren’t good fits and they have to go. The best way is, in my opinion, is to be as supportive and apologetic as possible. If you have a good reputation of being honest with your staff, there is no reason they shouldn’t take this at face value.

Maintain contact. Ducking people in grocery stores and “forgetting” to respond to correspondence is the cowards way out. Part of being a success is owning your decisions and responsibilities. We are all just people, and we all deserve validation.

Shake their hand. Give them a hug if it’s necessary. You have made a decision that has the potential to radically alter their life and family. You should empathize with them, but still hold your ground. Let them deal with their emotions but do everything you can to part ways on good terms. There are enough forces in the world working against us. There is no need to add another.

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

What Is Success?

Happy New Year!!!

Well it looks like the world didn't end and it's back to work for most of us. I thought we would kick off the year and the blog, by talking about success. I hate to sound hacky by quoting a dictionary, but let's just say if you look up success in some sort of book with definitions, there is no dollar figure assigned to the term. Success isn't defined by the car you drive, or how well your kids do in school. Success is a personal goal that you have to define if you are going to attain it.

Think of all the times you have had "record sales" or won "Employee of the Month." Sure it made you happy for a short while, but it probably didn't give you a lasting sense of fulfillment. You really need to decide what being a success is to you. To some people, success is getting enough money so they can play video games all day, but to others, it might be having a business successful enough that you can devote two days a week to charity work.

Defining success can be the hardest part of becoming one. It requires a lot of soul searching and asking "What will make me feel complete?" This question can make you feel uncomfortable and therefore, people tend to avoid it, taking the position of "I'll know it when I see it."

You might be thinking that "Being Rich" or "Getting in Shape" would make you feel like a success, but those are broad concepts. How much money will it take? Is a million dollars enough? Two million? When will you have enough money that you can step back and say "I am a success." The same for weight. How much do you have to lose to feel good? What do you want to look like?
I guarantee you that Richard Branson and Lebron James have vastly different ideas in their heads about what success is, but I think we can agree, that they both meet the qualifications.

So as we ring in 2012 and John Cusack readies his limo to rescue us, take a moment this week and decide what success is to you.
After all, if you don't know what the destination is, how can you hope to get there?

Be well.

Shane Goodfellow
Squeak E Cleaners/ Sharp Cleaning Services
www.SqueakECleaners.com
(519) 402-3401

Happy New Year!!!

Hey everyone

I am starting this blog  as part of a New Years Resolution to learn more about the Sarnia Lambton Business scene, and also to share the knowledge I have gained running a small business here in town. I have many business friends who will be contributing with a wide range of knowledge, so I hope you will find their articles interesting as well.

We are still setting everything up, so I hope you will bare with us as we stretch our new bloggy legs and get a look and feel that everyone will enjoy.

As a side note, if you wish to be a contributor to the blog, or you wish to support our efforts, please feel free to contact me Shane@SarniaLambton.biz and we will see what we can do for you.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope your resolution is to find success in 2012... and the first step, is figuring out what success means to YOU!

Be well,

Shane