Monthly Archives: July 2017

Maurice Bushroe
Blue Ribbon Pools

The new normal for business leaders is being very busy. It’s a good problem, but it’s still a problem. Sales dollars are not the same as profit dollars and cash flow must be carefully managed even in the best of times. Be sure your investments increase productivity for the long term. A bunch of new trucks might look good but upgraded customer relationship software could be more important to your long-term success. Are you prepared for higher liability and workers’ compensation bills that are tied to your increased payroll? Consider putting a good amount of cash aside to help avoid problems down the road.

The new normal for employees: there aren’t enough trained employees available to help us meet the higher demand for commercial service and repairs. As business leaders we must make sure our people are properly trained, equipped, and compensated as we push them to deliver more for our customers. And remember, a personal word from an owner or manager might mean more to the new generation of employees than just more money.

The new normal for customers: in our digital world customers expect everything immediately and they want it for free.The reality is that it’s not 2008 and every good service and repair provider is busy. It’s awfully hard to tell your customers that what they want on Tuesday won’t be ready until Friday, or next Tuesday, or the Friday after that. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you’ve worked hard for them in the past and don’t be afraid to gently remind them of that. Keep in mind what they really need is accurate information to share with their guests and management, not overly optimistic promises.

Don’t forget to take a minute to reflect on this fact of commercial service and repair: the guests at our pools have worked and stressed and saved their money for weeks, months, and sometimes years to be in Florida. We wake up here every day; let’s give them the great experience they deserve.

Larry Drumb
Cool Pools by Larry

As a service company for the past 23 years, I have developed long-term relationships with my suppliers, which I feel as a business owner is crucial. By maintaining a strong relationship with them I can provide the best service possible for our clients at Cool Pools by Larry.

I know when I have questions there is someone who I can call upon to get them answered quickly. I know when I have equipment issues I can get the solution fast. I know when I need an item for our chapter’s online auction who I can count on. The list goes on and on but it dawned on me lately that the relationship we have with our suppliers is very much like that of our own customers.

PAYING ON TIME

Whatever your terms may be, whether they are 30 days or COD, it’s important to make sure to pay your suppliers promptly; just as you want your customers to pay  your invoices on the dates due. Ensuring that your business is paying on time gives the suppliers trust in you which makes for a stronger business relationship and may open the door to specials.

PROVIDING THE BEST SERVICE

In Deland where my business is located, I know I’m not the cheapest service company, although I feel that we are one of the best. My prices reflect that confidence. Same goes for your suppliers. You pay for what you get and I recommend remembering that when you are working with them. Service, education, and communication go a long way, sometimes more than the bottom line.

TWO-WAY STREET

Just as we take care of our customers so should our suppliers take care of us. Remembering which customers of yours are the biggest headaches may come in handy when dealing with the expectations you have of your suppliers. Often 20% of our customers take up 80% of our time and that shouldn’t be the case. If you are finding the relationship with your supplier isn’t the best it can be, think about your role in that and go from there.

Those who we pay and those who pay us have a unique relationship in how our businesses grow strong. Taking care of both relationships will only help your business in the present and future.

Swimming is viewed as a fun activity, a competitive sport, and a form of exercise. We know why it’s a fun activity and the training that goes with competitive swimming. But what are the benefits of swimming for exercise?

Most people know that swimming is a great cardiovascular workout. It’s harder to move through water than through air. The resistance makes your workout harder, resulting in more calories burned. Swimming.org has a calorie burn calculator that calculates the number of calories burned based on the swimming stroke you used and the length of the workout. Dr. David Tanner, a professor at in the Kinesiology Department at Indiana University, says, “one mile of swimming burns 400 calories, on average. One mile of swimming is equivalent to four miles of running.” (This can be dependent on level of expertise.)

Swimming is low-impact exercise. Because of the buoyancy of the water you only bear about 10% of your weight when you swim. Swimming is a favorable exercise for people who suffer from arthritis and other conditions related to joint pain for this reason.

Swimming also reduces risk of diseases. Swimming controls blood sugar levels, lowers blood pressure, and reduces levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

If you’re looking for a way to revamp your current workout regime or even looking to start one, swimming is an excellent place to start.