Thoughts

So you think you currently have enough work,  you are doing installations for a local stove shop and you are able to fill in the schedule here and there with some sweeps.   BUT, cash flow is really bad, you know how it is with summer vacations and all.

HMM, sound familiar, if there is so much work, then why is cash flow hurting.  Did you not learn about forward schedule all those years ago from Sooty Bob?  So what has happened?  Are you still doing the same old, same old thing?  And getting the same old, same old results?   No one likes change, but in business, you have to make some hard changes to be able to see results in the future.

I have been talking about our Chimney Data System, CDS, now for a couple of months  It seems like years, because of all the time that has been invested.  But now it’s your turn to invest in yourself and your company.

Change requires your time and effort.  Try it for 21 days,, maybe schedule one or two less jobs per day to give you the time needed to answer ALL the questions.   We have a great company that has dropped there schedule load from 6 to three jobs per day, but their ticket price has risen to make up the difference.  Besides the less wear and tear on vehicles and themselves.

 Maybe, only gather the CDS info on your new customers, all those installs for the stove shop are new customers, correct?  Then let’s start there.  Simply answer the questions on the appropriate form.  If you’re so busy now, then just file it away.  Then go back, when you have time, and review the information.  HMMM, do you think that there might be some work than may need to be done at that location that wasn’t included in the installation quote, i.e. crown repair, tuck pointing; .  Do you think you could forward schedule that work?  Maybe next year cash flow won’t be such an issue!

Once you have gathered the information on that customer, you will not have to do it again.  OH my gosh,  what a treasure of information you have gathered.  Now imagine if you had the CDS information on ALL your customers.  At some point, they were all new customers to you!!

Do you ever think about a time when you will not be able to go out and physically do this type of work?  By implementing the CDS, you will be doing several things.  One, you will have downloaded your brain about your customer base.  Second, you will have something to sell to a new owner of your company when you are ready to retire.  MMM, something to think about as we all prepare in our own way for our futures.

This has been and looks like it will continue to be a rough and tumble weekend for many of you on the east coast.  Earthquakes and hurricane Irene, be careful out there, there just might be a silver lining!

Some insurance work may come your way.  What a great way to gather the need information. IF you do not have the time to write the report, just send us the info and pictures and the report can be written for.  We are here waiting to serve you.