Most people identify “Mom and Pop” shops for their welcoming charm. Yet despite a reputation for exuding a comfortable feeling, many end up closing their doors. Whether the challenge is big-box competitors, an economic slump or limited resources, making ends meet can be tough. But for Precision Air-Conditioning of Memphis, Tenn., the family business figured out the secret to staying open for 37 years and counting.
Just as individuals have a story, so do businesses. Ten years ago, asking Kathe Stewart if she would ever work in the family business would have resulted in a firm “no.” As a practicing lawyer, she never imagined she would one day be chief operations officer of her father’s air-conditioning company.
But in 2002, an unfortunate event changed the course of her life and the direction of her father’s company.
Please, before you start to over-celebrate, calm down
Bah! Humbug?
Please, before you start to over-celebrate, calm down and reduce the enthusiasm of your inner-scrooge. I am not advising you to cancel your Christmas shopping exactly, but you just might want to put it on hold until you and your attend this months Hour Of Sales Power on Thursday, December 16th at 8 pm eastern time.
Why? Because $6 million dollar salesperson Rick Picard and I will hold one of the most exciting Hour Of Sales Power national contractors sales meeting yet. AND after learning the lessons that Rick will teach, you will have more money to shop with. (How many Chia-pets can you give anyway?)
It’s already that time of year again. You can hear the music playing when you’re out shopping. Neighbors are starting to decorate their homes before it gets too cold to get up on their ladder. It seems like it gets earlier and earlier every year. The last thing anybody wants to be accused of is being called a Scrooge. Keeping that in mind, the top question we get asked every year at this time is, “What should I give my employees for a Christmas bonus?”
It is very hard for me to answer this question because the truth is…I love Christmas! Or at least I love the idea of Christmas and the feeling you get when giving to someone else. So it’s even harder for me to say that the days of giving Christmas bonuses are over. You shouldn’t be giving your employees a Christmas bonus.