RJ - Reeves Journal Blog

Power of Riding Along

If you want to think your team is performing the right way, don’t check on them because you may not like what you see and hear.

Pushing the Rock

It’s easy to get fired up and take control of your company. Well, it is for a day!

7 Tips on Surviving Returning From Vacation

How much do you dread going on vacation just because you know what you’ll have to face when you return to work?

Floods of Opportunity for Construction Pros

Last week I drove to Nashville for the birth of my first grandchild. While there I visited an area next to the Cumberland River, which flooded on May 2, killing 30 people and causing at $1 billion in damage

Positive vs. Negative

In my multiple contacts with all types of contractors, I hear how pessimistic they are. They have adopted a vision of the world where they see the glass as half full.

Global Green Expo Promises Expert Sustainable Building Tips (Free Sign up Ends Aug. 5)

Here’s your chance to be part of something groundbreaking - the first all-green virtual conference and expo designed for readers of our print magazines, Web sites, eNewsletters and digital editions.

Training to Become a Better Trainer

I never wanted to become a great trainer and builder of staff at my own company.

Mastering the Master Project List

Why is it that your staff isn’t quite as excited as you are when you discuss a new project, a new process, a new policy or a habit you want to change?

Nailed and Jailed for DUI

If I don’t change my life-endangering behavior quickly, I will be pulled over, ticketed, fined, and possibly jailed if I repeatedly drive under the influence.

Why Bulleted Job Descriptions Don’t Work

Whenever I take on a new one-to-one consulting client, I ask them to send me a series of forms, templates and documents to review before I arrive onsite.

Flooring Producer Supports Haiti Rebuilding Using 'Hands-on' Approach

You got to love a charitable program that requires a “hands-on” involvement among the participants.

"Cash for Caulkers": Potentially Good News for Construction Pros

The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, often referred to as the "Cash for Caulkers" rebate program, was approved by the House in May. If passed by the Senate, construction pros will benefit from a new round of tax-reducing incentives for their customers.

Can’t Drive It, Wear It Or Show It Off To My Friends

I grew up in a family business. And the lines between family time and work time were very blurred at best.

Helping Construction Pros Navigate In a Digital World

Not long ago, most professionals belonged to their national, state or local association. Or they belonged to a peer group, civic club, or some organization that exposed them to new ideas, skills, and tools, all while networking with other pros.

3 Deal Breakers When It Comes to Employees

“You can’t see everything”

Is it a Business or a Hobby?

That’s the question I ask contractors that I speak to at workshops, webinars or in teleseminars. I even ask my clients that when we begin our one-to-one work together.

World Cup Stadium Construction Is Breathtaking, But What’s Hiding in South Africa’s Shadows?

Apparently, there’s a little soccer tournament starting today called the “2010 FIFA World Cup”. I understand it will attract hundreds of millions of viewers from around the globe.

Here’s a New Trade Show Everyone Can Attend

I’ve always been baffled by the low turnout for many construction-related trade shows. Even when the number of attendees reaches record levels, the total represents a fraction of the universe of contractors, engineers, architects, wholesalers, and maintenance pros who should be attending.

What’s the Value of Remembering the Past?

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Gulf Coast Oil Leak: Environmental Catastrophe vs. U.S. Independence

I’m an ardent fan of the great outdoors. I run and bike on nature trails. I’m the family recycling nut. My favorite vacation destinations are Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Bryce Canyon. I love lakes, rivers and the ocean.

Loaves of Bread Not Slices

I’ll admit it. I’m not a giant fan of reading financials and management reporting.

Safety Gone Wrong

Last week I received an email with the headline, “Have a Safe Work Week” from blogger extraordinaire John Sonnehalter. John was promoting North American Occupational Safety & Health Week, which ran May 2-8. I had great intentions of blogging on this topic during the designated week.

7 Power Concepts of Business

What does it take to own and operate a successful company?

Hanging Around with Positive People

“You are the sum total of the five people you hang around with most” is a popular quote amongst speakers. And with good reason…..it’s true!

10 Things to Think About

Taking the time to think about the right things in business is, sometimes, the best way to spend your time.

Dressing for Dollars

Deadhead t-shirt, muddy work boots, a local sports team baseball cap, beat up blue jeans, a plaid hunting jacket and sporting a 3-day scruff. Am I talking about the Techs I encounter? Nope.

Steam Room Design Brings Back Adolescent Fears

After decades of quiet avoidance, I recently found the courage to enter a public steam room. Finally, I was prepared to overcome adolescent memories of a sauna experience gone badly.

Loaves of Bread

Many of the contractors I speak to and even work with have many common traits.

Four Expanding Markets You Should Pursue Now

I recently attended my first-ever security industry trade show, ISC West, which took place at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas March 24-26. The show, which connects security product manufacturers with integrators/installers/security officers, was encouraging on several levels.

It Was Working When I Left

“It was working when I left” was the sick sarcastic joke of a response I used to get from some of my troublesome Techs when I would confront them the next day with a callback.

Testing 123

Be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to recruiting, hiring, orienting, training and retaining employees.

Construction/Service Pros: It’s Twitter Time…Really

A year ago, I told a co-worker that Twitter was a fad. It would not last, I pronounced, because it was fluff and provided no clear benefit. Who cares where tweeters are eating lunch?

Media Madness and Construction Pros

Last week, I experienced a different kind of March Madness. I spent three days in Manhattan at meetings focused on e-media trends and developments. My head is still spinning.

5 Powerful Technologies to Power Your Business Now

Stepping Over Dollars to Pick Up Dimes

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Innovation Still Matters

What have you done this week to inspire your customers and employees to be excited about your products or services?

Computer Backup From Mild to Wild

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When A Staff Member Is Spiraling Down

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A Business Lesson from Braveheart, Al and Ellen

One of my favorite scenes from the 1995 film Braveheart takes place on the battlefield before the hand-to-hand combat takes place. In a rousing speech, Scotsman William Wallace challenges his troops to stay and fight. His words whip them into a frenzy.

How to Get Testimonials and Make Them Count

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Meetings 101…Love them?...Hate them?

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Need More Information…or Need More Implementation?

Afraid That Your Staff Is Slowing Down?

Falling Off the Wagon

Somebody’s Job

Time for Lunch

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Why Would You Go To The Doctor and Not Do What You’re Told?

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A Global Warming Tax on Your Business?

If forced to take a side, I would join the ranks of global warming skeptics.

Breaking Away From The One Thing You Do

Five Reasons to Give Thanks

With 2009 ticking down, it would be so easy to reflect on the hardships our country has endured this year.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Family Dynamics

Here’s what you can do right now to make working with family so much better.

Wishing It Were So

"When you put the car in the ditch, the first thing you need to do is stop spinning the wheels.”

Marriott Bets $3 Billion on Indy Development

One of the benefits of my job is the ability to view construction projects in progress throughout the country. During a recent trip to Indianapolis, I took a few minutes to take in Marriott Place, a stunning downtown development slated for completion in February 2011.

Master Answering, Booking Calls In Steps

Everything that goes right and goes wrong can be traced back to how we do this simple but vital first step with the customer.

True Grit: Remodeling Pros Share Survival Stories

The annual Remodeling Show took place in Indianapolis last week. I used the opportunity to poll contractors at the show, who were mostly from the Midwest.

Stop Destructive Patterns

Living on caffeine, nicotine and something else?

Good Praise Bank Account

No more silent treatment. Tell your employees they're doing a good job.

Somebody Needs To Get Fired

Sometimes you need to let someone go to make your company better.

Chick-fil-A Shines Brightly On a Rainy Day in Georgia

I fear we’ve lost our way. As businesspeople, we often react with such shocking shortsightedness that we fail to see into next year, maybe even into next week.

Pick Me! Pick Me!

10 ways to help your customer pick the “right” contractor (you).

New YouTube Video Presents Stunning Facts on Social Media

Back in March, I blogged about a fascinating YouTube video called “Did You Know?” and received a lot of feedback from visitors. They said that the video helped them think about change and put it into perspective.

Secret Footage [Part 2]

More details on how to put a mystery shopping program into place the right way.

Secret Footage [Part 1]

If I video taped your employees, would you be sick to your stomach or worse?

Eight Inspiring Business Tips

Today, I am encouraged and inspired. I am turning a deaf ear to the naysayers and a blind eye to the imagery of negativity. I see unlimited business opportunities. I am planning to succeed.

7 Steps to Better Training

No matter how smart you, the owner, are, you can’t do everything yourself!

Too Quick Creates Too Little Value

Customers have a distorted sense of time and value for our efforts.

Why You Need to Give a Twit About E-Media

In 2004, soon after delivering my daughter at Cedarville University in central Ohio, she told me about this interesting computer application called Facebook. It was a new way of interacting with other students on campus and other universities.

Thinking About Now And Changing Tomorrow

You’re a service business, not a fire department!

The One-Step Close

Nine ways to energize the One-Step Close and make more sales.

Let’s Knock Down 5 Million Crappy Houses

Last month, three single-family homes I pass while driving to work disappeared.

Poof.

Teaching The ‘Raising the Objection’ Technique

Meet those pricing objections head-on and curb a customer’s urge to roam.

Triangle Of Success

Training, sales and marketing reinforce each other.

Let’s Bring Families to Trade Shows

I was aghast the first time I visited the annual trade show known as the South Atlantic Well Water Drillers Jubilee in Myrtle Beach, S.C. When the doors to the expo hall opened, in poured hundreds of families.

Reset

If you moved across the street and started over ...

Hanging by a Thread

I rarely look out my seventh-floor window, but a few weeks ago a dangling window washer grabbed my attention. This guy--let’s call him Wally--was cleaning windows on a building adjacent to the one that houses BNP Media’s offices.

The Not-So-Sweet Spot

Al figures out what a "Right-Size" company should be.

Why You Need Systems Even More During the Slow Times

Systems can make any company run better and be more profitable.

Can “Junk Mail” Help Grow Your Business?

I miss “junk mail.” It’s true. Even though I sometimes complained when digging out from a pile of mail, I actually enjoyed opening it.

Act Like You’re Going To Be In Business For Awhile

When you think and do like everyone else it’s usually the wrong thing to do at the wrong time

Becoming the Total Solution Provider

We may live in the age of specialization, but right now the best thing you can do is become more of a total solution provider.

Fortune Cookies Predict End to Recession, Housing Downturn

I’ve been saving fortunes from my Chinese dinners and I’m elated. Apparently, I’m in line for an incredible string of good luck. And my good fortune is your good fortune because we’re all in this downturn together.

10 Things To Do to Create a Winning Trade Show

It’s not just a numbers game. Make sure you’re targeting the right audience.

Upside Down and Inside Out … Staffing Ratios

The best staffing ratio is 2:1.

Katrina Revisited

In September 2005, the world was mesmerized by the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S. Most of us were glued to our favorite cable channel or Web site, watching hurricane Katrina pound the Gulf Coast without mercy.

The Rest of the Steps to Creating Trucks That Work

Get the job done TODAY with a well-stocked and organized truck.

The First 7 Steps to Creating Trucks That Work

The last thing you need to be doing in this economy is stocking a truck too heavily or paying for excess inventory.

10 Steps to Taking Control of Your Phone and Your Business

Contractors need to unplug! Here are some tips to finding some peace.

5 Ways to Improve Your Staff and Build Profits Right Now

These slow times are a perfect time to upgrade your staff.

Why Offering the Best Warranty Out There Makes You Money

It may seem counterintuitive but offering a better warranty than your competition actually makes you money.

I See Disaster in Your Future…and That’s a Good Thing

The word disaster conjures up many images.

5 Rules On How To Go Green … And Make Money Doing It

Frankly, I’ve been in the business of saving the planet and I didn’t even know I was doing it.

Recession-Busting Strategies Part 4 – The Top Four Ways to Motivate Your Staff

Many construction-related business owners and managers are aggressively managing their operations. They are cutting expenses, finding new efficiencies and improving their marketing effectiveness.

Make Money By Exiting The Warehouse Business

If there’s a common mistake contractors make it’s that they think they can manage their in-house warehouse and save money.

Recession-Busting Strategies - Part 3: Four Business Groups That Help Construction Pros Succeed

Despite the construction downturn, now might be the best time to join a professional association or organization. Doing so might provide you with marketing advantages that your competitors won’t have.

Are You Working On The Right Things Right Now?

No more putting out fires. Change the way you spend your week.

Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros -Part 2: Your Top 10 Marketing Investments

Now is the perfect time to rebalance your marketing efforts.

What You Must Do to Make More Sales

Why were my sales so poor at the beginning of my sales career? Here are only three of the many reasons.

6 Tips On How to Lower Your Rising Accounts Receivables

It’s very likely you’re experiencing a cash squeeze. And with tough economic times, one area that’s bound to be on the rise is your Accounts Receivables.

Recession-Busting Strategies for Construction Pros - Part I: Four Ways Your Competitors Out-Promote You

Many of your competitors will survive this recession, but only a handful will grow stronger. How in the world are they doing it?

4 Ways to Improve Cash Flow Right Now

If you're struggling to meet payroll (and ends meet in general) follow these four tips to get the cash flowing again at your company now.

How’s Your Project Pipeline?

Walking through downtown Nashville last week, I heard a country singer lamenting that he lost his girlfriend, his pickup truck and his construction business. OK, that last one was actually his hound dog, but it won’t be long before we hear songs about the heartbreak of losing construction work.

4 Things to Do to Make Extended Hours Work for You

Providing “Extended Hours” of service is something that I’ve always preached as a key to creating additional profitability at any company.

5 Ways To Rev Up Your Sales In Slow Times

Here’s what I’m teaching my clients to do right now, and it’s paying off for them during these recessionary times.

4 Ways to Rev Up Your Sales Right Now

Some more ways to get your phone ringing.

YouTube Video: Stunning Thoughts On The Pace of Change

I recently received a link to a YouTube video called “Did You Know?” It is fascinating look at the pace of change, including business and employment trends.

The Rest Of The Things You Need To Do Right Now

(From “7 Things Every Contractor Needs to Do to Maximize Their Internet Marketing”)

3 Things You Need To Do Right Now

(From “7 Things Every Contractor Needs to Do to Maximize Their Internet Marketing”)

Desperate Times Call For…Simple Measures?

I’m amazed at how fast the decline of the U.S. economy has impacted our lifestyles. We are buying far fewer goods and services that we now consider luxuries, and we are slowing the pace of our lives in the process.

2 Most Important Things To Do To Get Your Phone Ringing

We all need to be great at marketing.

Five Tactics Your Competitors Are Using to Survive the 'New Normal'

I live and work in the rather sickly Detroit metropolitan market. Every time I drive by a flooring store, granite shop, plumbing showroom or contractor’s truck, I wonder how they are doing. What steps have they taken to cut costs? How long can they keep going if conditions don’t improve?

Las Vegas Construction Meltdown

I had heard that Las Vegas construction was in huge trouble. According to the reports, the financial meltdown had broken the city’s back. The cranes were idle, the jackhammers silent and the workers sent packing. Put a fork in all those huge building projects--they're dead.

Are My Bad Weather Blues Good News For You?

I’ve cleared my driveway for the 200th time this winter (OK, it just seems like 200 times) only to have it recovered with a fresh blanket of snow before I drive away.

Are Obama Fans Too Optimistic?

Regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum, you are likely looking forward to a change in Washington. If you are a business owner or manager, you are especially excited by the prospects of a new cadre of leaders generating optimism among consumers.

Only Great Products Will Sustain the Green Movement

For the last few years, anything green has received incredible attention. The high price of oil, the threat of global warming, and a strong economy have caused us to view the world through green-tinted glasses. I don’t know about you, but I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of green.

I’m Dreaming of These Holiday Mergers

The recent spate of mergers caused me to wonder why we--the valued customers of these companies--were not consulted about their unions. I know we could pick better partners.

Toothless Smiles

The construction market stinks. The stock market brings constant pain. The financial bailouts grow more insane by the day. Manufacturers are struggling. Nonprofits are laying off staff. Retailers are filing for bankruptcy.

Let’s Profit From People’s Pain

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we have a few weeks before the Christmas spirit peaks and we have to be nice to people. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of people and make some easy money for your company.

Eat or Be Eaten

I love nature shows, especially those that demonstrate ferocity in the animal kingdom. Last night I caught a segment where an imposing monitor lizard went looking for lunch in a badger’s den, only to end up becoming lunch for the badger.

California Dreaming … or Nightmare?

When I took my first trip to California in 1982, the state’s sunny skies, palm trees and ocean views entranced me. With the Mamas and the Papas’ “California Dreaming” playing in my head, I understood why people were moving there in droves.

Finding Hidden Treasure

Who wouldn’t love to discover hidden treasure? Wouldn’t it be great to stumble across a priceless painting at a garage sale or find a rare historical document in your attic?

Green Gold

It’s been fascinating watching the world turn green, i.e. “environmentally sensitive.” Because BNP Media has published Environmental Design + Construction magazine since 1997, we’ve been able to watch the recent “green rush” from a position of insight.

That Will Be $49 for Parts and $99 for Fuel

Fuel prices are adding to the pressure on construction pros.

I've Got the Bailout Blues

Bailout or keep bailing?

Houston, We Have Big Problems

Many in Texas are returning to homes that look like this tornado-ravaged home in Florida.

No Time to Play Possum

Don't be wild-eyed from this week's wild ride on Wall Street.

Celebrating Sept. 12; The Future of Trade Shows

September 11 was a somber day for me. From the moment I turned on my car radio in the morning until I went to sleep, words and images kept flooding my mind.

Adventures In Construction: Trends From The Trenches

See what readers said about their 2008 losses and their 2009 forecasts.

Trends From The Trenches

In just a few months we’ve gone from feast to famine…from too much business to “where is the business?”…from fat and happy to hungry and stunned.

Kelly’s K/BIS Blog — The Final Day

Observations from the last day of K/BIS 2008.

Kelly’s K/BIS Blog — Day 2

Kelly talks about more products from K/BIS 2008.

Kelly Faloon’s K/BIS Blog — Day 1

Highlights from the first day of K/BIS 2008 in Chicago, by Plumbing & Mechanical's Managing Editor Kelly Faloon.

Reeves Wants to Know...

So how do YOU turn water conservation into cash?

Ever Been Ripped Off? Tell us Your Story!

Anyone who has ever been the victim of the sneaky, cowardly crime of theft knows the empty and hollow feeling it causes when it's discovered.

First Tool Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Jim Walton of R.E.D. Plumbing, Inc., in Prescott Valley, Ariz.

Is it Irony Yet?

According to the paperwork we got when we moved in, the house my family currently lives in was about three months shy of its 30th birthday when we took over in 1997.

We have a winner...

A lucky plumbing contractor is going to receive a brand new Extreme Duty Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter from Ridgid just for answering a question in our E-Newsletter correctly. It could be you next time.

Who Needs the NFL? [Again]

Feb. 3's Super Bowl XLII is set to be yet another in a series of mega television events of great sociological import--a tribal thing.

Welcome the 2008 Editorial Advisory Board

Well, we're back. The holiday break was nice for us and we all hope it was good for you, too.

Where the Elite Meet...

So it's been a while, but it's worth the wait, we think.

What computers are good for...

Startling revelation!

Debut Words

Welcome to the Reeves Journal Editor's Blog.

We're Seeking Advisory Board Members

How would you like to play a more active role in Reeves' content? Read on brothers and sisters...

So This is How Rumors Get Started

Alligators? You've got to be kidding...