Having read a great deal of books on businesses and what it means to operate a successful one, we’ve come to the conclusion that everyone has a great deal to say on the subject. Enough to fill aircraft carriers, in fact. So where does one start?

That’s why when we work with a contractor to help improve his business, we try to summarize the best of what we’ve learned and what we’ve seen work in successful companies. And we have found that the best place to start is with the knowledge that every act, every day, requires accountability.

One of the great things about ShuBee is all of the simple, yet successful products they provide to the industry that help you stand out and succeed. Here are ten simple, successful marketing tactics you apply in your company. Don’t let the simplicity fool you. Simplest can be best.

In my on “The Cost of Not Knowing Your Costs,” I challenged contractors to prove that they could make money and provide decent income and benefits for employees at the PHC service industry’s prevailing labor rates of $50-55 an hour. I got no takers, although Paul Swan sent me an interesting letter pointing out that many contractors who charge extra for travel time are billing for more labor hours than they actually put in.

“The first mistake of public business is going into it.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

In current political discussions, we hear how it would be a good idea to run our government like a business. There is a steady call for more businesspeople in elected positions.

The problem with that is, most business people are poor business people.

Business drives the economy. Particularly small business. I suggest we pause this political discussion long enough to consider the current state of our businesses. Perhaps we could fix the economy by fixing our businesses.

What really makes customers want to do business and continue doing business with a particular service company? If the customer continues to be a loyal client for life, it always relates back to quality. Independent contractors in the industries of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical that offer the highest standards of quality and service must have several main areas of emphasis and attention within their company to achieve this success. These great companies must maintain a clear focus and perspective of three main areas in their company. Each of the items below go hand-in-hand to build a service company that is focused and centered on superb quality:

The more I travel, the more astonishing it is when I find outstanding customer service. If someone is pleasant to me, I am usually delighted, and don’t expect much more. On a recent trip, however, I had an extraordinary customer service experience. It was a simple interaction, but the good feelings it inspired stuck with me for days. That’s a solid indication that I should write about it. So, here goes…

I was staying at a run-of-the-mill Radisson Hotel. The décor was a bit outdated. The carpets were a touch worn. Overall, the hotel facilities were just so-so.

It was the people who made me pay attention, and one person in particular.

I think all too often we overlook the things we should really be thankful for.

Do you take the time to truly take in the wonders around you and ENJOY them? Things like the sun shining on your face, the smell of fall, health, wealth (however small or great) and happiness? These are sometimes just viewed as a part of the world in which we live. In reality, they are a small part in what we should all be thankful for everyday.

Nexstar® Network Reveals 20% of Management Efforts that make 80% of the Difference in Improving Business

375 plumbing, HVAC and electrical home service contractors representing 200 companies gathered in Nashville October 13-15 to boost their business development and best practices.

Nexstar® Network’s 31st Super Meeting focused on the top 20% of high impact management activities that can make 80% of the difference in a plumbing, HVAC and electrical home service business and sales strategies focused on selling during a challenging economy.

The owners of three successful Nexstar member companies with annual revenues ranging from 8-20 million opened the doors of their business to their peers via video and a live stage presentation with Nexstar Business Coach Denise Swafford. John and Josh Ward, owners of Applewood Plumbing, Heating & Electric of Denver, Colorado, Mark Evans, owner of Burton AC/Heating, Plumbing and More of Omaha, Nebraska and Jeff Belk, owner of Plumbline Services of Denver Colorado shared these strategies for success:

In this country, in these times, we have access to everything we need to be healthy, wealthy and wise. So…what’s getting in the way?

Maybe you are.

The stumbling blocks on the road to success are of your own creation. I’ve listed the most common ones below. Recognize any of them?

My friend, Bubba decided to enter a bike race. Though I wasn’t entering, he asked me to ride along side and pace him.
“I gotta beat the competition,” he said. “I gotta beat Junior, Scooter, and Delbert.”
Bubba got off to a wobbly start. “I thought once you learned how to ride a bike, you were never supposed to forget,” he muttered.Finally, he got enough forward motion to get moving. He was working hard to try and get his speed up. “Why am I riding this bike,” he grumbled. “I could walk faster.”
“Hang on Bubba,” I said. “This is like marketing and advertising. It’s always a little hard to get it going, but once you get some momentum, it will get easier. You’ll see.”