How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Since December of 2008, I have been trying to think of at least one positive thought each day. For quite a long while, I was also able to write this email each day and send it out. These past 12 months has been a battle for my time. In many ways I have enjoyed this battle. Time for my wife, time for my grandchildren, time for my parents, oh, and lest I forget where I have spent most of my time, work. Sadly, I have not been able to spend much time with friends, but I am happy with the choices I have made.
You see, the choice I have made each day is to come to work and give it everything I have. My ideas, my salesmanship, my heart, and my leadership. I have always believed that if I could turn this company back around, in the long run, this business that I have taken care of for many years, will in time be able to take care of me and my family, and the families of those that work here. Looking back now, I believe that we have turned the corner, and have stopped the downward spiral that many of us small businesses were in. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but I believe that now is the fun part. We have been there before, we know how to do it, we are not afraid of what’s to come, and we will do it again.
The question that I ask myself, and you is “Will you join me in this journey?”.
May 31, 2010
May 05, 2010
We All Have Survived...Now On to the Recovery!
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
1. My niece was released home today. She is doing great, but still has a long road to recovery, please continue to keep her in your prayers.
2. We are getting quite a few builders calling us with jobs, some are even Spec homes. The recovery has definitely begun!
3. To sum up a common phrase that I am hearing from customers is “I’ve made it through the recession, I have been waiting to improve my home, especially if I am not going to sell it”.
4. We are getting approvals much faster after we provide the designs. The delay is not there as much.
5. We have even gotten approvals from designs we did six to months ago.
All in all, we have survived. We are still standing, and that was the goal. Now, it is time to attack the market and be there for those who want to buy. It is still, up to us to decide each day, what do we want to achieve!
1. My niece was released home today. She is doing great, but still has a long road to recovery, please continue to keep her in your prayers.
2. We are getting quite a few builders calling us with jobs, some are even Spec homes. The recovery has definitely begun!
3. To sum up a common phrase that I am hearing from customers is “I’ve made it through the recession, I have been waiting to improve my home, especially if I am not going to sell it”.
4. We are getting approvals much faster after we provide the designs. The delay is not there as much.
5. We have even gotten approvals from designs we did six to months ago.
All in all, we have survived. We are still standing, and that was the goal. Now, it is time to attack the market and be there for those who want to buy. It is still, up to us to decide each day, what do we want to achieve!
April 30, 2010
Hiring???
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I know, I know, it’s been a while since I’ve sent out a message. This in itself actually is positive. We have been very busy, with phone calls looking for appointments, and then with approvals looking for installation dates. So much so, that one of our Installation Technicians asked our Scheduler/Bookkeeper, “Hey, when are we going to hire another installer?”
I know, I know, it’s been a while since I’ve sent out a message. This in itself actually is positive. We have been very busy, with phone calls looking for appointments, and then with approvals looking for installation dates. So much so, that one of our Installation Technicians asked our Scheduler/Bookkeeper, “Hey, when are we going to hire another installer?”
April 14, 2010
Pent Up Demand!
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I was talking with my computer IT guy, and he says that business is picking up. I asked him from who, and why did he think it was? He replied that he believes that most small businesses have been holding off on technology and that they feel things are stable now. So, again I see pent up demand, and recovery, albeit a slow one. I must still budget on a much smaller scale.
I was talking with my computer IT guy, and he says that business is picking up. I asked him from who, and why did he think it was? He replied that he believes that most small businesses have been holding off on technology and that they feel things are stable now. So, again I see pent up demand, and recovery, albeit a slow one. I must still budget on a much smaller scale.
April 13, 2010
A Faster Sales Cycle
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
At our peak in 2007 and part of 2008, our Sales Cycle was 6 weeks. This cycle is from the time we get the lead, until we are paid. Our clients were approving their design in days, sometimes weeks. In late 2008 this started to shift and by mid 2009, our Sales Cycle had become 9 months. This was due to people delaying the decision to buy, builders not putting in closets until the house was sold, or those that did buy took a month or more to finalize the designs. I am happy to see this Sales Cycle dropping to 2 months now. We are finding that when people are calling, they are ready to buy and only take a week or two to finalize the designs. This is a good sign, and I believe it will continue, unless something scares us, like a terrorist attack, a shortage of …
I am looking forward to the rest of 2010, and believe that there is pent up demand. It is now up to us to work hard to tell our story and gain market share.
At our peak in 2007 and part of 2008, our Sales Cycle was 6 weeks. This cycle is from the time we get the lead, until we are paid. Our clients were approving their design in days, sometimes weeks. In late 2008 this started to shift and by mid 2009, our Sales Cycle had become 9 months. This was due to people delaying the decision to buy, builders not putting in closets until the house was sold, or those that did buy took a month or more to finalize the designs. I am happy to see this Sales Cycle dropping to 2 months now. We are finding that when people are calling, they are ready to buy and only take a week or two to finalize the designs. This is a good sign, and I believe it will continue, unless something scares us, like a terrorist attack, a shortage of …
I am looking forward to the rest of 2010, and believe that there is pent up demand. It is now up to us to work hard to tell our story and gain market share.
April 09, 2010
Good Decisions?
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Writing these emails with a Positive angle had another positive…One of the product lines we have offered from day one are closet systems. A little over 5 years ago, a trade publication started serving our industry called CLOSETS Magazine. In February of 2008 they did a story on us about How to work with Builders. Yesterday, the Managing Editor came out to our showroom because she read through these emails that we now have a new 8,300 sf showroom. It is an honor to be featured, but it is also confirmation that some of the decisions we have made over the years have been good decisions.
In these tough times, the decisions we make will be felt faster and harder, whether they be good decisions are bad decisions. We all need feedback from those we work with whether we are on the right path, or if we need to change course. The magazine is just one indicator, but we will see if we get any feedback that will help us make good decisions in the future.
Writing these emails with a Positive angle had another positive…One of the product lines we have offered from day one are closet systems. A little over 5 years ago, a trade publication started serving our industry called CLOSETS Magazine. In February of 2008 they did a story on us about How to work with Builders. Yesterday, the Managing Editor came out to our showroom because she read through these emails that we now have a new 8,300 sf showroom. It is an honor to be featured, but it is also confirmation that some of the decisions we have made over the years have been good decisions.
In these tough times, the decisions we make will be felt faster and harder, whether they be good decisions are bad decisions. We all need feedback from those we work with whether we are on the right path, or if we need to change course. The magazine is just one indicator, but we will see if we get any feedback that will help us make good decisions in the future.
April 06, 2010
Family Fun
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
My family started a new “tradition” about a year ago, “Challenges”. Well really it is my mother who started these Challenges. We’ve had a Cookie Cook Off, then we had a Pasta Challenge, and this past Easter, while many of you had a fancy Easter meal, with ham and sweet potatoes, the Coleman Family had a Sandwich Challenge.
My goal was to get more votes than my mother, and I am happy to say that I beat her, came in 3rd place with my niece Sadie. The winning sandwich that won was my sister and her kids, an Ice Cream Sandwich. We all ran around the kitchen making our sandwiches, then we all ate the various entries, and then voted. The top three finishers were awarded a bowling trophy that my Mom bought at a garage sale. Fun was had by all.
I guess the positive message here is what can we all do to create an opportunity of sharing fun moments, whether they be at home with family, or at work? I know of another family who once a month they have Backwards Day. They eat a dinner for breakfast and a breakfast for dinner. What can you do?
My family started a new “tradition” about a year ago, “Challenges”. Well really it is my mother who started these Challenges. We’ve had a Cookie Cook Off, then we had a Pasta Challenge, and this past Easter, while many of you had a fancy Easter meal, with ham and sweet potatoes, the Coleman Family had a Sandwich Challenge.
My goal was to get more votes than my mother, and I am happy to say that I beat her, came in 3rd place with my niece Sadie. The winning sandwich that won was my sister and her kids, an Ice Cream Sandwich. We all ran around the kitchen making our sandwiches, then we all ate the various entries, and then voted. The top three finishers were awarded a bowling trophy that my Mom bought at a garage sale. Fun was had by all.
I guess the positive message here is what can we all do to create an opportunity of sharing fun moments, whether they be at home with family, or at work? I know of another family who once a month they have Backwards Day. They eat a dinner for breakfast and a breakfast for dinner. What can you do?
April 05, 2010
Liking My Family
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Being able to spend time with family and friends. Oh, and the fact that I like them. Not everyone is so lucky.
Being able to spend time with family and friends. Oh, and the fact that I like them. Not everyone is so lucky.
April 03, 2010
Confirmation
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Today is very simple, we had a past client come in today to pick something up, and they said it not once, but twice, that they were very happy with our service. It is nice to know that how you decide to “do business” is appreciated. Hoppy Easter!
Today is very simple, we had a past client come in today to pick something up, and they said it not once, but twice, that they were very happy with our service. It is nice to know that how you decide to “do business” is appreciated. Hoppy Easter!
March 30, 2010
Good News from Different Angles
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
My niece is doing better than expected, and is being released from the hospital tomorrow. She will be transferred to Marion Joy for physical therapy, and right now all things look good. All of your thoughts and well wishes are very much appreciated and I have shared them all with them.
What else can be “Positive” you ask? The financial markers continue to rise, there are concerns about inflation, the weather is breaking, the phones are ringing more, and people are buying. However, the buying is more educated, more conservative, smarter. This is now the time that I will have to shape our message to convey that working with our company is the “smart choice”.
Oh, one last good news to share. We just got a job that last Thursday we had lost to California Closets. We went back and spent another hour and half to educate the customer about why buying form us was a better solution to their problem. It was a good feeling!
My niece is doing better than expected, and is being released from the hospital tomorrow. She will be transferred to Marion Joy for physical therapy, and right now all things look good. All of your thoughts and well wishes are very much appreciated and I have shared them all with them.
What else can be “Positive” you ask? The financial markers continue to rise, there are concerns about inflation, the weather is breaking, the phones are ringing more, and people are buying. However, the buying is more educated, more conservative, smarter. This is now the time that I will have to shape our message to convey that working with our company is the “smart choice”.
Oh, one last good news to share. We just got a job that last Thursday we had lost to California Closets. We went back and spent another hour and half to educate the customer about why buying form us was a better solution to their problem. It was a good feeling!
March 24, 2010
Define Positive
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
When I started this email to my wife in December of 2008, I knew that I needed to be focused on the positive things in my life, and my world. Many things have occurred since that time. I could talk about the DOW being on an 18 month high, or that our phones are ringing more, but I am not.
Last week I wrote about my niece having to have emergency brain surgery. There was a real concern as to whether she would even make through the surgery, then the concern was will she make it through the next 24 hours. I know and realize that we all are living our lives each day, but the outpouring I have seen of support is truly mind blowing. Hundreds of people from not just our small community, but from all over the world have expressed concern, interest, prayers, visitation, meals, gifts, posters, cards, flowers, text messages, emails… I have, like you, I am sure, have read about or heard about this type of support, but to experience it, and watch it unfold is really what is positive about all of us. We, as people truly care. When times are tough, we as a people band together to help each other. There is no formal process to do this, it just happens.
The update on Kenzie Rae Curran is as follows:
Monday the nurse asked her to hold up two fingers, which she did. Then the nurse asked her to see if she could put a glove on all 5 fingers, which she did.
Tuesday the speech therapist tried to get her to swallow, and Kenzie took the spoon away from her, and did it herself. She then wanted to stand up, and the nurses did not if they should let her, so her father leaned in and said “give me a hug”, which she did! She is making great progress and is ahead of schedule. She should be moved later this week out of ICU. Keep her in your prayers, and in your heart, and thank you to all of you for reaching out and letting us know that you care.
When I started this email to my wife in December of 2008, I knew that I needed to be focused on the positive things in my life, and my world. Many things have occurred since that time. I could talk about the DOW being on an 18 month high, or that our phones are ringing more, but I am not.
Last week I wrote about my niece having to have emergency brain surgery. There was a real concern as to whether she would even make through the surgery, then the concern was will she make it through the next 24 hours. I know and realize that we all are living our lives each day, but the outpouring I have seen of support is truly mind blowing. Hundreds of people from not just our small community, but from all over the world have expressed concern, interest, prayers, visitation, meals, gifts, posters, cards, flowers, text messages, emails… I have, like you, I am sure, have read about or heard about this type of support, but to experience it, and watch it unfold is really what is positive about all of us. We, as people truly care. When times are tough, we as a people band together to help each other. There is no formal process to do this, it just happens.
The update on Kenzie Rae Curran is as follows:
Monday the nurse asked her to hold up two fingers, which she did. Then the nurse asked her to see if she could put a glove on all 5 fingers, which she did.
Tuesday the speech therapist tried to get her to swallow, and Kenzie took the spoon away from her, and did it herself. She then wanted to stand up, and the nurses did not if they should let her, so her father leaned in and said “give me a hug”, which she did! She is making great progress and is ahead of schedule. She should be moved later this week out of ICU. Keep her in your prayers, and in your heart, and thank you to all of you for reaching out and letting us know that you care.
March 19, 2010
Minute by Minute
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
When this recession began, and we were in the middle of it, I kept saying we have to get through each day, then each week, then the month, and then the year. That has new meaning for me now. My niece had a seizure, and was rushed to the hospital for a 6 hour emergency brain surgery. The doctors told us that the first step was to just make it through the surgery. After the surgery, they said she needs to make it through the next 6 hours, after that it was the next 24 hours. Now they are talking about the next 3 days. She has to fight to stay alive every minute, then every hour, then each day. So, too must we fight each minute of each day for what we want and value. For her, it’s her life, what is it for each of us? What do we value? I say to fight for it like your life depends on it, because it just may.
When this recession began, and we were in the middle of it, I kept saying we have to get through each day, then each week, then the month, and then the year. That has new meaning for me now. My niece had a seizure, and was rushed to the hospital for a 6 hour emergency brain surgery. The doctors told us that the first step was to just make it through the surgery. After the surgery, they said she needs to make it through the next 6 hours, after that it was the next 24 hours. Now they are talking about the next 3 days. She has to fight to stay alive every minute, then every hour, then each day. So, too must we fight each minute of each day for what we want and value. For her, it’s her life, what is it for each of us? What do we value? I say to fight for it like your life depends on it, because it just may.
March 11, 2010
Diversification is Working
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
It seems that the phone is continuing to ring, so maybe this is the beginning of a slow recovery. We have had a fair number of calls from people who are remodeling their Master Bedroom Suite, including the bath and closet, along with Basement remodels. Also, we have sold 3 SunSetter Awnings already this year, and just received our first Hunter Douglas order. Helping people solve many problems around their home looks like it may have been the key for us to survive these last 2 years. Diversification….now what else is on the horizon?
It seems that the phone is continuing to ring, so maybe this is the beginning of a slow recovery. We have had a fair number of calls from people who are remodeling their Master Bedroom Suite, including the bath and closet, along with Basement remodels. Also, we have sold 3 SunSetter Awnings already this year, and just received our first Hunter Douglas order. Helping people solve many problems around their home looks like it may have been the key for us to survive these last 2 years. Diversification….now what else is on the horizon?
March 10, 2010
One Year Ago
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Wow, have I been busy. About 3 weeks ago the phones and walk-in’s really started to pick up. It seems that people are now coming out of hibernation and are engaging in purchases. Yesterday I had 5 appointments, now we all must work hard to turn the proposals around within 24 hours to capitalize on peoples desires. While spending so much time in the car yesterday a story came on about our financial markets. One year ago the DOW closed at 6,500, and yesterday it closed at 10,500. Quite a change one year makes. Now, I’m not saying that everything is now perfect, but these are all steps in the right direction. All of us must work our way, day by day through this. For together we will survive.
Wow, have I been busy. About 3 weeks ago the phones and walk-in’s really started to pick up. It seems that people are now coming out of hibernation and are engaging in purchases. Yesterday I had 5 appointments, now we all must work hard to turn the proposals around within 24 hours to capitalize on peoples desires. While spending so much time in the car yesterday a story came on about our financial markets. One year ago the DOW closed at 6,500, and yesterday it closed at 10,500. Quite a change one year makes. Now, I’m not saying that everything is now perfect, but these are all steps in the right direction. All of us must work our way, day by day through this. For together we will survive.
March 05, 2010
New Beginings
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
CUBS Win! The beginning of baseball, the beginning of spring, the beginning of nice weather, provides an opportunity for a new beginning in my life and in my company.
CUBS Win! The beginning of baseball, the beginning of spring, the beginning of nice weather, provides an opportunity for a new beginning in my life and in my company.
March 04, 2010
Life is Simple, Really
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
Just met with a supplier this afternoon, and she simply stated “Two days of great weather changes people’s attitudes, TREMNDOUSLY.” It struck me how simple we really are. Life is not complicated, but we make it that way. Today, I will relax and keep things simple.
Just met with a supplier this afternoon, and she simply stated “Two days of great weather changes people’s attitudes, TREMNDOUSLY.” It struck me how simple we really are. Life is not complicated, but we make it that way. Today, I will relax and keep things simple.
March 03, 2010
Small Areas are Improving
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I like it, and it’s interesting. Since writing these emails, and increasing who wants to receive them, it seems everyday I get at least one response to what I’ve written. Yesterday, after the email about the builder, I heard that a home inspector has had four inspections scheduled in the last 10 days. He felt that it seemed to be picking up ever so slowly. Depending on whether you see the glass as half full or not, only two of the four homes were short sales. The other two were “normal” transactions. In small pockets of our small area we are seeing improvement. It all starts with baby steps.
I like it, and it’s interesting. Since writing these emails, and increasing who wants to receive them, it seems everyday I get at least one response to what I’ve written. Yesterday, after the email about the builder, I heard that a home inspector has had four inspections scheduled in the last 10 days. He felt that it seemed to be picking up ever so slowly. Depending on whether you see the glass as half full or not, only two of the four homes were short sales. The other two were “normal” transactions. In small pockets of our small area we are seeing improvement. It all starts with baby steps.
March 02, 2010
Success is Possible
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
I met with a builder yesterday who had two houses he was building, and while talking with him he said that he had four more he was building. His comments gave me hope that things are picking up, slowly, but they are moving in the right direction. By now, most of us small businesses that are still in business have made the necessary changes to stay in business. Now, we all need to do what we can, when we can to take advantage of every situation, no matter how small. It is in these small opportunities that survival will continue. Once we feel safe with our survival, we can focus on the goal of profitability and success once again. This conversation, gave me the feeling that success is possible once again!
I met with a builder yesterday who had two houses he was building, and while talking with him he said that he had four more he was building. His comments gave me hope that things are picking up, slowly, but they are moving in the right direction. By now, most of us small businesses that are still in business have made the necessary changes to stay in business. Now, we all need to do what we can, when we can to take advantage of every situation, no matter how small. It is in these small opportunities that survival will continue. Once we feel safe with our survival, we can focus on the goal of profitability and success once again. This conversation, gave me the feeling that success is possible once again!
March 01, 2010
Comments Mean Something
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
It doesn’t take much to give me hope, to make me believe, to keep me focused. It could be as simple as a comment my wife or a friend makes, a customer telling me they are really happy with the work we did for them. A statement that one of our leaders says “while on the record”. It could be as simple as the phone rang, and someone wants what we sell! Today, I will make my comments with this simple thought in mind.
It doesn’t take much to give me hope, to make me believe, to keep me focused. It could be as simple as a comment my wife or a friend makes, a customer telling me they are really happy with the work we did for them. A statement that one of our leaders says “while on the record”. It could be as simple as the phone rang, and someone wants what we sell! Today, I will make my comments with this simple thought in mind.
February 25, 2010
Look for the Window
How to Stay Positive in a “Challenging” World
The other day I had the permanent retainer that has been glued in my mouth since I got my braces off 6 years ago, unglue, while I was in a meeting. I’ve always had a problem with this in my mouth, no matter how much they told me that I would get used to it. So, I get an emergency appointment to go in, and the Dr. looks at it, and says that he’ll remove it and give me a mouth guard as my retainer. Yeah!
As I thought about this small situation, I began to think that sometimes what at first appears to be bad, turns out to be good. That is how I am now feeling about this recession that we all have been in. At first, I did not like it, I even refused to participate in it, by not doing the things necessary to maintain a profitable business. Now that time has passed, I believe that my company is becoming better. Another old saying, “When God closes a door, He provides a window”. My job is to look for the window.
The other day I had the permanent retainer that has been glued in my mouth since I got my braces off 6 years ago, unglue, while I was in a meeting. I’ve always had a problem with this in my mouth, no matter how much they told me that I would get used to it. So, I get an emergency appointment to go in, and the Dr. looks at it, and says that he’ll remove it and give me a mouth guard as my retainer. Yeah!
As I thought about this small situation, I began to think that sometimes what at first appears to be bad, turns out to be good. That is how I am now feeling about this recession that we all have been in. At first, I did not like it, I even refused to participate in it, by not doing the things necessary to maintain a profitable business. Now that time has passed, I believe that my company is becoming better. Another old saying, “When God closes a door, He provides a window”. My job is to look for the window.
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