Take NO for an answer!

“NO!”  This word stands between you and everything you want.  No wonder it is such a tough word to hear.   But if you are going to survive in this industry you are going to have to learn to hear “no” for an answer! I’m not being pessimistic.  The truth is that if you can hear [...]

Take NO for an answer!2016-12-01T14:55:19+00:00

Be Making Money by Monday

Figure out how to sell something – a product or service – for more than it costs to create it, and you manufacture money out of nothing. Sells stuff for more than it costs. Create profits. Collect the cash. Pass GO and play the game of LIFE. A business of your own can help you [...]

Be Making Money by Monday2016-12-01T14:55:19+00:00

The ‘S’ Word

“We aren’t using the ‘S’ word at our company anymore,” my friend announced, in response to my “How’s biz?” greeting. “Really? Why not?” I asked. “My service plumbers are offended by the ‘S’ word. I wouldn’t use the ‘S’ word even if I stepped right in it.” “How do you pull that off?” I pressed. [...]

The ‘S’ Word2016-12-01T14:55:19+00:00

Tracking Contractor Jobs

Contractors are notorious for shortchanging themselves. They often don’t charge enough per hour. Or, put enough hours in the Job. How about you? Do you know if your prices are right? Do you know if you are properly bidding your Jobs? The bottom line is the bottom line. Hurray for you…if you are making all [...]

Tracking Contractor Jobs2017-02-17T23:33:27+00:00

The Sweet Spot Job

My husband Hot Rod and I were in business together a long time ago. Like many other contractors, we were seduced by the “BIG Job.” A “BIG Job” is one that… Has lots of dollars in the bid. Has lots of hours built in – to keep the team busy for a long time. Once [...]

The Sweet Spot Job2016-12-01T14:55:21+00:00

“I’m just getting started. How do I market with NO money?”

Recently I received an email from “Nelly” about his soon-to-be-open business. He had already put together his Bare Bones Biz Plan but wondered about his next step… “How do I get customers?” Dear Ellen, I’ve got my business plan (Thanks for the help!) I’m getting ready to open for business on August 1st. How do [...]

“I’m just getting started. How do I market with NO money?”2016-12-01T14:55:21+00:00

Snappy Answers to Tough Business Questions

Have you ever been caught off guard with a tough question? “Can you just send me a bill?” “How much for a water heater?  I’ve been calling around.  I’ve heard prices from $250 - $400?” “My regular plumber finally called me back.  He said you ripped me off!  What are you going to do about [...]

Snappy Answers to Tough Business Questions2019-09-26T01:11:57+00:00

Il dolce far niente…

Greetings! Mio figlio took this picture...look closely and see me, my sisters Tae and Lynn between the shrubs, part of the garden. Max lives in Italy now...has made big steps in speaking the langue and living like a local. He showed us around and made us so proud. Again.The Italians have a lot to teach [...]

Il dolce far niente…2016-12-01T14:55:24+00:00

Give me some SALES!

Take a look at that picture.  That’s what fun looks like.  That’s what positive energy looks like.  That’s what winning looks like. It’s a picture of the University of Utah MUSS…Mighty Utah Student Section.  These kids agree to sit together, wear their school shirts and cheer on the Running Utes football team.   A powerful student [...]

Give me some SALES!2019-09-26T01:12:29+00:00

Don’t bank on the Bailout…

Greetings!No matter what happens with the economy, there will be people who make money. Why not you? Sell stuff for more than it costs. Add value to materials or offer helpful services...and find people who can afford to pay you in exchange. Free trade. As long as there are two people left on the planet, [...]

Don’t bank on the Bailout…2016-12-01T14:55:26+00:00