Half Gone or Half Remaining?

It’s July 1st already, and I’m finding it hard to believe the year is half gone. Or, um, should I say half the year is still remaining? (This whole “trying to stay positive” thing can be confusing).

At any rate, we’re halfway through the year and I can’t help but think how quickly the months have come and gone.

I read someone’s blog recently where he pointed out this exact thought, then recalled his New Year’s resolutions and the progress he’d made thus far.

It really made me think. How am I doing with the goals I set for myself this year? Actually, maybe I don’t want to think too much about that (I’m embarrassed to say I’m not as on track with achieving them as I’d hoped to be).

But hey, I’m all about being positive now. So, instead of focusing on the six months in which I may not have been as diligent in keeping with my goals, I’m going to focus on getting back on track for the six remaining months of the year.

How about you? Did you set any goals this year? Are you looking forward to finishing strong during the last half of the year? I know I am.

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Winning At All Costs

Allow me, if you will, to talk sports (better than talking about the weather, right?).

I recently wrote a column about staying positive, and I related it back to my disappointment in the Cleveland Cavaliers losing in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals to the Orlando Magic

I was distraught, as most Clevelanders were, but I took my own advice and have tried my best not to dwell on the negativity that attaches itself to Cleveland sports fans.

Today, there’s a buzz in the air surrounding the Cavaliers because the team has made a trade to acquire Shaquille O’Neil. Yes, Shaq is coming to Cleveland

With all the excitement around town, you’d think I’d be Mr. Happy Pants as well. Unfortunately, I’m not. But, I’m not being negative either, like some other tortured, perpetually pessimistic Cleveland fans

It’s simply my nature to be skeptical of things at first. My initial reaction upon hearing this surprising news was not excitement or joy. It was skepticism

Don’t get me wrong; I want a sports title in this city as much as the next guy, and Shaq may be the missing ingredient the Cavaliers need to bring home the hardware for the first time in the franchise’s history. But, excuse me if I’m a little bit hesitant to want to win that way

Think back to the 1997 World Series when the Cleveland Indians lost to the Florida Marlins in Game 7. Prior to that season, the Marlins signed a number of high-price free agents, and then quickly dismantled the team after winning it all. Many said Florida bought their World Series crown (some say they did it again when they won the 2002 Series, only to disband again)

Others have done this too over the years — bring in high-price talent for a short period of time, win a championship, then dismantle the team

Since drafting hometown hero LeBron James, the Cavaliers have steadily made improvements to his supporting cast with the goal of winning a championship (OK, multiple championships). They were on the verge this year, and again, having Shaq might push them over the top for the 2009-2010 season

But, I have to ask, is this the way LeBron James wants to win a championship? I know Clevelanders are hungry for a title, and clearly we’ll be happy to do whatever it takes to get one

Think about it. After Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Finals this year, everyone said this championship meant the most to him of the four he’s won. Why? Because he did it without Shaq

Indeed, Kobe’s first three NBA titles were also Shaq’s first three NBA titles. When Shaq departed from the Lakers, it was said that Kobe couldn’t win without him

While in Miami, Shaq won his fourth NBA title, and Dwayne Wade won his first. Since Shaq’s departure from Miami, Wade and the Heat have not had the same success

My main rant: If the Cavaliers happen to win the NBA Finals in 2010 with Shaq, will people say they bought a championship — rather than built a world champion team — and that LeBron can’t win a title without Shaq

Sure, maybe I’m concentrating too much on what other people think. After all, a championship is a championship, right? Well, I’m not too sure about that

There’s nothing unethical about it. In sports, the goal is to win and you must acquire the talent that gives you the best chance to do that. But this simply doesn’t feel right

Think about your business. What lengths are you willing to go to ensure your company is No. 1? Are there certain things you won’t do simply because it doesn’t feel right

Much like in sports, business is a competition. To truly be a winner, there are no shortcuts. Each management decision must be made with the notion that it is good for the longevity of the company. That’s how dynasties are made

Think about the people in your company — the people you’ve hired and trained and promoted and rely on. Are you assembling a one-hit wonder organization, or a true team prepared to leave a lasting legacy

Tid Bits:

• How’s this for a cool event: This July, Bug Off Pest Control Center in New York is hosting a Business Leadership Cruise featuring Norm Cooper, Dean Stanbridge and Harvey Goldglantz — and I’ll be in attendance as well. This promises to be a fun and valuable seminar so, if you’re in the area, consider going
• Did I mention you can now follow us on Twitter? It’s true — Pest Management Professional magazine is now on Twitter. Follow us @PMPmagazine.
• While you’re becoming a follower on Twitter and you’re doing the whole social networking thing, don’t forget about Facebook. In addition to PMP Presents: The Forum, you can become a fan of Pest Management Professional magazine. Check it out here.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appears as my On the Record column on mypmp.net and in this week’s Buzz eNewsletter.

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CONTEST: And the Winner is …

Again, thank you to everyone who reads this blog. I received numerous responses to my contest post last week.

Mayflies recently invaded the Cleveland area, clinging to everything.

There can only be one winner though — and I said the first PMP to respond with the correct answer would win the prize (and, again, we’re all winners for having read my blog).

And, the winner is … Shawn Taylor from Shamrock Pest Control in Mesquite, Texas.

Shawn was the first one to respond — quickly, too — with the correct answer, which was, of course, Mayflies (hey, I didn’t say it was a difficult contest).

Sure, it may have been a relatively easy question, but Shawn wins for her speed and quickness in responding — she must sit at her computer and hit refresh all day long, waiting for me to update my blog

Shamrock Pest Control's Shawn Taylor and her husband, David, at their son's wedding.

A little about Shawn: She and her husband, David, own Shamrock Pest Control in Mesquite, Texas, which is about 15 minutes from downtown Dallas. David started the business out of his garage in 1996, and today the company is proud to boast QualityPro Green designation.

Shawn, who runs the office, scheduling and accounts receivable, recently obtained her Certified Applicator license.

Congratulations to Shawn, who will receive copy of the hottest marketing book in the industry — Marketing Matters, by Harvey Goldglantz.

And, thank you to everyone for participating. Stay tuned for more contests in the future.

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Friday Link Roundup

It’s good to see so many pest management companies are blogging. In addition to SEO benefits, blogging is a great way to connect with your customers — and potential customers.

I’m always finding new PMPs in the blogosphere, and I love following and reading them all (keeps me pretty busy). A lot of the posts are too good not to share.

Arizona Pest Control had an interesting post on bee safety. Useful information for anyone. Providing this kind of information can go along way in building trust with your company’s customer base.

JP McHale has some interesting thoughts on surviving in a recession and how it’s important for consumers to keep their pest management company. Hopefully, this helps consumers make the right decision.

Bulwark Exterminating has an excellent blog for SEO and made a thought-provoking post recently on optimizing your site to be accessible to the blind. I’m inspired now too.

Bulwark’s other blog also provides some handy ant control tips in a recent post. This company is really into blogging — nice!

Speaking of ants, Accurate Termite and Pest Control in Southern California has a good, informative post on fire ants. Believe it or not, fire ants do have their benefits.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention ABC Pest Control’s excellent blog. The Jenkins brothers are riding their bicycles from Texas to Canada and chronicling the journey along the way. Check it out.

There’s many more PMPs blogging than just these few — just check out my always-growing blogroll on the right.

Have you got a blog for your company? I’d love to hear about it and follow you too. Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be happy to add you to my blogroll. Until then, happy blogging PMPs!

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CONTEST: What Are These Called?

OK, PMPs … time for another little contest.

Up here around Lake Erie, we’ve been overrun with chironomid midges the past few weeks. Now, over night, we’ve been invaded by these guys:

My question is: What is the correct name for these?

The contest is simple. Be the first PMP to e-mail me with the correct response to that question and I’ll send you a copy of the hottest marketing book in the industry — Marketing Matters, by Harvey Goldglantz.

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What’s Online?

More like, what isn’t online? The Web is an amazing place. Spend any amount of time online and you’re bound to discover something new — whether it’s interesting, useful, disgusting or even awful.

Of course, the interesting and the useful is what you’re really looking for — and there is no shortage of websites that offer interesting and useful information (shameless plug).

One of the latest online phenomenons is social networking. You’ve probably heard of Facebook and Twitter by now (if you haven’t, where’ve you been?).

For quite some time now, not only have I been on both Facebook and Twitter, but Pest Management Professional magazine has been as well.

When we first set up our Facebook Fan Page for PMP magazine, it was fun to watch all our industry friends become fans (270 and growing!). On the PMP magazine fan page, “fans” can gather together to check out interesting and useful industry news and updates, as well as post notes and communicate with one another.

Twitter, a social networking microblog, has been another useful tool we use to communicate with PMPs followers (129 and growing!). Not only can our Twitter followers stay up to date on the latest industry happening and news through our feed, they can also connect with one another and offer tips and advice trough Tweets.

These are just two mediums we’re using — and many PMPs are using — to stay connected with the people in this great industry.

If you’re on Facebook, be sure to become a fan of PMP magazine. And, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter — See you online!

Time For A Shameless Plug

I’m fairly certain I can make a relevant Seinfeld reference for almost any situation. Anyone who knows me can confirm this. Sometimes, I simply can’t help myself. As a self-proclaimed Seinfeldologist, I know the famed television series inside and out.

For example, we’re in the final stages of planning the Business Leadership Cruise with our good friends at Bug Off Pest Control Center in New York, and I can’t help but reference the pilot episode of Seinfeld.

The episode was titled “Good News, Bad News,” and it featured a line of dialogue I immediately recalled as we began planning the event.

To set the scene, Jerry has a houseguest for a couple of days, and he asks her if she wants to do anything while she’s in town.

LAURA: No, I’d love to do something, uh, I have my seminar in the morning, then after that I’m wide open.

JERRY: Really? What would you like to do

LAURA: Well … now I know this sounds touristy, but I’d just love to go on one of those five-hour-boat-rides around Manhattan.

OK, so maybe no one else would remember this obscure Seinfeld reference but me.

But when I found out the Business Leadership Cruise was going to sail along the Hudson and East Rivers and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, The USS Intrepid and other New York landmarks, that episode immediately came to mind.

The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized the title of the episode — “Good News, Bad News” — also clearly relates to the Business Leadership Cruise.

First, the good news.

The seminar features a lineup of three tremendous speakers:

Norm Cooper will speak about some of the lessons he’s learned from being on the front lines of the pest management wars, lessons you can use to make your company distinctive, effective and valuable.

Dean Stanbridge will speak about some of the technology solutions for pest management professionals. He’ll provide up-to-the-minute information on tools you can use to modernize your operations.

Harvey Goldglantz will speak about recession-proofing your company using sound marketing strategies. His advice can help you overcome adversity and raise your company’s visibility and market share.

Want even more good news? The cost for the seminar is only $125 and includes breakfast and lunch

Ah, but what about the bad news, you say? With such a dynamic lineup of speakers, an exciting venue (the world-famous Star of Palm Beach) and a chance to network with peers, it might be difficult to think of any bad news associated with this event

But there is some bad news: Space is limited and the registration deadline is fast-approaching

If you don’t want to miss out on this tremendous opportunity, I suggest you register now (click here)

Of course, as an added bonus, I’ll be in attendance to make plenty of Seinfeld references. You can count on that

Tid Bits:

• Speaking of awesome events, don’t forget about Academy 2009. There’s still time to register for the NPMA’s premier summer event (click here) sponsored by the Leadership Development Group
• Did I mention you can now follow us on Twitter? It’s true — Pest Management Professional magazine is now on Twitter. Follow us @PMPmagazine
• While you’re becoming a follower on Twitter and you’re doing the whole social networking thing, don’t forget about Facebook. In addition to PMP Presents: The Forum, you can now become a fan of Pest Management Professional magazine.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This post originally appears as my On the Record column on mypmp.net and in this week’s Buzz eNewsletter.

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All Bark, No Bite

I was reading the paper the other day and saw a small note about local PMP Steve Kmetz.

Steve, of Certified Pest Control in Cleveland, is introducing a bed bug-detecting dog this week. Bella will help Certified Pest Control battle bed bugs in homes, hospitals, hotels and college dorms.

Many PMPs have begun using these specially-trained dogs as weapons in the war against bed bugs. According to the newspaper note, Bella is the only bed bug dog in the Midwest.

Congratulations to Steven and Certified Pest Control, not only for your new bed bug dog, but for the nice bit of public relations in the paper. A note like that could garner more business for the company than a paid advertisement. Nice job!

What about your company? Do you have a public relations program in place to work with the local media to promote your company? Send me an e-mail and let me know what kind of PR program you have.

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Staying Positive

We all have disappointments in our business lives. That’s life. If all we focus on is past negatives, we rob ourselves of the good feelings and myriad lessons we can reap from past successes.

It’s no good for me to dwell on the devastating defeat suffered by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals last week.

Ah, yes. Cleveland sports — the ultimate in the positive vs. negative debate. Should I be negative about the Cavaliers losing in the Eastern Conference Finals, or should I be positive about a team that had the best record in the NBA, the Coach of the Year and the league MVP?

As a Cleveland sports fan, it would be easy for me to always be negative. But that’s no fun. That’s why I’m trying to stay positive — check out my On the Record column in this week’s Buzz eNewsletter.

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Exceed Expecations, Build Loyalty

I recently bought some furniture from Ikea — the build-it-yourself mega-store (although it’s a Swedish company, the stores are peppered throughout the U.S. and, believe me, judging by the crowd of people at this place, I think we’re coming out of this recession … but that’s another blog post).

Now, even though there are many of these stores in the U.S., there isn’t one in Cleveland. The closest location are Detroit and Pittsburgh — both about the same distance away. So, of course we went to Detroit because, say what you will about Motown, who in their right mind would purposely go to Pittsburgh?

After spending the better part of last week assembling this furniture, I came to the last one — an end table. I opened the box and it appeared the hardware was missing. It wasn’t a very large box, but I must have checked it 10 times just to be sure the hardware wasn’t hiding down in it.

Dismayed, I called the Ikea hot-line. After several automated menus, I finally reached a customer service representative. I must admit, he was probably the most pleasant, friendly CSR I’ve ever talked to.

He apologized profusely and told me that if I simply brought my receipt back to the store, they’d be happy to give me the missing hardware. When I told him I really didn’t want to drive the 2 hours back up to Detroit — he was sympathetic to my plight — I was told they’d ship the hardware to me at no charge.

In fact, he couldn’t stop apologizing to me about a)the fact the hardware was missing in the first place and b)because it would take approximately 5 business days for me to receive the hardware.

Usually when I have to call a CSR, I can’t wait to get off the phone with them because they’re not being helpful at all as I continue to get more and more frustrated. Not the case this time. Although it took him a little while to enter in all the appropriate information, I wasn’t at all bothered because his attitude was so friendly.

I love hearing stories about good — and bad — experiences with customer service. We can all learn a lot from them.

A couple of years ago (before I was with PMP) Harvey Goldglantz, our excellent marketing columnist, wrote a column which featured the famous Nordstrom tire story.

Certainly, most pest management professionals (PMPs) will agree that their customers are their lifeblood. Keeping your customers happy will keep them loyal. After all, you can’t survive without your customers.

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