Holidays and Business

     There are many times when work will interfere with family time. I see a lot of places that are open 24/7, regardless of holidays. I have also seen other business offer time and a half, or double time to people that will work over the holidays. We reward such behavior opposed to...not forbidding it, but encouraging it.
     Humans work. Humans work and work and work, and I must say that humans aren't meant to work like this. No person is. I've heard of many cases far east of people literally working themselves to death. To death! What are we saying about humanity when we can't even stop working to survive?
     Laziness and diligence are two sides of the same coin. Most don't realize this. You can be too lazy. Get nothing done, neglect your health, hygiene, relationships. You can also be too diligent. The symptoms can also be similar, if you think about it.
     There is nothing wrong with working hard. Nothing at all. But there is something wrong when all you do is work. Even for people that don't celebrate any holidays, don't have any family, what- they are supposed to work? They can toil while the "real" people with a family and a holiday enjoy themselves? This isn't right.
     Work. Work hard. But know when it's time to take a break. Contrary to popular belief, working too hard actually inhibits productivity. And. It can also kill you.

     Take a break.

Responsibility

As I become more and more comfortable with my original position here at Budget, I found myself getting bored. Almost as if he knew, my father cued in and told me I need to broaden my scope and start looking at the business from more of an owner's perspective rather than just a manager. I must say I've been re-challenged, re-motivated, and happy to start working on a new aspect of myself.

Getting older has taught me something. Motivations change. Dramatically. What used to get me going ten years ago seems...trivial. I know it sounds stupid. Like, "well duh you blogging moron", but when it hasn't happened to you yet, it's really a shocking moment. Talk about an epiphany.

Not too long ago, I shuddered to think of owning my own business. All the responsibility, problems, bills, taxes, forms, and a whole crappy cornucopia of other terrible things. But after being in the working world for awhile and seen what a good boss and a bad boss is, I can't picture myself working any other way.

I am going to take this business to place it's never been. Here's hopin' that it's a good one.

So Tired and Tried

Things are rough in this area. Sandy destroyed lives. And what she didn't destroy, she altered uncontrollably. Time are dire right now. At least from where I'm standing, but does that really matter? I can't tell anymore. I'm not entirely sure if I can keep motivation solely through positive thinking and optimism. I think in times of great struggle, we must dig even deeper within ourselves and hold on to something that we don't know is there.

Give it whatever name you want. Soul, religion, willpower, grit, determination, guts, et cetera. Whatever that little extra is, many people, inside and outside of Sandy's reach, must dig deep and trudge on in a world that can be cruel and merciless. Truth is, I'm tired this week. Between Sandy and a whole host of other garbage, I'm starting to reach the end of my rope. But that's okay. Cuz there's a big knot at the end of it, and that's where I'm going to hold on to. What I am going to hold on to.

What's your metaphorical knot? Hope? Love? Anger? Stubbornness?

Hurricane Sandy Aid for Small Businesses

If you need aid from business stoppage/destruction, try these links and don't read the rest of this entry:

Express Business Loan Assistance
Disaster Loan Aid
Wiki Definition of Business Interruption Insurance
Detailed Information on Business Interruption Insurance  <---IMPORTANT
Are you in a Declared Disaster Area?

If you wanna stick around for the rest of this entry, now's the time to keep reading. Otherwise, read those links above, get informed, and close out this entry. DON'T WAIT.

Budget has had significant stoppage of business from Sandy. Unfortunately, we don't have the correct type of business interruption insurance, if any. You must check if you do. And if you don't, BUY IT. I know we are. Without this, or without being in a disaster area declared by the state/president, it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to get aid sent to you, as Budget is now starting to find out.

We haven't worked in three, now prolly going on four days. Probably the whole damn week because of one thing- power outages. Budget? We're operational. But our (most of them) customers do not. We can't vacuum, use water, or anything like that. Which means we can't clean. And it also means that we can't get income.

Learn from us. For the love of god, if you weren't affected by Hurricane Sandy (that bitch) BUY business stoppage insurance. Read the links above. You will be sorry if you don't. Budget may be in crunch time, but we are NOT. Going down. You hear me? NEVER are we going down. Ever. Keep on truckin', reader. Don't give up, whether you own a business or not.

Frustration and Futility in the Workplace

Work is stressful. No matter how much you love your job, it will stress you out eventually. Even simple things, like losing a pen, or losing an important file. Having to reload the printer when its out of paper. We also come in contact with toxic people. Customers, co-workers, superiors. But work is work, right?

Wrong.

Work may be hard, it may be stressful, hell. Sometimes it may suck. But that doesn't mean that your feelings and thoughts don't matter. We all have difficult lives. One way or another, there is a struggle out there for everyone, but does that mean we should treat our very lives as a struggle?

Do you have to love your job? No. But should you try and find one that you do love? Of course. Why even live if you can't even try?

Light Posting

You know, I've been trying to come up with some shit to say on this blog about business, or life, and lemmie tell ya. I can't. I'm just really happy right now. Budget is looking towards the horizon, paying down her debt, getting people engaged, boosting morale.

This is just a really good time for the company, even if we are having some cashflow problems. But problems can be solved. And they will be solved. Sometimes, coming to work hurts. It's cold outside, your bed is warm, you want to hide, and a million other excuses. But sometimes? It feels pretty awesome to be employed.

And sometimes, it feels even better to know that one day you'll be in charge, and you can change and mold the company how you see fit. Is it a power trip? No. I'm under no illusion of power. I'm not running the military, or a fortune 500 company. But that doesn't mean what I'll be doing isn't important to me, and those who will be depending on me to make sure I don't mess the company up.

I'm glad that I am where I am. And I can only hope that you can say the same. Enjoy your weekend.

Pushing Limits

Business owners, managers, workers. A lot of us will push ourselves to the point where we can't even see straight anymore. One more shift. One more sale. One more errand. One more this, that, and the other thing. Always trying to get ahead, always trying to get in just a lil' bit more time than the other guy. Now, mostly? I thought that I had a pretty good bead on things. I would push myself, sure. We all must push in order to find out how hard the world will push back. And I thought that I knew my limits.

I did not.

Instead, I pushed past them. Which is good, yes. We should always try and be a little bit better than we were yesterday. But I realized that when you push too hard, you do more harm than good. The last three weeks have been very busy for me. I had a grueling martial arts proficiency test (I passed!), and then a lot of extra physical jobs like carpet cleanings, and the like. I would work through weekends, or take only one day off, and I would push myself further and further mentally and physically. I pushed too hard, and now I'm sick.

Yeah, I got a cold n' shit. Awesome, right? I worked out only ONCE last week, and none this week. I've been tired at work, tired at home, and now I'm sick. Because I pushed myself too. Hard.

This entry is a cautionary one. Work hard. Push yourself. Never settle, never be in your comfort zone for too long. Work baby, work. But for the love of god, don't forget to slow down and just...eat an ice cream cone with your girl/boyfriend. Watch a stupid comedy movie rife with crude humor and gratuitous nudity. Laugh with a friend over a few shots and a brew. HAVE FUN!

If you're always pushing yourself, eventually? You'll be so far past your limit that you'll have to backtrack. And then? All that hard work was for nothing.

Struggle and Reward

Business is hard. Whether you're in the workforce, or running a company of your own, sometimes business stops being work and starts becoming your life. It's a never-ending struggle- it truly is. Between problems with equipment, supplies, timing, vehicles, payment, hiring, AAAAAGGGHHHH! It gets really difficult.

But, most people don't stop. If they do stop, it could be for a whole variety of reasons, but for now, let's focus on not giving up. What does it mean, not to give up? Does it mean to abandon an concept of failure? Or does it mean something more metaphorical? Sometimes, businesses fail not because their owners didn't beleive in them. Didn't work hard enough for them. Sometimes they do, which begs the question, what does not giving up mean?

With some things, the concept is easy to grasp. Like, learning to ride a bicycle, or learning to play your favorite song on an instrument. But with more grand ideas (by grand I mean large) the concept of "not giving up" gets lost in the sheer amount of problems and garbage and stress that men and women must endure. There is struggle. And there are rewards. Do we not give up because of rewards, or do we not give up because we don't want to struggle? Is freeing ourselves from struggle the reward? Hell, I dunno.

I work because I can. I don't have to do anything. I chose to do this, I am choosing to do this. Many other people are just like me. You don't' have to do anything you don't want to do, you just must be ready to deal with the consequences of your actions. So that's why I don't give up. Because I choose to. That's my reason. Whenever life gets difficult, or problems arise in my line of work, I don't just throw my hands up and submit. I choose to keep going, to keep solving, to keep evolving, thinking, doing, becoming. It's why I don't give up. My "reward" is the satisfaction of knowing that I didn't let random occurances in life beat me. My "reward" is knowing I have the freedom to quit at any time, but never do. My "reward" is being alive, struggling, and then laughing the in the face of my obstacles when I overcome them, in business, and in life.

What's your reason for not giving up? I hope you have an answer, because if you don't...I fear for you.

Frustration

There comes a time in all of our careers where things don't go so well. Don't get me wrong- Budget isn't closing her doors anytime soon. But, whether its lack of business, morale, hiring problems, et cetera, we all get angry and frustrated sometimes, no matter how much we love our jobs.

How much are you willing to take at your job? Are you in it for the long haul, or are you just balancing on a stepping stone? That's a scary answer I'm sure. Hell, it's a scary question too. But it's a question we must all ask ourselves if we are to be happy. Being in a job you tolerate or like can be rewarding. Can be.

In spite of your best efforts, sometimes there are road blocks, and other obstacles along the way that can stop you from doing you best. These road blocks can even stop you from caring. Being jaded and cynical in the business world is not a good way to be. Being naive and foolish is also a bad idea.

Like many things in life, business, a good one, is a delicate balance. You must take it seriously, but you must also be calm and lax about it. You must work hard, but you must also rest and slack off every once and awhile. This is your job. Maybe even your career. What's the point in doing anything if you can't enjoy it somehow? Because you stop living after a while of being stuck in a place you hate. You just...survive.

I am frustrated at work. We are having morale and hiring issues, and this is augmented by the fact that we had a very rough and very slow August (as was expect, summer is our slow season). And my stress can leak through and contaminate others very easily. As I try to claw my way out of my own negativity, the others around me must also be trying to better themselves and keep a positive attitude. Otherwise, why are we even here? What are we even doing? Why does it even matter? It fuckin' doesn't.

Sometimes, you're the only one that wants to make a change for the better. Or at least try to make a change. But you must also realize that just because others don't care as much as you do, don't listen to you enough, or ignore you too much, doesn't mean you have to yield to the status quo and become another mindless cog in the grave great machine of work.

We all get frustrated sometimes. We all wanna quit our jobs at least once in our lives. That's normal. But you must also ask yourself if your complaints are genuine feelings of anger and disgust, or just workplace Monday blues. Think about it.

Taking Crap

No matter how good you are, no matter how hard you try, you just can't please everyone. And sometimes, it is directly your fault that you haven't pleased someone. This goes true in life, and in business. Hence the title of this entry, "Taking Crap".

Customers that complain are very important to a business. They let you know what you're doing wrong, what needs to be improved on, what you need to do to be a better company as a whole. I'm glad that we get customers that complain at Budget. We're not perfect, nor will we ever be.

But we all run into individuals in our lives, whether personal or professional, that simply cannot be satisfied. No matter what you do, there is always a problem, there is always something they want done over, there is always a discount they want applied. These types of people (perhaps you are one for shame, shame) can often sour the positive mood of a company, and wreck morale.

This shouldn't happen.

No matter what criticisms you receive in your life, take them with grace, and dignity. Stand up for yourself when applicable, and accept/admit when you are wrong. It gets hard to listen to customers complain sometimes not because it annoys me. It's just that...I feel like I failed them, and I want to try and make things right. As for the other type, I simply deal with them the best I can, and then disconnect from the feelings that the situation has inflicted upon me.

Being in business means you must being accepting of criticism, and capable to take abuse. A thick skin combined with a good attitude and acute intelligence will prevent you from being hurt, and allow you to improve and grow your business.

Any war stories you'd like share?

Hard Work Breaks Office Chains

Over the past weekend, Budget got a large account. So large in fact, that we didn't have enough people to do it, so I and my father worked alongside four other employees to get the job done. After my father left for a wedding, it was just me, and the crew. The manager in me spoke up, making sure that I watched everything that was going on, and made sure that everything got done right. But there was another part of my job and position that I had forgotten about, and that's the physical, back breaking labor.

When I was a teenager, I would work over the summer with my 'rents cleaning homes. I would dust, wash floors, and clean bathrooms. It was hard work. In fact, the only other time I've encountered something more difficult on a job site was working at a farm slingin' hay bales. Anyway, I had become restless at Budget as of late. Bored. Unproductive. In fact, I was dreading the past weekend, and wanted someone else to take my place. But there was no-one else.

There was no-one else, and I am glad that there wasn't. I had forgotten about the physical end of the job, and how rewarding it is to work alongside with other people going towards the same goal you are- cleaning. I was sore, covered in sweat, mentally and physically exhausted,  but I went home that day knowing that we, not I, we did a good job, and out customer will be happy. And guess what? They were happy.

If you are stuck in an office for the majority of the day like I am, try and get out in the field somewhere to do some real, honest to goodness physical labor if you can, or are able. It shakes off the dust of being a sedentary creature sitting at a computer all day. I know this because I am recharged and re motivated to do good in the company again, and it was all because I reminded myself of how hard all our employees work, and how much time they put into they're jobs. I feel like a new man. I truly do.

Eight Days Straight

I haven't had a day off in eight days. Am I complaining? Ab-so-lutely not. There are people that go twice as long, and longer I'm sure. Then why am I running my mouth?

Because I'm, once again, understanding more and more about what it means to be an owner. And it's an honor! Listen. Last week, my father Bill couldn't perform the weekend duties around here, so I covered for him. He's my dad, and he's my co-worker. I would have done it for anybody, and twice over for him. There was no-one we could trust to do it, so it came down to me working a very long week. And you know what? It was difficult, and one of the greatest challenges in my life.

And I was happy to do it. Stressed, tried, and worn out, but happy to do it. I know I helped make a difference here at Budget, like my parents, and the countless employees before me that actually give a damn about this place and where its going. For the first time, I really truly felt like I was a valuable member to this company. Personally, this week meant a lot to me, and I am know that'll I'll be able to run this business when I get in the saddle.

Long Week and Hard Work

I was never afraid of hard work. That is, I do all that I am able to within the confines of my mortal limits. Last week was one of the hardest weeks I have ever had in the working world. I now know why being short handed is so crippling. I now know why my father, Bill, was so tired when I was growing up. I now know why small business owners are some of the hardest working people on the planet.

We all work hard. Well, people that are functional members of society. And this isn't a pissing contest as to who works the hardest, no. This is...well I guess a monument? Tribute? Post to those who work until there is nothing left, and then put in a few more hours before going home.

As my job description grows, I have less time in the day to do everything that I need to. Complaint? No. I want more responsibility, I want to grow and learn more. But, when there is no-one to do a job, you have to do it yourself. I mean you don't have to, but you have to be ready to accept the consequences of your lax attitude. I've been on multiple estimates, did multiple carpet cleanings, one completely by myself, and then do my regular job on top of it all. I was completely burned out from two Saturdays ago all the way up until Sunday of last week.

Personal problems, along with a massive workload, drain anyone. But last week? I thought I had reached my limit long ago. Now? I truly know what that limit is, and what I need to do to get past it and improve it. As hard as last week was, I am glad for it. I am glad that my muscles are tight, my mind was fried, and my hands ached. Each moment of discomfort was an affirmation of adulthood and leadership. So as hard as your job may be, relish that challenge, move past it, and evolve into a better human being. Am I enlightened? HA! No way.

But I wanna try to be.

Lonely at the Top

Okay, before I continue, I realize Budget is a small Mom n' Pop. I have no delusions of grandeur, or anything like that.

That said, this phrase applies to owners of any size company, I don't care how many, or how few. Bill and Jacquie (the owners and my parents) are on vacation this week, leaving me, the General Manager, and our Receptionist/Field Manager all by our lonesomes. This is okay, I can deal. But the last time this happened, the week they took off was pretty quiet. Now?

I've never had to do so many different things in such rapid succession in my entire life, and while it feels great to do this stuff, help run the company, have the owners trust me, I understand why my 'rents were always so tired when I was growing up. There is a lot to do in order to run a business, and when you're the only dude that people go to for the final decision, it's. Well?

Scary.

In spite of this, I enjoy the challenge presented to me this week. I've done estimates, carpet cleanings, repairs, gas refills, employee pick ups, troubleshooting, marketing, deposits, phone estimates, follow ups, and a whole SLEW of different things this week in addition to my regular job. It's daunting, but I go home ever day very satisfied. And egear to get back to work the next day.

What about you? Ever been in a position like mine? What's it feel like for you to be at the helm for a while?

Do It Yourself

Business owners do a LOT by themselves.

In the name of saving money, self satisfaction, hobbies, you name it. My father and I spent three days fixing the upstairs toilet at our office. Why? Saves money. And my dad loves plumbing (he doesn't know why). We repair our own vacuums, repair our own cars (whenever possible). All in the name of saving some dough.

Is it being cheap? I dunno. Doesn't feel that way. I mean, when something gets too much for any of us here, we turn to a professional. Hell, I thought we'd have to do that with the toilet until we finally figured it out.

A business owner must be self sufficient and infinitely positive. He/she must be always ready to do a job that they don't want to do. They must be ready to solve problems, pay bills, and grow business. A business owner is the ultimate do-it-yourselfer in my opinion. Whether you're repairing a busted porcelain throne, or changing the oil in a company car, a business owner must be many things.

What do you think?

Cleaning as Our Part

Budget helps people. The way we do it is unique, however.

Cleaning services that are just cleaning services are typically not that good. Treating a client like just any other job doesn't make for a lot of rapport with said client. Most business that treat business as something without any dimension, any feel, doesn't get far. And if they do, the foundation such a business is built on makes the whole structure weak. Eventually, it'll all come crashin' down. Mark my words.

I understand that cleaning is not the first career choice for most individuals. Hell, owning a cleaning company may not be either. But, let's stop talking about cleaning. Let's focus on all businesses. Why do we go to work? Why do we own a business? What's the fucking purpose behind it all?

The purpose? Well. You gotta invent one. Or more accurately, find the purpose already there. When I was younger, I thought that a cleaning business is pretty straight forward. You clean, you get paid. But people come to us with all sorts of problems. Financial, marital, household, kids, job, I mean you name it. They come to us for help with cleaning their home.

That's when I discovered the purpose of Budget. It's not to clean. It's to help give someone their life back through cleaning. Once I discovered that, everything became...a little easier. What's your purpose? Do you have one? If not, you should get on it.

Employee Motivation

How do you motivate employees? How do you present consequences for their actions?

As straightforward as this may seem, it isn't. When I first got into this business on a full time basis, I thought hours and money where the only thing employees were after. I was wrong. I have learned that many different things go into a happy employee and their performance at the company they work at. I don't know why this came as a shock because I have worked in places where I didn't care how much money I made. I hated the work.

So how do you motivate someone who hates their job? You can't, is the answer. This is something that I've learned over working here at Budget. No everyone that comes through that door and decides to work for us is going to have the same amount of passion and desire as I do. At first, it hurts a little. It's like saying, why don't you believe in this company as much as I do? But I've learned that money, as long as they think they're being paid fairly, comes in a distant last place compared to what a person looks for in a job.

Suprises are at every turn when you go into any field, any new job. And as much as I know now, I know. I don't know the half of it. What about yourself? How do you feel about your job? Your employees? What would make you, or them happier? Can you make them happier? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Cleaning and the Environment

Cleaning produces unclean things.

What exactly does that mean? I'll explain. You see, cleaning chemicals do a whole multitude of things. They break up grease, stains. They can kill viruses, bacteria, molds, and fungus. They can make a surface shine, while protecting it. Most even smell pretty good. But we don't really consider what happens to all that gunk that gets washed or thrown away.

Here's my point. Think of the impact you are making when you use certain cleaning products like bleach, or ammonia. Be wary of where you dump slop buckets. Green products work very well, they're not like they used to be. Many are also powerful anti-microbial agents, too. Our green cleaner kills E. Coli, Staph, and HIV just to name a few unsavory organisms.

You can get your house clean with minimal, or no impact to the environment. Use non-phosphate soaps. Try cleaners that have peroxide as an active ingredient. Don't use paper towels- use rags that you can utilize again. Simple steps, I know, but we can all do them.

Stages of Life

Hello again. Too long been gone, good to be back.

Stages of life is the topic today. And before you think I'm getting too metaphysical/phorical/transcendental, this isn't what you think. I know, I know. Just bare with me. As we age, our outlook typically changes. What's important suddenly isn't. And we start to change our priorities as we mature and gain success in our own personal lives. Personal lives. If you own a business, then it becomes a part of your personal life, whether you like it or not.

My parents are in the stage of life where they want to give back. And I applaud them for that. Their priorities are shifting- they want to retire, they want to do volunteer work, they want to relax, they want to live without the burden of a business hanging over their heads.

I am not in this stage of my life. Now, don't think I'm a heartless piece o' trash taking and never giving back. I have done volunteer work in the past, and would do it again. I'm not a selfish and greedy miser with my mind always thinking about money.

Me? I'm focusing on Budget, something my parents still want to do, but not so intensely as I am. I want to take on more responsibility, manage more, learn more. Hungry is a dumb word here. Everyone uses hungry. Ravenous, absorption, all that crap. I want...I want to be a better person. A better man. More well rounded, better at what I do, how I do it, and how I conduct myself. I want to grow along with the business I will be running, and I want to evolve alongside it.

That's better than just saying I'm hungry, right?