By Dorothy Skinner
Optimism is the way!
Can you believe we are about to finish our first quarter of this new year of 2016?
First we all tiptoed in, not knowing what to expect. Many changes are coming up. A major presidential election. Daily news updates on terror attacks that seem to get closer and closer.
Upset weather that claimed lives of neighbors in such a flash of time.
So much has happened already just this quarter. It does make you pause and wonder what is coming next. What will affect your business?
How has your business fared so far? It’s important to recognize the good in times like these.
My plumbing service work has had a very good first quarter. I have the feeling that people are optimistic about the future. We are seeing lots of updating with new trim in bathrooms and kitchens. Usually we see this sprucing up before a holiday so getting this extra boost to business after the holidays is very welcome and appreciated.
Interest rates have remained low and it could be that people want to get in on the low rates as we are starting to hear sound bites about rates rising soon.
We don’t ever know for sure what is coming next, but I think we should make our plans for this next quarter with a very positive attitude. Plan for growth and allow yourself some space for reflection. Do what you can to let your customers know you are wide open for business. if possible, give them options because they will appreciate being able to make the final decision on a purchase or repair.
I enjoy getting good reviews and kind comments and I know you do too. Be sure to be generous with your reviews when someone does a good job for you as well. As small business owners we have an opportunity to help each other succeed. Let’s be a little bolder, maybe not just tiptoe, as we enter the next quarter.
Dorothy Skinner is the owner of Gary’s Quality Plumbing, serving the north Dallas area, Wylie, McKinney, and Allen, Texas. Dorothy and her husband, Gary, raised six children in the plumbing service industry and have built their company of almost 50 years on customer service and fair pricing. Find their ad in The OffBeat Business Magazine.
