HANDING DOWN WINDOWS TO THE NEXT GENERATION

Exactly a year ago, I did a blog post called Regarding February. Well, here we are again. Thank goodness it is almost over, because it is just not my favorite month. However, we are having such a mild winter, I have decided to view it as getting ready for spring.

As a result, I contacted My Window Man here in Albuquerque, which means I talked to Maria who was highlighted in my last post, and I invited them over to make my windows sparkle. Lo and behold, my grandson Hunter, who just celebrated his fifth birthday,  tried his hand at holding a squeegee.

The way time flies it won’t be long until he accompanies his dad more often. Not sure how many he cleaned, but they all look so much better. 

Thanks, My Window Man!

BABIES, WINDOWS AND MORE WINDOWS

In a world that changes by the minute it is always nice to experience stick-to-it-iveness at least sometimes. On February 7, 1986, I interviewed Maria to be the nanny for my kids which included two month old twins. She was the best choice, and as an extra bonus she was a twin herself. We lived in California back then, and we were just getting the second My Window Man up and running.

About two years later we sold that company, along with a start up in LA. We invited Maria to move with us to Albuquerque, and she agreed. As our needs changed, Maria blended right into the transitions. This past Tuesday, she celebrated her 26th anniversary.  She now works for our daughter, Stephanie, who was 4 years old when Maria was her nanny. When Stephanie was younger she babysat Maria’s daughter, and that same daughter (Melissa) has put in time babysitting Stephanie’s kids as well.  All of the aforementioned kids feel very comfortable hanging around a My Window Man. Any one of them can wield a phone or a squeegee.

Dedicated employees like Maria do not come around everyday. 

      We appreciate you!

I am not sure it could happen, but I think For Your Windows needs one of you. 

WINDOW TO WHATCHAMACALLIT

Okay, you were probably born in some decade last century. Maybe the 60′s or the 40′s or something like that. Please tell me, when my four younger grandchildren, all born between 2003 and 2008, are older how will they refer to the decade they were born in?  Having done a bit of research, I find that I am not the only person asking this question. Over the past 10 years there has been no consistent agreement on this.

Here are some of the choices.

1) The 2000′s

2) The aughties

3) The aught naughts

4) The naughties

5) The oh oh’s

6) The ohsies

7) The twenty hundreds

And now we are in the in-betweens maybe? Or is it the “tens”?

You would think that because this problem existed at the turn of the last  two centuries, someone would have found a solution. I think we need to come to an agreement on this  so we can hand it down to our future generations. 

I started For Your Windows in 2010. What is your suggestion on how I can refer to that later?

WINDOWS WITHSTAND WHATEVER WEATHER

Whether the weather be fine,

Or whether the weather be not,

Whether the weather be cold,

Or whether the weather be hot,

We’ll weather the weather,

Whatever the weather,

Whether we like it or not.

Author Unknown

I have been rolling up my sleeves lately and working to help schedule work for my favorite window cleaning company here in Albuquerque, My Window Man. It might have just a little to do with the company being owned by family. To get the year started out with a boost we are offering a discount to repeat customers. The weather has been incredible, up until today’s windy presence.  We have had cool, but sunny New Mexico skies – perfect for window cleaning.

That condition does not stop customers from questioning the weather. I get amused when I look at their past notes from May or August and it says, “Call me when it is not so windy” or “I will call you when it is not so hot.” I am pleasant with them of course, but weather is weather whenever.

If you windows are dirty, don’t hesitate to hire a professional to clean them in the winter. Cool crisp winter days look better with clean windows.

And, it is always a good time to check out cheap  discounted window covering at For Your Windows.

ANYONE IN DIXVILLE NOTCH NEED WINDOW COVERINGS?

At the risk of leaning to politics, which I am not doing on this blog, I want to mention Dixville Notch. If you do not know what or where that is, don’t feel bad. I am probably older than most of you, and I was not familiar with it either.

Each election year, New Hampshire is the first to hold a primary. Dixville Notch actually opens their polls at midnight and closes them a few minutes later after their small population has cast their votes.

Last night they had nine voters, which was a bit lower than normal. This event has been going on since 1960. The interesting thing about it, is that since 1968, whoever got the most votes for the Republican nomination has won it again for the general election.  Last night there was a tie. Wonder what that will bring.

I find this intriguing. Maybe it is all just coincidental, but small happenings can sometimes manifest much bigger phenomena. Never underestimate the power of a tiny idea.

I bet Dixville Notch is lacking a brick and mortar location that sells window coverings. Guess what! For Your Windows offers what you need at its online store, and it ships nationwide.

A WINDOW TO EAGERLY OPEN

Are you ready?

I am!

I am looking forward to opening the window to 2012.  Most people want to lose weight, save money or quit smoking again. Those are all good resolutions for sure. After much thought here are my top decisions for 2012.

 

1) Be kinder to myself and everyone I meet, know and love.

2) Dress up naked windows that need new coverings by shopping at For Your Windows.

3) Help others keep their windows clean and dressed up as needed.

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

Happy New Year to all my visitors. Thank you for a great 2011 and please come back often next year.

 

DECORATING INSIDE THE WINDOW

So, where did December go? Actually, what happened to the whole darn year?

I hope all of you readers have finished most of your holiday shopping and decorating, and you are ready to just enjoy time with friends and family. 

We keep it small these days, but is still feels like Christmas.

I will be back blogging about windows, etc. next week,

Have a wonderful Holiday, and thank you for reading my blog.

WINTER WINDOWS

I could say I have been trying to thaw out this week. That certainly is what the fish in the pond outside my window have been doing.  The birdies have been walking on the frozen water every morning.

We had some record cold temperatures here in NM this past week.

It has been fun observing the persistence those window washers across the nation have when the weather turns cold and snowy. Trust me, they are all ready and willing to do their job, which is to make your windows sparkle.

Don’t let the weather stop you from getting yours clean for the holidays. Your window washer will appreciate you!

And, if you are missing your hummingbirds like I am, and want to see windows they are still outside of, be sure to check out the  live Phoebe Web Cam in Southern  California. The first babies of the season are fun to watch. One hatched yesterday, and the other just might today, so visit often.

A HOLIDAY LIST

Is there anything more fun than helping others be successful with their business? Probably not!

That is why I have compiled a list of ways to shop and/or get ready for the holiday season.

Need an assistant to lighten your load, contact Erika. She is virtual!      VPA

A great way to keep in touch…check out Send Out Cards.

If you need a wardrobe addition or a gift idea, visit KikaPaprika.

Pearls make a great gift. These are custom crafted by Claire.  Clarista Pearls

Looking for a photographer in Albuquerque, look here. R Wolfe Studio

Planning a trip soon. Contact Karen at  BTS Cruise and Tour. She knows her places!

Want some help decorating no matter what time of year. Kathleen is the person. Martinez Interiors

If  the recent weather in Albuquerque has damaged your roof, check out Doyle Roof Masters.

Have you seen all the new digital ideas for scrapbooking?  Creative Memories

Behavior modification in the Pacific Northwest…visit a Positive Changes Hypnosis Center

If you need window cleaner or house cleaning anywhere, be sure to check with me. I know a lot of them!

Now, if I may indulge a bit as I keep it in the family.

If you live in Albuquerque and want a massage, contact Kelly.  Massage Works

Want window cleaning in Albuquerque?  My Window Man

If you do any gift shopping (even for yourself) on AMAZON, please use my daughter’s affiliate link. Also, visit her coupon and bargain site often for great deals.  Wheel N Deal Mama

   ALL YOUR AMAZON shopping

and, please remember…

 gift certificates are available at Wallpaper for Windows, and maybe someone you know would like a neat bird feeder or greenhouse, available at the Outside Your Windows department. 

For Your Windows ships NATIONWIDE!

Networking and referring other businesses is almost as much fun as the holidays.

A NEW WINDOW TO HELPFUL INFORMATION

I hope you don’t mind if I blog about a blog today. I love finding new sources of information and tips to run a business. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about customer service, especially since I believe it is an important thing to perfect these days. I know one thing for sure, it is more fun to improve our customer service than worry about the economy.

Check out this article and the whole blog for some great stuff!

12 Most Stupendous Ways to ROCK Customer Service

I wrote my first book, Five-Star Customer Service, with one simple premise in mind: you don’t have to charge Ritz-Carlton prices to give Ritz-Carlton service! After all, a sincere smile costs you nothing, but that alone can build you an empire – just ask Chick Fil-A how that type of warmth is working for them as they compete for customers with McWendy King.

No matter what business you’re in, you can make Five-Star Customer Service your calling card as well. Begin with some of the “12 Quick Tips” I share with each of my Five-Star audiences.

Everyone else out there is making the same sloppy mistakes, treating their customers poorly – and setting expectations low. Follow these suggestions and lock your customers in for life.

Remember, Spoiled = Loyal. Spoil your customers with your outstanding customer service.

1. Make your company a H.I.T.

Hire for attitude. Inspire through pride. Train in skills.

In. That. Order.

Remember: you can teach job-skills to anyone with half a brain, as long as their mind is open to learning. Attitude is key. When hiring, start there or suffer the consequences.

2. “It’s not my fault, but it is my problem” – Disney

Don’t take complaints personally. …But do solve them. The buck stops with you, no matter where you land on the org chart.

3. You are always on a job interview

Who’s to say that your client’s dorky intern won’t be your biggest customer three years from now, or your next boss? Give the same unrivaled level of customer service to everyone you meet, all week long.

4. If it works for Stew…

This one is written in stone outside Stew Leonard’s, “The World’s Largest Dairy Store.” If it works for Stew… I’d at least give it a try if I were you.

Rule #1 – The customer is always right
Rule #2 – If the customer is ever wrong, reread Rule #1

Of course customers make mistakes: they’re people, too! But you’ve got to stop thinking like that, or you’ll never provide Five-Star Customer Service. If the customer wants it, your only desire should be to provide it.

Ted Coiné

http://www.tedcoine.com/

Ted Coiné is the business heretic at the helm of the Catalyst blog. Author and speaker, futurist, and happily-former CEO, Ted is currently writing his third book, Catalyst, about how business will be done in this exciting new century. Follow him on Twitter and join the conversation on #leadbiz.

To read this article in its entirety, visit it here

The other 8 ways are great too.  I really like the one about not fussing at your customer. If you own a business, focus on this customer service issue. You may not be able to change the economy, but you can change how you view and value your customers.