Small Business Information |
|
Dealing With a Crooked on the Take Government Worker
Many government department heads are on the take. Oh they'll jump up and down and swear legitimacy, but it just is not so. Over one-third of Americans will lie to a small business owner to save $2.00 and that same one-third of our population works in government. I am not condemning anyone, merely pointing out fact thru observation and 27 years experience dealing with governmental department heads. Now then two-thirds are honest and would never think of defrauding the public or taxpayer. We are not talking about those fine folks in government in this article. We applaud their public service even if half of them are totally inept, they are not crooks, so let that be known right here. How do you deal with a crooked department head when you know your competition is slipping them some extra dough or free products or services on the side. For instance the Governor of CT with free pool, deck and landscaping or the Governor of NJ who had more than services slipped up his rear end. Let's take this situation. We are in the mobile washing business and a department head was getting a kick back from our competition. We knew this. We could not secure the contract after being the low bidder three years in a row and we were not going to lower ourselves to bribes or kick backs. But if we were to do a car wash fundraiser for their son's or daughter's soccer team or give them free car washes, no one would have a problem with that. When a department head asks you "What's in it for me if you get this contract? You know he is on the take, how you handle the answer will determine your integrity level. Here is the proper answer and what we say to them in our company: "Sir, I guarantee that I can save you money on this year's budget. I will help you look better, cleaner and more fiscally responsible than any other department in this city. And further more, you will be driving the cleanest personal car of any employee this city ever had. I intend to make you look good and for that my friend, you can feel good about leading the way in hiring the best, most prompt and most responsible mobile car and truck wash company, my company, The Car Wash Guys!. We are number one and you will soon find out why. When can we start?" Be firm, stand tall and let them know they need you; because they do. And that goes for whatever you are selling. If they are on the take with other companies for city services and products then they are not receiving adequate quality for the public monies they have been entrusted to spend. If there becomes too much of this type of hanky panky their entire department will suffer from substandardness. If this is the case, they really need you. Think about that high road when dealing with crooked slime, on the take department heads of public agencies. If it makes you puke you are not alone. Do your anorexic duty in the bathroom on your own time. This is business and you must be in it to win it. Thank on this. "Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Predicting Business Retirement Satisfaction for Business Owners Most business owners do not think of selling their companies as "retiring". Instead, these vital entrepreneurs see selling their business as a "transition." For most business owners this does not mean slowing down or endless days of rest and relaxation. Rather they see "retirement" as a new, active stage in their lives characterized by continued personal growth, personal reinvention and new beginnings in work and leisure. Small Business Grants - Tips from the Pros Every business starts with an idea or a dream. To implement this idea or to turn your dream in to reality you require finance. A grant supports the business ideas and turns the dreams of an entrepreneur in to reality. Presentations and Sales Automotive Detailers Many auto detailers fall short in their sales presentations. I have often shopped the competition to see what their knowledge base was to gage their worthiness as a formidable competitor in the market place. What I have found is that many auto detailers lack the specific knowledge needed to help their business grow and to present themselves as experienced in their work to the customers. Getting Behind in Your Work? You Need a Virtual Assistant! If you don't know what a Virtual Assistant (or VA) is, don't worry. I only came across the term myself about a year ago. It seemed like a high-tech occupation that I would know little about until I stumbled across some information and found out that I was a Virtual Assistant! Not only that, I realized that small businesses were missing out on the opportunity to improve their efficiency by neglecting the vast talent so easily available online. Fire the CEO If you are the boss and you think your job is to run the business, you are dead wrong. Your job, the most important job in any business, is to market the business. Franchising 101- What You Absolutely Need to Know Franchising has made the world look really small. The well known flavors are now not just restricted to a single town or city but can be enjoyed world wide. Otherwise it would only be a dream for somebody in Asia to wear the fashion of Europe, for the West to have delectable food of the East etc. Globally as well as domestically the system of franchising has something good for everyone. Business Checks are an Added Cost to Your Small Business - Try Making Them Yourself! Starting and managing a small business is no fun chore, especially when it comes to the accounting. There are a few common sense ways that you can help that bottom line. SBIR vs STTR SBIR vs. STTR: If you are participating in the SBIR program you may also want to consider participating in the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program. The STTR program is considered SBIR's twin sister, although there are some added hoops one must jump through in order to participate. Like SBIR, the STTR is the US Government's way of providing "seed" money to spawn technology growth. The key difference however is in the structure of the effort, whereas a small business must partner (via a subcontract) to a university or non-profit research institution in order to acquire STTR funding. How to Bond a Business Relationship When should you create a foundation in order to solidify a business relationship? There Is Security in Change... But Use Caution It has been said that the only constant is change. That statement, while true for everyone, it is especially true for those engaged in business activities. Creative Business Card Marketing Announcements can be handed out as a business card Keeping Business Alive Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship? The Failures Guide to Small Business Success How many "get rich schemes" have you joined? Or have you invested in numerous legitimate business endeavors only to have them not work for you? Have you started you business and now facing a complete shut down? Do you consider yourself a failure? Are your loved ones pressing you to give up? If You Want To Be Remembered... Send handwritten notes. That applies whether you're a guy or a gal. It's not about being touchy-feely, it's about maintaining good business relationships with the people you know and the prospects you meet. Five Break-through Ideas to Immediately Increase Profits and Improve Cash Flow Too often in business we get trapped into reviewing our sales numbers without analyzing the all important "profit" number. This is commonly referred to as the "bottom-line" of a business. There are various ways you can dramatically impact your profitability. Serious About Writing A Business Plan... Start A Business Plan Library Tap these treasures of ideas. The best money you can spend is money invested in your business plan education. Don't shortchange yourself when it comes to investing in your dream. Start gathering samples of business plans and collect business plan books and get a business plan library started, it can change your future. Here's what your library needs to show: that you're a serious student of business strategy and planning, finance and economics, selling, and writing. Advertising - For Small Businesses (Part 2) How to do it Get In Touch With Your Competition! We all know that competition is an ugly word but competitors are a fact of life in business. If your business can't compete with other businesses, don't start it. You have to have some type of an edge. Beginning an Internship Program CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the intern will be needed each week. Will specific hours be adhered to, or will the schedule be more flexible? Applicants want to know up front what they will be paid, if anything. At this point specify whether the intern will be paid by project, by the hour, a stipend, or not at all. Remember that internships which at least offer a stipend will attract more qualified individuals. Do You Own Your Business Or Does It Own You? What was your aim when you went into business for yourself? Chances are you wanted to be your own boss, be in control of your future, improve your chances of earning a high income, among other things. |
home | site map |
© 2005 |