• Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Uploads 2013 05 Far Side Cartoon
    Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Uploads 2013 05 Far Side Cartoon
    Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Uploads 2013 05 Far Side Cartoon
    Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Uploads 2013 05 Far Side Cartoon
    Contractingbusiness Com Sites Contractingbusiness com Files Uploads 2013 05 Far Side Cartoon

    BLAH BLAH BLAH

    May 29, 2013
    One of my favorite "Far Side" cartoons was the one that showed Ginger the dog getting yelled at by her master. All Ginger heard was, "Blah blah blah Ginger, blah blah Ginger, blah blah blah Ginger!" We all talk to our pets, and I hope most of us realize they have absolutely no idea what we're saying beyond programmed sounds, such as "stick," "outside," "ball," "treat," and perhaps "no".

    One of my favorite "Far Side" cartoons shows Ginger the dog getting yelled at by her master. All Ginger hears is, "Blah blah Ginger, blah blah Ginger!"

    The Far Side® and the Larson® signature are registered trademarks of FarWorks, Inc. Copyright © 2000, 2007 FarWorks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    We all talk to our pets, even though they have no idea what we're saying beyond programmed sounds — "stick," "outside," "ball," "treat," and hopefully, "no."

    But in our rush to communicate with people, are you always clear, and absolutely certain that they're listening and getting the message?

    When you give instructions to your crew, are you absolutely certain they're listening to you? In their defense, have you chosen the right time to give specific instructions (that is, in an official crew meeting, not when they're focusing on getting on the road)? Do they flat out know what you're talkng about as far as some detail related to a service call or installation? Have they been filled in on a particular policy in advance of getting chewed out for not following it? And, when they answer back, are you listening to their explanations or concerns, or are you too focused on what you want to say next?

    And most of all, when customers call with a complaint or concern, do you focus like a laser on their every word before you give an explanation or assure them of a solution?

    If you have some communication tips you want to pass along to other contractors, LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU GOT A MINUTE.

    And please follow me on Twitter, @TerryMcIver

    DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER FOR COMFORTECH, SEPT. 18-20, PHILADELPHIA, PA. Our keynote speaker will be John Kruk of Major League Baseball fame and ESPN Sunday Night Baseball analyst. The show will include a Mechanical Townhall, CEO Leadership Forum lunch, business-building seminars and great nightly entertainment. REGISTER FOR COMFORTECH HERE. Use promo code ctech13 for special pricing.