New Years Office Hours

Please note our office will be closed Monday, January 2nd.  We will resume business January 3rd at 8:30am MST.

As a reminder, please send Kameron and Elisha your 90 Day goals.

NEW Free Text Messaging Program!

In our continual effort to add value to the Spectrum Home Services brand, the corporate office will be rolling out a text messaging program free to all franchisee’s that would like to participate.  This program is a savings of $90 for each franchise office if they are to participate.  In order to participate, you will need to send an excel spread sheet to the corporate office with the first and last name of your clients or business contacts with their cell phone number. This will only work for phones that receive text messages, so do not send an office number or a home number, cell phone numbers only please.  You can easily pull this information from your QuickBooks by going to your customer center, click Excel and customer list.  Once you have exported the information please send it to Lydia Nagel (lnagel@spectrumhomeservices.com).  She will then enter the information into the database and let you know once it is completed. From that point, we can send out text messages with special offers based on the services you currently are providing, seasonal offerings, promotions and general information.  All messages will be directed to our 1-800 number here at the corporate office. We will then collect their information and email it to you to follow up for an appointment. 

This program has been piloted here locally and we have seen positive results.  Please note at anytime your customer may opt-out of this program at anytime.  This is a great, free way for you to advertise your business.

Please send your spreadsheets to lnagel@spectrumhomeservices.com. If you have any questions, please call Lydia or Elisha at 801-432-8182.

Be a believer to be an achiever...

The professor stood before his class of 30 senior molecular biology students, about to pass out the final exam. 'I have been privileged to be your instructor this semester, and I know how hard you have all worked to prepare for this test. I also know most of you are off to medical school or grad school next fall,' he said to them.

'I am well aware of how much pressure you are under to keep your GPAs up, and because I know you are all capable of understanding this material, I am prepared to offer an automatic 'B' to anyone who would prefer not to take the final.'

The relief was audible as a number of students jumped up to thank the professor and departed from class. The professor looked at the handful of students who remained, and offered again, 'Any other takers? This is your last opportunity.' One more student decided to go.

Seven students remained. The professor closed the door and took attendance. Then he handed out the final exam. There were two sentences typed on the paper:

'Congratulations, you have just received an 'A' in this class. Keep believing in yourself.'

I never had a professor who gave a test like that. It may seem like the easy way out of grading a bunch of exams, but it's a test that any teacher in any discipline could and should give. Students who don't have confidence in what they've learned are 'B' students at best.

The same is true for students of real life. The 'A' students are those who believe in what they're doing because they've learned from both successes and failures. They've absorbed life's lessons, whether from formal education or the school of hard knocks, and become better people.

Those are the people who you look for when you're hiring or promoting, and the ones you keep if you're downsizing. Your organisation needs their brand of thinking.

Psychologists say that by the age of two, 50 percent of what we ever believe about ourselves has been formed; by age six, 60 percent, and at eight years, 80 percent. Wouldn't you love to have the energy and optimism of a little kid? There is nothing you couldn't do or learn or be.

But you're a big kid now, and you realise you have some limits. Don't let the biggest limit be yourself. Take your cue from Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest: 'It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.'

Believing in yourself comes from knowing what you are really capable of doing. When it's your turn to step up to the plate, realise that you won't hit a homerun every time. Baseball superstar Mickey Mantle struck out more than 1,700 times, but it didn't stop him from excelling at baseball. He believed in himself, and he knew his fans believed in him.

Surround yourself with positive people - they know the importance of confidence and will help you keep focused on what you can do instead of what you can't. Who you surround yourself with is who you become.

Never stop learning! I would work this advice into every column if I could; it's that important. Don't limit yourself only to work-related classes, either. Learn everything about every subject that you can. When you know what you're talking about, it shows.

Be very careful not to confuse confidence with a big ego. If you want people to believe in you, you also have to believe in them. Understand well that those around you also have much to contribute, and they deserve your support. Without faith in yourself and others, success is impossible.

At the end of a particularly frustrating practice one-day, a football coach dismissed his players by yelling, 'Now all you idiots, go take a shower!' All but one player headed toward the locker room. The coach glared at him and asked why he was still there.

'You told all the idiots to go, Sir,' the player replied, 'and there sure seems to be a lot of them. But I am not an idiot.'

Confident? You bet. And smart enough to coach that team some day.

Moral: Believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

Written by Harvey Mackay Author of the New York Times bestsellers  - 'Swim With The Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive' and 'Pushing The Envelope

~ Kameron Thorne

It's all about relationships...

I saw this and it made me think... (Read more at: http://www.actioncoach.com/It-Is-All-About-Relationships?pressid=608)

"It’s all about relationships.  It’s all about the stories you create through your actions - the ‘stories’ people tell of you - the ‘word of mouth’ you create but rarely hear back in perfect honesty.  It’s all about authenticity, substance, and the quality and depth of your relationships.  If you look at every relationship with an aim to quick sell, you are being short-sighted.  But if you look at every relationship in its entirety over the long-term you will be rewarded in all ways- only one of them being financially.  What is the story people tell about you? What is your word of mouth?" ~ Brad Sugars

Spectrum Franchise Representatives- Announcement

We would like to announce the 2012 Spectrum Franchise Representatives! 

Bill Kritzik; SHS of the Rockies

Jerome Morales; SHS of Central Texas

Jamie Banks; SHS of Central Arizona

The representatives were chosen by you in the survey after the conference this year.  This position was optional for all of them to accept and we got lucky... they ALL accepted!  We are grateful to have these three owners assist in being an example to the group, developing the Spectrum Home Services brand nationally and a liaison between your office and ours. 

Here is a list of who will be assigned to your franchise office:

Jerome Morales

Kim Abelman

Garry & Karen Terrell

Dan Dove

Steve & Erin Kelly

Don Mascot

John & Trudy O'Toole

Joe & Jill Palese

Bill & Elaine Prophet

Rick & Tanya Schwartzbeck

Larry Spradling

Bill Kritzik

Roger Davis

Dan & Susan Dueber

Daryl Ferguson

Jim Jayjock & Geoffry Fry

Rob Langbehn

Rob & Amy Moore

John Roeske

Steve Roubik

Frank & Sharon Teasley

Tracey Yotsuuye

Jamie Banks

Tom & Naddine Barrett

Frank & Melissa Beck

Hal & Jeanette Fairless

Dan Judd & TJ Cook

Phillip & Sarah Martin

Chris & Margo Mathewson

Francis Mistry

Steve & Karen Roston

Chris & Guinea Spahr

Gary & Peggy Tresner

Tom & Debbie Vinopal

*NOTE: New franchisee offices or those that are coming off of a hold status will be added to a representative at a later date. 

During the first quarter of this year you will be contacted by your representative; however, if at anytime you need to contact them please feel free to do so. 

We would like to thank Roger Davis, John O'Toole and Jamie Banks for their service this year!  We appreciate your assistance.

Wow... the New Year is just around the corner!

With the new year approaching quickly I think back on 2011...  This year has gone by so quickly! 

This last week I had another meeting with Handi-Ramp regarding the pricing structure, products and finalizing an agreement between both companies.  They are offer a lot of products I believe we can use as additional revenue and offerings when working with our clients, commercial or residential.  I am hoping to have something in writing in soon!  Our current agreement is:
     - SHS will receive 25% off all wheel chair ramps (which means we go to HandiRamp with the need).
     - SHS will charge HandiRamp $55 an hour, 1 hour minimum on all work received/referred by HandiRamp. 

Also, last week we had a couple of wins that I would like to share with you:
- Kim Abelman: went "home" to South Africa for the first time in 9 years!  We hope she enjoys her time with her family and friends...

- Daryl Ferguson: is seeing the rewards from attending his Chamber of Commerce meetings on a regular basis.  Like today, he went out and did an estimate for replacing some doors for $3,300.  Staying conisistent with your marketing & networking is one of the hardest things for most of us.  Setting aside one day a week to work on your business and market will help grow your business and keep you from going stagnent.

There are more wins from last week, but I am currently out in Arizona with the Vinopal's and don't have my notes.  I will post more wins next week, so please share!  Also, if you need to contact me you can reach me on my cell phone or by email.  If we are scheduled for a call and I am running a few minutes late please call me on my cell phone as a friendly reminder.

More to come... just a busy week!  Hope it is for you as well...
:) Elisha

Being grateful...

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." ~ W.T. Purkiser

Happy Thanksgiving Spectrum family!  I hope everyone enjoys the holiday with family & friends and eats lots and lots of yummy food! 

I love the holiday season since it is a time where we can show our appreciation to those around us and acknowledge the blessing we have been given.  As a business owner we receive many blessings, but most often we feel as though they are in disguise.  As a business owner we are also known as something else, the problem solver.  As the problem solver we often look past the positive things that are happening in our business.  Think back to when you started your business...  Do you remember the excitement you felt when you received your first work order or project?  I know some of you who framed your first dollar, rang a bell for every new business you closed or called me with excitement to tell me about all of the great new business you had won that week.  Those are also known as blessings.  Blessings tend to disguise themselves, especially when we aren’t looking for them. 

Remember, look for the blessing you have as a business owner and you will see the positive effects it will have on you, your attitude, your business and staff.    

This week & last week at SHS we had a lot of great things happening!

·        I got a hold of Vicki at LPS after a bit of phone tag.  For those that are interested and looking to expand their client base in REO & Property Preservation please send me the zip codes for your area to see if LPS has a need in your area.   

·        Daryl Ferguson completed his first deck project.  I think it turned out wonderful!  Great work Daryl and thank you sharing photos…

·        Frank and Melissa Beck just submitted an estimate for a $50,000 roofing project on a church they have been painting.  They also received handyman business from two email blasts they sent out, see example email campaigns emailed. 

·        Jim Jayjock & Geoffry Fry are just starting in Southern California… They just signed their first contractor to assist them with handyman, REO & property preservation projects. 

·        John Roeske found a new lead housekeeping supervisor!  He has been using a company called Snag-a-Job and receiving approximately three leads for employees per a week.  Also, this week he received 3 new leads from Service Magic- 2 leads turned into recurring clients and 1 into a one-time clean.    

·        Jamie & Pam Banks won a $30,000 remodeling project!

·        Phill & Sarah Martin have been very busy with handyman projects in their area.  So busy they have had to hire more staff to handle all of the projects and meet their deadlines.  Phill told me about one of the guys he had interviewed and I thought it was a neat story, so I am going to share!  An over qualified, previous owner of a handyman company, who is well off and basically bored came in for an interview for one of the positions Phill and Sarah had posted.  While interviewing this guy he consulted them on some niches in their area and said something that I thought was simple, but profound.  A lot of us stress over the work that we receive from our clients.  Maybe it’s out of our comfort level, note I didn’t say skill… or we stress over the “what if’s”.  Instead we should be thinking about how they trusted in us to solve their issue.  They trusted us to get the job done!  They have confidence in you and your team, so should you. 

Thank you for sharing your “wins” this week!  I love hearing about your business and assisting you with being the problem solver.  Make sure you are counting your own wins with your staff.  This could be posting it on a whiteboard in your office, talking about them at a staff meeting or ringing a bell for everyone to hear about the great news!

Be safe this week if you are traveling and enjoy your holiday!  Happy Thanksgiving,

Elisha

203 (K)/ Streamlined (k) Rehabilitation Loan Program

I sent out information regarding this program tonight through email with a few documents.  I did my best to simplify the information, but if you would like to research further you can go to the http://www.hud.gov/ website:

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/housing/sfh/203k/203khow

If you are interested in pursuing this further please let me know and I would be happy to assist!
Elisha

Last week at SHS...

We would like to show our appreciation and support to all those who have served and are currently serving for our country.  

It's a great honor and sacrifice!   

Last week at SHS Franchising we were working on organizing and assigning goals and projects for the coming months and year.  We have a lot of great things on the horizon, such as:

- Website: Collect and program all outstanding websites.  Complete the back end of the website which will have document sharing, videos, open forum and much more!  Add additional features to the website: online employment applications, additional educational information, blogs, company video's...

- Franchise Growth System:  We are still unsure on a timeline of when this project will be completed due to the magnitude.  We will know sooner once we get into phase 2,3 and 4.  We will have a development meeting we will be inviting a few you to for feedback.   

- Continue to develop national relationships and opportunities

- Manuals, training videos and updated systems: this has been a work in the progress, but we have made some great strides!  We are currently looking at filming for the cleaning video, shooting in the field photos and developing a PowerPoint you can train your cleaning employees with as well.  More to come! 

There is a lot of good things happening here at the corporate office and we look forward to 2012!

Handi Ramp Partnership

Earlier this year we had developed a relationship with the previous owners of Handi-Ramp.  The relationship dwindled shortly after due to ownership changes.  For the last few weeks we have been talking with the new owners and considering how we can move forward.  
Today, Tony and I had a conference call with the CEO and President of Handi-Ramp.  We would have the ability to use them as a resource for a quality pre-fabricated ramp at a discounted price, receive leads to install wheelchair ramps, order medical and home safety supplies at a discounted rate.  We are very excited to have this opportunity available to us and look forward to developing this even further. 
The next step in pursuing a partnership with Handi-Ramp is to determine a rate nationally we would charge for Handyman services.  This needs to be a "partnership" rate.  I would like to discuss this further on our next support conference call.  What I am considering is a $55 an hour rate; again, I would like your feedback as a group before committing to this rate nationally. 

As a reminder, our Support Conference call is next Thursday at 1:00pm MST.  I will send a reminder invitation next week.  

Conference Photos

I posted the last of the conference photos, so go check them out on our Facebook page.  

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001382912204

This week at SHS...

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!

I would love to share a couple of WINS we had this week company wide...

WINS for the week!
-Rob and Amy Moore sold 95 cleans with Living Social in Fort Collins, CO.  Rob was very appreciative of the home office for bringing this form of advertising to his attention.  Rob and Amy had to wait for a few months to be able to run the ad since this form of advertising is not as prominent in their area.  It was definitely worth the wait though!
- Jamie & Pam Banks have been really busy and had a lot of great wins, but one of which I thought was great to hear is they received a contract with a property management company in their area for approximately 200 homes!  How did Jamie get this business?  Business to Business marketing visits (he made less than the 7 recommended visits to this particular office).  He walked into the office with no appointment, introduced himself, gave them information on his business and offered to be their backup or 2nd option.  He received a call this week basically stating, the contractor the property management company had been using for the last 6 years just wasn't working out anymore... no proper insurance and not dependable.  Thanks to the SHS of Central Arizona team they now have a solution!
- Joe & Jill Palese have completed two or three large moves in the last month.  One of which was a very large move for a local business.  Off of that same job they received a referral to move one of their employees.  SHS of Northern Illinois built a great local relationship and made a nice profit as well! 
- John O'Toole almost lost his life!  Okay, so that's not a win at all... but pretty scary!!!  He was at a foreclosure house working on a property when a cop came in with a gun pointed right at John's chest.  Good thing the cop didn't freak out and hit the trigger.  Scared the cop and John pretty bad to say the least!  Happy to know he is okay...
An actual win though for John and Trudy, they have an opportunity to close two jobs with Home Safe Modifications for ADA modifications/wheelchair ramps.  I am crossing my fingers!

These all great wins this week!  

Remember everyone has opportunities in their own areas like these (minus almost getting shot)...  I know with the switch in the seasons it some times will put you in a "funk", but you have to learn to switch gears.  You will have a few low weeks, but you should pick right back up.  There is a lot of business to be had during the fall and winter months, you just have to change your mind and ask for the work.  Look at your current client base as well as others needing your services this time of year.  We all, including the home office, should be focusing on the work with the long term rewards.  Do the hard work once and then allow it to payoff time and time again. 

Have a great weekend everyone,
Elisha

Spectrum Home Services~ NEW: Zee Blog

Welcome to our Spectrum Home Services Franchisee Blog!

As discussed at the 2011 Annual Conference, we needed a tool to stay in touch on a regular basis, share inspirational stories, photos and best practices until the backend of the website is completed.  We hope this blog will be utilized on a regular basis, so that we may be able to stay in touch throughout the year! 

This years Annual Conference was GREAT!!!  We had helpful, inspirational presentations and discussions as a group.  Every franchsiee brings different experiences & expertise to the team, so it's great meeting as a group to learn more from each other.  Every year the conference gives me that extra little push I needed for 2012.  There are a lot of great tools we have on the horizon and I am excited to start rolling them out.  Here are some comments from the group on their experience at the conference:

      "It was great to meet some of the many people I have talked with over the past few months and renew old acquaintances.  Spencer and Michael were amazing... Thanks for having them share their stories/experiences.  Lots of pearls of wisdom to be taken from their talks."

      "We learned a lot and the format this year allowed us to do a lot of very helpful networking." 

As a reminder the survey will be open untial tomorrow October 28th.  Please find the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CRV3YXJ

Find your photo on the SHS Franchising Facebook page and tag yourself and/or company.  I will have more photos posted shortly.

Again, the conference this year was really great!  I really learned a lot and hope you did as well...
Best,
Elisha