In this blog, we will discuss three simple ways for you to show your employees how much you value them and help strengthen the company culture you create for your business. When your team members are happy, your business can thrive, which creates a win-win situation for everyone involved with your company. 

Listen to Your Team and Provide Open Communication Always

Your team members are often the first face that customers see, and they are frequently experts in their industry. Many useful ideas and techniques can be learned from an experienced employee, and it is important to listen to their ideas and suggestions. Develop an open-door policy where employees feel confident in sharing their ideas, and they are open to learning new ideas, as well. Two-way communication that is filled with listening, respect, and working towards the same goal is a rewarding place to be and work.

Focus on Employee Development and Growth

Enhance your team members’ industry knowledge by providing continuing education opportunities, such as industry-focused workshops, classes, webinars, conferences, and other engaging outlets. When your employees know you are invested in their future and are concerned about their professional development, they will feel more loyalty and excitement in helping your company thrive. You may also wish to celebrate industry learning by hosting lunchtime learning sessions with guest speakers or more experienced team members, or you may find a relevant podcast or book that will help increase your knowledge on a particular topic. 

Create A Company Culture Where Employees Are Recognized, Rewarded, and Valued

Showing genuine interest in your employees creates a welcoming, thriving environment. People like to be recognized, and as a business owner or manager, there are many ways to accomplish this task. Recognize a team member for a job well done by placing a note in the company newsletter or speaking about that person at a team meeting. Perhaps leave a personal note on their desk or in their box, congratulating them or thanking them for the hard work. You may also wish to provide a small bonus, gift card, or some other reward for their efforts and help with your company.

Bottom Line

When it comes to having a business that is thriving, many aspects need to come into play. It is important to provide top-quality industry services, use top-of-the-line equipment, have an effective marketing and sales strategy, and, of course, help take care of the team that supports your company. A team that feels motivated, works in an environment that helps boost morale, and feels safe within a strong, positive company culture will help your company grow and thrive. These team members will provide services that showcase company values and offer attentive customer service to your clients. As a company owner or manager, you can help your company thrive by allowing your employees to succeed. It truly is a win-win situation for you, your employees, and your customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How do I determine if I have a strong company culture?
If you have employees who enjoy coming to work, are actively engaged with team members and customers, and who seem motivated to provide top-quality services, then you are experiencing a strong company culture. 

As a small business owner, how can I show appreciation to team members and stay within a small budget?
Many simple, meaningful gestures go a long way in showing your appreciation for employees, and they can be gestures that hardworking individuals truly appreciate. Perhaps offer flexible scheduling, a celebratory lunch, recognition in a company newsletter, or an unexpected afternoon off from work. Your creative ideas can mean a lot to your loyal team members. 

How does investing in each team member’s growth help improve company culture?
Industry experts need to stay up to date with new techniques and technology that improve their workload, systems, and services. When you invest in continuing education for your employees, they will learn new ideas that benefit you, your customers, and your thriving company.

The post A Thriving Team Means A Thriving Business: 3 Simple Ways to Support Your Employees and Strengthen Your Company Culture appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Tips For Hiring Outstanding Teammates 

Identify Qualities Of Your Ideal Crew Members

List the qualities that are most important for the success of your business. Consider whether you need to hire someone who is already licensed or if you have the capability to train new team members. Consider whether someone communicates effectively, is dependable, and is committed to delivering high-quality services to your customers. Search for people who fit the needs of your company and check the boxes you have identified.  

Compose Detailed Job Descriptions That Attract Top Talent

While it is vital to find team members that fit the needs of your business, it is also important to promote your company as a good place to work. Showcase the reasons why talented individuals may want to work for your team. Consider growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and salaries, as well as a positive work environment that provides stability, recognition, and opportunities for longevity. 

Choose Individuals With An Eagerness To Learn And Perform

Your employees are vital to the success of your home services company. Invest in your team by providing training and allowing each individual to pursue certifications and continuing education as needed. If a team member is eager to learn and excited about helping your customers by providing high-quality workmanship, then they will be able to acquire new skills. 

Tips For Retaining Your Employees

Offer Competitive Benefits and Pay

It is essential for wages to meet industry standards and possibly even exceed the local market rate. Additionally, benefits may include paid time off, holidays, insurance, retirement plans, bonus pay, or allowances for uniforms, equipment, and travel expenses. 

Invest In Your Teammates

Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay with your group and deliver excellent service. Investing in career development, safety training, service training, leadership development, and personal growth can have a profound impact on the lives of your teammates. 

Encourage Open Communication, Positivity, And Good Work-Life Balance

Most employees want to bring home a solid paycheck, feel like their work is making a difference in the lives of customers, and be able to enjoy their life, too. You can retain employees by providing a positive work environment that fosters a good work-life balance and a livable wage. 

Bottom Line

The bottom line for most employees is that they want to be respected and rewarded for the knowledge they have in their particular industry. As an owner of a home service company, you can hire and retain an exceptional team by creating a strong and healthy work environment for your team members. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I find some entry-level employees for my company?
One thing to remember is that there are several avenues to use when searching for potential employees. Use online job sites, such as Indeed or Craigslist. You can also connect with local community colleges or trade schools to meet interested people. Social media sites can be useful for advertising, and word-of-mouth through current employees or industry associations is also a good idea. Remember, skills can be taught; you just need to find people who are interested and excited to learn the skills your team needs.

As a small business owner, how can I compete with larger home services companies when searching for qualified teammates?
Many employees enjoy working for smaller companies that offer a positive work-life balance and a close-knit community between other team members and customers. Often, employees want to know they are helping other people and making a difference in the lives of those around them.  

What can I offer to retain my talented crew members?
If your crew members feel valued and respected, they are more likely to stay with your company, especially if they receive a fair salary, potential growth opportunities within the business, and a workable work-life balance. 

The post Build A Team That Builds Your Business: Hiring and Retention Tips for Home Service Companies appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

1. Choose the Right Client for Your Story

Selecting the right client is crucial in crafting an impactful story. Look for clients who:

• Represent Your Ideal Audience: Choose a client whose needs or challenges reflect those of your target audience.
• Experienced a Significant Transformation: The best stories highlight a clear “before and after.”
• Are Willing to Share: Make sure the client is comfortable with you sharing their story and any relevant details.

Tip: Reach out and ask if they’d be open to a short interview or sharing a testimonial. This will add authenticity to your story.

2. Understand Their Initial Challenge or Pain Point

To make your story relatable, start with the challenge or problem that brought your client to you. This sets the stage and draws in readers who may be facing similar struggles.

Questions to Ask:

• What were they struggling with before they found your service?
• How was this problem affecting their daily life or business?

Example: “Before working with us, [Client’s Name] was dealing with [problem], which affected their [business growth, home maintenance, daily comfort, etc.]. They felt frustrated and didn’t know where to turn.”

3. Describe Your Solution and Approach

Explain how you worked with your client to address their challenge. This part should showcase your process, expertise, and the specific solution you provided.

Questions to Consider:

• How did you address their specific needs?
• What steps did you take to ensure they received the best results?

Example: “Our team quickly assessed [Client’s Name]’s needs, identifying the best approach to resolve their issues. We implemented [solution or service] to tackle [pain point], and worked closely with them to ensure a smooth experience.”

4. Highlight the Transformation and Results

This is the “after” part of the story, where you showcase the positive outcomes your client experienced after working with you. Use clear, specific results to demonstrate the tangible benefits.

Questions to Ask:

• What changed for them after using your service?
• How did your solution positively impact their daily life or business?

Example: “After our service, [Client’s Name] saw an immediate difference. They no longer had to worry about [problem], and were able to [mention specific, measurable results or improvements].”

5. End with a Call to Action

Finally, encourage your audience to take the next step. After being inspired by your client’s story, potential clients may feel motivated to reach out or learn more about your services.

Example: “Inspired by [Client’s Name]’s success? Get in touch with us to see how we can help you achieve similar results!”

Call-to-Action Ideas:

• Link to a contact form or consultation booking page.
• Invite readers to follow your social media for more client stories and updates.
• Encourage readers to sign up for a newsletter to stay informed about your latest services and client success stories.

Client stories are a powerful way to showcase the real impact of your work. By telling stories that resonate, you not only build trust with potential clients but also reinforce the value you bring to existing clients. Remember to keep your stories authentic, relatable, and results-oriented to create a lasting impression.

The post How to Tell Compelling Client Stories appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Here’s how you can create an engaging and meaningful video message without needing fancy equipment or a huge production budget:

1. Plan Your Message

Before you hit record, take a few minutes to plan your message. Think about the key points you want to cover:

• Purpose: What is the purpose of your video? Are you thanking clients for their support? Wishing them a happy holiday? Let your message reflect this.
• Tone: Keep it personal, warm, and genuine. A conversational tone will make the video feel more authentic.
• Call to Action: Is there anything you want the client to do after watching? Whether it’s booking an appointment, checking out a special offer, or just staying connected, give them a clear next step.

Tip: Keep your video short and sweet—aim for about 30-60 seconds. This ensures your message stays focused and doesn’t lose the viewer’s attention.

2. Choose Your Equipment

You don’t need professional gear to create an effective video message. You can record a high-quality video using your smartphone or laptop. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Camera: Use your phone or laptop webcam.
• Microphone: Your phone or laptop’s built-in microphone will work, but using an external mic (even a cheap one) can greatly improve audio quality.
• Lighting: Natural light works best. Record near a window, or use soft light sources to avoid harsh shadows.
• Background: Choose a clean, simple background. Avoid clutter or distractions. A neutral wall or your office space works great.

Pro Tip: Ensure your face is well-lit and clearly visible, and avoid standing in front of bright windows or direct light that could cause glare.

3. Make It Personal

Personalization is key! Speak directly to your clients and address them by name, if possible. Mention specific details that make the message feel unique to them:

• Acknowledge their loyalty or trust in your services.
• Thank them for their business over the past year.

Example: “Hi [Client’s Name], I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for choosing [Your Business Name] this year. Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve you.”

4. Edit and Finalize Your Video

Once you’ve recorded your message, take a few minutes to review it and make any necessary adjustments:

• Trim any unnecessary parts to make sure the video stays concise and impactful.
• Add subtitles if needed—this makes your video accessible to people who might watch without sound.
• Check the sound quality and adjust the volume levels.
  

Editing doesn’t have to be complicated. Tools like iMovie, Canva, and Loom offer easy-to-use features to enhance your video with minimal effort.

5. Share Your Video

Once your video is ready, it’s time to send it to your clients! Here are a few options for sharing your video:

• Email: Embed the video directly into your email (using platforms like Loom or Vimeo) or include a thumbnail with a clickable link.
• Social Media: Share the video on your social channels, especially if you want to reach a wider audience.
• Text: For more personal connections, text the video link to your clients.

Final Thoughts

Video messages are a powerful way to connect with clients on a deeper level. They don’t need to be perfect or professionally produced to have a meaningful impact. By taking a few simple steps to plan, personalize, and deliver your message, you can build stronger relationships with your clients and show your genuine appreciation.

The post Guide to Creating Engaging Video Messages for Your Clients appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Want to keep customers engaged even after the job is finished? Learn the best follow-up strategies to boost satisfaction and grow repeat business!

Why Follow-Ups Matter: The Key to Building Customer Loyalty

Your work isn’t done after completing a job. A well-timed follow-up reinforces your commitment to customer satisfaction and shows you genuinely care about their experience.

A well-timed follow-up can:

• Increase the likelihood of repeat business.
• Strengthen your relationship with the customer.
• Help resolve any lingering concerns before they escalate into complaints. 

Following up turns a positive customer experience into a long-term business relationship.

Timing Is Everything: When to Follow Up Post-Service

The timing of your follow-up is critical. If you reach out too late, the customer might have forgotten the details of your service. A well-timed follow-up can ensure that your interaction feels thoughtful and genuine.

Here’s a simple guideline to keep in mind:

1. Immediately After the Service: A quick “thank you” message or call to confirm that the job went smoothly.
2. Within 24–48 Hours: A more personalized follow-up to check the customer’s satisfaction and invite feedback.
3. A Week Later: A reminder or offer for future services. This can also be an opportunity to introduce a referral program or loyalty incentives. 

By being proactive, you ensure that your customer feels valued and heard, which fosters trust and leads to repeat business.

Personalized Communication for Maximum Impact

Customers want to feel like they are more than just a number; personalized follow-ups can make all the difference. Whether it’s a follow-up email, phone call, or text message, tailor your communication to the specific customer and service you provided.

• Mention specific details about the service or your conversation with the customer to show that you remember their needs.
• Use their name and reference their property or project to make the message more personal.
• Provide tailored recommendations for future services based on what they might need next. This not only adds value but also shows your expertise. 

Personalized customer follow-ups build trust and show that you care about each client individually, increasing their chances of returning for future services.

Use Multiple Channels to Stay Top of Mind

Not all customers prefer the same method of communication. Some may respond better to emails, while others prefer quick texts or phone calls. By using multiple channels, you can increase the response rate of your customers.

Email

Great for detailed follow-ups and including helpful information, such as maintenance tips or reminders for future services.

Text Messages

Ideal for short, personal check-ins or appointment reminders.

Phone Calls

Perfect for gathering direct feedback or handling any service concerns promptly.

Social Media 

You can follow up through platforms like Facebook or Instagram by engaging with your customers through comments or messages, keeping your business at the forefront of your mind.

Leverage Customer Feedback to Improve Your Business

Your follow-up is also an opportunity to learn how to improve. Ask for honest feedback in your follow-up, and note any recurring themes. If several customers mention the same concern, it might be time to rethink that aspect of your service.

• Surveys or Polls: Quick surveys are an easy way to collect feedback and understand the customer experience from their perspective.
• Incentivize Feedback: Offer small incentives, such as discounts or gift cards, to encourage customers to leave reviews or complete feedback forms.
• Make Improvements Based on Feedback: Use the information you gather to tweak your service offerings, processes, or customer communication. Showing customers that you’re actively improving based on their feedback can go a long way in building loyalty. 

Gathering and acting on customer feedback helps your business grow and shows clients that their opinions are valued and taken seriously.

Bottom Line

Following up with your customers is the key to building lasting relationships, increasing repeat business, and growing your company. Using these follow-up strategies helps your customers remain engaged and satisfied long after the initial service is complete. A thoughtful follow-up is your opportunity to stand out, build trust, and foster loyalty in an increasingly competitive market. 

The post Follow-Up Strategies That Keep Customers Engaged appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

This is mainly because your employees represent your company and are what customers will remember most about you. Not employing the right people for your team can also cause internal problems in the company and disrupt your business. 

If you want to have a strong team of people that provides high-quality services and reflects your company’s values, you must be willing to invest in your recruiting efforts. It can take time, money, and patience, but the outcome is well worth it.

Think of it as building the foundation for your company. Having a complete staff of experienced, knowledgeable, and hardworking people is key to providing good service to your customers and in turn, growing your company.

Here are some techniques which you can follow for attracting better talent to your company:

1. Investing in Your Recruitment Efforts:

Having a defined and thoughtful recruitment process is an important element to ensuring that you’re hiring the best fit for your company. There are many different ways to search for talent, but it’s important to find what works best for your company and to use it as standard procedure. 

One way you can improve your hiring efforts is by involving your top employees in the hiring process. They should be examples of what type of talent you wish to bring into your company. They can also be beneficial in this process by providing another opinion on who would make the best fit for your team.

Using reputable online resources such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Indeed, is another good way to attract talent. You can further improve the job search by sharing lots of information about your company.

It’s important for you to know your company’s mission and values so that you’re able to communicate this to potential hires. You should also create a compelling job description that will attract the type of people you wish to employ. 

Another technique for finding talent is to recruit from nearby institutions that are credible. Use nearby schools to your advantage and post job opportunities on their website and other online pages. Students make great employees because they are trainable and knowledgeable. 

Lastly, you should have a thorough interview process that will ensure the right fit. Invest a considerable amount of time and don’t become desperate.

It can take many interviews until you find what you’re looking for. You should also set the minimum standards or requirements you’re looking for, and approach your most wanted talent.

2. Creating an Employee-Focused Culture: 

One of the most critical factors to attracting and retaining talented staff is to create an environment where employees want to work. You want your company’s culture to stand out from all the rest so that the highest talent and the best fit will gravitate towards it. 

In addition, your company must promote a strong organizational culture. It should have a clearly defined set of values, beliefs, and expectations that drive your employees towards success. Having these in place will encourage potential employees to see that you support and value your team. 

A company that provides people with opportunities to learn and grow is an important element to many interviewers. Show that your company invests in its people by offering career advancement opportunities as a bonus for meeting performance expectations. Wish to find out more on the best Microgaming casinos? If your answer is yes, take a look at the review from https://casinomech.com/  experts. You will discover all advantages and disadvantages of Microgaming games and also gambling websites.

You should also be able to meet the interviewer’s expectations for flexibility and other types of perks. Having a good work-life balance is important to many potential workers. Being aware of this highly desirable attribute and employing it in your company will help you to outshine your competitors. You can also stand out by providing great benefits. 

3. Retain Your Top Talent and Reduce Turnover:

Another effort that you can make to promote a talented staff in your business is to make sure your top employees are happy. Having a high turnover rate is a big factor that can contribute to preventing your business from having a strong team of people. 

To avoid this, you should empower employees to grow with your company. Remember, it is important that your employees feel they are supported. By putting learning programs in place, it shows your encouragement and that you value their growth.

Another way to show your appreciation is by rewarding your employees for good performance with higher positions in the company. Not only does hiring from within encourage your current employees to advance with the company, but it saves you time and money from recruiting new people.

Your employees need to feel that they are valued, or else they will find a company that does. A great way to show them they’re valued is to schedule regular meetings with them.

These meetings can be used as a time for them to bring up any concerns they are having, or to discuss their progress. You can also use this time to discuss how the company is doing overall and allow for the discussion of any ideas they may bring to the table. This shows your employees that you value their opinion and also provides them with the creative freedom to share new ideas. 

If you’re a business owner, and your company is in need of a strong core team, then implement these three techniques in your business. By placing focus on what people you are hiring, you are investing in your own company’s success and in turn, the success of your employees.

It is crucial to any type of company to have a team of people who are dedicated to the same goal. Make sure you are choosing people that share the same values and align with your company’s goals. It’s also important to create an environment where people are happy to work.

Furthermore, reward your top employees and invest in their success. Any company can hire employees, but being selective in your choices is what will set your company apart from the rest. 

Read more blogs to learn more about Mr.Pipeline.

The post 3 Techniques for Attracting Better Talent to Your Company appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

Preparation is everything when you want to win in business. That’s why we created the blueprint to plan ahead this year! We learned a long time ago that when you plan your marketing strategy ahead of time, you have a much higher chance t smoke your competition on the web!

Google pays very close attention to companies that are relevant online. When you leverage the power of our 2020 Marketing Calendar, you will be able to methodically spoon feed Google targeted content and be one step closer to dominating your local rankings.

Preparation Is Key If You Want To Win On The Web

Click here to Download & Save our 2020 Marketing Calendar 

Here are a few ways that we suggest you implement our 2020 Marketing Calendar:

• Content Marketing: The focus of content marketing should be to publish valuable content that hits your exact target market. When you publish content that’s holiday specific you always convert at the highest level possible.
• Social Media Marketing: Social Media is all about pushing targeted information for your social followers to consume. For example: If the 2019 Marketing Calendar says April 1st (aka April Fools Day) is coming up..you can create a clever social media post that leverages the holiday and your service.
  • Facebook Post Example: “Hi all! We are officially opening up offices in Dubai and Germany and are servicing the entire world starting next month! If you would like to book an appointment, please contact us right away. ????April fools!!???? We aren’t going anywhere and can’t wait to service you here in our hometown forever!????
• Holiday Specific Advertising: Create flyers, brochures or other marketing collateral that keeps you ahead of the game.
• Email Newsletters: When you leverage the 2020 Digital Marketing Calendar for email blasts, you are set up to push a targeted message to your audience month over month.
• In Person Events: Whether you own a brick and mortar or a service business, you can funnel in more sales when you plan ahead with a marketing calendar. Make sure you “Wow” your customers by collecting “toys for tots” during the holidays or a giving valentine cards to those special customers that you truly treasure.

There are countless other ways to use our 2020 Marketing Calendar to help you build a better business this year. Contact us here at Mr. Pipeline if you ever need any additional advice.

We are always here to help!

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Out of thousands of tremendous applicants, Mr. Pipeline was chosen as one of the 346 Best Workplaces in the entire country! This is such an important accolade for our company because we are big believers that nothing is more important than fostering a second to none culture centered around Good Vibes and Hard Work.

Check out all of the winners here: 2019 Inc. Best Workplaces Full List

At Mr. Pipeline , we push for excellence on every level all while providing best in class service to our family of clients. This relentless pursuit of pushing the envelope has led to achieving great growth, rewarding accolades and success over the years.

Mr. Pipeline is a marketing agency that helps small businesses understand the digital landscape and the power of effective online advertising. We specialize in data-propelled digital marketing through our core service offerings of SEO and Paid Search. Through digital innovation and our customized approach we have earned the reputation of being a truly ROI-focused digital marketing agency.

“I Love Working Here. Cool Culture and Energy. Job Security. Growth Oriented. Tons of Room To Advance.” These are just some of the words used by our awesome staff to describe how they feel about working at Mr. Pipeline.

At the end of the day though, we know we are only as good as the people who compose our team????????.

We are proud to employ some of the hardest working people and brightest minds in the online marketing world. We encourage you to spend a little time learning more about the our awesome staff who help drive our company forward. We know that within a few minutes, you will be able to see exactly what we are talking about.

Thank you Inc. Magazine for the incredible honor! Make sure to pick up Junes issue that will hit newsstands May 30th. Check out all of the winners here: 2019 Inc. Best Workplaces Full List

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How to Get SMS Notifications from Website Form Submissions – Never Miss a New Lead! ?

Working in a service based industry you know the importance of getting and responding to a lead while it’s hot! Unfortunately, the majority of business owners can’t be glued to their email all the time waiting for leads to come in. A great feature most people don’t know about is text via email. Each cell phone service provider has a format that you can add to the contact form on your website, this way when a form submission is made through your website you are immediately alerted via text! This tool alone ensures that you get the lead instantly and allows you to respond just as fast! The faster a business responds to a lead, the higher the chance that lead is a customer! Find your cell phone carriers format below and get your business set up for even more success!

• AT&T: number@txt.att.net (SMS), number@mms.att.net (MMS)
• T-Mobile: number@tmomail.net(SMS & MMS)
• Verizon: number@vtext.com (SMS), number@vzwpix.com (MMS)
• Sprint: number@messaging.sprintpcs.com(SMS), number@pm.sprint.com (MMS)
• XFinity Mobile: number@vtext.com (SMS), number@mypixmessages.com (MMS)
• Virgin Mobile: number@vmobl.com (SMS), number@vmpix.com (MMS)
• Tracfone: number@mmst5.tracfone.com (MMS)
• Metro PCS: number@mymetropcs.com (SMS & MMS)
• Boost Mobile: number@sms.myboostmobile.com (SMS), number@myboostmobile.com (MMS)
• Cricket: number@sms.cricketwireless.net (SMS), number@mms.cricketwireless.net (MMS)
• Republic Wireless: number@text.republicwireless.com (SMS)
• Google Fi (Project Fi): number@msg.fi.google.com (SMS & MMS)
• U.S. Cellular: number@email.uscc.net (SMS), number@mms.uscc.net(MMS)
• Ting: number@message.ting.com
• Consumer Cellular: number@mailmymobile.net
• C-Spire: number@cspire1.com
• Page Plus: number@vtext.com

If you have any questions or need some more guidance, feel free to contact Mr. Pipeline today at (561) 899-3043 or info@mrpipelineagency.com

The post How to Get SMS Notifications from Website Form Submissions – Never Miss a New Lead! appeared first on Mr. Pipeline.

How to Lead Your Business to Higher Growth in – The Hines Story?

It’s no secret that there are many different factors that ultimately lead to the success of a business. I was fortunate to learn a very important lesson early in my career that has helped me tremendously. By following what I am about to share with you now, I have been able to excel as a leader and help many businesses grow and operate at highly efficient levels.

Staring out as an 18 year old Operations Supervisor in a large Fortune 500 corporation, I was given an understanding of the expectations that were required of me. When my manager told me of “The Hines Story,” I initially chalked it up as another case study that would be read in one of my college business classes. It wasn’t until I actually started applying this method that I truly understood the power of what will follow.

Over the years, I would share this exact story with those that could benefit. As such, I am extremely happy to have the ability to now share this amazing process with you. Enjoy!

The Hines Story

Coaching Your Team About Understanding Expectations to Grow Your Business

Mr. Hines, the owner of the Hines Lumber Company recently had to fill a top executive position. Two of his managers with equal experience were considered, but the choice went to the man who had fewer years with the company. Upon learning of the promotion, the other man asked Mr. Hines why he wasn’t the one selected. Instead of answering him, Mr. Hines asked him if any lumber had come in that day. The man said he would check and a few minutes later reported that a truckload had arrived that morning. Mr. Hines then wanted to know the type of lumber. After again checking, the manager told him it was number 6 pine. Mr. Hines then asked the man, how many board feet were in the order? Again leaving the room to check, he returned shortly with the answer of 3500 board feet. This type of questioning went on for several minutes.

Mr. Hines asked the man to sit in the next room, leaving the door ajar so he could still hear. Mr. Hines then called to the manager who had been promoted and asked him if any lumber had arrived that day. The manager said he would check and in a few minutes he returned with the following answer. A truckload of number 6 pine had come in on track three at 9:30 am and totaled 3500 board feet. The lumber was unloaded by 2:00 pm and stored in warehouse number 18. It was order number 65-03 for the Williams Company and its total value was $16,352.00.

Mr. Hines thanked the man and said he could go. After the second man left, Mr. Hines called in the first manager who had heard the entire conversation. The first manager said he now understands why the other man had been promoted instead of himself.

(p.s. I have not been able to track down the origin of this amazing story. There are a handful of published articles with the same information and no source.)

What is the lesson to take from this story?

Regardless of the type of business you operate or the size of your company, leadership is very important. Even as a “one man band” home service company, you are ultimately accountable to yourself as a business owner and operator. This lesson on leadership and coaching your team about understanding expectations is fundamental to the success of your business.

Develop these traits into the daily operation of each team member in your company, and the growth you are looking for will soon follow!

• Take the initiative: Don’t always wait to be told about getting the work done. This mindset will allow your team to get out ahead of opportunities or problems.
• Operate with responsibility: Take pride in the work you do! Pay close attention to details and give your maximum effort through it all. Learn from any mistakes and take action to prevent them from happening again in the future.
• Communication is key: Clarity on tasks or objectives is paramount. Between all the different forms of communication in todays business, a message can sometimes be confusing. Set the expectations early about asking questions for clarity if needed. Having to “work backwards” because of a misunderstanding can become costly.

If you have any questions or need some more guidance, feel free to contact Mr. Pipeline today at (561) 899-3043 or info@mrpipelineagency.com

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