D_Tagr

Accounting and office management for me. I'm surprised that 75% are reporting the same. I thought I was the only disorganized person out there,chuckle. I often wonder though, what kind of an affect having a more organized office would have on the bottom line? Significant maybe? I regularly tear my office apart looking for number or an address I wrote down on some scrap of paper and buried with other stuff,lol. I'm sure I could save some time if I got my stuff together. Interesting poll.

I didn't understand this 3 weeks ago and I still don't today. There is sooooo much to know about all this internet stuff it's hard to learn it all and run a business. When I make a post, my website and blog appear in my signature. Is this a linkback? My blog contains a link to "The Grime Scene". Is this a linkback? If not can someone please show me a linkback. TYIA

Try paint thinner,varsol,mineral spirits etc + soft cloth.

Can't vouch for it personally...but... Duct Tape Wallets I love the name of the first project..."Quality" Duct Tape Wallet, ROFL

I have also felt the need to be careful when posting information related to my specialty. When I do, I prefer to post some kind of resource instead of directly saying I charge $x per sq ft, or I use "y" paint stripper. I'm happy to provide a link to a 60 page study,or a book title,or a marketing website. that provided me with some critical information. That way I feel that I'm contributing to the industry as a whole and I don't have to worry about a lazy man taking my market. As an example I use vistaprint for all my marketing/printing needs. The lazy man doesn't know what I just said. But without revealing any specifics, the go-getter now knows of a good resource for postcards,brochures,baseball caps,t-shirts,calendars and other schwag. He still doesn't know what items or combinations of items I use-and he never will,but he now has a good resource and it didn't cost me anything. I guess my opinion is keep posting Dan, but do it in a way that you feel comfortable with.

Aha ha ha ha! I'm so tempted!! I have one client that didn't pay despite a perfect graffiti removal from his delivery truck. He tried to comp me a meal in his crappy restaurant instead. Unfortunately my creditors don't take lasagna. I ended up using a picture of his truck on my old website so it looks like he's endorsing me. I know it's not entirely ethical but for the less than $200 he's owed for over 18 months I don't care.

I'm just curious if there is an actual marketing angle here. I bid some provincial (State level) jobs this past spring and they stated that the bids would be weighted 10% on environmental factors. Wondering if all else being equal if this would tip the balance favourably? I expect environmental concerns to be a factor (minor now but maybe growing) in most or all government contracts. For me its about $225.00 to offset my one truck. BBB runs me about $340.00 for the year. I think I will look into this. If it closes even one job it's paid for. Could be a way for the industry to look better and balance off all the harsh chemicals we use. Potassium Hydroxide,Sodium Hydroxide,Sodium Hypochlorite etc,etc.

Here's another one. My results were higher with this one. This one lets you buy offsets. EcoNeutral - Carbon Calculator I'll happily sell my planted trees for $200 per year! Please send cheques to..... :lgmoneyey

Interesting tool. I guess the purpose is to try and shame people into lowering down to average levels. I spent 2 summers planting trees which it doesn't take into account. That should remove a lot of carbon.

A friend shared this with me today. Somewhat apropos. Feel free to change Member of Parliament to Congressman,Senator, whatever. THIS IS A NONPARTISAN JOKE THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY All PARTIES! NOT ONLY THAT-- it is POLITICALLY CORRECT!! While walking down the street one day a "Member of Parliament" is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance. 'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.' 'No problem, just let me in,' says the man. 'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.' 'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP. 'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.' And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne. Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises... The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. 'Now it's time to visit heaven.' So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. 'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.' The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.' So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?' The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning.. .. Today you voted.'

Wow, can't help with your site X but talk about timely, I just started a cleansheet redesign of my own site!! Awesome info Beth. TY!