Off Topic The Burly Arms

BobbyD · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

There is a famous Italian saying that a good friend of mine, Ray, once told me, some years ago. It is something I have carried around, and I use on regular occasions.

Ray was always impeccably dressed, spoke very well, but like myself came from a lower middle class upbringing, a grounding that served us well to appreciate the things that most come to expect.

I am proud to say, that this friend of mine, made great in life, a successful career, beautiful family, and living in a classy upper class suburb, driving a vehicle that most only aspire to. He said all those years ago, -

'e assomigliate ad un'anatra, camminate come un'anatra e comunicate come un'anatra, dovete essere un'anatra'

'If you look like a duck, walk like a duck and you talk like a duck . . . you must be a duck.'

At first I didn't understand it . . . . I don't speak Italian.

But translated into English it still took a while for the true meaning to materialise and sink in. What a defining statement about others and particularly yourself . . . but a statement that is concise in its meaning. It was also an inspiring statement about portrayal of image and something that can relate to everyday business, yours and mine.

Sure you can duck the issues (WARNING . . . future lame play on words may be experienced throughout this column), or you might think I am bit of a quack (I warned you), but people are judging every aspect of your equipment hire business and in doing so are making assumptions about your business and its possible performance.

Never judge a book by its cover I here you say. And sure you are right ethically and morally, but potential customers are not choosing your business on a moral or ethical basis, they want somebody to perform and supply a service and/or product that will make their job easier.

Existing and potential customers are making judgements about your business every day, every minute, every second. Unfortunately we sometimes loose sight of this fact in our everyday concerns.

How can you address this as a business?

Every morning ask your staff when they walk into your business, to start their work with their 'customer eyes' in place.

As they enter through the front gate - see for the first time what a customer would see for the first time. The unpainted gate, the faded signs, the disorganised car park, the dirty glass doors as they enter the showroom, the dusty machine display at the rear of the showroom, the unkempt staff milling around the sales counter.

Over time you and your staff become blind to these small elements, yet to a first time or regular customer, these little items add up to create their overall perspective.

If they don't use their 'customer eyes' regularly, your business could get to a point where it begins to look like a duck. Just like my friend being always impeccably dressed - it did not always represent the financial position he was experiencing, yet sent a clear and undeniably message of what and where he aspired to be.

He chose not to look like a duck.

Michael Gerber in the E-Myth revisited states:

'A business that looks orderly says to your customer that he can trust in the result delivered . . . '

Your staff, your product and the combination of both relating to the service you provide says a great deal about your business. Your business walks through its staff and its products.

Poorly trained staff, from your sales personnel to your delivery drivers and operators, is constantly relaying a message to your potential clientele. The same could be said about your products. If the items presented are not clean, well maintained, continually upgraded, meet rigorous OH&S responsibilities, the message you are sending to your clients is clear.

You business might be walking like a duck.

Ongoing training is essential for all businesses. After 14 years of business I know I am still learning everyday. A business colleague recently suggested that training staff was a waste of time and money, staff leave all the time. My response to him was 'but what if they stay'. Just as is important to reinvest in your product, is the reinvestment in your staff. Your staff and your products make your business. Each goes hand in hand to a successful Equipment Hire company. Great staff poor products, you're going nowhere and vice versa.

I have seen first hand, by visiting a number of companies around Australia, the vast majority of them are not making money. Sure they tell me that their turnover is great. But the true witness is their failure to reinvest in their products, a core essential of their business. Their quality of products deteriorates as they fail to budget for new stock. Charging the right price for your product and service is paramount. They suffer from a plight called shorterminism. Sure short term you might win the job on price, but eventually that will catch up to you in the long run, and I see proof of that in many companies across Australia.

What does your marketing message say to your customers and potential clientele? Your marketing is the talk of your business. Are the price lists you send to customers photocopied slips of paper or are they glossy catalogues? What does your web site, general advertising, building and truck and machinery signage portray to the outside world.

It doesn't matter how much advertising you a doing, or how much you are spending, a nasal sounding quack message, is duck speak.

If your market niche is ducks, you're on a winner. The message you are sending is important and is significant to the customer you are getting. The question is 'is your marketing generating you the customers that you want or is it generating you customers who are just price orientated?' Take a subjective look at your message today.

My friend, Ray, always made sure he was well spoken in every circumstance. The combination of articulate speech and immaculate grooming portrayed a congruent message that enabled him to reach the successes he currently enjoys. The way he spoke allowed him to mix and associate with the right people.

So I ask you . . . Is your business a lame duck or can you transform it to the goose that is laying the golden egg.
Click to expand...

when did you start taking lessons from fosse on not606 thread commenting?

Skylarker · Nov 20, 2017

BobbyD said: ↑

when did you start taking lessons from fosse on not606 thread commenting?
Click to expand...

C&P my friend. Something Fossy could do with learning!

thefanwithnoname · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

There is a famous Italian saying that a good friend of mine, Ray, once told me, some years ago. It is something I have carried around, and I use on regular occasions.

Ray was always impeccably dressed, spoke very well, but like myself came from a lower middle class upbringing, a grounding that served us well to appreciate the things that most come to expect.

I am proud to say, that this friend of mine, made great in life, a successful career, beautiful family, and living in a classy upper class suburb, driving a vehicle that most only aspire to. He said all those years ago, -

'e assomigliate ad un'anatra, camminate come un'anatra e comunicate come un'anatra, dovete essere un'anatra'

'If you look like a duck, walk like a duck and you talk like a duck . . . you must be a duck.'

At first I didn't understand it . . . . I don't speak Italian.

But translated into English it still took a while for the true meaning to materialise and sink in. What a defining statement about others and particularly yourself . . . but a statement that is concise in its meaning. It was also an inspiring statement about portrayal of image and something that can relate to everyday business, yours and mine.

Sure you can duck the issues (WARNING . . . future lame play on words may be experienced throughout this column), or you might think I am bit of a quack (I warned you), but people are judging every aspect of your equipment hire business and in doing so are making assumptions about your business and its possible performance.

Never judge a book by its cover I here you say. And sure you are right ethically and morally, but potential customers are not choosing your business on a moral or ethical basis, they want somebody to perform and supply a service and/or product that will make their job easier.

Existing and potential customers are making judgements about your business every day, every minute, every second. Unfortunately we sometimes loose sight of this fact in our everyday concerns.

How can you address this as a business?

Every morning ask your staff when they walk into your business, to start their work with their 'customer eyes' in place.

As they enter through the front gate - see for the first time what a customer would see for the first time. The unpainted gate, the faded signs, the disorganised car park, the dirty glass doors as they enter the showroom, the dusty machine display at the rear of the showroom, the unkempt staff milling around the sales counter.

Over time you and your staff become blind to these small elements, yet to a first time or regular customer, these little items add up to create their overall perspective.

If they don't use their 'customer eyes' regularly, your business could get to a point where it begins to look like a duck. Just like my friend being always impeccably dressed - it did not always represent the financial position he was experiencing, yet sent a clear and undeniably message of what and where he aspired to be.

He chose not to look like a duck.

Michael Gerber in the E-Myth revisited states:

'A business that looks orderly says to your customer that he can trust in the result delivered . . . '

Your staff, your product and the combination of both relating to the service you provide says a great deal about your business. Your business walks through its staff and its products.

Poorly trained staff, from your sales personnel to your delivery drivers and operators, is constantly relaying a message to your potential clientele. The same could be said about your products. If the items presented are not clean, well maintained, continually upgraded, meet rigorous OH&S responsibilities, the message you are sending to your clients is clear.

You business might be walking like a duck.

Ongoing training is essential for all businesses. After 14 years of business I know I am still learning everyday. A business colleague recently suggested that training staff was a waste of time and money, staff leave all the time. My response to him was 'but what if they stay'. Just as is important to reinvest in your product, is the reinvestment in your staff. Your staff and your products make your business. Each goes hand in hand to a successful Equipment Hire company. Great staff poor products, you're going nowhere and vice versa.

I have seen first hand, by visiting a number of companies around Australia, the vast majority of them are not making money. Sure they tell me that their turnover is great. But the true witness is their failure to reinvest in their products, a core essential of their business. Their quality of products deteriorates as they fail to budget for new stock. Charging the right price for your product and service is paramount. They suffer from a plight called shorterminism. Sure short term you might win the job on price, but eventually that will catch up to you in the long run, and I see proof of that in many companies across Australia.

What does your marketing message say to your customers and potential clientele? Your marketing is the talk of your business. Are the price lists you send to customers photocopied slips of paper or are they glossy catalogues? What does your web site, general advertising, building and truck and machinery signage portray to the outside world.

It doesn't matter how much advertising you a doing, or how much you are spending, a nasal sounding quack message, is duck speak.

If your market niche is ducks, you're on a winner. The message you are sending is important and is significant to the customer you are getting. The question is 'is your marketing generating you the customers that you want or is it generating you customers who are just price orientated?' Take a subjective look at your message today.

My friend, Ray, always made sure he was well spoken in every circumstance. The combination of articulate speech and immaculate grooming portrayed a congruent message that enabled him to reach the successes he currently enjoys. The way he spoke allowed him to mix and associate with the right people.

So I ask you . . . Is your business a lame duck or can you transform it to the goose that is laying the golden egg.
Click to expand...

*hear

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

A ducks tale for Jasper.
Click to expand...

Have to agree with NSIS EH ?

Skylarker · Nov 20, 2017

So Haye pulls out of Bellow fight... surprise surprise.

Skylarker · Nov 20, 2017

Number 1 Jasper said: ↑

Have to agree with NSIS EH ?
Click to expand...

Explaining the duck analogy. Basically the joke is **** and the baker got dissed.

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

Spurlock said: ↑

Why didn't you just do what I do when someone tells a joke I don't understand

do a fake laugh, say 'nice one' then forget about it.
Click to expand...

I haven't even heard the bloody " Joke " was asked what it meant , and if I could try and find the answer ..IS THAT OK WITH YOU !!!!!!!

Skylarker · Nov 20, 2017

Number 1 Jasper said: ↑

I haven't even heard the bloody " Joke " was asked what it meant , and if I could try and find the answer ..IS THAT OK WITH YOU !!!!!!!
Click to expand...

I've just explained what it means

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

Explaining the duck analogy. Basically the joke is **** and the baker got dissed.
Click to expand...

Am I correct in thinking it's not a joke at all ?

Skylarker · Nov 20, 2017

Number 1 Jasper said: ↑

Am I correct in thinking it's not a joke at all ?
Click to expand...

Yeah, basically.

Quite simply... if you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, you must be a duck.

Although god knows what a gold digger has to do with it? I suspect the Baker has a trophy wife or a wife that's half his age?

Or possibly the duck laid a golden egg?

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

Yeah, basically.

Quite simply... if you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, you must be a duck.

Although god knows what a gold digger has to do with it? I suspect the Baker has a trophy wife or a wife that's half his age?

Or possibly the duck laid a golden egg?
Click to expand...

FFS I know the first one , it's the other that makes no sense .

Anyway , enough of this , have you looked at your schedule yet ?

BobbyD · Nov 20, 2017

Number 1 Jasper said: ↑

FFS I know the first one , it's the other that makes no sense .

Anyway , enough of this , have you looked at your schedule yet ?
Click to expand...

i presume they were sleighting someone being a gold digger in the sense that whoever they were talking about walks and talks like a gold digger

NSIS · Nov 20, 2017

Number 1 Jasper said: ↑

FFS I know the first one , it's the other that makes no sense .

Anyway , enough of this , have you looked at your schedule yet ?
Click to expand...

I should ask your baker if he knows what mixed metaphors are.

Spurlock · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

There is a famous Italian saying that a good friend of mine, Ray, once told me, some years ago. It is something I have carried around, and I use on regular occasions.

Ray was always impeccably dressed, spoke very well, but like myself came from a lower middle class upbringing, a grounding that served us well to appreciate the things that most come to expect.

I am proud to say, that this friend of mine, made great in life, a successful career, beautiful family, and living in a classy upper class suburb, driving a vehicle that most only aspire to. He said all those years ago, -

'e assomigliate ad un'anatra, camminate come un'anatra e comunicate come un'anatra, dovete essere un'anatra'

'If you look like a duck, walk like a duck and you talk like a duck . . . you must be a duck.'

At first I didn't understand it . . . . I don't speak Italian.

But translated into English it still took a while for the true meaning to materialise and sink in. What a defining statement about others and particularly yourself . . . but a statement that is concise in its meaning. It was also an inspiring statement about portrayal of image and something that can relate to everyday business, yours and mine.

Sure you can duck the issues (WARNING . . . future lame play on words may be experienced throughout this column), or you might think I am bit of a quack (I warned you), but people are judging every aspect of your equipment hire business and in doing so are making assumptions about your business and its possible performance.

Never judge a book by its cover I here you say. And sure you are right ethically and morally, but potential customers are not choosing your business on a moral or ethical basis, they want somebody to perform and supply a service and/or product that will make their job easier.

Existing and potential customers are making judgements about your business every day, every minute, every second. Unfortunately we sometimes loose sight of this fact in our everyday concerns.

How can you address this as a business?

Every morning ask your staff when they walk into your business, to start their work with their 'customer eyes' in place.

As they enter through the front gate - see for the first time what a customer would see for the first time. The unpainted gate, the faded signs, the disorganised car park, the dirty glass doors as they enter the showroom, the dusty machine display at the rear of the showroom, the unkempt staff milling around the sales counter.

Over time you and your staff become blind to these small elements, yet to a first time or regular customer, these little items add up to create their overall perspective.

If they don't use their 'customer eyes' regularly, your business could get to a point where it begins to look like a duck. Just like my friend being always impeccably dressed - it did not always represent the financial position he was experiencing, yet sent a clear and undeniably message of what and where he aspired to be.

He chose not to look like a duck.

Michael Gerber in the E-Myth revisited states:

'A business that looks orderly says to your customer that he can trust in the result delivered . . . '

Your staff, your product and the combination of both relating to the service you provide says a great deal about your business. Your business walks through its staff and its products.

Poorly trained staff, from your sales personnel to your delivery drivers and operators, is constantly relaying a message to your potential clientele. The same could be said about your products. If the items presented are not clean, well maintained, continually upgraded, meet rigorous OH&S responsibilities, the message you are sending to your clients is clear.

You business might be walking like a duck.

Ongoing training is essential for all businesses. After 14 years of business I know I am still learning everyday. A business colleague recently suggested that training staff was a waste of time and money, staff leave all the time. My response to him was 'but what if they stay'. Just as is important to reinvest in your product, is the reinvestment in your staff. Your staff and your products make your business. Each goes hand in hand to a successful Equipment Hire company. Great staff poor products, you're going nowhere and vice versa.

I have seen first hand, by visiting a number of companies around Australia, the vast majority of them are not making money. Sure they tell me that their turnover is great. But the true witness is their failure to reinvest in their products, a core essential of their business. Their quality of products deteriorates as they fail to budget for new stock. Charging the right price for your product and service is paramount. They suffer from a plight called shorterminism. Sure short term you might win the job on price, but eventually that will catch up to you in the long run, and I see proof of that in many companies across Australia.

What does your marketing message say to your customers and potential clientele? Your marketing is the talk of your business. Are the price lists you send to customers photocopied slips of paper or are they glossy catalogues? What does your web site, general advertising, building and truck and machinery signage portray to the outside world.

It doesn't matter how much advertising you a doing, or how much you are spending, a nasal sounding quack message, is duck speak.

If your market niche is ducks, you're on a winner. The message you are sending is important and is significant to the customer you are getting. The question is 'is your marketing generating you the customers that you want or is it generating you customers who are just price orientated?' Take a subjective look at your message today.

My friend, Ray, always made sure he was well spoken in every circumstance. The combination of articulate speech and immaculate grooming portrayed a congruent message that enabled him to reach the successes he currently enjoys. The way he spoke allowed him to mix and associate with the right people.

So I ask you . . . Is your business a lame duck or can you transform it to the goose that is laying the golden egg.
Click to expand...

So like I said...just do a fake laugh and forget about it

thefanwithnoname · Nov 20, 2017

Lads its getting tedious

Sort it out ffs

You sound like dull and saxton

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

BobbyD said: ↑

i presume they were sleighting someone being a gold digger in the sense that whoever they were talking about walks and talks like a gold digger
Click to expand...

Makes sense

thefanwithnoname · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

So Haye pulls out of Bellow fight... surprise surprise.
Click to expand...

Has he

Tbf I thought hate was going to batter him this time. Did a Lennox v rahman first time as in thought he would walk it by turning up

FosseFilberto · Nov 20, 2017

Skylarker said: ↑

There is a famous Italian saying that a good friend of mine, Ray, once told me, some years ago. It is something I have carried around, and I use on regular occasions.

Ray was always impeccably dressed, spoke very well, but like myself came from a lower middle class upbringing, a grounding that served us well to appreciate the things that most come to expect.

I am proud to say, that this friend of mine, made great in life, a successful career, beautiful family, and living in a classy upper class suburb, driving a vehicle that most only aspire to. He said all those years ago, -

'e assomigliate ad un'anatra, camminate come un'anatra e comunicate come un'anatra, dovete essere un'anatra'

'If you look like a duck, walk like a duck and you talk like a duck . . . you must be a duck.'

At first I didn't understand it . . . . I don't speak Italian.

But translated into English it still took a while for the true meaning to materialise and sink in. What a defining statement about others and particularly yourself . . . but a statement that is concise in its meaning. It was also an inspiring statement about portrayal of image and something that can relate to everyday business, yours and mine.

Sure you can duck the issues (WARNING . . . future lame play on words may be experienced throughout this column), or you might think I am bit of a quack (I warned you), but people are judging every aspect of your equipment hire business and in doing so are making assumptions about your business and its possible performance.

Never judge a book by its cover I here you say. And sure you are right ethically and morally, but potential customers are not choosing your business on a moral or ethical basis, they want somebody to perform and supply a service and/or product that will make their job easier.

Existing and potential customers are making judgements about your business every day, every minute, every second. Unfortunately we sometimes loose sight of this fact in our everyday concerns.

How can you address this as a business?

Every morning ask your staff when they walk into your business, to start their work with their 'customer eyes' in place.

As they enter through the front gate - see for the first time what a customer would see for the first time. The unpainted gate, the faded signs, the disorganised car park, the dirty glass doors as they enter the showroom, the dusty machine display at the rear of the showroom, the unkempt staff milling around the sales counter.

Over time you and your staff become blind to these small elements, yet to a first time or regular customer, these little items add up to create their overall perspective.

If they don't use their 'customer eyes' regularly, your business could get to a point where it begins to look like a duck. Just like my friend being always impeccably dressed - it did not always represent the financial position he was experiencing, yet sent a clear and undeniably message of what and where he aspired to be.

He chose not to look like a duck.

Michael Gerber in the E-Myth revisited states:

'A business that looks orderly says to your customer that he can trust in the result delivered . . . '

Your staff, your product and the combination of both relating to the service you provide says a great deal about your business. Your business walks through its staff and its products.

Poorly trained staff, from your sales personnel to your delivery drivers and operators, is constantly relaying a message to your potential clientele. The same could be said about your products. If the items presented are not clean, well maintained, continually upgraded, meet rigorous OH&S responsibilities, the message you are sending to your clients is clear.

You business might be walking like a duck.

Ongoing training is essential for all businesses. After 14 years of business I know I am still learning everyday. A business colleague recently suggested that training staff was a waste of time and money, staff leave all the time. My response to him was 'but what if they stay'. Just as is important to reinvest in your product, is the reinvestment in your staff. Your staff and your products make your business. Each goes hand in hand to a successful Equipment Hire company. Great staff poor products, you're going nowhere and vice versa.

I have seen first hand, by visiting a number of companies around Australia, the vast majority of them are not making money. Sure they tell me that their turnover is great. But the true witness is their failure to reinvest in their products, a core essential of their business. Their quality of products deteriorates as they fail to budget for new stock. Charging the right price for your product and service is paramount. They suffer from a plight called shorterminism. Sure short term you might win the job on price, but eventually that will catch up to you in the long run, and I see proof of that in many companies across Australia.

What does your marketing message say to your customers and potential clientele? Your marketing is the talk of your business. Are the price lists you send to customers photocopied slips of paper or are they glossy catalogues? What does your web site, general advertising, building and truck and machinery signage portray to the outside world.

It doesn't matter how much advertising you a doing, or how much you are spending, a nasal sounding quack message, is duck speak.

If your market niche is ducks, you're on a winner. The message you are sending is important and is significant to the customer you are getting. The question is 'is your marketing generating you the customers that you want or is it generating you customers who are just price orientated?' Take a subjective look at your message today.

My friend, Ray, always made sure he was well spoken in every circumstance. The combination of articulate speech and immaculate grooming portrayed a congruent message that enabled him to reach the successes he currently enjoys. The way he spoke allowed him to mix and associate with the right people.

So I ask you . . . Is your business a lame duck or can you transform it to the goose that is laying the golden egg.
Click to expand...

Alternatively ... if it says "alright m'duck?" ... you're likely in the East Midlands

thefanwithnoname · Nov 20, 2017

FosseFilberto said: ↑

Alternatively ... if it says "alright m'duck?" ... you're likely in the East Midlands
Click to expand...

Did you know that is derived from duke and duchess?

Number 1 Jasper · Nov 20, 2017

thefanwithnoname said: ↑

Lads its getting tedious

Sort it out ffs

You sound like dull and saxton
Click to expand...

ARRRGGGHHH.

I am Soooo sorry you will never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever realise just how painful your comment is

Off Topic The Burly Arms

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