Pest Management Professional, October 2013

kkPMP 2014 Business Planner Reignite Your Motivational Flame How to keep the fires of business ambition burning I ve received many calls from owners whose leadership flame is burning out Theyve been in the game for decades and are tired of the people problems constant changes in laws and regulations lawsuits and potential lawsuits government interference at every level and the in house bickering especially if when family involved Often they call to ask whether its time to sell They realize the good ol days are gone and the future doesnt look as bright as it used to Theyre thinking about another season with new problems and chaos They wonder if theyre working too many hours for their age If this sounds familiar your motivational fire might be burning out Here are possible solutions Sellers remorse Often when you ask former owners a few years after selling their businesses whether theyre sorry they sold most say yes They sold because they felt they were sinking in quicksand with no way out Ive lent a hand to many companies like this It can be easier for people in the industry to accept the advice from someone in the industry If the timing is right theyll listen to advice and try to accept the fact theyll have to change organize and or begin the delegation process But they need someone to show them how to transition Additionally many of these companies need structure but the owners dont know where to begin Ive worked with hundreds of pest management companies that have been through this and understand the processes and what it takes to make a transition The owners need to reach the point where theyre able sit down and conclude they need help Case in point A few months ago I received a call from an owner whod done well for himself during his career His company has family members but not much structure Although everyone tells him he needs structure hes getting advice from too many people and isnt sure what to do He said hed heard me speak at conferences and read my articles but didnt see the need to hire someone like me because he could do all the things Id suggested on his own He soon realized he knows what to do but not how to begin Now Im working with him on a two year conversion His company has direction and the beginning of order and priorities It takes time but hes relaxing because the pressure is now disseminated throughout the companys leadership program Theres new structure accountability and timelines and no changes are being made without his input Now the next generation has the opportunity to prove itself through deeds instead of wants promises or desires Its difficult to set new programs in motion if youre inside the problem Coming from outside I represent whats best for a company not whats most popular Now the clients motivational flame is brighter Were on the way and life is good PMP You can reach Smigel a 35 year industry veteran at lloydcare@ aol com By Lloyd Merritt Smigel Contributor 64 October 2013 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net