Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Medical Bills and Insurance Companies
Forgive my rant, however, I've had just about enough of the medical profession, insurance companies, and the process that they make you go through in order to resolve paying for visits. Hospitals and doctors overcharge us to fight through insurance companies and those that don't have insurance to see exactly how much we that do have a few bucks will pay for their services. I understand capitalism, I understand the training, facilities, and requirements of doctors, but $2400 for an ER trip that consisted of an x-ray and 45 total minutes is a little much for me to handle. Never mind the ridiculous process that you ultimately get stuck in between the insurance companies and the hospitals. This whole thing sucks and there has to be a better way.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Stacey!
I'm reaching out to the entire world wide web to shout from the rooftops that today is Stacey's birthday. Happy Birthday Stacey, I love you!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Infinite's Blowin' Up!
I have no idea if this will lead to new business or not, but it's worth a shot! Here's a few new links to Infinite Massage pages:
>> Infinite Massage YouTube channel
>> Chris Owen's Ezine Articles
>> Infinite Massage YouTube channel
>> Chris Owen's Ezine Articles
Monday, October 12, 2009
Retread
What?!? Really, Phil Garner again? It's nice to see that Drayton is thinking outside of the box. Oh wait, Tim Bogar is also on the list. Totally sweet!
>> Garner Among Astros Candidates
>> Garner Among Astros Candidates
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Chords Start Friday
Well, my days of plucking single notes are about to slow down. Friday marks the beginning of chords instruction. If I haven't said it enough, the guitar is not an easy instrument (for me) to learn! Check out this video to see my next goal!
>> Folsom Prison Blues
>> Folsom Prison Blues
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Importance of Being Prompt
As a small business owner in the service industry, I can safely say that being on time is crucial. It sets the tone for the day, gives and underlying sense of confidence to the client and your co-workers, and oozes professionalism. Now, don’t get me wrong, you need to be good at your trade. And, having a professional attitude while applying your trade is also important. However, if you are late to an appointment, especially in the service industry, be forewarned that you will be in for a bumpy ride.
I’m going to refer to my work experience in my specific industry. I co-own an event planning business that specializes in on-site chair massage and mobile spa services. We have clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to 4-person birthday parties. In every instance, the bare minimum that our clients expect is what we say we can deliver. Being on time on the day of their event is the first step. Showing up late costs money and potentially repeat customers.
Recently we had a massage therapist that got lost on the way to an appointment. He arrived approximately 30 minutes late and stayed the full amount of contracted time at the client location. We received no less than 3 calls from the client, had to make multiple calls out, and eventually had to apply credit to the client’s invoice to make them happy. We lost direct revenue, man-hours, and probably future appointments with this client, all because of bad directions.
The real kicker is that this happened to one of our better therapists. His skills were never in question and the client seemed to enjoy the service, once he arrived. But, because he was 30 minutes late, the ripple effect damaged the entirety of the interaction.
My company, Infinite Massage, is no stranger to mistakes. In our industry they happen all the time and we try to resolve the issue as quickly and painlessly as possible. Heck, I’ve probably made half-a-dozen grammatical errors writing this article. But, controlling the things you can control is always a good start and being on time is step number one.
I’m going to refer to my work experience in my specific industry. I co-own an event planning business that specializes in on-site chair massage and mobile spa services. We have clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to 4-person birthday parties. In every instance, the bare minimum that our clients expect is what we say we can deliver. Being on time on the day of their event is the first step. Showing up late costs money and potentially repeat customers.
Recently we had a massage therapist that got lost on the way to an appointment. He arrived approximately 30 minutes late and stayed the full amount of contracted time at the client location. We received no less than 3 calls from the client, had to make multiple calls out, and eventually had to apply credit to the client’s invoice to make them happy. We lost direct revenue, man-hours, and probably future appointments with this client, all because of bad directions.
The real kicker is that this happened to one of our better therapists. His skills were never in question and the client seemed to enjoy the service, once he arrived. But, because he was 30 minutes late, the ripple effect damaged the entirety of the interaction.
My company, Infinite Massage, is no stranger to mistakes. In our industry they happen all the time and we try to resolve the issue as quickly and painlessly as possible. Heck, I’ve probably made half-a-dozen grammatical errors writing this article. But, controlling the things you can control is always a good start and being on time is step number one.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
“Hidden” Costs for Small Business Owners
I am the COO and co-owner of a small business in Texas, which is one of the more favorable locations in this country to own a business. The purchase of Infinite Massage, our chair massage business, produced some hefty costs that event the best of financial planners couldn’t accurately predict.
Don’t get me wrong, we did our due diligence and reviewed their books with a fine-toothed comb prior to purchase. However, as a new business owner who was relocating the business, there were numerous costs that we underestimated. Let’s review a few:
1. Legal Fees: Outside of the purchase price of the business, this was our most significant startup expense. In hindsight, this is a necessary evil for any new business owner. Hopefully you’ll never need these documents, but if you do, they can really save you. And, attorneys (those who know what they are doing) are not cheap.
2. Furniture: Can you spell I-K-E-A? Part of the asset purchase price for us included every tangible asset that the previous business owner owned. Unfortunately, moving desks 1500 miles is counter-productive. We have a limited staff and limited needs, but, these things add up. Establishing a new, functional office with decent furniture can be costly, even if you are bargain shopping.
3. Health Insurance: This one is fairly evident. But, decent health insurance for your family and your employees is costly these days. Just know that this bill comes every month and can be a gut-wrenching check to write. Again, hopefully you don’t need it, but if you do, it better work for you.
4. Employee Perks: This one is something that cannot be avoided in today’s business environment. With tough margins and a competitive marketplace, you better take notice of your employees and provide them with frills that make them feel appreciated. Trust me, finding new qualified individuals to help you run your business is no picnic.
My description of these items as “hidden” is really misleading. I’m not revealing unknown costs in this list. What I am trying to do is let you know that as a potential new business owner, these costs are tangible, significant, and potentially hindering to your success. Don’t forget to factor these things in to your equations when thinking about opening your own shop.
Good luck!
Don’t get me wrong, we did our due diligence and reviewed their books with a fine-toothed comb prior to purchase. However, as a new business owner who was relocating the business, there were numerous costs that we underestimated. Let’s review a few:
1. Legal Fees: Outside of the purchase price of the business, this was our most significant startup expense. In hindsight, this is a necessary evil for any new business owner. Hopefully you’ll never need these documents, but if you do, they can really save you. And, attorneys (those who know what they are doing) are not cheap.
2. Furniture: Can you spell I-K-E-A? Part of the asset purchase price for us included every tangible asset that the previous business owner owned. Unfortunately, moving desks 1500 miles is counter-productive. We have a limited staff and limited needs, but, these things add up. Establishing a new, functional office with decent furniture can be costly, even if you are bargain shopping.
3. Health Insurance: This one is fairly evident. But, decent health insurance for your family and your employees is costly these days. Just know that this bill comes every month and can be a gut-wrenching check to write. Again, hopefully you don’t need it, but if you do, it better work for you.
4. Employee Perks: This one is something that cannot be avoided in today’s business environment. With tough margins and a competitive marketplace, you better take notice of your employees and provide them with frills that make them feel appreciated. Trust me, finding new qualified individuals to help you run your business is no picnic.
My description of these items as “hidden” is really misleading. I’m not revealing unknown costs in this list. What I am trying to do is let you know that as a potential new business owner, these costs are tangible, significant, and potentially hindering to your success. Don’t forget to factor these things in to your equations when thinking about opening your own shop.
Good luck!
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