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Monday, January 14, 2013

From the fabricator: A harmful practice

Right at the start of the year, I was alerted once again to the depressing practice of suppliers selling direct to contractors, thereby cutting out the glazier. This is something that is not healthy for our industry on so many levels, and it needs to stop. I think sometimes companies do things in acts of desperation, but this latest rash of direct selling does not fall into that category. In my early days, when a supplier sold direct, they were faced with a version of frontier justice in that the local industry shunned them. Now, for some reason it’s more accepted, and that is insane. Hopefully this latest batch of wrong-headed selling will slow and retreat; if it does not, it surely won't be good for anyone in the end.

Elsewhere…

  • Why I like Twitter, part 378. This past week I was unable to attend the BETEC conference. Yet, I missed nothing thanks to live “tweeting” by Glass Magazine’s Katy Devlin. Twitter really is a great way to stay up on info, and Katy did a great job, as always.
  • The Dodge Momentum Index was up, and again, I remain hopeful. As for the ABI, it got some mainstream love from the folks at the Wall Street Journal. This article ran before the holidays and really played up the positive nature of the last few months.
  • I really like the agenda that IGMA has laid out for their conference next month. Kudos to David Cooper and Marg Webb for putting that one together: good speakers and subject matter to be covered.
  • Other than the above, it was a pretty slow week in our industry news wise, which was needed after the heavy news in week one of this new year.
  • Book of the week: If you grew up during the birth of MTV, then the book I just read is absolutely a must. The book’s title is “I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution” and it’s an oral history that is simply fantastic. I LOVED MTV as I grew up, and reading it just brought back tons of memories. It also sent me scurrying to YouTube to look up the videos as they were mentioned in the book. The inside stories were amazing too.
  • Also during the holidays, I was able to check another item off my “sports bucket list” by getting to see LeBron James play in person. He was spectacular to watch; just owned the court. Still not as good as Michael Jordan, but the game has changed, and seeing him in person gave me new perspective on how good James really is. Still on the list? See a hockey game in Edmonton and Toronto, go to Wimbledon, see The Masters and the World Cup, among others. Hey, I might as well shoot high, right?
  • Last, did any of you catch the controversy from “Wheel of Fortune” that hit over the holidays? I guess if you don’t enunciate just perfectly you can be buzzed as wrong. That happened in a horrible way in this video clip, and you just shake your head for this poor gal, who is, by the way, a part of our military and deserved better. Plus, I think she actually said it close enough, even with her accent, to be accepted.

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

34 comments
Monday, January 7, 2013

Fenestration hallucination: A complex problem

"For every complex problem, there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong."
- H. L. Mencken

The old phrase, "complex problems require complex solutions," is true now more than ever before. Whether you're discussing solutions to the federal budget deficit, international relations, treating mental illness or improving public safety, there are no easy, quick fixes.

There may be one thing we in the American fenestration industry can do after the terrible event in Newtown, Conn., and the many irrational, violent shootings and bombings we've all witnessed over the past decades in this country. As building product and construction professionals, we can offer greater safety by educating design professionals, building owners and public officials about threat-resistant products and design techniques. It's obviously not the only step we need to take to improve public safety, but it is one step.

Maybe that laminated door glass or bullet-resistant door will buy a little more time for the response teams to come to the scene. Maybe glass-clad polycarbonate panels or blast windows will keep someone from becoming a victim. Replacing that broken school window with laminated glass instead of annealed might possibly slow down that emotionally disturbed person just long enough to save a life.

We all want to look directly out the first-floor window, but we might have to give that up. We may have to recommend to designers that they use more skylights, translucent panels and clerestories to give occupants daylighting in first-floor and low-rise buildings. Perhaps replacing the cracked first-floor window with textured glass or obscure panels at eye level will keep a madman from thinking of students and teachers as targets.

You can't stop crazy. You can't stop an insane, emotionally violent person from obtaining destructive means of harming people, whether they use a fist, knife, gun or bomb. However, perhaps we can educate those charged with designing and constructing buildings about ways to protect us a little longer and slow down those who would harm others.

"Growing up, I was taught that a man has to defend his family. When the wolf is trying to get in, you gotta stand in the doorway." - B. B. King

Rod Van Buskirk is the third-generation owner of Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co., with locations in Champaign and Springfield, Ill. A past NGA Chairman, Rod looks quarterly at the industry from the middle of nowhere, steals ideas from anyone he can and pretends to know what he’s talking about. Rod invites your comments as you are certainly smarter than he is.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

29 comments
Monday, January 7, 2013

From the fabricator: A great year ahead!

Happy 2013! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I have to ask: Did January 2 seem busier and more intense than usual? It sure felt that way to me! I think it was because of the way Christmas fell. So many people were off after December 21 that folks returned en mass on January 2, and man, what a crazy day it was.


In any case, I am looking forward to 2013: Will the ABI be right? Will the economy grow, stagger or stay the same? Will there be more consolidation in our industry? Will there be product breakthroughs? Will new stars in our world emerge? I will address these and other questions here and in future blogs. I, for one, can't wait to get to it!

Elsewhere...

  • I think the ABI is going to be wrong. I will still follow it, report on it, and hope that when it's good, it's right. But I have a feeling it's going to be off. I think the 2013 economy will stay somewhat the same as 2012 but start to improve later in the year. That said, I have no clue what is really happening in D.C. (I chose to ignore the stories the last few weeks of the year. I finally got sick enough of it to just avoid it.) One thing I do know: There is more consolidation coming in 2013. Trulite made the first move (an excellent one by the way), and I think several others are coming from it, and others. If the rumor mill is any indication, I think this has potential to be a very active year.
  • Product breakthroughs will continue. I am constantly amazed at the products in development. I am pumped for GlassBuild America as I know a few of these technologies will be on display in the Innovative Product Pavilion. And yes, I believe new stars are being made in our world. I have plans to interview a few of the folks who are really making inroads in our business, and I am excited for the rest of the industry to get to know them too. At the end of the day, I'm excited about the coming year. Despite the economic unknowns, I feel it's going to be a positive year. If we keep creating great new technology, and introducing smart and capable people, our industry will be headed in the right direction, for sure.
  • No, my New Year's resolution was NOT to be sappy, but that paragraph above sure was. Ha ha. Actually, this year is "the year of no ice cream." I'll skip it. In 2012, I skipped pizza and am proud to say I made it. Never thought I could. Somehow, I gained a ton of weight becoming the only human to swear off pizza!
  • Big news: Right before the break, Guardian Industries announced a new leader and the completion of its deal with Koch Industries. This is a great deal for Guardian, and more importantly, for our industry. Guardian is a massive player and a supporter of so much of what we do, whether it's trade media, shows, sponsorships, education, etc. They are an excellent corporate citizen and are now even better with the addition of a strong company like Koch in their world. To me--as an industry observer--if a company that didn't "make things" like Koch was the investor, I would be worried, but this fit is really good and smart. Congrats to all involved.
  • Last, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the change at the top of Trulite. The old me would go on for about 700 words. The new me is more measured, soft and sappy.  I will only say that I was actually surprised at the ousting of Jeff Leone. I thought that after all this time in charge he had ridden the storm out. I now look forward to seeing how the new regime does and wish them the best of luck, as there's still a bunch of excellent people in that organization.

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

2 comments
Tuesday, December 18, 2012

From the fabricator: New code, new year

This week as I was reviewing my Twitter feed, I came across a tweet from green building consultant and guru Arlene Stewart on the forthcoming energy codes. The title of the report that Arlene linked to is “Are You Ready for the Mandatory Measures in the New Green Building Codes?”, and it is required reading for everyone in our industry that wants to get a feel for what is happening. These codes and the mandatory aspects are just the start; there’s more coming, and I expect some to be good for our industry and some to be bad. The key is educating yourself on what is happening and making the necessary preparations. And that will include working with the big suppliers; attending industry workshops, forums, and shows; and of course, making sure you monitor media like Glass Magazine to stay on top of the latest.

Elsewhere…

  • This is my last blog of the calendar year. I’ll be back at it the week of 1/6, unless something big goes down.
  • Once again this week, USA Today went after the USGBC and green building in schools. I am really enjoying that such a major media outlet is going so hard after this. And in my opinion, it has been dead on. The flaws within LEED are pretty obvious, and it’s great that they are being exposed on a national level. A lot of time and resources have been squandered chasing points instead of true sustainability.
  • Happy Anniversary to the fine folks at Heitmann & Associates, as they celebrate 46 years in business. Congrats gang!
  • This very cool article on the Top 12 Memorable Marketing Campaigns of 2012 got me thinking: Which marketing campaigns in our industry would make a list like that? So, without further delay, my picks for 2012 are:
  1. Overall champ: TGP. They have had a tremendous year in the marketing space, really well done. They have done it all well, including social, print, and call-to-action pieces. The Razwick family and guys like Devin Bowman and Chuck Knickerbocker are already excellent, and this approach just makes them more so.
  2. Best magazine ads would go to Kawneer and Cardinal. Both groups came up with sharp, readable and eye-catching pieces. I also liked PPG’s “hugger” ads.
  3. Best mixed media and promotional push: YKK AP. They are active and energized,and just constantly pushing the envelope. Their effort at AIA this year (among other trade shows) was incredible and will be a challenge to top.
  4. Last, for best use of social media: the gang at Guardian. They have embraced this approach and really owned it. It’s like having a whole additional media outlet at your disposal. And yes, I'm sure I might have missed some folks in my very unscientific approach, so please feel free to point out anyone you think deserves some props!
  • While I'm off for a few weeks, the NFL season will end, and I need to give props to reader Dan for calling out that the Dolphins might win more than the Jets this year. That still could happen, as the Dolphins have played much better than I thought, and the Jets have played worse. My playoff predictions look pretty solid though; the Baltimore-Chicago Super Bowl is looking pretty shaky. We will see…
  • Well, that’s all for 2012 folks. Thank you to everyone who reads and comments (both publicly on here and privately to me).  I truly appreciate it. I know this blog has evolved from a biting, sometimes nasty take on things, to a kindler, gentler piece, but yet you all have stayed with me and continued to support the effort. Thank you. My best wishes to everyone for a very happy holiday season and a happy, healthy, a profitable 2013!! See you on the other side!

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

10 comments
Monday, December 10, 2012

From the fabricator: A big win, for now

 

When the U.S. Department of Commerce leveled an anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminum extrusion products back in 2011, it did have a significant effect on many companies. Importers had to take a step back, and some companies that brought in Chinese product had to scramble for new suppliers. Now, the DOC has ruled that curtain-wall units and other parts of a curtain-wall system are subject to the duties as well, and I fully expect some consequential fallout. The debate was fierce leading up to this decision, and I have a feeling that the folks who lost are not going away quietly.  I just don’t think this is over.  In the meantime, however, I have to give props to the folks from Architectural Aluminum & Glass, Bagatelos Architectural and Walters & Wolf.  They stepped up to the plate and put themselves in the battle. Believe me, I have been in the middle of these issues in the past, and you’d be amazed how many folks talk a big game, but when push comes to shove they turtle under. These guys didn’t. Good for them.

 

Elsewhere…

  • Happy Hanukah, or Chanukah, or however you want to spell it.  As I have noted here in the past, I don’t think there is a wrong spelling.
  • This holiday season, I'm sure many of you are looking to get a new tablet or update the one you have. I have been hearing great things about the new Microsoft Surface, though it is very pricey. I am still an iPad guy myself and hoping that sometime during Hanukah, a new one is waiting for me.
  • And when I get it, one of the first apps I will download will be Glass Magazine’s.  Right now, I use it all the time. It’s a great app and a super way to read the magazine, which is always excellent.  I like how the updated news comes on, making it a really up-to-date app. And you get must-read content, like this past month's codes article from Julie Ruth.  It truly is a crucial work piece.
  • Back in early October, Jenni Chase did the blog of the year about being a “glass geek,” and at the time it got a ton of action. Now on LinkedIn, that blog has gotten renewed interest, as in one of the forums, it's one of the most popular and commented upon pieces.  With that, came a great line from Thomas Moore as it pertains to our love for glass: "People look through the glass, and glass fanatics look at the glass."  So true….
  • Cool education event lined up by the gang at SAPA: the Profile Academy for Building and Construction.  Really a loaded educational agenda set for February in Atlanta.  Registration ends in mid-January, so if you are a curtain-wall manufacturer, glazing contractor or aluminum fabricator, before you break for the holidays, you might want to check it out.
  • Congrats to my good friend Kelly Townsend on his new gig at Wausau. Don’t forget us little folks, Kelly, now that you have gone big time!
  • Last this week, a solid business book for you to check out.  Its called “The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg and it offers some really neat insights on how companies like Target can predict what their customers may be purchasing.  Plus, there’s a great psychological appeal to the book as it explains habits and cues and their effect on daily life. Quick informative read. 

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.


The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.
Monday, December 3, 2012

So far, so good

Following several years of change and consolidation in the glass fabrication business, Glass Magazine published the Top Glass Fabricators list in December 2011, identifying leading companies in that market segment. We are working now to update this annual list for the January/February 2013 issue. I have received many submissions ahead of the December 10 deadline, and the results have been encouraging. So far, an overwhelming majority of companies have reported that sales are headed in the right direction, with sales volumes increasing in 2011 over the previous year. Looking ahead, the majority of fabricators are also reporting that they anticipate adding product lines as part of their future expansion plans.

While these survey results are preliminary, I say "so far, so good." To make sure your company is included in the Top Glass Fabricator rankings, please fill out the survey by December 10. If you need a copy, please email me and I will send the survey to you ASAP. And to those of you who have already participated, thank you. As is the case for all the industry leader lists we publish, we aim to provide benchmarks for the industry, and these markers are always a reflection of each company’s participation. 

Chase is editorial director of Glass Magazine, GlassMagazine.com and e-glass weekly. Write her at jchase@glass.org.

2 comments
Sunday, December 2, 2012

From the fabricator: Approaching the cliff

One of the big news items in the world right now is the fiscal cliff discussion in Washington. Given the extremely important situation, it blows me away that it wasn’t heavily discussed during the election cycle. I sometimes don’t get the priorities out there. In any case, I think all of us have a stake in what might happen, and last week, I saw this article providing some insight from folks connected with the construction industry. It’s an interesting read, and as the next four weeks tick down to the deadline, I am hopeful that the best deal for the country and our industry will be made.

Elsewhere...

  • Once again, USA Today jumped into the construction industry discussion, this time with a story discussing the labor shortage and worries that if/when the economy really comes back, there won’t be anyone to fill the jobs. This is a discussion I have written about a few times.  In our industry, we still don’t have the bench or bullpen necessary to deal with an influx of business, and with cashflow so tight, no one can afford the luxury of carrying extra folks. There’s no question this will be an issue that will slap us hard. It's fascinating to see the national media catching on.
  • Congrats to Seth Patterson, who just picked up a promotion at Thermal Windows Inc. Seth is a very good guy and Thermal a solid company. Very exciting for both parties!
  • I saw that Gary Curtis and Jeff Baker were back on the board at NFRC, but then I figured that story had to be a reprint from 2005. It wasn’t. For those of you who once upon a time were involved in the NFRC discussions, you probably are shaking your head. This is the ultimate of “the more things change….”
  • Last weekend, USC played Notre Dame. At the start of the season, I picked USC to win it all…. Once again soooo wrong! Meanwhile, I am thrilled for the Irish and their fans: guys like Jerry Decker of WinDoor and former NGA VP David Walker. Those guys have to be on cloud nine right now. The championship will be tough though; Alabama is a beast and Nick Saban one of the best.
  • Oh by the way, I am calling it now: Ohio State will win it all in 2013. They have the easiest schedule in modern football history and an incredible coach in Urban Meyer.
  • Fellow road warriors, have you gotten caught by the newest trick in your hotel room? At every hotel I've stayed at recently, when I go to take a shower, the showerhead is pointed out towards the bathroom. So when you sleepily roll into to start the shower, you get alive quite quick as water sprays everywhere. I have a feeling this is the hotel service folks having fun with all of us.
  • Last this week, once upon a time I was a runner. And in the groove, I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I have fallen hard off that wagon. Maybe I’ll get to it in 2013. In any case, maybe I won’t after seeing an article in the Wall Street Journal that says running may not be the best for you as you age. In fact, it could even be bad for you! I actually can’t wait for Bill Evans to read the piece and see what he says, given he’s one of the most accomplished runners I know. In the meantime, this article is going to be my “get out of exercise free” card…. Yep I’m only looking out for my health!!!! LOL

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

3 comments
Monday, November 26, 2012

Fenestration hallucination: The poor practices of some can hurt us all

"You must consider the bottom line, but make it integrity before profits." --Denis Waitley

Being a naïve Midwesterner, I’m sure almost all of America’s contract glaziers are honest, moral, ethical, decent folks who bid, supply and install specified and drawn products and services as the architect intended 100 percent of the time.

 But there are a few contract glaziers in each market who don’t always follow the rules to get work, cut costs, and make a buck any way they can.  Let’s tick off the list of the contract glazing industry’s ‘worst practices’ so you can recognize them when you see them:

  • Furnishes unspecified materials (“bait & switch”)
  • Delays issuing submittals and ordering materials, holds up the job and attempts to pressure product changes by using delay tactics
  • Omits traditional work
  • Omits specified engineering
  • Ignores the specified construction process and schedule
  • Installs improper, poor-performing and unsafe product
  • Fails to furnish complete and accurate O&M manuals, and manufacturer and workmanship warranties
  • Fails to complete the job or do warranty work
  • Doesn’t pay prevailing wage rates when required  (In this instance, workers don’t know about it or collaborate with the glazing contractor.)
  • Doesn’t pay union expenses when required (Here, workers are threatened or collaborate with the glazing contractor to dodge those costs.)

And I’m sure there are other worst practices out there. What’s the worst you’ve seen? Do enter a comment below!

Sadly, the recent recession has made contract glaziers feel as though they must break the rules in order to compete and survive.  There are contract glaziers taking advantage of a weakened architectural community that no longer feels empowered and might not have the support staff, experience and technical understanding to maintain construction quality.

The poor practices of some hurt all of us.  Take time to call out those who don’t play by the rules.  Maybe over time we can weed out the unscrupulous among us.

 "The higher the building the lower the morals." --Noel Coward

Rod Van Buskirk is the third-generation owner of Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co., with locations in Champaign and Springfield, Ill. A past NGA Chairman, Rod looks quarterly at the industry from the middle of nowhere, steals ideas from anyone he can and pretends to know what he’s talking about. Rod invites your comments as you are certainly smarter than he is.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

70 comments
Monday, November 26, 2012

From the fabricator: The passing of an industry icon

Mid-day Sunday, I received word that Eddie Goldberg had passed away. This one has shaken me up some, as Eddie not only was a relative of mine, but an industry icon as an owner and leader at a few different companies, most recently at Utica Glass. He was a serious fixture at industry events and a guy who truly cared a ton for what we all do. Eddie always greeted me (and most others) with a great smile and handshake, and could immediately jump into any of the issues affecting our world with ease. He and I used to go round and round about GlassBuild. He was never a fan of Vegas, feeling it was great for quantity but not for quality. No matter what role Eddie held in the businesses he owned and worked at, he always took the same classy approach: always welcoming, always looking forward. Many in the industry might have never met Eddie or known him, and that's a shame, as he was an excellent man who will be greatly missed.

Elsewhere…

  • Since my previous blog, Greenbuild took place, and reaction to the show has been mixed. Some folks felt it was a solid show that met expectations, but others disagreed. From an exhibitor point of view, it has to get concerning when this show keeps ending up in the most expensive venues possible: last year Toronto, this year San Fran, next year Philly. Those are budget-busting cities. And still I’d love to know how rock concerts, swanky parties and tons of worthless swag are good for the health of our planet? To me, it smacks of the “do what we say, not what we do” mentality.
  • Also on Greenbuild, there was a decent amount of news generated from the show, and once again a lot of it was from the dynamic glass space. Soladigm rebranded the company as View Inc., and SAGE announced a marketing agreement with Viracon. The dynamic space even got quality mainstream media notice in USA Today. I know there are doubters, but the momentum is really strong when it comes to the technologies that make up this segment.
  • Going hand in hand with this was McGraw Hill's very positive outlook for the “green” building market. While I believe certifications like LEED will wane, I do think that solid sustainable building practices, bolstered by codes and code enforcement, will dominate the next several years.
  • A hearty congrats to the gang at Metropolitan Glass in Denver for their “Circle of Safety” award. A commitment like that to a safe workplace can never be underestimated.
  • This may stun some of my loyal readers, but I have to give major kudos to the folks at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope for their BIM IQ rollout and website. It is simply amazing. BIM has been this bizarre mystery in our industry as it’s not mainstream and very few folks are embracing it because its usage is inconsistent. Oldcastle’s new setup may change that. Congrats to them for this effort. It looks very promising.
  • Hey, the ABI rocked upward again. It is really “put up or shut up” time for this index in my opinion. Starting with next month, we’ll be watching last year’s totals and comparing them to what is happening in real time.
  • Congrats to the folks at Guardian subsidiary SRG for setting a Guinness World Record at a recent family day in Spain. They broke they record for… get this… rhythmic snapping! Here’s the evidence.
  • Last this week, I was able to see the new movie Lincoln and all I can say is WOW. This was an amazing movie that was made even more so by the performance of Daniel Day-Lewis in the lead role. The Oscars should not even waste their time nominating anyone else for Best Actor and just give him that statue. He was that good. In addition, I would not be surprised if Sally Field took home Best Actress. You know a movie is good when you come home and dig into the computer looking up as much as you can about the subject.

Read on for links and clip of the week...

The author is founder of Sole Source Consultants, a consulting firm for the building products industry that specializes in marketing, branding, communication strategy and overall reputation management, as well as website and social media, and codes and specifications. E-mail him at MaxP@SoleSourceConsultants.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

4 comments
Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Who is watching you?

I’d rather see a sermon any day than hear one. Wouldn’t you? Someone is always watching each of us. Most of the time we do not know they are watching us. Rest assured, though, they are taking notes about what we do. Through my experience as a runner, I have seen the positive impact consistent behavior can have on the observer, and how the disbelief/belief stage of an observer can change. For example:

Stage 1: I tell others I am training to run a marathon.  The observer acknowledges the goal but does not believe it. We, as a society, have too often heard people say they will do something and then seen them make excuses for not completing the task.

Stage 2: The observer sees my consistent behavior, but justifies his or her inability to do something similar by using a weak excuse.  For example, the observer sees me running consistently, but states they can’t do it because they have “bad knees."

Stage 3: The observer still doesn’t believe I will finish what I've started, but is beginning to want to believe.  They ask, “Are you still running?”  It takes willpower not to become discouraged or influenced by this remark.  It also takes willpower not to make snide smart-aleck remarks.

Stage 4: The observer becomes an apprehensive believer.  As it relates to running, they ask about upcoming races or mileage.  The observer begins to live vicariously through my consistent action.

Stage 5: The observer is now a complete believer.  They ask about my goals and my progress toward these goals. The observer celebrates my accomplishment of goals as if the goals were his or her own. 

Stage 6: The observer becomes a participant themselves. He or she always compares what they are doing to you in a diminishing light.  For example, they might say, “I’ve starting walking twice a week, but that doesn’t compare to your running.”  It is at this point that we must become a cheerleader for the observer and encourage them to attain their goals, not ours. 

These same stages occur during a business cycle:

  1. Observers watch you start/diversify a business. 
  2. They make excuses about why they can’t do the same. 
  3. They ask if you’ve hit any roadblocks in your business.
  4. They ask how busy your business is and begin to celebrate its growth. 
  5. They ask what your growth strategy and goals are for the coming year.
  6. The observer might come to work for you, open their own business or expand their role in their current job.

Our consistent actions and words can change those observing our behavior.  If, on the other hand, we quit and justify our failure with excuses, we reinforce the observer's initial disbelief in us. We need to be consistent in our actions! Who do think is watching you?

The author is president, Evans Glass Co. in Nashville and chairman of the board for the National Glass Association. Write him at bevans@evansglasscompany.com.

The opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Glass Association, Glass Magazine editors, or other glassblog contributors.

119 comments
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