cleanthoughts Ahead S Publisher Matt Gallinger mgallinger @ ntpmedia.com Associate Publisher Micah Ogburn mogburn @ ntpmedia.com Senior Editor Rich DiPaolo rdipaolo @ ntpmedia.com Associate Editor Aaron Baunee abaunee @ ntpmedia.com Account Executive Susan Pierce spierce @ ntpmedia.com Art Director Marty Harris marty @ grandviewmedia.com Director of Business Operations Michael Perkins mperkins @ ntpmedia.com Ad Materials Manager Rebecca Follos [email protected] CMI Administrative Manager Sharon Hillis shillis @ ntpmedia.com ® ext. 3159 Pace Staying ahead of the competition during uncertain — and worse than expected — times is easier said than done. Although this may seem like strictly a building service contractor (BSC) concern, in-house departments feel the pressure to outwork and outperform the competition as well. Appearance is still king, but the inquiry, “How much will this cost?” is now a close second place and challenging appear-anceʼs reign as a facilityʼs main priority. What you cannot control is what the competition is doing. Weʼre not suggesting to ignore the com-petition, just to be more mindful of how to increase your value and spending. Our cover story offers a more detailed look at this reader issue starting on page 10. Of The ext. 3179 (516) 404-4532 ext. 3157 (256) 715-0342 ext. 3133 ext. 3138 ext. 3165 Environment Pushes Behavior Sometimes it is hard not to let the current state of economic affairs dictate your busi-ness. Although times have changed, there is no sense entertaining pity. Instead, writes Dave Frank in his column this month, end users should be prepared for “zero-base budgeting and task-based workloading.” As Frank explains on page 45, to weath-er the storm, end users must work back-wards to identify opportunities for savings. Consultants are warning that what worked yesterday may not still work today. The sooner you realize this fact — or the later your competitors do — the better off your business or department will be in order to survive these times. CM Editorial, Advertising & Publishing Offices NTP Media, division of 19 British American Blvd West • Latham, NY 12110 (518) 783-1281 FAX: (518) 783-1386 For subscription information local calls (847) 763-1867 or Toll Free (866) 721-4807 Look In The Mirror In this monthʼs cover story, the author notes that one solid practice of outpacing the competition is focusing solely on your operation. After all, you cannot control your compe-titionʼs or even your customersʼ spending, buying habits, personnel decisions, budget cuts, marketing strategies, labor, etc. You do, however, have complete control of your costs. Sure an eight-hour workday is tradition-al, but can you get by with seven hours? Fancy uniforms are nice, but during tough times, is there some flexibility or alternative choices available? Additionally, incentives and customer appreciation “gifts” may be safe to put on hold right now. Increase employee morale and training, but only when you can measure enhanced results and healthier surfaces. These are all examples of choices with-in your control. Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Canada Returns to be sent to: Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2 Corporate General Manager Barry Lovette [email protected] Vice President of Operations Brent Kizzire [email protected] Chief Marketing Officer, Publishing Services Group Hank Brown [email protected] Vice President of Business Publishing Tracy Aston-Martin [email protected] Vice President of Finance Brad Youngblood [email protected] Director of Circulation & Fulfillment Delicia Poole [email protected] Honorary Advisory Board: Mike Adams, Greenfield, IN; Stephen Ashkin, Bloomington, IN; Jim Brewer, Arlington, TX; Laura Dellutri, Lenexa, KS; Ron Goerne, Bloomington, IL; Russell Kendzior, Southlake, TX; Don McNulty, Blue Springs, MO; Bob Merkt, West Bend, WI. Richard DiPaolo, Senior editor Send comments or thoughts on this topic or any other article that appears in CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® magazine, to [email protected]. CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management Online™ Service at www.cmmonline.com 4 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • August 2009
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