ETC - Licenses Etc Ezine

Your monthly ezine for the Florida construction industry with valuable information, resources, ideas and tips from the experts (Chrissi Jackson and Kristie Cook)
at Licenses, Etc, Inc.
Comments/Questions: 239.777.8321 or 239.777.1028
Don’t miss us! Be sure to add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list.

Building Relationships With DBPR

The other day we took the day off for a trip to Fort Lauderdale. We usually avoid having both of us away from client work at the same time for a full day. But we thought - and hoped and prayed! - this may be worth it. We were meeting with Charles Drago, the new Secretary of DBPR, officially appointed by Governor Crist in July.

This was our first meeting with Secretary Drago, so we weren't sure what to expect. He has communicated to licensees and the general public his support of Governor Crist's desire to make doing business in Florida easier. He embarked on these "On the Road to Better Business" meetings with residents, business owners and licensees across the state to learn what we're experiencing in relation to his department. His intentions to open communications with the people his department serves was a positive sign. But we still had that apprehension we all get when we need answers from the government.

We walked into the meeting knowing we wouldn't get much time with him - we were the last appointment of his full day that was followed by a press conference. So we decided our main goal would be to initiate a relationship that we could build on in the future. And within our 10-minute speed-meeting, we were able to do that.

Secretary Drago was very pleasant and easy to talk to. We provided a few clients' situations as examples of not-so-great experiences with DBPR. These included "missing" pieces of the application that we knew had been included in the package and inconsistencies in how old and minor criminal histories are handled. These are common, unnecessary problems.

Secretary Drago was genuinely concerned about our (and our clients') problems and seemed a bit surprised at some of the responses and experiences we had been given by DBPR employees. His staff took diligent notes so they could be sure to follow-up on the issues we raised. They also provided their full contact information so we could keep them informed not only on general issues we had with DBPR but also on specific client situations.

Although short, we felt the meeting was very productive. We achieved our goals of bringing problems and issues to the secretary's attention and beginning a solid relationship that will benefit our clients. We look forward to building this relationship with the secretary's office so that we may better serve you. So, it was definitely worth taking the day for this. We'll keep you informed on changes we can help initiate to make the licensing process easier and smoother for you.

		Your monthly ezine for the Florida construction industry with valuable information, resources, ideas and tips from the experts (Chrissi Jackson and Kristie Cook) at Licenses, Etc, Inc. Comments/Questions: 239.777.8321 or 239.777.1028 Don’t miss us! Be sure to add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list.
		Table of Contents - November 2008 Message from Kristie & Chrissi Meeting With DBPR Head Beating the Marketing Drum Important Dates Spotlight on Steve Balcomb, Cool Concepts Heating & Cooling Classifieds
		Message from the Gals The election is over! Woohoo! The holidays are here! Woohoo?!? Okay, so the holidays can bring mixed feelings, especially in today's times. But when we remember the real reasons for the season, we can all still enjoy a special holiday. This is our time to give you thanks! Check out our Thanks to You!! special below. And if you'd like to give or receive a practical gift that helps your business, contact us about gift certificates...or have your relatives contact us! ;-) We have a lot to be thankful for this year, especially for you, our clients and friends! We are also thankful for the opportunity we had earlier this month to meet with the new Secretary of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. It was a quickie, but we felt it was well worth it. Read the article below about our meeting with Secretary Drago. We look forward to a long-standing relationship with him and his staff. You can also find below a new feature in Etc. - Beating the Marketing Drum. This regular article provides brief marketing ideas to get your idea-machine running. We hope you find it helpful. And if you have any of your own creative ideas, please let us know! This is the time when we need to band together and help each other through these tough times. It strengthens our industry so when we climb out of this mess and get busy again, we're all still around! Thank you for reading! And have a Notorious November and Dynamite December! Best regards, Kristie & Chrissi

		Building Relationships With DBPR The other day we took the day off for a trip to Fort Lauderdale. We usually avoid having both of us away from client work at the same time for a full day. But we thought - and hoped and prayed! - this may be worth it. We were meeting with Charles Drago, the new Secretary of DBPR, officially appointed by Governor Crist in July. This was our first meeting with Secretary Drago, so we weren't sure what to expect. He has communicated to licensees and the general public his support of Governor Crist's desire to make doing business in Florida easier. He embarked on these "On the Road to Better Business" meetings with residents, business owners and licensees across the state to learn what we're experiencing in relation to his department. His intentions to open communications with the people his department serves was a positive sign. But we still had that apprehension we all get when we need answers from the government. We walked into the meeting knowing we wouldn't get much time with him - we were the last appointment of his full day that was followed by a press conference. So we decided our main goal would be to initiate a relationship that we could build on in the future. And within our 10-minute speed-meeting, we were able to do that. Secretary Drago was very pleasant and easy to talk to. We provided a few clients' situations as examples of not-so-great experiences with DBPR. These included "missing" pieces of the application that we knew had been included in the package and inconsistencies in how old and minor criminal histories are handled. These are common, unnecessary problems. Secretary Drago was genuinely concerned about our (and our clients') problems and seemed a bit surprised at some of the responses and experiences we had been given by DBPR employees. His staff took diligent notes so they could be sure to follow-up on the issues we raised. They also provided their full contact information so we could keep them informed not only on general issues we had with DBPR but also on specific client situations. Although short, we felt the meeting was very productive. We achieved our goals of bringing problems and issues to the secretary's attention and beginning a solid relationship that will benefit our clients. We look forward to building this relationship with the secretary's office so that we may better serve you. So, it was definitely worth taking the day for this. We'll keep you informed on changes we can help initiate to make the licensing process easier and smoother for you.
		* Highly Recommended * Reducing Costs We're all looking for cost-cutting ideas to allow us to survive the economy. You may want to explore how you can cut workers' comp costs through Employee Leasing. If you have any field employees, Employee Leasing may provide a nice solution to high premiums. Contact Chrissi Jackson (239.777.1028) at Licenses, Etc. for more information.
		Beating the Marketing Drum Looking for ways to drum up business? Creative thinking will help you survive these tough times. Ideas for the holiday season: Mailings to customers and prospects offering to install and take down decorations. These small projects can lead to someone wanting a new kitchen or addition. Postcards or flyers reminding people of those little nuisances they want fixed before holiday guests arrive - plumbing, roofing, lanai screens, HVAC, painting, drywall patches or even a full-blown remodeling project. People are motivated to get these things taken care of when their home is about to be put on center stage for out-of-town visitors and party guests. Market gift certificates for your services to your current/past customers. In difficult times like these, we all prefer to give (and receive) practical gifts that help our family and friends achieve something they need to do anyway. Luxury gifts are out this year. But people would appreciate having their pool taken care of for a couple of months, or less out of their pockets for that new addition they need because they can't sell the house they're growing out of. These are just a few ideas to ignite your own imagination. Think about the problems you hear about from your friends, families, neighbors, etc., and how your business may solve similar problems we're all experiencing right now. Look for more ideas on a regular basis in Etc.
		A Gift for Your Business Tough economic times often means sacrificing luxury gifts for practical ones. If you need your contractor's license processed, a new business started and/or marketing services to grow your business, consider asking for a Licenses, Etc. gift certificate for Christmas! Contact Kristie Cook (239.777.8321) or Chrissi Jackson (239.777.1028) for more information.
		Important Dates Next CILB meeting is November 12-14 in St. Pete Beach. There won't be another one until January. Licenses, Etc. will be closed November 26-30 for the Thanksgiving holidays. Happy Thanksgiving! Next exam dates are December 16-17. Deadline to register for the December exams is November 14 - this Friday. Licenses, Etc. will be closed December 24-January 4 for the Christmas holidays. We will be checking messages and returning calls and emails December 29-30.
		Client Spotlight on... Steve Balcomb, Cool Concepts Heating & Cooling Steve Balcomb, owner of Cool Concepts Heating & Cooling, enjoys being on his own. He hired Licenses, Etc. in 2007 to help him start his business and obtain his A/C license, so he can be in control of his work and his future. He says being in control is the best part of owning his own business. Of course, like all of us, his biggest challenge is the current economy. Steve has tried many ways to market his new company, but knows it takes time to get the word out. Probably the most attention-grabbing marketing tool is his cool van: Steve says it catches people's eyes...so hopefully they'll remember his company when they need HVAC services. Cool Concepts does both residential and commercial work, including servicing and installing new systems. It is based in Punta Gorda and has customers in Charlotte, Lee and Sarasota counties. Steve has a Class B A/C license. In his off time, Steve enjoys watching football and spending time with his kids. He says if money were no object, he'd be a stay-at-home dad so he could enjoy his kids' childhoods. The best piece of advice he's ever been given: Be honest. It will pay off in the end. If you need HVAC services or installation, you can contact Cool Concepts Heating & Cooling at 941.639.4900 or 877.639.4980.
		What Our Clients Have to Say “Very helpful and very organized. Will use again. Thank you!!" Maria Maddox, Central Florida Glass & Mirror, Sebring, Florida
		Classifieds Do you have books to sell? We sometimes get questions from callers about where they can find used books for their exams. We'd like to start a list so we can refer them to our clients who who'd like to recoup a portion of their costs. Please contact Kristie (239.777.8321) or Chrissi (239.777.1028) to get your name and number on the list. Have something you want to sell? A position to fill? A need for a subcontractor? Contact Chrissi (239.777.1028, Chrissi.Jackson@LicensesEtc.com) or Kristie (239.777.8321, Kristie.Cook@LicensesEtc.com) for information about advertising in our Classifieds section in ETC. Our current subscriber list consists of over 800 people in construction and related industries throughout the state of Florida and beyond. Your Classified ad will also be posted on our website, visited by hundreds every week.
		Fine Print Licenses, Etc., Inc. Copyright Licenses, Etc, Inc., 2008 Have a question for the experts at Licenses, Etc.? Call Kristie at 239.777.8321 or Chrissi at 239.777.1028 or visit www.LicensesEtc.com ALL CONTENTS OF THIS E-MAIL ARE COPYRIGHT 2008 BY LICENSES, ETC., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You may reproduce any article with the inclusion of the following footer: “Copyright 2008 by Licenses, Etc. Written by Kristie Cook and Chrissi Jackson. Visit www.LicensesEtc.com for more information.” Protected by U.S. Copyright Law {Title 17 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., Title 18 U.S.C. Section 2319}: Infringements can be punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Are you having trouble receiving ETC and Licenses, Etc.’s messages? Ensure that ETC gets delivered to your email box. Add etc@licensesetc.com to your address book and/or safe sender’s list. NOTE: If URLs do not appear as live links in your e-mail program, please cut and paste the full URL into the location or address field of your browser. Disclaimer: The inclusion of an ad in ETC does not constitute an explicit endorsement. It does mean that as far as we know, the product is not a rip-off. When we really like a product and want you to buy it, we'll tell you explicitly. Otherwise, view these ads the way you would commercials on TV or display ads in the back of your favorite magazine. Check them out. Make a decision. If you don't like, ask for a refund.