One of the thoughest jobs I find as an entrepreneur is hiring and firing or laying off individuals.  Yesterday I laid off one guy and also took a 1988 Kenworth off the road.  The rig didn’t say anything, it just rested it’s metal and fiberglass body as it had done it’s time.

As for the individual I laid off well it was another story.  Individuals have pride, families and lives.  I know it comes with the territory but I don’t think I will ever be able to remove that felling from my stomach.  I don’t think any ‘boss’ ever likes firing/laying off people. 

I guess I must have dealt with it properly as this afternoon we got a new contract which required us to re-hire this individual.  We called him at noon and he was in by 12h30. 

Thanks, you know who you are.

Because of my involvement with my in-laws business (www.lapointedrainage.ca )  I have being versed on a brand new industry that is…way different from anything I have experienced.

I was at a Drainage convention last week and it was bizarre.  For one I didn’t understand anything anybody said because the lingo of this industry is new to me and second because none of the presenters had any knowledge of the basics of presenting.  This made for long presentations and too much coffee.

What is there to say about the drainage industry except it’s misunderstood if not completely unknown from the public in general!

I think 4 days away on business once in a while is actually a good thing for an entrepreneur.  Traveling permits me to think beyond the day to day or the evident issues and really work on planning and the ideas germinates in my brain.  The fact you also don’t have to deal with human resources also removes a lot of the clutter.

It is also a good reminder to enjoy your time with the kids as you miss them so much.  I am pretty sure I am good for another 3 months now!

In my past business’ I would keep clients letters to uplift me on ‘rainy’ days.  I will definitely keep this one!

January 10, 2008

RE: David Ryan – Electronic Time Capsule
I wanted to provide a letter of recommendation for Electronic Time Capsule  and  David Ryan. Through David’s exceptional efforts I was able to give a special gift of memories this Christmas that will last a life time! Thank - you David.
After checking my options on-line for some time I decided that Electronic Time Capsule was the perfect choice in both price and flexibility for the project I had in mind. However, once I started developing the concept and getting friends to share memories I realized that while the site is very userfriendly I can barely send an e-mail and needed help to make this successful.
 David was very patient and helpful. His outgoing personality and “can do”
attitude made me feel comfortable that everything I envisioned could be accomplished. He spent several hours , at no extra charge, during the busyChristmas period making sure that my capsule would be ready for Christmas delivery. It was, without a doubt, one of  the best gifts I have ever given and the best part is that it will keep on giving for years to come.
My dealings with David have re-confirmed my original believe that the Electronic Time Capsule is a gift worth giving and the personal attention you will receive – if needed – makes it even more special. David was  extremely professional at all times and did not make me feel that my lack of technical expertise was a problem but an opportunity for him to see things
from the clients perspective.
I wish David continued success and believe that anyone looking for an original gift or to simply record your memories for the next generation you need look no further.
Congrats on a great product – Bonnie Everett, Vancouver B.C.

I laugh when I hear somebody whine about winter…  They live in Canada after all and it’s not a matter of choice… coming December, snow will fall.  I find it relative to all the other seasons… either you embrace it or either you whine.
To me the first snowfall means different things.  In my previous business, I never wanted to go into the office.  I owned an insurance agency and I would receive multiple claim reports from vehicles accidents.  This would inevitably decrease my commission rates for the following year… In the past I would feel the opposite of black Monday… more like red Monday!
Since I sold the insurance business, it was somewhat different to see my managers adjusting to getting backhoes out to remove snow… Hmm this might be a different world?  The reality is snow slows down 85% of our operations from trucking to drainage to excavation… so yeah business wise, it’s still doesn’t like white gold to me!
On the flip side… There is nothing else for a fun time than jumping and sliding in the snow.  We spent the whole morning building a fort and throwing snow at each other… we came back in at noon, dripping wet with our cheeks nice and red.
Again, I choose to embrace, as for the others… maybe moving to Texas is an idea!