For 20 years I traveled all over this country attempting to stamp the message of profitability into the lives of the wonderful people in this great industry, and teach them self-respect for the indispensable work they do. It has been a burning passion of mine.
At various times I tried to enlighten, cajole, embarrass or do whatever else it takes to get the message across. I made numerous friends along the way – as well as a few enemies. What is frustrating to me, however, is knowing that my articles and seminars are not enough. If a seminar was all it took for a contractor to turn his or her life around, you would find me presenting them every week of the year. A seminar helps, but it takes more.
Think about it. What is more demanding than single-handedly taking an existing PHC business that has under-performed for years, with an underpaid and demoralized work force, and turning that business into a [...]

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What you see in the attachment, my friends, is the bottom line of a 10-month P & L statement for Frank J. Blau, Jr. Associates, the corporation under which I conduct my seminar and consulting business. I lost money. Continue Reading »

Serendipity: The faculty of happening upon fortunate discoveries when not in search of them. I love the moments that take me completely by surprise. When I expect one thing and find another. The other day I received a call from a woman named Cathy… “Hi Ellen, I read your article in the local business journal and I would like to invite you to our association meeting.” “Well, how thoughtful of you,” I replied. “What is the name of your group?” Proudly, Cathy answered, “The Home Based Businesses of the Ozarks.” Immediately, I pictured a room full of good ol’ boys in overalls. “Hi I’m Billy, owner of Hillbilly Billy’s Moonshine. Try a snort of this!” I collected myself and replied, “Gosh, thanks, Cathy. When do you meet?” I was stalling for time, trying to think of a gracious way to decline. “We meet the second Tuesday of every month. In fact, Ellen, we would really like you to come and speak to our group about how to make more money. Profitability is always a hot topic in our break-out discussion groups.” Now, I am all about helping people make more money. Cathy was asking me to do just that. Sigh. I agreed to go to the next meeting as a guest, and get a feel for the group. I could do my presentation the following month. “OK, Cathy, I’m in. Where do you meet?” “You know the Smitty’s grocery store at the corner of National and Republic? There is a little coffee shop in there. That’s where we meet.” Sure it is. Continue Reading »