December 2013
www.dakotasupplygroup.com
SPOTLIGHT Tom's
Current
Business Advice For Ebenezer It’s pretty hard to get through a holiday season without hearing the story of Scrooge. There are hundreds of adaptations, from movies to television, from classics to cartoons. But no matter how they modernize the story, its core remains the same: Ebenezer Scrooge is a selfcentered jerk. He deserves a little paranormal activity, and he gets it. Ghosts or not, the holidays are a good time to reflect on our own Scrooge-iness. Not the “jerk” part – that’s too easy (after all, everyone feels pretty good when we compare ourselves to that guy). Instead, consider how you rate on the “self-centered” scale. In particular, take a hard look at your job or your business. Then ask yourself this: Why do I do it? If your answer is “to make money,” you may want to get ready for some creepier-thanusual house guests on Christmas Eve. If I’ve learned anything in my years of business, it’s that making money shouldn’t be the focus of what you do. Making money should be the result of what you do. And don’t get too hung up on “win-win” situations. Oftentimes a win-win situation just means that both teams “sort of ” won – not exactly the kind of situation that inspires overwhelming customer loyalty. Instead, go for “they win,” even if it means you lose a little. Think about Scrooge again. He was moderately successful (constantly negotiating logical, practical win-win transactions that mostly benefited himself), but he was miserable. He spent all of his time thinking about his
money but ignoring the true source of that income – his customers. Consequently, Scrooge’s customers didn’t want to give him one cent more than they had to. Instead, they laughed and told their friends to avoid him at all costs. That’s no way to build your business, even in a Dickens novel. When you put your focus on others you will be rewarded, period. It’s common sense, really. Successful customers become bigger customers. Loyal customers attract new customers. The process may end with you making money, but it always starts with others succeeding first. The moral of every holiday story you’ve ever heard applies here perfectly: it’s not about getting, it’s about giving. Scrooge could have avoided his entire haunted house episode if he had just kept this in mind. Ironically, he would have actually been even more successful – both in his business and in his personal life. Authors Bob Burg and John David Mann say it like this: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first. It’s an idea we should apply 365 days a year. In fact, let’s do it together. After all, that’s what The Power Of We is all about at DSG. Happy holidays – and here’s to a new year filled with your success.
ELECTRICAL
Buy The Most Klein Tools In December And Win A Tradesman Pro Organizer Backpack! TThroughout the month of December, DSG and W.A. Roosevelt sales representatives will be traveling across DSG country with a Tradesman Pro Organizer backpack full of innovative Klein Tools. It’s a great chance for you to see these awesome tools firsthand before you buy. Best of all, if you purchase the most Klein Tools we’ll reward you with a rugged Tradesman Pro Organizer backpack to carry your new tools in. See your DSG/W.A. Roosevelt sales representative for details. Here’s why trade professionals love the Tradesman Pro Organizer backpack from Klein Tools:
• Tons of tool storage means your crew can get right to work – The Tradesman Pro includes 39 pockets. • Made especially for trade professionals to fit all the gear they need – Its wide opening fits drills, meters, flashlights and more. • Stands up to tough job sites so it can go just about anywhere – A rugged, durable bottom protects your tools from the elements.
Printed On 100% Recycled Paper!
Fast FACT
Before electric holiday lights (pre-1882), families would use candles to light up their Christmas trees.
COMMUNICATIONS Raise Productivity With The FOSC 450 Gel Drop Seal Accessory. The Fiber Optic Splice Closure (FOSC) 450 gel drop seal solution from TE Connectivity improves your efficiency when adding flat drop fiber cables to an FOSC 450 B, B-short (BS), C or D sized closure.
Ease of use and flexibility minimize your time spent on the job! • Add up to four cables to a cable entry port without the need to open the existing base and lock. • Activate the compressed gel seal by simply tightening. • Add drop cables at the initial install or defer until necessary.
PLUMBING Mansfield Plumbing Products Are Now At DSG! Put the power of Mansfield brands like Alto, Summit, Brentwood and Cascade to work for you and your customers!
• Styles that end users will love and ask for by name • Reliability that lets you install with confidence Mansfield offers everything a bathroom needs, whether it’s for residential or commercial use:
• Toilets and bidets • Lavatories • Urinals • Bathtubs and shower bases • Commercial products Contact your DSG representative for more information.
Pop
Quiz
Brett Runge from Bartlett & West shows off his catch from a paddle fish excursion.
1. Name two of the four founding dsg-outdoors.
teams of the National Hockey League (circa 1917).
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NIVERSITY OF
DEVELOP
ING SUPE RIOR
GROWTH
P4 Learning Lab:
Discover The Secret Formula For Improving Your Business February 17–18 rapid city, s.d.
Spend two days with a small business expert at our P4 Learning Lab, and you’ll be able to:
February 20–21
• Develop hourly rates that guarantee a profit!
fargo, n.d.
February 25–26 helena, mont.
March 3–4
plymouth, minn.
March 6–7
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• Clarify and track goals to ensure success! • Add and retain loyal customers even when there are problems! • Create a Service Agreement Program that takes your business to the next level! • Experiment with “what ifs” in order to maximize profits!
Learn more and download a registration blank today at www.dakotasupplygroup.com/p4-learning-labs
HVAC/R Electric Boilers From Electro Industries Were Made To Make Your Job Easier! Reduce installation time! • Easy access and setup controls • Internal circulator pump relay for simplified wiring
DESCRIPTION
DSG PRODUCT#
Eliminate the guesswork! • Simple-to-use load control connections
ELTRC BOILER WARMFLO 9KW..........E4EMBH9 ELTRC BOILER STG 4.5KW 240V.........E4EMBS5 ELTRC BOILER STAGING 7KW............E4EMBS7
• Front panel LED indicator lights for easy-to-read boiler status
WARMFLO 10KW................................E4EBMO10 WARMFLO 15KW................................E4EBMO15 WARMFLO 20KW................................E4EBMO20 ELTRC RESET 13KW.............................E4EBWO13 ELTRC RESET 18KW.............................E4EBWO18
WATERWORKS A.Y. McDonald’s Universal Cambridge Coupling: The Logical Evolution Of Pipe Connections • Simple to use – Just insert the pipe and tighten. Once tightened onto the pipe, the coupling’s teeth will grip the outer surface of the pipe and provide restraint. • Eliminate the need for trace wires when using metallic pipes – The Cambridge Coupling’s stainless steel teeth provide electrical continuity from metallic pipes to the coupling body. • Deformed or oval pipes are no problem – The coupling accommodates pipes that are slightly oval or slightly deformed, saving time and materials in some sizing situations.
DidYou Know? You can earn a chance to win a fishing trip from Ballard’s Resort by registering for our upcoming 2014 Power Tools Success Workshops.
The
WINNERS Of This Month’s
PRESORTED STD US POSTAGE
PAID Detroit Lakes, MN Permit No. 14
Spotlight Super Code
1181622
1180433
Divisions of DS G Box 13573 • Grand Forks, ND 58208-3573
Are...
1177341
Check the code on the printed version of your November issue of Spotlight to see if you are a winner! If your code matches one of the codes above, bring in your November Spotlight to your local DSG to claim your prize! Plus, don’t forget to hang on to the printed version of this issue of Spotlight to see if you’re a winner in January!
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What's Inside Limits Are For Fishing,
Tom’s Current December Featured Products Fast Fact DSG Outdoors Pop Quiz University Of DSG Did You Know?
Not For Your Business DSG’s 2014 Power Tools Success Workshops provide the tools and techniques to give you the edge. In just one day, you’ll learn how to increase profits and improve your overall business operation with energetic sessions led by smallbusiness expert Ellen Rohr. Plus, when you register you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win a summer fishing trip from Ballard’s Resort on Lake of the Woods. Sign up before December 31, 2013, and earn an extra chance to win!
February 3 February 4 February 5 February 6 La Crosse, Wis. Twin Cities, Minn. Fargo, N.D. Best Western (Plymouth) Holiday Inn Riverfront Plus Comfort Inn Hotel
Aberdeen, S.D. Best Western Ramkota Hotel
Presented by:
The cost of Power Tools is just $25, and sessions run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be served.
Register online today at www.dakotasupplygroup.com/power-tools