 |
|
 |
| |
|
|
PLUSS Corporation Newsletter September 04 - Archived newsletters are here
1. ) PLUSS Corporation News
2. ) PTM - Quick Tips
3. ) Creating Adjustments in PTM
4. ) Control & Effective Management of Your Business - (Part 1)
5. ) Customer Perspective - Nationwide Truck Service
6. ) CUSTOMERS:is it time to send that "Dear John" letter?
7. ) Choosing the right Backup media
8. ) Product Showcase for September
Several PLUSS members had successful onsite training sessions in the recent weeks.
Judy Peterson: Judy focuses on the bookkeeping and accounting side of business
Darryl Padget: Darryl specializes in maximizing profit through shop management. See more on page 5 under " INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGEMENT"
Jeremy Martin: Jeremy had a great response in Tennessee while teaching an Information Security course called "Fast track to the CISSP" for advanced level professionals going for the industry's top credential.
Past experience has shown that a company will excel with this additional one-on-one time. Our onsite Specialists will examine not just the use of PTM, but also workflow, procedures, and the continuity of your business.
PLUSS Corporation has started a new section. " The Customer Perspective" was started because of the ever-increasing request from PLUSS customers to learn how other companies are achieving success. PTM users that want to take their business to the next level are investing wisely in themselves and their future. These companies are excelling and we wanted to share their experiences with you. . .
Get on Board. . .
New software release. . . PTM has a new software suite in Beta, and is scheduled for released in October. We are currently making a list of customers for the beta version, code named "PTM Echelon Suite" or PTM ES. Beta customers will receive free hours. Call and talk to Pam for more details. . . 1-800-835-9609 Ext: 239
PTM
* (N.K.ALT+F.Enter) From the PTM main menu. Check distribution report
* (N.E.N) From the PTM main menu. Chart of accounts report
* (Q.C.O.E. ) From the PTM main menu. Recreate aged receivables as of date
* (Stand Alone Time clock: Administration & Setup documentation) From main menu Alt+H. Alt+A
3. ) Creating Adjustments in PTM
Adjustments can be created in three separate areas of PTM depending on the nature of the transaction:
J. Enter Checks
Transactions that reduce the balance of your bank account, other than checks such as bank service charges and automatic withdraws are entered in the N. Bookkeeping, J. Enter Checks area of the program. Simply press F10 for the next available adjustment number, and fill in the information as if you were writing a check. In the "Pay to the Order Of" section, you may enter a description rather than a payee name such as "Bank Charges". When prompted "Would you like to print a check", if you would like a paper copy of the transaction to attach to the bank statement or to file, then respond "Y". This will open a memo field; enter in a short description of this transaction. These transactions are found in N. Bookkeeping, K. Check Maintenance. This area lists the checks first, and then adjustments. . . .
Read more: http: //www.pluss.net/articles/Creating_Adjustments_in_PTM.pdf
MISCELLANEOUS
4. ) Control & Effective Management of Your Business - (Part 1)
In last month's newsletter, I offered thought provoking material to get you thinking about the current position of your company in today's marketplace. As I promised, this month's article will feature hard but honest questions to consider. In advance let me say that in a prior study PLUSS Corporation experts found that 85% of business owners could not accurately answer the questions that are considered essential to good management. Here they are:
Not knowing the answers to these questions may mean that your company is running itself and not being run by you. Even worse, are there other basic management questions you do not even know to ask yourself? Furthermore, what are my answers and how do they compare to others in my industry? Now, a few more additional questions:
* Do I know how to take control of my business?
* If I am not in control, then who is?
* Am I willing and able to make the changes necessary to take control of my company?
My hope is that you will find it worthwhile to take the time to consciously consider these questions. If you want to find out more on our Management Strategies now, simply call the Sales Department for ideas on how we can get you started!
Printable version: http: //www.pluss.net/articles/Kenny_Nau_0904.pdf
Kenny Nau, Director of Sales
An Interview conducted with Mark Brown of Nationwide Truck service
By: PLUSS Specialist Darryl Padgett
No matter if you are a customer, vendor or employee, it is a pleasure to work with a successful company. For many reasons, the most successful companies operate in a more profitable and efficient manner. It is not that glitches or major problems do not exist, indeed they do. However, they act on these issues promptly and are willing to change procedures or practices to fix any issue. They use a proactive approach and empower key people in the company with both the responsibility and authority to get the job done.
In this Interview we will look at what traits and qualities the most successful companies possess. We will look at their thought processes as well as their decision-making processes. Here are just a few of the characteristics of a successful company:
1) They have a clear VISION of what the OUTCOME for their company should be
2) They always seem in CONTROL of their own destiny by acting on issues in advance rather than reacting to issues after the fact
3) They focus on SOLUTIONS to problems, not on menial issues that do not matter
4) COMMUNICATION in the company is a high priority
5) The IMAGE the company portrays to its Customers, Vendors, and employees is of vital importance
6) The FINANCIAL STABILITY of the company is critical at all times and is monitored continuously
7) SALES and MARKETING is an unending process
8) They are AUTOMATED to a level that is always above the competition
9) The successful company is continuously INNOVATIVE. It is always searching for new ways to service the customer at even higher levels.
It was my pleasure to interview Mark Brown, Marketing & Sales Manager for Nationwide Truck Service (NTS), Clarksville, IN. NTS provides 24/7 parts and service to the heavy-duty truck and trailer industry. Several years ago while many companies across the country experienced a downturn in business, NTS maintained their level of business and since then have experienced exponential growth. Since implementing the PTM Software, they have increased efficiencies throughout the company and now enjoy much higher bottom line net profits.
The main focus of this interview was to see what this company's traits and attributes are to enjoy such growth and profitability. Mark joined the company in 1997 as a sales associate and in his first year brought over 60 new clients to NTS. The company at that time had 11employees, 2 locations, and 3 service bays. Today, NTS employs 26 full-time employees in 3 locations with 16 service bays. Lets see how they made this happen.
Darryl: Mark, what would you say are the most important things that make a company more successful?
Mark: There are several things that a company should continually do to maximize their success. First, you cannot take anything for granted. With regards to customers, you need to let them know that if a mistake is made you will absolutely stand behind your work and fix it to their satisfaction. For example, on NTS letterhead you will see this statement: "Most Accountable Truck Service Company in the Kentucky Area". Your company needs to make sure the customer is assured you are a reputable business.
Darryl: What are your views on "company image"?
Mark: No matter how busy you may think you are, the building needs to be clean inside and out. Without question, the appearance reflects the Image of the company. Not only will your customers believe all they see, your vendors and employees will as well. If the business looks bad, the customer will automatically have a bad image of the company.
Read the Full Interview: http: //www.pluss.net/articles/nationwide0904.pdf
6. ) CUSTOMERS: is it time to send that "Dear John" letter?
Dear John;
We just don't talk the same language anymore. . . its not you, its me. . .
How do you properly break up with that customer and is it really worth it? First decide if you can salvage the relationship. Is the customer aware that there is a problem? Remembering that not everyone is clairvoyant, have you warned the customer that they are on thin ice?
Take a step back from your emotional involvement, does the customer realize that their delinquent payments, constant haggling or remarks and attitude are causing an issue for you and your company.
Delinquent payments are fairly easy to amend, start by contacting the owner or controller. We have experienced situations where the bookkeeper was out of town or was cooking the books and not paying the bills. Direct contact with the person in charge cleared up the situation. Explain why timely payments are required and what will happen if the situation is not amended. Utilizing a simple Credit Application for charge accounts can help prevent this type of situation. The Credit Application outlines your expectations, providing leverage.
The customer that constantly haggles over price can be approached a few different ways. You can evaluate the customer's purchases; perhaps they are eligible for a different price structure on certain items? Make sure you are over servicing the customer, information is your greatest tool, inform your customer of the details on the work performed, warranties available and recommend follow up services. After approaching the situation in a positive manner a professional will recognize that you value them. However do not sell your self short, value is not about price never sell below cost on parts or labor, just one sale below cost and it will take ten more to regain that loss.
Now for the sticky situation-not everyone exhibits professionalism; those individuals that are rude and derogatory to you and your staff need to be dealt with. This type of behavior costs thousands of dollars. One rude person can upset your entire staff, killing production and murdering moral while bringing resentment and anger back to life. Most people that behave in such a way are not aware of the impact their behavior has perhaps that is how they treat ALL people and do not know how else to get what they want. This behavior cannot be rewarded; the best solution is to politely inform that person that you and your staff can no longer tolerate this kind of treatment, use their exact words to verify that you are hearing them correctly. If the customer is a true professional they will be embarrassed and amend the relationship. Just remember, everyone has a bad day-but after repeated instances with no apology it is time to send back the ring.
Take some time to evaluate your customers, PTM has several tools to help you review consumer purchases and provide follow up customer service. The customers that are costing you more money then you make with them are not good customers.
Pamela Cowley, Director of Business Services
HARDWARE
7. ) Choosing the right Backup media
Are you in the market for choosing a backup solution? As you are looking, keep in mind that technology has taken quantum leaps from where it was a few years ago. The two most popular removable storage devices on the market now are USB thumb drives and compact flash drives. To date, these drives can hold up to 4 Gigabyte's. The USB thumb drives are often equipped to attach on a key chain, this increases convenience and security. Most of the recent Operating Systems support USB thumb drives with little to no setup required. The compact flash drives are great for storage space since they are so small. Many of the new computers on the market come with a multi-card reader pre-installed that allows you to simply insert the flash card in and use it as a drive letter. Both of these options allow for millions of read/writes similar to a CD/DVD-RW or a tape drive, but they are far more resistant to physical damage. The industry predicts that these little devices will become the big boys on the backup scene very soon!
Jeremy Martin CISSP, ISSAP, CCNA, Network+, A+
PRODUCTS AND SALES
8. ) Product Showcase for September
HOT OFF THE PRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Printing Sale Tickets to plain paper means additional wear and tear on your printer. Toner on plain paper is 12% coverage. Toner on pre-printed is only 3% coverage. The generic, non-professional look, of a plain paper form will most likely fall short of the image you wish to project. On the other hand, pre-printed forms are distinctive documents, characterized by your company logo and ink colors, reflecting an image of a company that is successful and uncompromising. You may be concerned that the associated costs of pre-printed forms are too expensive but in actuality achieving a prestigious look on your business forms costs less than you think. Consider the cost analysis comparison on Toner alone and you will begin to see the benefits.
Call your Pluss Publishing representative today to learn more about custom forms and checks. 1-800-835-9609 Ext: 232
PTM License discounts
Have you been considering adding more workstations to your network but you are at your limit for licensing?
Let us help! PTM is offering a 50% discount on additional license seats for your PTM Software. The normal frontline price will be reduced to $500.00 per seat license for the period September 20 through October 17th.
Contact the Sales Department for more details! 1-800-835-9609
The BONUSES of Pre-Purchasing Funds for your Service Account
As we approach the final Quarter in 2004 I would like to remind everyone who is on a calendar year that it is never too early to prepare for the Year-End. On the website www.pluss.net we have preparation instructions for Year-End-the first two pages can be done anytime to verify A/R and A/P balances.
To help you prepare for the dreaded Year-End I am offering two separate pre-purchased bonuses.
* Pre-Purchase $1500.00 (1000 minutes) with a company check and receive a bonus of $150.00 (100 minutes) added to your account (that is a $1650.00 value for the price of $1500.00)
* Pre-Purchase $600.00 (400 minutes) with a company check and receive a bonus of $60.00 (40 minutes) added to your service account
Pre-Purchased funds can be used for classes, services, on-site hour fees and PTM's yearly subscription.
Contact Pamela R. Cowley, Director of Business Services for more information 800-835-9609 (ext #239)
SERVICES
* Monthly financial Education Packet: This new class offers you the chance to learn how to prepare your own financial presentation, how to balance the system and how to use the information. Learn how to analyze balance sheets and verify your data matches up with the subsidiary ledger. You will learn how to produce a presentation package for bankers, accountants, or even the IRS. Learn how to maintain paper backups in case of hardware failure, electrical failure or other disasters.
* Inventory Control Management:
Why do we call it Inventory Control? Simple; Inventory is a huge investment and an investment that big can easily get out of Control. If the person in charge of Inventory is performing their job correctly, profits on parts sales can be monitored and measured, the company will know its cash flow requirements and accurate financials will be readily available. However if your Inventory is out of Control you cannot monitor part sales, cash flow is unpredictable and accurate financials are impossible
The following is just some of the information required to properly Control your Inventory: Which parts are selling the best, Which parts are not selling, Which parts haven't sold in XXX days, What parts have you purchased but haven't sold, What parts were received today and who were they ordered for, What margins are you achieving by product line. Is your Inventory Manager currently able to give you this information? Did you know there is a class that focuses specifically on inventory control management? We can help you take back Control of your Inventory.
****
UNSUBSCRIBE
If you choose not to continue to receive PLUSS Corporate Vendor News, please send an email including the email address you have been receiving the newsletter to remove@pluss.net , so we can promptly remove you from our mailing list.
You can also contact us at 1-800-835-9609
PLUSS Corporation
5565 Hwy 2 West
Columbia Falls, MT 59912