Welcome to the DPHA Family!

We would like to take a moment to welcome those who joined DPHA during the first quarter of 2020!

Dealers:
Baths of America
Houston, TX
Contact: Ali Sultanali, CEO


Green Art Plumbing Supply
Freeport, NY
Contact: Jerod Palagi, Showroom Manager

Utica Avenue Plumbing Supply
Brooklyn, NY
Contact: Joshua Brandner, CEO

Manufacturers:
Bertch Cabinets
Waterloo, IA
Contact: Jason Franck, Business Development Manager

Rep Agencies:
CMZ Associates, LLC
Kentfield, CA
Contact: Chad Zimmerman, CEO

Pan American Sales and Marketing
Sunrise, FL
Contact: Steven Llerandi

Ridgeline Mechanical Sales
Bozeman, MT
Contact: Jennifer Gurley, Luxury Division Director

Vertical Sales
Long Beach, CA
Contact: Susan Littlebrook and Bobby Dean, Owners

If you know of a dealer, manufacturer, professional member, representative or trade associate company who you believe should be a DPHA member, please forward their name and contact information to kymberly@DPHA.net.

Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills

What most DPHA members lack the most is connection and time. We don’t have enough time to do the things we want and often are pressured by deadlines to hit send before we want to or should. Harvard University’s Director of the Writing Center Jane Rosenzweig offers some guidance to improve your communication capabilities.

The first line of an email or any correspondence should state the reason for the email. When you lead with the main point of the correspondence, you are telling the reader exactly what they need to do or expect. You save time and add connection. Determine the background information that supports your message and don’t add additional copy.

Don’t do this:

Budgeting for a bath is generally complicated and difficult to pin down because the number decisions that need to be made. We understand that homeowners in Shaker Heights, OH don’t have unlimited budgets most of the time, and there are always compromises and concessions. We encourage our clients to think strategically about what is most important in their new dream bath. Consider the pros and cons of upping your budget for the items you most want. What we encourage our clients to do is to create idea boards on social media sites such as Pinterest and Houzz that enable our designers to prepare realistic budget recommendations based on style, preferences and space.

Do this:

We recommend that anyone who wants a dream bath create idea boards on social media sites such as Pinterest and Houzz that enable talented designers to develop realistic budgets based on style, preferences and space.

Rosenzweig also advises transforming descriptive topic sentences into topic sentences that make claims.

Descriptive Topic Statement:

I met with the Goldbergs on Tuesday to discuss their new kitchen.

Claim Topic Sentence:

After meeting with the Goldbergs on Tuesday to discuss their new bath, we need to revise their budget to ensure that they have realistic expectations.

The claim sentence is a call to action because something occurred at that meeting that requires a response or additional action.

When you begin an email with a claim, you tell the reader what to expect and focus the rest of the email on what needs to happen and why. Make a habit of writing claim-based topic sentences to reduce editing time.

Identify the people who should be acting when you communicate.

Consider changing this:

We made the decision to shut the showroom in light of global pandemic because we are not considered an essential business.

To this:

Jane Doe, president of Doe Designs decided to shut down the showroom in light of global pandemic because we are not considered an essential business.

In the first sentence, “We” is not identified, while in the second sentence the president of the company made the decision to close the showroom. Closing the showroom is a big deal. Determine if you want to identify the person who actually made the decision or if you want to keep the decision maker anonymous.

Seamless Poetry in Any Setting: Amerock's New Aloft Collection.

Aloft turns the practical into the poetic with graceful curvature that gives way to a visually seamless design. Its subtle profile will add sophistication to any contemporary space.

Available in four edge pull sizes up to 11-11/16in (297mm) overall length, Aloft is offered in four finishes: Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Satin Nickel and Black Chrome. Pulling from today’s hot trends in home décor, these finishes are designed to coordinate with those at the forefront of lighting, plumbing, and appliance design.

Aloft is one of four new collections in Amerock’s launch of European-inspired contemporary designs.

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Bertch Introduces Walnut to Bath Division.

Bertch recently debuted a walnut vanity at two trade shows and the response was overwhelming. Walnut is in! And now it’s available as a wood specie in the Bath Division. They’ve re-organized their Bath catalog and included Walnut pricing columns. Walnut is 12% more than cherry and is available only in Premium Furniture and Classic Series, and in the wood door styles in Linea. All stain finishes are available. They are working on the imaging for walnut colors and will be updating BOO and bertch.com with those images as they become available. Along with the introduction of walnut, their standard color chips will be updated replacing cherry autumn, oak loft and oak rose with walnut dawn, walnut mocha and walnut driftwood.

DISCOVER BERTCH

Fresh Kitchen Finishes from House of Rohl.

ROHL faucets are crafted with mixed metals to add a sleek feel and modern pop of color to the kitchen. The Michael Berman Graceline Dual-Tone Pull Down Faucet, now available in a new matte black & satin gold combination finish, combines the perfect blend of sleek lines and modern glam. A new collection to the ROHL kitchen portfolio, the Tuario Kitchen Collection offers modern design touches including black handle and spout accents, multiple finish offerings and a unique spout shape that transitions into a pull-down handspray that will be the topic of conversation in the heart of the home - the kitchen!

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KEUCO Joins Luxury Products Group.

KEUCO has agreed to partner with the Luxury Products Group as an approved vendor. LPG is a national buying and marketing group of independent decorative showrooms. Important constants contributing to KEUCO’s success include the contemporary, technically innovative products, the high standard of quality, a clear design orientation and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. KEUCO products are the result of intensive development work, the use of premium materials and meticulous workmanship. The impressive thing about their products is their immaculate surfaces, maximum longevity and perfect functionality. Each product is examined individually before being shipped out. Today, almost all KEUCO products are produced in Germany and sold worldwide.

READ MORE

Being Prepared for SLOW: Thoughts from Fellow Jeffrey Valles

As we’ve said many times here, what will be waiting for us when we are able to leave our homes is a complete unknown. We all know there is some pent-up demand, but how will it come to our stores and factories? When we flip on the lights, will showrooms be overrun by customers and vendors phones ring off the hook? I certainly hope so. That we can handle. We are comfortable with too much business. Working 24/7 is what we do. It’s when things are slow that we struggle. It is easier to work with clients asking questions and placing orders, dictating the workflow. It is far more difficult to sit in a slow office and build and implement a strategy to bring old customers back.

Now that you have time it is best to prepare yourself and your team for both scenarios.

First step is to think of how you will feel and react if all is quiet when you reopen your business. You will be elated at finally getting back to your business, but there might not be any customers. Many unprepared owners will immediately feel frustration, then anger, and then find someone to blame. All of these are logical steps under such circumstances, but they are not constructive and do not have to happen. Take the time now and envision what a slow business reopening will feel like. What will you do? What is your plan to remind your good clients that you are still there and ready to help design new spaces? Spaces that trapped homeowners now dream of and spaces that will perform better should we all have to remain at home again? New spaces that will allow people to go home and feel like empowered, not remind them of these last few weeks.

Take the time now and build your mindset, strategy and tactics for a boom or bust reopening. If you are prepared, you will not get as frustrated and will have the time and focus to help your team deal with whatever the world has for our businesses.

This is only round one. How many more trials will Covid-19 take us through, I have not a clue. But I do know that those that take the time to mentally prepare for the roller coaster ahead will come out best. Surprises in business are not always a good thing. Take the time now to be prepared for as many surprises as you can foresee. Best of luck.

When Hope is a Good Strategy

Hope typically is not what you want to depend on to determine your destiny. You can’t rely on hope to turn your business around, collect receivables or ensure the success of a new product launch. However, hope is the right strategy to make it through the current coronavirus crisis, writes the 2018 DPHA Conference Workshops Leader, the Retail Doctor, Bob Phibbs in a recent blog post.

“The economy runs on hope. That’s it. Just like a couple deciding to have a child want to believe their offspring could grow up to be President, they also fear that child could become a drug dealer or homeless. Yet they choose hope.

It’s a choice.

And hope doesn’t come from someone else, it has to start with each of us.

Otherwise, what the hell is the point of getting up in the morning? Of anything?

Without hope, all is lost.”

Phibbs is optimistic about the future of brick and mortar retail after the pandemic for several reasons.

Retail employees are gaining more respect. Americans and employers have a different opinion of grocery store team members; the checkout personnel, shelve stockers, butchers, bakers, deli counter staffs and others are seen in a new light. Most Americans recognize these individuals are risking their own health and wellbeing to make sure you have food on your table. To their employers, they no longer can be considered disposable.

There’s a refreshing new focus on small businesses. Americans have a much greater appreciation for the local store, mall and retailers, realizing there will be a terrible void and sense of loss if those businesses do not reopen.

Phibbs believes that Macy’s and other bloated national retailers will be forced to make painful cuts and closings, but they may not go away altogether. What remains after the tough decisions offers a new lease on life and a chance for Macy’s and others to do a better job.

The crisis has unlocked creativity, Phibbs notes. Dyson invented a portable ventilator. Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers and Chanel are making masks. A number of distilleries are manufacturing hand sanitizer seemingly overnight. “Innovation and creativity were unleashed as these brands easily saw the need. That same spirit of innovation will have to be used to engage a weary customer…and it won’t happen over Zoom,” Phibbs writes.

Social media has become more important. The New York Times reports that phone calls using Facebook’s app more than doubled and group calls on social media in Italy increased 1,000%. Many DPHA members are using webinars and conducting live video conversations with customers that serve as lifelines because their brick and mortar businesses were forced to close to the public.

Social distancing is working. Americans are pulling together, demonstrating humanity, empathy and compassion rarely seen before the crisis. The crisis gives retail employees a new appreciation for their job. With unemployment skyrocketing from 3 to 13% in a few weeks, many retail workers will be thrilled to go back to work. For the same reasons, retailers will have a new appreciation for customers and will recognize that they need to up their game and truly provide outstanding customer service.

Phibbs believes that contactless credit card payments will become the new normal. Paper money is a Petri dish of germs. Consumers will gravitate to tap and pay or smartphone payment apps, abandoning swiping and inserting them into machines.

Online retail is not invincible. Wayfair, Phibbs notes, got a big bump, but that does not mean its sales increases are sustainable. Many of Wayfair’s competitors are closed. Plus, the company spends $196 to acquire every new customer. When you consider the boost in online purchasing during social distancing, the leading category of those purchases is groceries. Consumers are buying online not necessarily because they want to, but because they have to.

Phibbs concludes that “People buy based on hope in the future…When we come out of this, that compassionate spirit of we, not me, has to continue. It’s rooted in optimism. And it starts with you.”

Introducing ANEX: Americh Nanobubble Experience.

Oxygen and water play an important role in the health of our largest organ, our skin. Americh Nanobubble Experience (ANEX) deep cleans your skin, allowing your skin to absorb the maximum amount of oxygen, enhancing skin cell growth, improving function of blood vessels and stimulating the body's immune system.

ANEX is not a massage system, but a skin conditioning therapy.

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Jeffrey Valles is Employed.

Over the last decade Colonial Bronze focused on improving the capabilities and versatility of their factory. From the introduction of lean manufacturing to the addition of state-of the-art machines, they have become the versatile manufacturer that luxury customers demand.

With that accomplished, Colonial Bronze is now ready to expand the reach of its brand to drive more cabinet hardware customers to your showrooms and websites. To help them accomplish this goal, they have added Jeffrey Valles to their team as their Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He has shown success in working for manufacturers, showrooms and by guiding an influential buying group. They are looking forward to what they can accomplish together. www.colonialbronze.com

REACH OUT TO JEFFREY

MrSteam Launches Training Assets for Working From Home.

MrSteam understands that keeping up with product training or virtual sales when working from home has its challenges.

They have created several assets to help, including a PDF that launches certain key videos on line, quizzes (and answers in the back of the PDF), links to product pages, price book, easy reference materials and more. They are still churning more material out, so make sure you are checking with your MrSteam rep for more information!

VIEW ASSETS

Words of Wisdom During Hard Times: Thoughts from Fellow Hank Darlington

Have I told you lately how much I love this DPH industry? I loved starting and owning my own business. I loved helping start the original DPH group (part of NKBA in the mid -1980s) and working with the current organization as it has evolved. I have loved the opportunity of sharing knowledge and experience via my consulting business and writing a couple of business management books and articles for several trade magazines. But most of all, I have loved the relationships that I’ve had with the wonderful folks in this great industry.

As Carol and I are hunkered down in the Palm Springs, CA area, I can’t help but feel the anxiety and concern that today’s DPHA business owners and managers must be feeling. We went through several down turns in business in the 80’s and 90’s, but nothing like we’re seeing today!

I want to share some thoughts on what you might do to survive this crisis – businesswise.

First and foremost I hope you have been generating good, accurate financial statements (profit and loss statements and balance sheets) on a regular monthly basis. I hope your business is profitable and that you had some cash in the bank prior to being shut down as a “non-essential” business. Our DPH industry is one of the lucky ones, as many of our businesses are considered essential, and I have heard that many showroom teams are very busy on the phone and email while working remotely.

Study these financial reports very carefully. Make decisions on where you can cut expenses while revenues have slowed significantly. Your biggest expense item is most likely your people (owners included). As hard as it is - this is where you will have to make/take the first and probably the biggest cuts (keeping in mind the requirements of the government programs). Don’t wait, hoping things will turn around quickly. It’s going to be a long, slow recovery when this whole virus situation does go away (and it will)! Look at any and all other areas that you might be able to make cuts. If you lease your property - get in touch with your landlord NOW- and ask for relief. Negotiate new terms that will work for both of you. Can you/should you cut back on marketing and/or advertising expenses? Stay on top of your receivables. Don’t wait to collect the money owed to you, because your customers are probably going through the same hard time!

Touch base with your bank. Take advantage of the government programs that have been developed to help small businesses. Be patient! Neither the government nor the banks were prepared for this. Check out DPHA’s webinar explaining several of these programs.

My experience tells me that owners are, by nature, very optimistic. They believe things won’t get worse and that the current hard time won’t last very long. Consequently they wait too long to take drastic actions. They wait too long to respond to what is happening... sometimes too long to save their businesses.

When we went through a couple of difficult financial times, Carol and I (the owners of the business) took the first big cuts in salary. We then told our employees that we had to make more cuts in people costs. We told them that we would either have to let a few people go or we could implement 20% cuts on everyone across the board. They opted to take cuts themselves and to not let any people go. This worked for us - but then we never had the government shutdown our business as being “non-essential”.

I hate that our industry is going through this. If you have any questions or concerns – give me a call at 916.832.4891 or send me an email. All advice would be no charge. God bless you. Keep the faith – this too shall pass.

Upgrade Your Bathroom with Barclay's RAK Precious Wall-Hung Basin.

Barclay's line of RAK-Precious Wall-Hung Basins are crafted from fine porcelain with the look and feel of tile. Porcelain is a beautiful ceramic that holds wells over time. Also, known to be low maintenance when it comes to cleaning. RAK Precious comes with a drain and porcelain drain cover included that allows it to have an invisible drain appearance. Feel free to choose from several shades: Behind Gray, Carrara, Cool Gray, Macaubus, Travertino Ivory and Unidark Black.

VIEW THE COLLECTION

A Note from Tom Cohn, DPHA Executive Vice President

It’s been about a month since the way of life that we all knew changed drastically. At the January 27 Board meeting, we expressed muted optimism that 2020 could be a special year for DPHA members and the Association. And we were well on our way with a substantial increase in support from DPHA members, great enthusiasm for our Annual Conference, revamping the website and updating many of our education manuals. We were well on our way.

As an industry and a nation, we are caught in the grips of an insidious virus that is impacting our families, our businesses, our communities and our way of life. The challenge is daunting, but as we listen to our members, I am heartened by the optimism, courage and tenacity of so many who not only plan to weather the storm, but also to put their businesses in position to knock it out of the park when the rain stops and we all can go back to work full time.

I want all DPHA members to know that your DPHA staff – Rebekah, Kymberly, Claudia, Carolyn and myself – are laser focused on supporting you, your business and your team members. We will continue to serve as a resource to discuss strategy, positioning, marketing, operations, process improvement or just as a willing ear to listen to what’s on your mind. That’s the magic of DPHA. We are a community. We are a family. We are here for you in good times and extraordinary circumstances that we find ourselves in. Stay optimistic and be safe.

All the best,

Tom Cohn

Executive Vice President

Easter Bunny Deemed "Essential Worker".

Around the world, billions are staying home to curb the spread of the coronavirus, except for medical personnel, police officers, pharmacists, grocery store workers and others who have been deemed essential workers in many places. In New Zealand, that list grew by two after the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on Monday that the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy were considered essential workers, too...

READ NYT ARTICLE

Nood Co. Introduces Powder Room Collection.

Introducing concrete to the world of high-rise projects with the multi-functional Shelf range. For tight spaces, powder rooms, hotel and apartment blocks this medium sized Shelf basin has a space for soap or a tap hole, and a further option of overflow, wall mount or surface mount. These basins are supplied with custom brackets for wall mounting, but also fit to be surface mounted.

VIEW THE COLLECTION

QM Drain Expands Satin Gold Offering.



QM Drain expands its offering of Drains is Satin Gold as part of its continuous effort to provide the most complete line of drains to their customers. Satin Gold is currently available in 4 different Linear Drain styles and 3 different Center Drain styles. Each style comes at different price points. Models included in the Satin Gold collection are: Supreme, Lotus, Veil (Tile-Insert Frame), Mira and our new Ria.

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New VIBE™ Tulipa by BainUltra Brings Fresh Flair to the Bathroom.

BainUltra finds a muse in nature for its newest freestanding tub, which is aptly named Tulipa in celebration of its floral-inspired silhouette. Stylish metal feet give root and definition at the base of the tub, which flows upward to bloom into an exceptionally elegant design. As part of the brand’s popular VIBE™ Collection, Tulipa is meant to evoke a sense of calm and retreat, a luxurious oasis in an urban world where bathers can focus on wellness and relaxation. Tulipa comes in a glossy white finish that is meticulously detailed for long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance. The distinctive metal feet, along with integrated waste and overflow, are available in a choice of six finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, polished nickel, satin brass, black chrome and matte black.

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Introducing the Victorian Collection by Nantucket Sinks.

Old is new again! As trends do, the beautiful designs of the past always seem to reappear in new forms. Nantucket Sinks introduces a new collection of Victorian Era bathroom sinks, taking those looks from the 30’s and reinventing them for modern times. The beautiful sinks are finished in solid white or with two tone options, white top/black bottom, white top/blue bottom, and white top/grey bottom. These sinks include an elegantly designed backsplash accommodating an 8-inch spread faucet, an integral overflow and sized in 24 inches and 36 inches. Wall mounting hardware is included or use with sink legs. This new Nantucket Sinks collection is made in Italy from durable fine fireclay.

VIEW THE COLLECTION

How to Avoid Opening Dangerous Emails.

If these times were not challenging already, DPHA’s IT gurus recently sent out excellent advice advising us to be on the lookout for hacker emails with dangerous malware and viruses. Here’s how to spot dangerous emails:


• Look closely at the e-mail address to make sure it’s spelled correctly.
• Hover over any links in the e-mail (but DON’T CLICK) to see the ACTUAL website you’ll be directed to. If there’s a mismatched or suspicious URL, delete the e-mail immediately.
• Watch for poor grammar and spelling errors.
• Never download an attachment unless you know who sent it and what it is.
• When in doubt, call the person who supposedly sent the e-mail on the phone to verify it’s legitimate.

Does Your Target Market Really Know You Exist? Thoughts from Fellow Jeff Valles

Working at a store that had opened when Henry Ford was 19 years old, I assumed that everyone in town knew that we sold fine plumbing and hardware. Boy was I wrong. Even those driving fine automobiles, at gallery walks, and on historic home tours would consistently asked me, “What do you sell there?” This brings three points front and center; the products we sell are mostly purchased by building and trade professionals, are only purchased a few times in a homeowner’s lifetime, and the DPH industry does not market outside its core customer base very well. 

For centuries, good word of mouth has built many strong brands and it is still the finest marketing tool known to capitalism. It is simple: do your job well, sell the finest products and support your clients. If all is done to luxury standards, these happy clients will talk to their friends and show off your company's good work. But in 2020, the year of the pandemic, is that enough? 

No matter how well we were doing before COVID-19 hit, and how proud we are to have withstood 2008’s nasty recession, there are still plenty of well-to-do customers who have never experienced a beautiful entryway with the solid feeling of a mortise lock. Nor have they enjoyed a well-choreographed DPH designed bathroom. Even if they notice one while visiting a friend or enjoy one at a fine hotel, they do not truly understand the beauty and spa-like amenities until they become part of their own lifestyle. 

From a tactical point of view, if there are potential customers that you are not reaching, eventually another competitor will find them and enter your market. Once established, that new DPH competitor will also offer your good customers an alternate go-to for DPH products. It all goes back to the old story; when you are number 1, you have to constantly work hard and be smart to remain there.

Now, with COVID-19 affecting your business, you are focused on getting all the business you can remotely while trying to grasp what’s coming next. Everyday tasks and issues, along with these new concerns, pack your endless days. There is just not enough time to plan and market your story to potential clients. Especially today, with all the print, television, digital and social media options, who knows where to start? 

In my world this is a loud call to find help. No one can do it all, and for your business to continue to grow it is time to reach out to marketing professionals. In this digital age, it is not difficult for a DPH company to reach outside of their market to try to capture a few new clients within your market. Instagram, Facebook and Google have no boundaries, they reach out to whom they are paid to find.

Even if you have been in business since the horse and buggy days, you still need to get the word out. No one really needs what we offer, but their homes are so much better when we have finished. Do you want to leave the door open, allowing other showrooms to reach into the market you built? That is not a risk I would like to take. You have built a successful brand, why not share your story with your entire target market to educate them on how good you really are?

I know it is difficult to admit you cannot do it all and that you really do not completely understand our quickly changing algorithm-run world. Nor do you want to continually work and study to remain digitally up to date. But there is no excuse for letting the wonderful opportunities those algorithms create slip to a competitor. Showroom owners must find time to meet and work with people that are deeply knowledgeable about these fantabulous marketing tools and are committed to remaining up to date with the rapid changes and new avenues being created. 

There are many individuals and agencies that offer the talent to help you reach your targeted audience with your compelling story, including some DPHA professional members. This is not something to ignore or leave to a team member simply because they are Gen-Z and use social media a lot. Cash is tight and we have zero idea of what the future will be but, intelligently investing in your brand is a good opportunity. I suggest finding a professional, paying a professional and reaping the benefits from a professional. Then you will be ready to roar when people are looking for the best partners to make their home luxurious. 

Related Reading: From Business of Home, Decorators Best dragged fabric makers online. Now the site is their biggest customer

Amerock's Minimalist Approach to Luxury: The New Mulino Collection

The inviting lines of Mulino are a testament to the allure of simplicity. Blending clean geometry with a split-finish assembled design, the Mulino collection’s minimal forms unite into a work of artistry.

Available in a knob and three pull sizes up to 11-1/4in (286mm) overall length, Mulino is offered in four trend-forward split finishes that pair a Silver Champagne or Black Brushed Nickel body with Polished Chrome or Black Nickel posts. Pulling from emerging trends in home décor, these split finishes are designed to coordinate with those at the forefront of lighting, plumbing, and appliance design. 

Mulino is one of four new collections in Amerock’s launch of European-inspired contemporary designs.

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DPHA Offering Webinars

CASH IS KING: CONSERVING CASH DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Wednesday April 8, 2 pm EDT
In this 30-minute session, Tom Cohn, Executive Vice President of DPHA, will describe brand new government programs that will pay your payroll for two months, as well as other funding assistance available from Uncle Sam and state and local governments. He will review the new Government Assistance Programs (CARES Act, Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, New Employer Leave Requirements, State sources of assistance), Reducing Business Expenses and Reducing Personal Expenses.

REGISTER NOW!


WHAT DPHA MEMBERS SHOULD BE DOING WITH THEIR WEBSITES TO MAXIMIZE SALES IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Wednesday, April 15, 2 pm EDT
According to historical data, brands that lean into marketing during lean times, tend to grow market share affordably, generating incremental revenue and exponential profits. With COVID-19 driving a recession and remote-working environment, sales and marketing need to adapt. Now is an ideal time to transition marketing to digital, which is more measurable, dynamic and efficient than print, broadcast and other media. Anvil President and Founder Kent Lewis will talk you through fundamental digital strategies and tactics you can use to increase your website’s rankings and traffic, leading to more phone calls and orders. Whether your business targets designers, architects, distributors or homeowners, this workshop will outline critical steps you can make to enhance your digital presence across search engines like Google and social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Turn these uncertain times into certain revenue.

SPACE IS LIMITED: REGISTER NOW!

Wise Words to Make A Positive Difference

If there is one thing the business world forgets it is this: people have what they need, but seldom what they actually want. World renowned author, blogger and marketer Seth Godin offered words of wisdom to help businesses navigate the COVID-19 storm in a recent podcast. “Just because you have the money to interrupt somebody (through an unsolicited email, robocall, etc.) does not mean that they want to hear from you.” Instead, Godin believes what most people want is a helping hand, especially at a time when they are curled up underneath their desks. If you offer to help someone instead of trying to sell them something, you’ll achieve a much greater return.

“When a society is hit by a crisis,” claims Godin, “you can do one of three things: react, respond or initiate. Reacting means an adverse reaction to an external input such as news or medicine, for example. Responding means that you respond to an external signal to make it better and initiating means helping even if nobody asked you to.” DPHA members can initiate by reaching out to clients to let them that they are available to the community if they are having problems in their home, offering guidance to address the most common home repairs and to discuss how homeowners can make their confinement more enjoyable. Godin asks, “At the end of the day, have you only checked emails and read everything you can on Facebook? Or did you make a contribution? Because the money will take care of itself if you are a good citizen? Ask yourself, how can you use your expertise to make a contribution to your local community and your clients?

This is a time to be rational. “The trick is to stay resilient. I do that by keeping a level head. If you think and act rationally, you are more able to acknowledge that you are wrong.” Godin challenges others to teach him why he is wrong. He wants to be able to change his mind. He recommends this mindset to everyone because, “It gives you direction and helps you evolve. In other words, it feels like a compass, which is way more useful than a map.”

Barclay Introduces Concrete Ewan Rectangular Basin

An exciting new bathroom sink from Barclay Products is the incomparable concrete Ewan Rectangular Above Counter Basin. The mold cast is finished by hand producing seamless concrete construction for a stunning sleek design. A 3-layer protective coating provides the basin with waterproofing that guards against cracking or scratching.

Measuring 19-3/4” by 17-7/8” with a 2” basin depth, this rustic sink is available in several distinctive shades: copper green, dusk gray or vintage brown.

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New Universal Infinity Drain® Linear Drain Released

Infinity Drain continues to simplify barrier free bathroom design with its new Universal Infinity Drain® linear drain that is compatible with every type of waterproofing method. The convenient universal kit features a pitched channel with a clamping collar and the choice of a tile insert frame or squares pattern grate.

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CEU Events® Calendar of Events Now on Their Homepage.

Due to the current crisis, many of CEU Events available courses are now available as webinars! To make finding a webinar as simple as possible, CEU Events has updated their home page to feature their Calendar of Events.

TAKE A WEBINAR