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If you are unfamiliar with what a lineman is, they maintain the power lines that supply power to your home or commercial building. A lineworker installs services and emergency repairs to electrical lines.Blue-collar work has some very insightful tips for any business owner. Even though my father was not a businessman, he taught me life lessons to implement in my business to this day.
Get the Job Done
When the temperature is below zero and power lines are down, homes are out of power and the lines need to be fixed. The same can be said for your business. Every business experiences ebb and flow in revenue. Not all business charts are up and to the right. Sometimes the power goes out, so to speak. You just need to hang in there and be strong by weathering the storm.
The same can also be said of being prepared for those storms. You know they are coming. Have funds set aside to get you through those months of downturn. Cutting costs only gets you so far. The worst thing you can do is stop marketing because you will stop bringing new customers into your store.
Getting the job done also requires you to be a hard worker. If you want to succeed, then laziness must not be part of your work ethic.
Power of Community
The linemen were like a family. They helped each other out in need and they knew how to have fun too. Whether that be company picnics, softball tournaments or helping the community.
The same should be said for your business. Take care of your employees and make sure you are paying them enough to put food on the table, a roof over their heads and a little extra to splurge. Create an environment of togetherness. This will only create a workplace where employees will want to put in the effort and stay long term.
Also, you and your employees should be actively involved in the community. This could be donating time at local organizations, to having toy drives for the less fortunate.
Be An Expert
My father could tell me everything about the power lines from bird flight diverters to glass insulators to how to change out power poles.
As a business owner, you need to know and understand every part of your business. Know everything from customer service, shipping department, marketing team, etc. Every position in the company is a touchpoint to your customer and an opportunity to create a lifetime purchaser.
In addition, you must also be all-knowing about your product and/or service. What problem do you solve for your customer and how does it enrich their life?
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Thankless Job
Power customers typically only look at linemen as the ones responsible for shutting their power off and the ones raising their power bills. Customers tend to forget about all of the little things that the linemen do to maintain their power.
The same can be said for business owners. Being a business owner is many days of grinding to make a profit. Few customers take the time to thank you for the product or service you offer to help them solve their problems. Many customers are unaware of the sleepless nights, long working hours and years of experience just to get to where you are today. Take a breath. You got this.
Enjoy Life
Because my father worked hundreds of hours of overtime due to power issues, he was able to accumulate five consecutive weeks of time off each year. We were able to take family vacations traveling in our Scout all across the country.
Owning a business is stressful. You need to take time to spend with your family. Whether that be a trip to visit family, taking the weekends off or going somewhere fun your immediate family enjoys. You only have one life and it should not be all about making more money and business operations. Besides, this is when some of the best ideas come for your business!
In conclusion, the lessons my father imparted to me from his years as a lineman have proven to be invaluable in my journey as a business owner. The principle of getting the job done, persevering through business challenges and being prepared for inevitable downturns is a steadfast reminder to weather the storms that businesses inevitably face. The power of community, fostering a familial atmosphere within the workplace and actively participating in community initiatives echo the importance of building a supportive environment that transcends the confines of the office.
Becoming an expert in every facet of the business, understanding customer needs and offering solutions underscore the essence of comprehensive knowledge and dedication. Acknowledging the thankless nature of entrepreneurship, where few take the time to appreciate the effort and sacrifices behind the products or services, encourages a deep breath and a steadfast commitment.
Finally, the lesson to enjoy life and find a balance between work and family underscores the importance of cherishing moments outside the business realm. In the end, these lessons not only contribute to the success of a business but also enhance the overall quality of life.
