Cell phone numbers go public this month. This means that those nuisance calls you've received on your home phones can now be placed to your cell phone! And your cell service provider is supporting this effort (so they can increase your billings) by providing your number and info to the marketing firms doing this spamming.
Readers are reminded that all cell telephone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies. As a result, you may start to receive uninvited sales calls, for which you will be charged.
To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. This is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time and this will block your number for five years.
You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.
You may also block calls to your land-line phones and get more information at https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx.
Steve
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Protect what you create.
I was talking with a friend over the holiday weekend and learned that he is in the middle of a big home remodeling project which includes new tile flooring. He is doing part of the project himself and having contractors in to handle other parts. Naturally during our conversations about this project he asked my opinion on several issues, one of which is how in the world does he protect his finished tilework while others are walking around doing other work?
I was happy to educate him about using USG's Fiberock Floor Protection Paper to stop the dirt and other bad things from ruining his hard work and efforts. Most DIY'ers don't know about the TCNA Handbook but in that document it discusses protecting new tile work and that is exactly the role that this paper plays. What is necessary is a product that is fairly cheap, easy to work with, and yet still provides protection.
As I told my friend, I just don't know why EVERYONE who does any flooring work of any type, DIY or Professional, doesn't use this product every single day to protect what they create.
These are my thoughts on this, what are yours?
Steve
I was happy to educate him about using USG's Fiberock Floor Protection Paper to stop the dirt and other bad things from ruining his hard work and efforts. Most DIY'ers don't know about the TCNA Handbook but in that document it discusses protecting new tile work and that is exactly the role that this paper plays. What is necessary is a product that is fairly cheap, easy to work with, and yet still provides protection.
As I told my friend, I just don't know why EVERYONE who does any flooring work of any type, DIY or Professional, doesn't use this product every single day to protect what they create.
These are my thoughts on this, what are yours?
Steve
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving Week
First I want to let everyone know that I will post a wrap-up of the ISO meeting results soon, but awaiting a written summary of all the actions so that I won't miss anything important that I had little interest or involvment with.
It's Thanksgiving week here and many folks are starting the preparations for the big feast. I question why we anticipate eating such a huge feast knowing that we also want to control or maintain our weight. Knowing that we will have to start again to lose those pounds that we gain in that one day always baffels me. I also know that many folks (mostly women I imagine) are planning for that huge shopping day - Black Friday - which follows the feast.
Now I for one, have NEVER been a fan of shopping, let along jumping into those insane crowds on that morning. I question why retail stores want to create such massive jams and overloads on their staff and facilities when they could just spread those out over a much longer time period and everyone would be happier and work easier. Is it the "mob" effect that they want to create?
Last Saturday we went to several stores in London, Harrods, (of course) and PriMart. Both stores were, at best, uncomfortable shopping experiences. My thoughts 50 foot inside of PriMart was how do I get out alive!! Literally the Que for check out was 200+ people long and everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the merchandise. No way would I have spent even a shilling in that store due to the atmosphere they have created. Harrods was slightly better, but still way too crowded and broken up for me to have what I call a good shopping experience.
I know we are in bad economic times, and I can appreciate wanting to improve business, but what about the proper environment being created for the desire to spend money? In the flooring business most of us spend huge amounts of time and effort, not to mention money, creating a scene of beauty so our consumers will desire it for their homes also.
Maybe the retail stores could take a few moments to study other types of selling and find a new and different path to profits.
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
It's Thanksgiving week here and many folks are starting the preparations for the big feast. I question why we anticipate eating such a huge feast knowing that we also want to control or maintain our weight. Knowing that we will have to start again to lose those pounds that we gain in that one day always baffels me. I also know that many folks (mostly women I imagine) are planning for that huge shopping day - Black Friday - which follows the feast.
Now I for one, have NEVER been a fan of shopping, let along jumping into those insane crowds on that morning. I question why retail stores want to create such massive jams and overloads on their staff and facilities when they could just spread those out over a much longer time period and everyone would be happier and work easier. Is it the "mob" effect that they want to create?
Last Saturday we went to several stores in London, Harrods, (of course) and PriMart. Both stores were, at best, uncomfortable shopping experiences. My thoughts 50 foot inside of PriMart was how do I get out alive!! Literally the Que for check out was 200+ people long and everyone was pushing and shoving to get to the merchandise. No way would I have spent even a shilling in that store due to the atmosphere they have created. Harrods was slightly better, but still way too crowded and broken up for me to have what I call a good shopping experience.
I know we are in bad economic times, and I can appreciate wanting to improve business, but what about the proper environment being created for the desire to spend money? In the flooring business most of us spend huge amounts of time and effort, not to mention money, creating a scene of beauty so our consumers will desire it for their homes also.
Maybe the retail stores could take a few moments to study other types of selling and find a new and different path to profits.
These are my thoughts, what are yours?
Steve
Thursday, November 17, 2011
ISO Meetings Part Two
After another full day of work we have accomplished the following:
Introduced and gotten approval for ISO to follow the latest ANSI Standards changes regarding the Coefficient of Friction issues.
Another vote via Internet on the new generation of test methods and criteria for adhesives which seems to have pitted Mapei against Laticrete as to what new testing methods and criteria is or is not needed in the setting materials business. Much discussion on both sides.
More discussion on the thin ceramic tiles or panels still not resolving the many differences in definitions, characteristics or test methods required for successful installation. Italy and China have been the countries with the most differences although Japan and other countries are now becoming involved.
The working group discussions on installation methods, as expected, still has no clear direction due to the many varied different conditions and methods used in the various countries and regions of the world. Several smaller national members would like a new labor standard to be developed but they have no resources or interest in working to develop those standards. The larger countries, like the US, have standards and are willing to share those but the standards cover much different installation methods so they are not useful unless labor in those other countries would completely change how they currently install.
Two other working groups also met, on ceramic tile test methods and product specifications and neither had much progress or major conflicts to resolve.
The Backer Board working group presented our proposal for the new CBU backer board standard and it was agree to be accepted as a working group draft which means that it will now be electronically distributed to the 50 member countries of the TC for comments and preliminary voting during the next few months.
One final report will follow
Steve
Introduced and gotten approval for ISO to follow the latest ANSI Standards changes regarding the Coefficient of Friction issues.
Another vote via Internet on the new generation of test methods and criteria for adhesives which seems to have pitted Mapei against Laticrete as to what new testing methods and criteria is or is not needed in the setting materials business. Much discussion on both sides.
More discussion on the thin ceramic tiles or panels still not resolving the many differences in definitions, characteristics or test methods required for successful installation. Italy and China have been the countries with the most differences although Japan and other countries are now becoming involved.
The working group discussions on installation methods, as expected, still has no clear direction due to the many varied different conditions and methods used in the various countries and regions of the world. Several smaller national members would like a new labor standard to be developed but they have no resources or interest in working to develop those standards. The larger countries, like the US, have standards and are willing to share those but the standards cover much different installation methods so they are not useful unless labor in those other countries would completely change how they currently install.
Two other working groups also met, on ceramic tile test methods and product specifications and neither had much progress or major conflicts to resolve.
The Backer Board working group presented our proposal for the new CBU backer board standard and it was agree to be accepted as a working group draft which means that it will now be electronically distributed to the 50 member countries of the TC for comments and preliminary voting during the next few months.
One final report will follow
Steve
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
ISO TC 189 Meetings in London
I wanted to quickly report on the ISO meetings in London which started Monday and runs for the next four days (until Thursday). We have 50 countries represented with 66 people in attendance.
ISO runs a very elaborate agenda with many formal items so I will not attempt to cover all the many points of the first day in this report - 32 agenda items - but the highlight are:
Report and discussion of how ISO and the European Standards group are working together to accomplish simplifying the standards and codes across Europe and the rest of the world.
Report and discussion of Working Group 4 - Thin Tiles. Both Italy and China are highly involved in the making of this new category of tile products with many different characteristics that must be discussed and resolved for successful installations.
Report and discussion of Working Group 6 - Installation Methods. During discussions it seems to be the consensus that it will be difficult to resolve the many differences of methods of installation within the many different labor groups and methods of the member countries. It was also discussed that, for the most part, labor does not cross over borders in the same way that products do so this group may not be necessary. Each country seems to be satisfied that within their countries the labor groups are working well for the situations they face with international products being installed differently. We may still work to find an effective method of communicating different labor methods that work for the many countries so that other countries can possibly utilize those same installation methods.
More to follow tomorrow.
Questions??? Please email questions to me at Srausch@usg.com
Steve
ISO runs a very elaborate agenda with many formal items so I will not attempt to cover all the many points of the first day in this report - 32 agenda items - but the highlight are:
Report and discussion of how ISO and the European Standards group are working together to accomplish simplifying the standards and codes across Europe and the rest of the world.
Report and discussion of Working Group 4 - Thin Tiles. Both Italy and China are highly involved in the making of this new category of tile products with many different characteristics that must be discussed and resolved for successful installations.
Report and discussion of Working Group 6 - Installation Methods. During discussions it seems to be the consensus that it will be difficult to resolve the many differences of methods of installation within the many different labor groups and methods of the member countries. It was also discussed that, for the most part, labor does not cross over borders in the same way that products do so this group may not be necessary. Each country seems to be satisfied that within their countries the labor groups are working well for the situations they face with international products being installed differently. We may still work to find an effective method of communicating different labor methods that work for the many countries so that other countries can possibly utilize those same installation methods.
More to follow tomorrow.
Questions??? Please email questions to me at Srausch@usg.com
Steve
Friday, November 11, 2011
Total Solutions Plus, Day Four
We are experiencing very poor Internet connection services with the hotel today, so this may be a very short posting.
This is the big learning sessions day at Total Solutions. We started with a fantastic Futurist speaker, Dr Jay Lehr who gave us many great ideas about what we can expect to see in the future of our industry and how he suggests we all change and adapt to move into more success. Big idea of the day was Tile as art, not just as a floor or wall covering.
We then had a choice of 4 breakout sessions which were all extremely interesting and provided different viewpoints of situations that we all face every day in the tile business. It made for a very difficult choice as to which sessions to attend.
A fantastic awards luncheon followed the morning sessions and we were treated to several industry folks receiving achievement awards. Ed Metcalf, President of Laticrete was the receiptant of the CTDA award while James Woelfel was the NTCA receiptant.
After lunch we had a quick report on the CTDA and NTCA organizational activities for the year and it really made you tired just hearing everything that has been happening at each of these organizations.
Four more breakout sessions followed for the balance of the afternoon.
We ended the day with a 4 hour table top show where approximately 40 vendors had booths to show the almost 450 attendees different products and services that make our industry so great to be involved with.
Tomorrow (Friday) is the final day and again it will be morning and afternoon breakout sessions followed by the keynote address: Marcus Luttrell, author and hero to celebrate veterans day in a patriotic style. We close the week and show with a huge closing reception and Western Themed Dinner with lots of music and dancing. As I will be returning to Atlanta I won't provide any more updates on activities after this post.
I do want to express my deepest wishes that if you have been reading this blog from your home that you make a vow right now to attend next year in person and see for yourself how this quick week can inspire you and provide many valuable ideas for your personal and business growth throughout the entire year.
Steve
This is the big learning sessions day at Total Solutions. We started with a fantastic Futurist speaker, Dr Jay Lehr who gave us many great ideas about what we can expect to see in the future of our industry and how he suggests we all change and adapt to move into more success. Big idea of the day was Tile as art, not just as a floor or wall covering.
We then had a choice of 4 breakout sessions which were all extremely interesting and provided different viewpoints of situations that we all face every day in the tile business. It made for a very difficult choice as to which sessions to attend.
A fantastic awards luncheon followed the morning sessions and we were treated to several industry folks receiving achievement awards. Ed Metcalf, President of Laticrete was the receiptant of the CTDA award while James Woelfel was the NTCA receiptant.
After lunch we had a quick report on the CTDA and NTCA organizational activities for the year and it really made you tired just hearing everything that has been happening at each of these organizations.
Four more breakout sessions followed for the balance of the afternoon.
We ended the day with a 4 hour table top show where approximately 40 vendors had booths to show the almost 450 attendees different products and services that make our industry so great to be involved with.
Tomorrow (Friday) is the final day and again it will be morning and afternoon breakout sessions followed by the keynote address: Marcus Luttrell, author and hero to celebrate veterans day in a patriotic style. We close the week and show with a huge closing reception and Western Themed Dinner with lots of music and dancing. As I will be returning to Atlanta I won't provide any more updates on activities after this post.
I do want to express my deepest wishes that if you have been reading this blog from your home that you make a vow right now to attend next year in person and see for yourself how this quick week can inspire you and provide many valuable ideas for your personal and business growth throughout the entire year.
Steve
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Total Solutions Plus, Day Three
I'm sorry this is late as I've heard from many folks that they are looking forward to hearing what's happening here at TSP.
We started the day with a new Green Squared Certification Summit. On Monday at the ANSI meeting this program was passed as a new standard, and now we have 3 respected labs appointed as authorized certification bodies. What's next? Tcna companies can start the process of being certified which will add to additional business within our industry for the sustainable movement.
We also had a meeting of the NTCA Five Star Contractor group. This group is made up of the absolute best and finest companies that are dedicated to quality installation of our products. Every contracting company in our industry should be aspiring to become a member of this group.
We had Board meetings of CTDA and NTCA. Both groups handled the general business side of the associations and provided reports OS the many activities that their membership is involved with.
We ended the day with an All Industry Reception where the over 450 registered folks were able to meet and socialize.
Thursday provides us with many breakout learning sessions and I look forward to providing, as best as I can, an overview of all of the sessions.
Steve
We started the day with a new Green Squared Certification Summit. On Monday at the ANSI meeting this program was passed as a new standard, and now we have 3 respected labs appointed as authorized certification bodies. What's next? Tcna companies can start the process of being certified which will add to additional business within our industry for the sustainable movement.
We also had a meeting of the NTCA Five Star Contractor group. This group is made up of the absolute best and finest companies that are dedicated to quality installation of our products. Every contracting company in our industry should be aspiring to become a member of this group.
We had Board meetings of CTDA and NTCA. Both groups handled the general business side of the associations and provided reports OS the many activities that their membership is involved with.
We ended the day with an All Industry Reception where the over 450 registered folks were able to meet and socialize.
Thursday provides us with many breakout learning sessions and I look forward to providing, as best as I can, an overview of all of the sessions.
Steve
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Total Solutions Plus, Day Two
Another exciting and full day of meetings.
TCNA had their board meeting today - many reports on the issues that we've been working on all year, including discussions about the 2012 edition of the TCNA Handbook. Tile Council has laid out some very aggressive plans for many new member programs for next year that will certainly benefit our industry.
CTDA had a full agenda today of committee meetings including: Convention Planning, Membership and Benefits committee, CCTS Testing, Education, Marketing & PR, Green Building, and Certification committee. All of those back to back meetings covering all the many activities this group does for their members.
NTCA spent the entire day in the Technical Committee, of which I am a member, and we covered 18 different issues as well as 3 new business items. One of the highlights of the day was a hands on demo of the proper way to hang CBU backer board units on steel studs and an overview of the new "EQ" gauge steel studs and what to look for when you find them on your job site. A great number of items come out of this committee and go on to become industry standards for products and installation methods.
The day just ended with the CTEF Board meeting with 10 business items discussed including an update on the Certified Tile Installer Program progress for this year as well as strategic planning for 2012. We are looking at some very exciting new program plans to continue to improve the installation side of our industry.
Many interesting meetings happening this week at TSP and starting Thursday we will have the start of the Breakout Sessions where the real learning takes place.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update.
Steve
TCNA had their board meeting today - many reports on the issues that we've been working on all year, including discussions about the 2012 edition of the TCNA Handbook. Tile Council has laid out some very aggressive plans for many new member programs for next year that will certainly benefit our industry.
CTDA had a full agenda today of committee meetings including: Convention Planning, Membership and Benefits committee, CCTS Testing, Education, Marketing & PR, Green Building, and Certification committee. All of those back to back meetings covering all the many activities this group does for their members.
NTCA spent the entire day in the Technical Committee, of which I am a member, and we covered 18 different issues as well as 3 new business items. One of the highlights of the day was a hands on demo of the proper way to hang CBU backer board units on steel studs and an overview of the new "EQ" gauge steel studs and what to look for when you find them on your job site. A great number of items come out of this committee and go on to become industry standards for products and installation methods.
The day just ended with the CTEF Board meeting with 10 business items discussed including an update on the Certified Tile Installer Program progress for this year as well as strategic planning for 2012. We are looking at some very exciting new program plans to continue to improve the installation side of our industry.
Many interesting meetings happening this week at TSP and starting Thursday we will have the start of the Breakout Sessions where the real learning takes place.
Stay tuned for tomorrow's update.
Steve
Monday, November 7, 2011
Total Solutions Plus, Day One.
This week I will be reporting from beautiful Phoenix, AZ on the Total Solutions Plus Meetings and Trade Show. This is the group meetings for all 4 of the major ceramic tile industry associations, TCNA, CTDA, NTCA, and CTEF.
Monday was devoted to the ANSI Committee meeting, the ISO Tag meeting, and the MMSA Meeting.
The ANSI meeting discussed 5 ballot issues for new standards and the status for each issue - several have already passed but several are going to need review and re-balloting due to pending negative votes. This is the way that a consensus ballot works, we must deal with the negative votes so that the standard is acceptable to all groups that participate.
We then had 4 new submissions received and discussed, 3 of which were submitted by the MMSA committee.
We finished the ANSI meeting with reports from 3 Ad-Hoc Committees that have been and will continue to study various issues that possibly may become ballot issues.
We then moved into the ISO TAG group meeting and had reports on the 7 current working groups.
Working group 1 - addresses tile testing methods
Working group 2 - addresses tile specifications
Working group 3 - addresses installation materials
Working group 4 - addresses thin tile issues
Working group 5 - addresses proposed backer board standards
Working group 6 - addresses installation methods and issues
Working group 7 - addresses sustainability issues
These 7 working groups all gave reports on the status of their committees and discussed next weeks expected issues at the full ISO TC-189 meeting in London, UK.
Next were discussions on two potential new working groups addressing:
A. Anti-microbial test methods proposals
B. Next generation of test methods and criteria for adhesives.
Finally we discussed the status of all of the ISO TC-189 projects underway.
The final meeting of the day was for the MMSA - (The Material & Methods Standards Association). This is one of the main groups to develop potential new standards for our industry, focusing mainly on installation materials and methods.
Our first order of business was to re-elect our current slate of officers for another 3 year term as all have been working very hard and accomplishing much for the organization and industry. Thanks to all 5 of the officers for their efforts.
We then had 10 committee reports on various projects underway that again may develop into future standards or test projects that will improve our industry.
Next we discussed pending old business including updating and producing product bulletins and the MMSA website. WWW.mmsa.wa
Under New Business we discussed a presentation being made to the TSP audience on Thursday as well as forming a new working committee to address Gypsum Self leveling products.
Tomorrow will be another full day with reports on more technical committee meetings as well as other committee meetings for TCNA, NTCA and CTDA. Closing out tomorrow is the Board of Directors meeting for CTEF.
See you tomorrow with yet another report and update from TSP.
Steve
Monday was devoted to the ANSI Committee meeting, the ISO Tag meeting, and the MMSA Meeting.
The ANSI meeting discussed 5 ballot issues for new standards and the status for each issue - several have already passed but several are going to need review and re-balloting due to pending negative votes. This is the way that a consensus ballot works, we must deal with the negative votes so that the standard is acceptable to all groups that participate.
We then had 4 new submissions received and discussed, 3 of which were submitted by the MMSA committee.
We finished the ANSI meeting with reports from 3 Ad-Hoc Committees that have been and will continue to study various issues that possibly may become ballot issues.
We then moved into the ISO TAG group meeting and had reports on the 7 current working groups.
Working group 1 - addresses tile testing methods
Working group 2 - addresses tile specifications
Working group 3 - addresses installation materials
Working group 4 - addresses thin tile issues
Working group 5 - addresses proposed backer board standards
Working group 6 - addresses installation methods and issues
Working group 7 - addresses sustainability issues
These 7 working groups all gave reports on the status of their committees and discussed next weeks expected issues at the full ISO TC-189 meeting in London, UK.
Next were discussions on two potential new working groups addressing:
A. Anti-microbial test methods proposals
B. Next generation of test methods and criteria for adhesives.
Finally we discussed the status of all of the ISO TC-189 projects underway.
The final meeting of the day was for the MMSA - (The Material & Methods Standards Association). This is one of the main groups to develop potential new standards for our industry, focusing mainly on installation materials and methods.
Our first order of business was to re-elect our current slate of officers for another 3 year term as all have been working very hard and accomplishing much for the organization and industry. Thanks to all 5 of the officers for their efforts.
We then had 10 committee reports on various projects underway that again may develop into future standards or test projects that will improve our industry.
Next we discussed pending old business including updating and producing product bulletins and the MMSA website. WWW.mmsa.wa
Under New Business we discussed a presentation being made to the TSP audience on Thursday as well as forming a new working committee to address Gypsum Self leveling products.
Tomorrow will be another full day with reports on more technical committee meetings as well as other committee meetings for TCNA, NTCA and CTDA. Closing out tomorrow is the Board of Directors meeting for CTEF.
See you tomorrow with yet another report and update from TSP.
Steve
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Are you listening?
Our friends (?) at Bank of America have blown open a huge hole in their customer relations by forgetting to listen to the customer about debit card charges. They have suffered the consequences of their mistakes in both the public opinion as well as direct loss of business.
The lesson we can all learn here is to be certain to frequently ask our customers for their opinions and then actually listen to them. It seems to be that "LISTENING" part that so many of us struggle with. Many folks, it seems especially strong leader types, struggle with listening to other thoughts or ideas, especially when those opinions are opposite of theirs. Most of us want to fight for our opinions, right or wrong, but we are ready to discount any other viewpoint that isn't aligned with ours. I personally just started following another blog: You are not so smart. WWW.youarenotsosmart.com This great blog regularly points out many of my shortcomings and faults, but as painful as it is to hear, it is correct info. I am attempting to focus on this, especially when it comes to business issues.
So why is this listening skill so critical? Your customers have a great option in doing business with you - they can easily "VOTE WITH THEIR FEET" and leave for other providers who DO listen to them. Ask Bank of America!
I want to close with a quote that a friend of mine uses frequently, and is worth everyone remembering.
NEVER LET YOUR EGO GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR WALLET!
These are my thoughts, what are yours? Please share your opinions - I promise to value them!
Steve
The lesson we can all learn here is to be certain to frequently ask our customers for their opinions and then actually listen to them. It seems to be that "LISTENING" part that so many of us struggle with. Many folks, it seems especially strong leader types, struggle with listening to other thoughts or ideas, especially when those opinions are opposite of theirs. Most of us want to fight for our opinions, right or wrong, but we are ready to discount any other viewpoint that isn't aligned with ours. I personally just started following another blog: You are not so smart. WWW.youarenotsosmart.com This great blog regularly points out many of my shortcomings and faults, but as painful as it is to hear, it is correct info. I am attempting to focus on this, especially when it comes to business issues.
So why is this listening skill so critical? Your customers have a great option in doing business with you - they can easily "VOTE WITH THEIR FEET" and leave for other providers who DO listen to them. Ask Bank of America!
I want to close with a quote that a friend of mine uses frequently, and is worth everyone remembering.
NEVER LET YOUR EGO GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR WALLET!
These are my thoughts, what are yours? Please share your opinions - I promise to value them!
Steve
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