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There has been a lot of focus on our Vision and Values statement as we have started 2014.  Much of the discussion has centered around making sure we are living by our values on a daily basis in everything we do with Montgomery Enterprises.

I spent last Thursday sitting in on P&L reviews with Janna in all district one offices.  There was one value that stood out that every office was living by.  Cleanliness- Out of respect for our customers and ourselves, our locations will be shining examples of cleanliness and attention to detail.  All of the offices were neat, organized, had no trash in the parking lot, and signage was updated and displayed in a professional manner.  Great job district one on living this value!

A large part of virtue consists in good habits.-William Paley

Have a productive day….Louis

To improve performance most would think, you must be focused on areas where employees are doing things wrong. It is not to say that we must overlook areas that need improvement, but there is another way to improve performance.

Instead of always looking for someone doing something wrong, find someone doing something right. By recognizing someone doing something right you are promoting the behavior you expect. When someone is noticed doing something right others take notice. Ask yourself have you ever seen someone other than yourself being recognized for their performance? How did it make you feel? Most would say I want to be recognized too.  In turn those not recognized will begin to alter their behavior to fit those that were.

Over the last few weeks I have been able to find people doing things right:

Christie and Susan in Fayette – they both have been helping out the Hamilton store. They have offered their time and effort to help a store in need. They both have been training a new hire, again offering their time and effort. Doing something right!

Tracie from Kim’s area – She also has been helping out in Hamilton. She has offered her support and time to help the store get back to where it should be. Doing something right!

Stephanie and Kelly – Both of these ladies have given their time and effort to help out in Camden and Greensboro. They have taken time away from their store to help others. They are also going to be training a new hire for the next few weeks. Doing something right!

Tracy – A customer came into the Tuscaloosa store needing a title loan, his car was in the shop across the street. She found a way to do the loan instead of a way not too. She spoke to the mechanic and he was more than eager to help. She was able to do the loan, and has begun to develop a new business relationship for the store. Doing something right!

Finding someone doing something right is rewarding not only to those that receive the recognition, but also for those that have observed it.

Tommy

This past weekend, I had to go to a new pharmacy because the one I had been using no longer accepted my insurance. I was not upset about leaving the pharmacy I had been using because the customer service was so bad I had actually completed an online survey (which I never do)!  I walked into the new pharmacy right when the sign said the pharmacy part of the store opened. Ten minutes later….they finally opened the windows. Then, the pharmacist and a pharmacy technician went about their business putting up inventory and answering the phones never once acknowledging that I was standing only a few feet away. When they finally came and talked to me, I explained that I needed to transfer a prescription and that I would be back later. I was so livid at this point that I had to leave. When I came back, the same scenario replayed out again. The technician got on the phone and the pharmacist typed away at her computer. I started to wonder if I had invisibility powers….after all the technician was wearing a shirt that said “we love our customers” wasn’t she? Needless to say, my husband starts a new job in April and I hope our insurance will allow me to go to elsewhere….hopefully somewhere where they truly do love their customers.
My first job was working at a pharmacy with a drive-thru window. I was terribly shy but my uncle, the pharmacist, stressed to me that when a customer came in the door or through the drive-thru window that I was to immediately acknowledge them. Not only did I overcome my shyness but I also learned the importance of an acknowledgement. It doesn’t take much; a simple “I will be with you shortly” will do. It makes the customer feel welcome and important.  So, even on busy days or when you are having a bad day, just remember a simple acknowledgement can make a significant difference.

Rachel

February is shaping up to be the best sales month at Simple Pawn in the shop’s history.  Coming in to this last week of the month we have set the Simple Pawn team a stretch goal to end the month this Friday with a total of $50,000 in sales.  We feel great about their chances of hitting this goal as their sales have been trending upwards significantly over the last few weeks. On top of that, yesterday we received a huge load of electronics to sell that included fifty flat screen TV’s, I-pods, Go Pro cameras and several other hot items that should be a hit with customers.

I want to wish Alex, Melissa, Justin and Josh good luck in hitting their stretch goal this week!  We can do this! — Luke

“In order to succeed your desire for success should be stronger than your fear of failure.”  Bill Cosby

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”  Vince Lombardi

Here is a little daily inspiration for you.

Teamwork…one word that will define success in any company or athletic group. But if you had to pick the ultimate team, how could you not pick the world-renowned flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels?

Today, you’re about to enjoy a 3 minute inspirational movie about the Blue Angels that truly captures the essence of The Power of Teamwork.

So turn up the speakers, sit back and enjoy! And just one more thing – don’t forget to PAY IT FORWARD by sharing it with friends, co-workers and especially…your team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mR0_SK1K8xY

Enjoy!

Meredith

This past Thursday a customer at our home office had an issue with his breaks as he was pulling into the parking lot. He jumped the sidewalk, hit the brick, and went through the glass beside Luke’s office. Luckily Luke was out of his office and no one was hurt. Have a great Monday!

Louis

Twelve facts that relate to happiness-

1.            Happy people live an average of 9 years longer than unhappy people

2.            Happy people earn an average of $25,000 more per year than unhappy people

3.            Smiling releases endorphins and makes us feel better. Even “faking” a smile can lead to feeling happier.

4.            If you fake laugh long enough you’ll start to really laugh, really, really hard.

5.            Despite high infant mortality rates and lower life expectancies, not one of your direct ancestors died childless.

6.            For someone, somewhere in the world, today is the most amazing day of their life.

7.            We now have less crime, a lower death rate and longer life expectancy than at any other time in human history.

8.            It takes seventeen muscles to smile and forty-three to frown.

9.            Neurologically speaking, seeing somebody else smile actually makes you happier.

10.          Happiness has a fragrance.

                Clinical experiments on body odor have proved your scent changes between when you are stressed or happy

11.          A mere 20 minutes of exercise, three days each week will increase your happiness by 10 to 20 percent after six months.

12.          Happiness is a skill. You can learn it and it’s not hard.

Have a happy and productive day! -WILL

Have a happy and productive day! -WILL

I recently had the great opportunity to spend several days at our Starkville Money Matters location.   While I was there, I noticed that Julie and Mattie were sending out birthday cards to our customers.  I was curious as to whether this was something that the company required, or whether it was just something they were doing on their own. As it turns out, it was something that they were doing to let our customers know that they were being remembered on their birthday.  I was very impressed by this.  They were literally going beyond the required and going the extra mile to make our customers feel special. While it may seem like such a small simple act, it is a shining example of world class customer service.  If we can make a connection with our customers, they will not only continue to do business with us, they will recommend us to their family and friends.  What a great way to advertise and grow our business!  Let us all challenge ourselves each day to go that extra mile and shine brighter than the day before.

Hope everyone has an awesome Wednesday!

LaTessa

This past Saturday marked our 120th Auction. We had a near record crowd with over 400 registered bidders.  I would like to give a big “thank you” to all of the auction workers.  Teamwork is very crucial in ensuring all runs well on auction day.  The guys and gals on the hill consistently prove that they are a dynamic team!  Thanks again for making each auction a success.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. “~ Henry Ford

Luke

Suc-cess – \sək-ses’\ noun

1.The achievement of something desired,

planned, or attempted.

2. Favorable or desired outcome.

What is the definition of success? The dictionary states it is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted.

We all want to be successful, but it takes more than just words. Each day you must set yourself up to be successful. Each day you must have a plan and a goal and work to execute that plan. Success does not come without hard work. With the many distractions we all have in our lives, our plans and goals at times get pushed aside. The key is to be able to refocus on those plans and goals you have set for yourself.

 Can you see success?

Are we too busy to notice?

Does anyone really care?

Does it even matter?

Ask yourself these questions. If you model the correct behavior you will get the correct results.

Success Builds Success:

Everyday look for Success

Recognize Success

Help others to be Successful

I challenge myself everyday to look for success no matter how large or small. I challenge each of you to do the same. Success is contagious, catch it.

 Tommy