While the faint at heart complained that the performance expectations Dave identified as the business facts of life were too demanding and harsh for most workplaces, He disagreed and continue to contend that letting people live in a gray area and failing to stretch them with higher standards is what is truly harsh.

Following are 25 sample business facts of life.

1. It’s o.k. not to like a part of your job, but it’s not o.k. not to do it. In fact, I don’t expect you to like everything about your job. That’s why we pay you to do it.

Commentary: If you loved everything about your job, we’d have to turn the place into an amusement park and charge you admission for coming to work each day.

2. In matters concerning our values and standards, you have a voice but not a vote. I will listen to your input, but I will ultimately decide.

Commentary: It is the leader’s privilege and responsibility to create standards. I will not reduce my vision to accommodate your comfort zone.

3. Everyone on this team will be held to the same high standard of work ethic, customer care, and character, regardless how high their level of production.

Commentary: Being a top producer does not excuse you from continuing to work hard, caring for our customers, or living our values. 

4. You are expected to prove yourself over again every day. Tenure, credentials, and years of experience don’t substitute for results.

Commentary: Yesterday ended last night. You will not be permitted to cash royalty checks or borrow credibility from what you did once-upon-a-time.

5. I will work with you as long as you continue to make measurable progress in reasonable time. However, if you reach a point where you hover at or below average performance levels with no upward trend, your future with this organization is in jeopardy.

Commentary: Frankly, if you don’t grow, you go. 

6. I not only expect you to work hard on the job, I expect you to work hard on yourself.

Commentary: Your business will get better when you get better. Never wish it were easier, wish you were better.

7. Our compensation programs will be heavily weighted to reward above average performers and above average results. We will not weaken the strong in order to strengthen the weak.

Commentary: We run a meritocracy, not a welfare state.

8. When promotions are available, they will go to the most deserving member of the team regardless of longevity, gender or ethnic background.

Commentary: The person “next in line” will always be the most deserving person. We’re running a business, not the Royal Family.

9. I expect you to focus on what you can control and never assume a victim’s mindset to explain away your lack of success.

Commentary: Success is more about inside decisions than outside conditions. Take responsibility for your life.

10. I measure loyalty by performance, not the number of years you cash our paychecks.

Commentary: Loyalty is more about what you put into the time than the time you put in. The most disloyal thing you can do is to stop performing.

11. I will give you consistent and honest feedback on performance.

Commentary: If you’re great, I’ll tell you. If you’re failing, I’ll tell you. If you’re ever unclear where you stand, ask me.

12. I expect you to tell me what I need to hear and not what you think I’d like to hear.

Commentary: Kissing up will only succeed in keeping you down.

13. I will train you and invest in your development, but I also expect you to invest in yourself.

Commentary:  If you don’t invest in yourself, why should anyone else?

14. I expect you to lead by personal example, not personal convenience. This means you must commit yourself to a cause and not commit the cause to yourself.

Commentary: Before you stand to lead, stoop to serve.  

15. Lying, cheating, and stealing are grounds for immediate dismissal.

Commentary: If this has to be explained, you should leave now.

16. I expect you to add value to others on your team. Be a giver and not just a taker.

Commentary: If you’re in it only for yourself, you’re in a mighty small business.

17. You are expected to always do what is right, not what is easy, cheap, popular, or convenient.

Commentary: And you will do so without excuse and regardless of the cost.

18. If you have personal problems that affect your work, I will listen, advise, and try to help you. However, you are expected to work through the paradox of solving your personal problems while you continue to get results on the job.

Commentary: Personal problems cannot become a permission slip for an indefinite production holiday.

19. I expect you to become brilliant in the basics of your job.

Commentary: You don’t have to do anything extraordinary to get the next performance level. Instead, I expect you to do the ordinary things extraordinarily well.

20. I expect you to learn from mistakes and continue to take shots even when you miss.

Commentary: When you hit a wall learn to bounce, not splatter.

21. I expect you to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Commentary: Carelessness will not be permitted to become a lifestyle.

22. I expect you to become an “and then some” person.

Commentary: Do what you say, and then some. Hit your numbers, and then some. Keep your commitments, and then some. 

23. You will not whine, gossip, or complain about personal issues on company time.

Commentary: You will not be permitted to inflict distractions, momentum-breakers, or negativity on your teammates.

24. There is no tolerance for employees who make the numbers, but violate the values.  Thus, I will measure you by two metrics: performance expectations and behavioral expectations.

Commentary: Our core values are non-negotiable. They will shape your behaviors; you will not infect our culture by abusing them.

25. I will listen to explanations for job failures, but not excuses. I expect you to take responsibility.

Commentary: Excuses are the DNA of underachievers. One of the best days of your life is when you give them up. Why not start today?

Some of these business facts of life may have comforted you, while others confronted you.

Please share your comments and experiences below and be sure to give this a FB Like or Tweet!

#1 - Arrive to work on time
#2 - Keep a clean and organized work truck
#3 - Prepare the next days jobs by 3:00 p.m. the day before
#4 - Keep keyed alike cylinders ready in pairs, and sets.
#5 - Learn to say NO.
#6 - Salvage the important parts, discard the rest.
#7 - Keep a daily "Things to Order" list, then order them.
#8 - Have sharp drill bits.
#9 - Route your jobs in a straight line.
#10 - Stop returning to the shop to get parts.

What habits do you think are important? Please share your comments, give this a Facebook LIKE or Tweet!

Here is a great interview made in 2006 with Joe Dalessio.

Listen to Joe, take notes and learn from one of the more dynamic and interesting speakers of the locksmith industry.

Joe is currently the General Manager at Codelocks, Inc.

LinkedIn Profile Here

If this interview made you think, or gave you some inspiration, please share your comments below and give it a Facebook LIKE or Tweet!

"You get all of me"  John Bethea, Johnny Locks

Door step service with a smile! Mobile locksmiths bring the walk-in retail store to your door. Your time management is valuable and the mobile locksmith delivers concierge service when the rest of the world expects the consumer to "come to them". 

Your mobile locksmith is a member of your community and they take great pride in operating a mobile business that they can provide in their neighborhood. Mobile locksmiths exemplify the American entrepreneurial spirit who provide a valuable service when you need them. Their reputations are on the line and they understand this. Consumers often express how "cool" the inside of the mobile locksmiths service vans look. They are a rolling shop, with a variety of equipment, work benches, tools and inventory.

Service vehicles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and creative designs. Everything from the jumbo sizes in Sprinter Vans and Ambulances,  to the fuel efficient mini or micro vehicles. I have even seen a locksmith responding to a call using a hand truck equipped with a key machine, on a subway! Whatever it takes to get the job done, it is all a matter of skill and ability that measures your locksmith, not the size or type of vehicle they use to service your needs.

Consider the value of a mobile locksmith when you compare the alternatives. When you are locked out of your home or automobile, how much is it worth for you to lose time or possible break a window or damage a door? When you need a lock repaired or replace, why run all around town trying to find the right one, or having to settle on buying only what the local retail shop or big box stores sell?  Your mobile locksmith will analyze your needs and supply you with professional grade product.

Many larger lock shop operations set up multiple retail locations to make the consumer believe they are contacting different companies when seeking estimates. In reality, you are getting the same company, which limits your knowledge of options or competitive pricing. When you call your mobile locksmith, they should announce the name of their business and their name as well. If they answer the call with "Locksmith", ask the the name of their company. If they do not provide you this information - Hang Up!

The mobile locksmith is the entire business. They want you to know who they are! Ask for their name as well and if they will be the person responding to your call. Ask about the cost of the trip or travel charge. If you only need a duplicate key made, the mobile locksmith may not be the most economical choice, but if you ask the locksmith to notify you when they are in your area, they may be able to accommodate you.

Remember, the mobile locksmith is a business like any other and has expenses, but they want you as a customer, so give them the opportunity. Also, they cannot "beam" themselves up as in the Sci-Fi movies to arrive at your location within minutes of your call. Ask for an "estimated time of arrival or ETA' and give them a chance to get to you before you call others and end up with several arriving at the same time. You will be charged for the trip charge for the cost of their time and expense of their vehicle to get there!

Mobile locksmiths are trained professionals who can install, repair and restore your security hardware with more efficiency and often at lower cost than retail shops. They are shops on wheels with lower overhead costs, which means more value for the consumer. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 a years, holidays and bad weather, your professional mobile locksmith is a good choice.

Get to know your local mobile locksmith before you need service and remember, when you need them, they will come to you. That is service!

The Society of Professional Locksmiths supports the mobile locksmith, solopreneurs, micropreneurs and Mom & Pop shop operations.

Yes, there is a discussion group forum. It is a professional environment among peers who network and collaborate on a variety of topics.

There are no locked threads. There are no time-outs for members and certainly no censorship!

Moderators are not needed. Members are professional and conduct themselves accordingly. All contributions by members in this forum are the property of posters and will not be used by the SOPL directly or in any derivative works without the permission of the author.

Locksmiths who own their own business and are looking for an easy way to screen job applicants can rely on the FREE pre-employment skills assessment testing application from the Society of Professional Locksmiths that will deliver results directly to you! That's right, FREE!

Locksmith owners are starving to find quality employees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, the United States had about 26,000 Locksmiths in 2006. BLS projections anticipate robust growth in the field of Locksmithing over the next decade. With 22.1% more Locksmithing jobs expected to be added between 2006 and 2016, Locksmiths have one of the highest anticipated growth rates of any industry.

Become a locksmith today and be a part of this growth.

Members of he Society of Professional Locksmiths participate in continuing education and professional development programs. Join the Society today!

Door hardware and locks have a life cycle, and depending upon the type, grade and application, may or may not be repairable. It is often more cost effective to replace then to repair. Higher grade hardware often is repairable, however repair parts can often be costly and it becomes more cost effective to replace with a new lock. Each scenario is different and must be examined. 

A professional locksmith will ask several questions from the consumer prior to arriving at your location. Consumers should ask questions. A more educated estimate can be given and it allows the locksmith to be better prepared to resolve the problem quickly and educate the consumer as to their best solution. Any person who claims to be a locksmith, but will not spend the time to ask questions or listen to the consumers concerns, is probably not a good choice for service.

Although a fair estimate can be given over the telephone, a final estimate should be given after the locksmith actually sees the door hardware, it's installation and condition. Ask your locksmith for a written estimate, but keep in mind that sometimes when a piece of door hardware is removed, there could be other problems found. Improper prior work or bad installations and missing parts must be corrected in order for a warranty to be honored.

The "alleged locksmiths" referred to as "scammers" often are incapable of repairing a damaged lock since they do not know how to make repairs, obtain proper replacement parts or have access to purchase them through the supply houses or distribution channels. They also don't engage the consumers as described above. 

Professional locksmiths who understand consumer protection, customer care and door hardware want to talk to the consumers. Like retail clothing chain store legend Sy Sym's slogan said, “An Educated Consumer is our Best Customer.”

As a consumer you should ask your professional locksmith any of the following questions: 

What are my options?
Is there alternatives?
What is the cost comparison?
What is the cost of ownership?
What Grade is the product?
Is there a warranty on the product?
Is there a warranty on the installation?
Is it repairable?
Is it cost effective?
What is the best value?

Members of he Society of Professional Locksmiths participate in continuing education and professional development programs to provide the consumer the best possible service. 

Call your local SOPL Locksmith to receive professional advice and service. 

What questions do you think should be asked?

 I am a Maintenance Mechanic/ Locksmith. I am currently in the process of starting my own business. Besides enjoying the locksmith trade, I have had extensive experience and training in all processes and procedures of welding and machining; including CNC. I am HVAC Certified, Universal and Automotive and also have have Diplomas in other fields such as Plumbing, Appliance Repair. I am a Member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union (Local 176 IAMAW) and also served in The US Army. I am also a proud member of the Society of Professional Locksmiths. 

Being a locksmith is one of the most rewarding and interesting things anyone can do. People who like a challenge as a problem solver and who think like a detective, doctor, salesperson, teacher and mechanic are a perfect fit for this craft. Locksmiths do it all! They are machinists, masons, carpenters, electricians, and more all rolled into one.

Jack of all trades, master at none some may say, but that is not the case. The Locksmith is a renaissance craftsman/women, who uses all skill sets combined which makes it one of the most unique skilled labor careers available. They are critical thinkers and they don't just cut keys! Consumers are often unaware of the diverse training and the hours of commitment a locksmith dedicates to professional development. It is a never ending growth experience that is for lack of a better term - SEXY!

Think about it! Your a lockpicker, a safecracker....all these cool things, but there is so much more. Locksmiths also provide the consumer with quality security hardware for homes, businesses, institutions, government facilities and they even work on cars! They are security hardware specialists. Compared to a boring and robotic 9-5 job, being a locksmith is sexy because each day brings something new and interesting.

The Locksmith provides a solution to the consumer in ways no big box store can do. Members of the Society of Professional Locksmiths understand how to lower the consumers operating budgets, improve time management and solve their problems. 

Hire a Professional Locksmith and tell them you want to see something SEXY!

Become a Locksmith today and enjoy a fun and lucrative career! The SOPL can help - Contact Us!

Help spread the word with a Tweet or a Facebook LIKE!

According to Mary Finch on Pinterest, this is Marty....the traveling locksmith for 30 years. 

Marty is everyday people, a guy just putting bread on his table and working within the best of his means. A soloprenuer, a one-man-band mobile locksmith. From the back of a van, "everyday people" provide needed services to millions of customers. They bring the shop to you and create their own employment. Marty and many others enjoy the freedom of being mobile and traveling around drumming up business. 

I can still remember the sounds of empty cans clanging from the sides of the junk man truck when I was a kid. These sounds were not only a warning sign to the all the kids in neighborhood playing stick-ball to clear the street, it was also the calling card to all those to bring out their junk and the scissor and knife sharpener was right behind him! 

These everyday people were and are good folk, who we all know. They come from all kinds of backgrounds and they are what makes the world tick. The mobile locksmith is on the move and on the rise. Many locksmiths who have had retail locations are now opting to hit the road and leave behind the burdens and costs of a store. In a recent conversation with one locksmith who runs a big operation he stated, "It's just not worth it!" 

Blame it on the economy, blame it on rent, blame it on the limited employment talent pool or blame it on locksmith licensing which has created many barriers to maintain or recruit a large staff.

For years the mobile locksmith was the target of some (not all) larger retail shops as being trunk slammers, jack legs, hacks, and worse! At one time there was even some shop owners trying to say that if a locksmith didn't have a retail location of a certain square footage, they were not legitimate locksmiths! All because they chose to operate an efficient mobile business model. 

In today's marketplace more sophisticated mobile shops are running around with high tech equipment, computers and wireless Internet.  When compared to Marty's humbled setup, it only makes you smile and appreciate what he and other everyday locksmith represents. 

Big or small, the locksmith comes to the customer in a variety of ways. Whether it is a milk crate strapped to a luggage cart on a subway, or in a Mecredes Benz (this has happened!), they are all everyday people. Good people just trying to earn a living and it appears that Marty's choice to travel is now a modern trend others are now rethinking and adopting.

The man in the picture below is Marty Arnold of Arnold's Lock & Safe, who is NOT the subject of this blog entry or the person in the van above. But he sure looks like it could be him! 

Marty Arnold ran a successful retail location and groomed many young locksmiths to become masters of the craft.  Mr. Arnold is now retired and provides some of the best advice and history lessons I have had the privileged of recording. As a proud member of the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith Association (GPLA) he shares his years of wisdom for all the everyday people like me and you, so listen to him!

So to all the Marty's of the world......everyday is a good day with guys like you in it!