Potholes? Finding a Reputable Company for Your Parking Lot Repairs
Chances are, that if you live in Minnesota you are very familiar with potholes. With the beauty of spring comes the nuisance of potholes. Potholes can damage both roadways, parking lots and even your car!
There are several different ways potholes can form. In Minnesota, the snow and ice of the long winters are extremely hard on asphalt. Moisture seeps into the pavement and softens it. Over time, the moisture refreezes, expands and causes further erosion. When the snow and ice melts, they leave a hole and the moisture softens it even more. Every time a car or truck hits the pothole it gets worse.
People often joke that there are two seasons in Minnesota – winter and construction. Summer is the time to repair the damage the winter has caused to the roadways and parking lots. It is a vicious cycle.
The city or state will repair roadways but what about commercial parking lots? If you are a business owner and your parking lot needs repair, it is up to you to not only arrange for the repair to get done but also pay for it. This means sourcing a pavement repair company too.
Finding a company to make the repairs can be challenging because there are a lot of independent contractors out there that will basically do any kind of repair even if they do not have experience or the necessary equipment to do the job right. How do you know if you are hiring a company that will do quality work?
Use the four tips below to help you find a high quality pavement repair company:
1. Proof of Insurance – Choose a company that is carrying current liability insurance. Ask to review the insurance certificate for the company. If the pavement repair company does not have current proof of insurance, do not sure them.
2. Check References – Check the pavement repair company’s website for testimonials and photographs of their work. Make sure that the company has a proven track results. Ask for a list of completed projects and check references.
3. Understanding of Climate – Make sure that the pavement repair company has a thorough understanding of your climate. Making pavement repairs in Miami is much different that making repairs to your parking lot in Minneapolis.
4. Experience and Professionalism – Your next-door neighbor may be an expert handyman, but that doesn’t mean that he is qualified for your parking lot repair job.
Remember choose a pavement repair company with real qualifications like the ones listed above. You may want to even try the company out on a smaller project. See how they do on the smaller project. Are you happy with the quality of the work? Did they do the job in a timely manner? Was the work done at a fair price? Did the company use the proper equipment and good products? If you’re happy with the results, take the plunge and try them on a larger project.
Best of luck keeping your parking lot safe and pothole free!
Lisa Hirst Carnes is a professional writer for Interstate Companies. Visit Minnesota Pavement Maintenance for more information.
Bicycle Safety 101: Top 5 Guidelines to Stay Safe and Avoid a Bike Accident
Cycling season is back! The snow banks have melted, the chill has thawed from the air, and the ice has vanished from our streets and sidewalks. And, in Bicycle Magazine’s annual roundup of “America’s Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities,” Minneapolis came in at #1 for the first time this year! The time has never been better to give your bike a tune-up and hit the road (or bike path).
It’s also a great opportunity to make sure that you and your family know how to stay safe and prevent accidents during cycling season this year. Knowing the rules is especially important if you or your kids will be sharing the road with cars and other motor vehicles. Although it’s easy to villainize drivers for crashes, about half of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions are attributed to unsafe cyclist behaviors that can easily be avoided. Take a moment right now to review (and teach your kids!) the most important rules of the road and smart cyclist habits that will help you stay safe on two wheels.
1. Wear a helmet. Regardless of how short or long your ride will be, ALL cyclists, but especially those who will be sharing the road with cars, should wear a helmet. Every time. If -God forbid- you do get in an unavoidable crash, a helmet will protect you from serious brain injury up to 90% of the time. Always, ALWAYS wear a helmet while riding your bike.
2. Ride on the road – in the SAME DIRECTION as traffic. Motorists do not expect, and therefore do not see, cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road or on sidewalks – and this is the #1 cause of bike – car crashes. It’s easiest for cars to see cyclists that are riding on the road, so unless your kids are very small, it’s always best to encourage them to ride on the road if they are old enough to be out riding on their own.
According to Minnesota law, bicyclists have the right to operate on all Minnesota roads and streets (expect on restricted roadways – like the freeway). The best spot to ride is on the right side, near the curb if possible. On narrow streets, cyclists do have the right to control a lane that is not wide enough to share with a vehicle (at least 14 feet). It’s good manners, however, to move over and let cars pass you when it’s safe. (And drivers: Always give cyclists 3 feet of space when you pass them… it’s not only good manners, it’s the law!)
3. Obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals. According to Minnesota law, bicycles are considered moving vehicles (like automobiles) and are therefore subject to the same laws. Always stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield right of way to other vehicles at intersections when appropriate – as you would if you were driving a car. Never pull into the street from an alley or driveway without stopping and checking for traffic in both directions. Always pass on the left. Obeying all traffic rules, signs and signals helps drivers around you know what to expect, which prevents accidents.
4. Use your turn signals. Use hand signals to communicate with nearby drivers before you turn or change lanes. For left turns, extend your left arm straight out at the shoulder. For a right turn, extend your left arm and bend at the elbow with your hand up or extend your right arm straight out at the shoulder.
Your turn signal should be visible to drivers around you for at least 5 seconds before you make your move. If changing lanes, you should also check for traffic coming from behind you by looking over your shoulder.
5. Be as visible as possible! If you will be riding at twilight or after dark, make sure you wear light-colored clothing and that your bike is equipped with reflectors and lights in the front and the back. It’s also a good idea to add reflective tape to your helmet and your bike’s frame and wheels.
Remember, although cyclists have all the same rights as drivers, cyclists do not have a steel cage to protect them in case of a collision. If your kids will be out riding on their own this year, take the time to ride with them this spring, to make sure they’re prepared to ride safely this summer.
Be cautious, be alert, stay safe, and most of all – have fun! There are so many things for cyclists to do and enjoy in Minnesota in the summer, so get out there and get riding!
Lisa Hirst Carnes is a consultant for www.meshbesher.com. The Minnesota lawyers at Meshbesher and Spence have been fighting for Minnesota families since 1961. Meshbesher and Spence specializes in personal injury cases such as car accidents, bike accidents, medical malpractice and more.
Ten Tips for Selecting a Quality Home Remodeling Contractor
A home remodeling project is an investment in the foundation of your home. If you’re planning a home remodeling project, taking the time to choose a quality home remodeling contractor can make or break your remodeling project. Not only do remodeling contractors vary widely in experience, skill and craftsmanship, taking the time to shop around will help you become aware of professional rates and wholesale material costs resulting in a better quality project at a lower price.
Taking time to research home remodeling contractors will help ensure that you are getting quality work at a competitive price performed in a timely manner. We’ve all heard about the home remodeling project that never ends. This can put your family through unnecessary stress. Consider the following as you learn about home remodeling contractors in your area. Be sure and request written proposals and ask for clarification if something is not clear.
1. Material Expertise: Your contractor should be experienced in the variety of remodeling materials. A good home remodeling contractor should be able to recommend products that work best for your project. Choose a home remodeling contractor that has long-standing relationships with manufacturers. That way they can pass on the best possible wholesale price to you – the homeowner.
2. Safety Procedures: Some home remodeling projects can be a dangerous business. Make sure the home remodeling contractor you choose has completed OSHA safety training, and complies with OSHA’s recommendations. A reputable home remodeling contractor will stay current with new laws and regulations.
3. Liability Insurance: Always check that the contractor is carrying current liability insurance. Ask to review the insurance certificate for the company. If the remodeling company does not have current proof of insurance, do not use them.
4. Proven Track Record: Look on the contractor’s website for testimonials from previous clients and for photographs of work the crew has completed in the past. Ask to see a list of completed projects, and check references to find out if previous clients were satisfied with the outcome of their home remodeling projects.
5. Thorough Understanding of Climate: A home remodeling contractor who has experience working in the area you live will bring a valuable understanding of the impact of the local climate on your project, and will know how to best prepare your home to withstand the elements like snow and ice. Selecting the wrong material for your climate can be disastrous for your project. Materials that may work great in Florida may not be suitable in Minnesota.
6. Green Business Practices: Ask how the home remodeling contractor disposes of used materials. Find out if they recycle or offer eco-friendly, sustainable materials. If homeowners require green business practices more contractors will provide them.
7. Energy Efficiency Expertise: A home remodeling contractor should be knowledgeable about energy efficient materials. Energy efficient materials may cost you more upfront but they will ultimately save money and resources in the long run.
8. Value: The home remodeling contractor you choose should definitely be competitively priced, but beware of a “deal.” The key is to make sure that you’re getting the highest quality work for the cost of the project, not the lowest price on the market – which may also indicate a drop in quality and craftsmanship.
9. Get it in Writing: Even if you feel great about the conversation you had with home remodeling contractor get a proposal in writing. A reputable home remodeling contractor will not take issue with you asking for a written proposal.
10. Go with a Pro: Your nephew’s best friend may have just started a home remodeling business, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best person for your job. Choose a home remodeling contractor based on the qualifications listed above, and on evidence of excellent craftsmanship and the highest standards in professionalism.
Good luck with your home remodeling project!
Lisa Hirst Carnes is a consultant for the Minnesota Remodeling Company, Custom Remodelers Inc. For more information visit CRI’s Interior Remodeling Services page.
Easy Steps for Managing Your Online Reputation
Recently I was working on a client’s search marketing campaign. Within a few clicks it became apparent just how important monitoring and managing your reputation online can be.
Contributor sites like Yelp, CitySearch, Insider Pages & Google Local make it very easy for anyone on the web to write and publish a review about your business. You might be thinking, “That’s great! We really strive to provide great service, an awesome product (fill in the blank).”
But what about the deadly combination of that one customer that received bad service, slipped through the cracks and likes to talk? You may provide great service 99.9 percent of the time but one negative review or comment can spread like a nasty virus. You’ve worked for months, even years to build your brand, don’t let one disgruntled person wipe it all away.
Fortunately my client’s online reputation was all very positive but one of their main competitors had numerous scathing, negative reviews and comments that I would guess they no nothing about.
Steps to Improving Your Online Reputation:
Acknowledge that reputation management is a process not a one-time project.
Monitor what people are saying about you:
First of all, in order to take action against negative comments about your business you need to know that they exist. If you don’t know they’re out there how can you possibly respond quickly and effectively?
Use the right tools for the job:
One free tool that I like is WhosTalkin.com. This site lets you search social media conversations. Their search and sorting algorithm uses data from over 60 social media websites like Twitter and WordPress.
Another essential tool for managing your online reputation is Google Alerts. Google Alerts is an extremely useful tool when you want to know what both consumers and the press are saying about a brand, company, issue or event, or, if you want to know how the public feels about something. Setting up Alerts is easy. Simply go to Google News and click on the “Alerts” button in the left hand column, choose the word or phrase you wish to monitor, what kind of alerts you want and how often. You can edit and add new ones whenever you like but remember to use quotations to designate an “exact search” if you are monitoring a phrase rather than a single word or you’ll get a lot of irrelevant results. Google Alerts can be useful to track the evolution of a news story such as the recent BP oil spill or follow an industry trend. I use it to track SEO trends and product news. It can also be very useful to track the competition and as a reputation management tool. For example, if a disgruntled employee bashes your business on a blog site you will be notified and you can take action.
Responding to Reviews:
What should you do if you find a bad review?
Find out who wrote the comment. Who are they? Who do they work for? Is it a competitor? Try to determine what their comment will mean for your business? Is the comment posted on a well-respected, heavily trafficked site? What is their audience reach?
Determine whether the comment is factually incorrect. If it is, request removal or retraction of the comment. Offer to keep the person who wrote the comment up to date on your business via email. If you receive no response leave a comment in your defense at the site. Keep in mind that this should be your last resort. You really want the comment removed.
What if the comment is negative but true?
Try to share your side of the story. Were there extenuating circumstances that kept your business from performing well that day? Note: Don’t make excuses. Show how you are resolving the issue. Did you make an additional hire to help assist customers? Did you change a policy or procedure? Indicate that you are willing to take additional questions or comments via email. Doing so will make the public conversation private.
What can a positive review do for you?
Other than giving you a nice stroke and ego boost, a positive comment can have a positive effect in your local search rankings. Local search rankings are influenced by the number of reviews and citations the business has. Citations are “mentions” of your website. Keep in mind that citations may not include a link to your site.
Action Items:
1. Setup Google Alerts on your company name and/or your key executives
2. Claim your business profile pages on review sites like Yelp & CitySearch so you can respond to negative reviews as a business owner
3. Craft a response for negative reviews
There are lots of great tools for managing your online reputation. Begin the process by finding out what people are talking about. Good luck managing your online reputation!
Lisa Hirst Carnes is the co-founder of the Minneapolis web design firm, ArcStone Technologies. Visit ArcStone’s at Reputation Management Services Page for more information.
Digital Signature Capture Comes of Age
Most of us have heard the term “Digital Signature Capture” or “Electronic Signature Capture.” Think about the last time you went to Target or Best Buy to purchase something. You most likely swiped your credit card and signed on a signature capture pad. Think about the last time you signed for a Fedex or UPS package. They had you sign on a digital tablet. Even though signature capture has been widely used in the retail industry for several years, many companies have not yet started to employ the technology throughout their business.
There are many businesses where customers or truck drivers are picking up merchandise at a storefront location or warehouse. The typical process goes something like this: a customer or driver comes in to pick up some merchandise. Multiple copies of an order, invoice or bill of lading document are printed and need to be signed. Each copy is then signed. The customer or driver takes their copy with them. The store or warehouse employees file a copy locally and then ship a copy to corporate headquarters where the final copy is scanned into an imaging system and then filed or simply filed manually. This process wastes paper because three or more copies of the document must be generated and printed or special multi-part carbon forms must be used. The process also costs additional money for documents to be shipped to corporate headquarters and then manually scanned or filed by another employee.
Let’s take a look at an example and see how using digital signature capture might streamline this process. A truck driver leaves the local warehouse to spend his day delivering items. At each stop, merchandise is dropped off and the customer signs a screen that displays their order information as a confirmation that they received the merchandise. A receipt could possibly be printed on a mobile printer and handed to the customer. A more likely scenario would be for the driver to return to the warehouse at the end of the shift and upload the order info and signatures to a network folder so final customer documents can be produced electronically with the signatures placed in the appropriate area of the document. Most likely there would be some automated forms software involved to merge the signature files with the appropriate form overlays to create the final paperwork. Instead of waiting until end of day, a modified scenario might upload the final signature file to the warehouse real-time via wifi or a cellular modem which many mobile devices have today.
To provide enhanced service the document could also be electronically delivered to the customer via email or web within minutes of merchandise pickup without the driver needing to carry a printer in the delivery vehicle. This might also be an appropriate time to email the customer a thank you note as well as some offers on some complementary products they may be interested in. Best Buy has done this very successfully with their online shopping site and I suspect that many companies could greatly enhance their customer service image by providing instant document feedback along with promotional marketing all with the push of the print button.
As you can see with the ever-changing technology landscape, digital signature capture has come of age. If your company could benefit from capturing, storing and distributing documents with signatures, it’s time to learn more about making digital signature capture a reality in your organization.
Lisa Hirst Carnes is a consultant for RJS Software Systems. RJS Software Systems is a leading provider of iSeries document management, digital signature capture, data integration and report automation software that helps businesses to improve productivity, make better decisions and save money.