provided by: 
I've always felt that the holidays were a perfect time to take stock. True, it's a time to spend with family, exchange gifts and eat plenty of food, but more importantly, it also gives each one of us an opportunity to give thanks and reflect on how we might do better in our lives while improving the lives of our customers.
Indeed, I am reminded of a famous quotation that I'd like to borrow for the moment: "Change your thoughts and you change your world."
A simple concept, but very powerful—especially when it comes to how we might all better our business plan in the future. Of course, that is not to suggest that wholesale changes always need to be taken, but sometimes it is that certain something that simply needs to be tweaked a hair in order to make all the difference.
For instance, right now a contractor may be considering taking on a significantly larger job (or, a comparatively smaller one, for example). Another could be thinking about adding a new pickup or van to their fleet (see related story on page 24) in order to create a more efficient, safe and revenue-building jobsite visit. Others may be searching for ways to effectively cut down on lighting pollution—a cause that can greatly improve the environment in which we all live (see related story on page 38).
Regardless of what those changes may be, the important thing to remember is that the small step that is taken today can be the big push that your business, the customer, and the electrical contracting industry at large, could really use.
Surely within the bustling electrical contracting industry there are many contracting professionals reflecting today upon the good fortune that they've enjoyed, both personally and professionally; while others may find it worthwhile to see what types of changes can be made to improve their own business model for greater success.
Many of us are blessed with the opportunity to not only take stock figuratively, but literally as well, this year, and in my opinion there is no better time than the holidays with which to do so.
So whether you are part of a small- or large-sized electrical contracting firm, a distribution firm, or a manufacturer, why not take a look at your business model and think about the ways that you can not only take stock, but improve it vastly.
It just may be the greatest gift you give—and receive—all year.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
See you next month.
Electrical Contracting Products
T: 631-845-2700 Ext. 356
E: john.filippelli@cygnuspub.com
author: John Filippelli
Editor - Electrical Contracting Products