WorldWide Drilling Resource

64 MAY 2015 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® In Memoriam Cheryl May Knox The OGWA (Ontario Ground Water Association) sent the sad news that Cheryl May Knox passed away peace- fully at home, surrounded by the love of her family on March 29, 2015. She was in her 62 nd year, and loving wife of 40 years to Ron. She and Ron had been the heart of Jack Knox Well Drilling in Glenburnie, Ontario, Canada, for many years, and long-standing OGWA members. Cheryl is survived by husband Ron; daughter Sheri-Anne (Jeff); son John (Keri); seven grandchildren; and many other extended family. The management and staff of WWDR join the OGWA extending their deepest condolences to Cheryl’s family and friends. My Pump Quit Working by Ray Roerick Sales Manager, Well-Vu, Inc. On a recent phone call from a cus- tomer, he said his phone rang the pre- vious Friday afternoon. The customer calling him said his pump quit - he had watched the service man change it in the past, so he decided to try it himself. (long pause) Boy, bet no one ever heard that before...RIGHT, or as my friend said, “Give me a buck every time the customer made it worse, and I would be years closer to retirement.” Anyway, he heads out to the cus- tomer’s house, just knowing it’s going to be one of those Friday calls that goes well into the night. Upon his arrival, there are several people standing around the well casing with all kinds of gesturing going on. (Not a good sign.) As he approaches, the blame game starts. As the owner is in the middle of his expla- nation, the neighbor butts in to tell him what he should have been doing. Bottom line, they tell him, the pipe they hooked into the pitless was plas- tic and it broke, and everything fell, and the wire went down with it. Leery and not wanting to be fishing all night, he proceeds, backing his pump rig up, gets his video camera out, and proceeds to see what he is dealing with. He starts seeing something in front of the cam- era, that appeared to be a ½-inch CPVC pipe fitting, screwed into several more fittings that were screwed into the brass pitless. Knowing his taper tap would not work, he set out with his “hook” he had made from a previous job (looked like a shepherd’s hook, then bent 90º) attached to his pipe string, and lowered it down the well with his camera still in the hole. While watching on his monitor, lowering slowly past the pitless, rotating the pipe - swinging the hook under the pitless, and slowly com- ing up with the whole pipe string. It was an hour and 15 minutes later, in and out. All he had to say before hanging up was, “Ray, love that camera.” Ah yes, don’t we all? Ray michele@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Dropped pump. Tape measure in four-inch well. Thriving in Competition Compiled by Amy White, Associate Editor WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Sooner or later you will come face to face with big competition in business. Now that you know it’s coming, the next step is to be prepared. How does a business, especially a smal l one, survive against a power player? The answer is to be special. Making your product or service stand out among the rest as distinctive and unique wi l l help you win and keep customers. A genuine approach to marketing is all you need. Of course, doing what you do bet- ter, cheaper, and faster will also help you succeed with your great ideas. How do you accomplish this? By plan- ning ahead, strategizing, and remaining flexible. Know your customer, your competition, and yourself. Ask yourself these questions: What kind of service can I provide that no one else can? Are employees excited messengers of our brand? Once you have the answers, begin tailoring offers and promotions to individuals. Make every customer feel important, because they are. Customize products and services for their specific tastes. Make sure you have the best people on your team to get the job done. Invest in training, and make them proud to be part of your business. Consider the personal touch. Not just anyone can offer the comfy cus- tomer service and individual attention a small business can. According to Nora Simpson, a CEO and small business consultant, “The number one biological driver of human beings is our need for interaction with other human beings.” Consider the quality of your com- petition, and let your work speak for itself. Use creative avenues to connect with new customers. Try networking with them through employees or exist- ing customers. Referrals from your loyal customers can go a long way in win- ning new business. It might be hard to bel ieve, but competition can actually be good for you. It is a driver of innovation, an inspiration to persevere, and a building block for team spirit. The presence of competition often increases the market for everyone. Of course, it isn’t always good, but it can be the focus and motivation you need to get moving. The main questions are “How do you make your money, and what other profit opportunities exist in your field?” Ask your customers what they want and need. Ask them what the competi- tion is not providing, then fill the empty space.