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Suffering from burnout.... Ideas?
This thread has 73 replies. Displaying posts 31 through 45.
Post 31 made on Monday January 2, 2017 at 23:20
Ranger Home
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Let me repeat: answer the phone if you want. Dont answer it if you dont want to. It really is THAT simple. Dont need a special number. If it bothers you, well, then, thats pretty much because you let it bother you, no? Its a choice: let it bother me, dont let it bother me. MY choice.
Post 32 made on Monday January 2, 2017 at 23:24
pilgram
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As for burnout,
Yeah,I've suffered from that many times in the last 25 years.

It was usually caused by having multiple issues in a short period of time.

It's easy to forget about the last 10 months of smooth sailing when your getting hammered with issues that may or may not be your fault.

Internet,HDMI,and Cable/Sat being the number one issue.

Products not playing well together being a close number two.

Every job has it's own issues.
Every day is a good day.......some are just better than others!

Proud to say that my property is protected by a high speed wireless device!
Post 33 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 01:30
ErikU
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This is an interesting thread for me. I'm in the broadcast integration business, and we do some commercial AV, usually as related to broadcast or high end. In all the time I have been in business I have never once been treated poorly by clients as described in this thread. Servicing businesses is certainly different than servicing homeowners!!

With that said, I can also relate to much of this thread and can offer the following observations:

- I also go above and beyond for my clients. I figure this in to our initial cost of doing business. When the client asks why we are so expensive, I give multiple examples of how we go above and beyond, and that we don't like to deal with multiple change orders for every little thing. I give examples of how we take care of our clients.

- I refuse to let a client force me into installing cheap crap that is a major PITA to support. I explain why, and how we have been burned so many time in the past. I stand firm on this, and offer examples of the value of buying "gold-standard" products. I continue to stand firm, even if it means not doing the project.

- I do give away some service, especially easy stuff. It builds relationship capital. I also charge for service that is clearly out of scope or warranty.

- I will bill for emergency service, but it isn't cheap and it is rarely used. This helps to set expectations and pays a fair rate if it is a "real TV emergency". It is very rare my phone rings off hours.

One thought I have on being burned out... maybe consider a related line of work. Something where you already have some connections, ideas, interest. Ideas like-A staffing agency for installers, or a local supplier of commodity goods that are needed last minute (wire, connectors, mounts, converters), or a manufacturers rep, etc.
Post 34 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 09:56
highfigh
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On January 2, 2017 at 22:12, Richie Rich said...
Camera live view is fine on the IOS app (when the aforementioned client can remember his login info after buying a new phone), it just doesn't excel at reviewing recorded content. The browser (or for larger jobs a dedicated monitor) does just fine.

Can you remove the need for a password and take away the ability to make changes to the system? My main client likes to change phones without warning and I get messages that they can't view the cameras at their two homes, so I use 1234 for the password. They can't change ANYTHING- all they can do is watch and search. He had been using Blackberry and she likes her iPhone- at least they're OK with adding the app and entering the user info when they realize this and they're out of town or "need it in a hurry" (still trying to figure that out, when they got the new phone two weeks earlier).
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
Post 35 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 10:14
highfigh
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On January 2, 2017 at 23:04, pilgram said...
I'm well versed in the marine and auto world.

I've been upgrading both from 1984 to current to make them faster,handle better,and leap tall mountains in a single bound!!

Trust me on this.
Installing a marine engine into a car or vice versa is anything but simple!

ESPECIALLY with the modern,electronically controlled versions!

You would save thousands of dollars and a TON man hours by just getting a GM LS series motor and controller from Pace or even GM.

I've installed a couple of these in retro mods and was seriously impressed!


When I grow up,that's what I should be doing for a living!

I'm not sure why I've spent my entire life in this industry while doing this after hours......

WRT the modern, electronically controlled versions- I mentioned that I worked for a couple of boat dealers and the engine in the photo is from a Mastercraft, which is the main brand we sold and the one I trained for. It's just a 350 with a different intake, exhaust, plenum, MEFI ECM- it's a regular car/truck engine with the Northstar ignition system. The people who trained us developed the calibrations for all of the injected Mastercraft engines from the first ones until about 2004 and if I need custom calibration, I can go to his shop and we can drive it around for data acquisition to make the needed changes. If he wants to put it on one of his dynos, we could do that, too. If I happen to be in the Phoenix area when I install the engine, I have a friend who worked in V8 Powertrain for GM and he or his friends in the custom auto business can help do the same thing. These are pretty easy to diagnose- the one in the photo is open-loop, but I would probably add IAT, but not necessarily a cat system and 02 sensors. They wouldn't be required in an old vehicle, anyway.

I could always get the 350 Ramjet crate engine- both of the guys I mentioned worked on its development and it's plug & play, using the same kind of controller- 350HP/390 ft-lb ought to be enough for the street.

Got any photos of the retro-rods?
My mechanic told me, "I couldn't repair your brakes, so I made your horn louder."
Post 36 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 11:50
Old Man River
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I went through serious burnout a couple years ago. It had less to do with the industry itself, and more to do with my employer at the time. There were a lot of promises made when I took that job, and very little follow through.

I was constantly having to work around disasters created by the sales guy, who was the son in law of one of the owners. He would change my system designs without telling me, slip jobs onto the schedule without my approval, and make ridiculous promises based on using product that he had zero knowledge of. To top it off, I actually made more sales than he did, yet never saw a dime of commission, nor any other form of incentive.

To add insult to injury, I'd say I was the lowest paid lead tech/system designer/programmer in the entire US.

Luckily, a little over half of those after hours phone calls would first be fielded by Mr. Sales Guy, but I still ended up having to deal with it because he never had an answer for the client.

After 4 years of this garbage, an opportunity came up to take a job as a fishing guide with my girlfriend's family's business. I knew it would be seasonal work, and winter would leave a huge income gap, but I was so fed up, I ran with it. I walked into the CEO's office with my resignation letter in hand, and explained to him that I was burned out, not on the career itself, but on the rampant douchebaggery of the organization. My exact words were "Bill, every morning when I wake up, it occurs to me that I would rather stab a f*cking fork through my hand than spend another day dealing with the crap here. I'm going fishing. You have 30 days to find a replacement. I'd like to say it's been nice working here, but I try not to lie. You may want to pay the next guy something that at least resembles a reasonable salary."

My year off as a fishing guide was fun, but we all knew it was only temporary. Once my non compete expired, I started putting things in motion to relaunch and be my own boss again. I'm always happier when working for myself. It's been just shy of a year since I opened my own shop, and despite the stresses of worrying about money during slow months, I couldn't be happier. Business has been good enough that I'm not constantly stressing. My schedule has been unexpectedly flexible. If nothing important is on the schedule, and we get a good rain, I have the liberty of throwing the kayak on the truck and paddling some elusive creek or a quick run down the big water of the New River Gorge. It keeps me sane, and content with my choice. Will this be a lasting situation? I doubt it. Business is steadily picking up, but still not enough that I won't be able to call some random Tuesday a F*ck it day and go run some class IV whitewater.
Lord loves a workin' man; don't trust whitey; see a doctor and get rid of it.
Post 37 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 12:40
radiorhea
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good for you Old Man!

I have been in the biz close to 40 years. This is my 17th year in business for myself. It always has ups and downs. I agree with most, some clients that "earn it" get special consideration. Others, it falls to the next business day. If I can fix it with a short text, I do.

Being an RTi dealer and only using iPads and iPhones for control. We built in a help page. It has ALL of their passwords, log-ins, etc. It also has a picture based "how-to" of how all of the systems are re-set. It is fairly easy to do. I take pictures of their actual system and import them in to the iPad programming.

Since I started doing this, my late night phone calls and texts have dropped off dramatically. Family, friends, and guests find it easy as they are not as familiar with the system as the owners are.

Any help that a frustrated client can get when they "just want to watch TV" is worth it to me. This one item has set me apart from the others. No other trades give the kind of service that we do. I am told this often.
Drinking upstream from the herd since 1960
Post 38 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 15:16
jimstolz76
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I turned off email notifications on my phone a long time ago and it is lovely. I don't think about checking work email when it's outside of work hours. Certain clients have my cell number and they may call or text but even they usually decide to send an email and wait for a response.

It's rough, though. I take upset/disappointed clients personally and will lose sleep even if it's not our fault, outside of business hours, etc. It just sucks when there's a problem - period.
Post 39 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 15:28
Ernie Gilman
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With all but the jerkiest of people, it might help to set up a system I've found very useful: preset priority of communication.

If you need me NOW, phone me.
If you need an answer today or soon, text me.
If you would like some information when I can get to it, send me an email. I promise to reply in full, phoning you if you'd like.

See how that starts off seeming really urgent, but ends up at a relaxed place? This makes people evaluate their "need" somewhat, and it has worked great. There are a few clients of a dozen years who call whenever, but they and I know I'm not going to answer after hours and we're all good with that.

And with the jerkiest of people, it won't matter what you do, so consider firing them.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
Post 40 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 17:06
kwkshift
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I have my phone set on silent/ DND at a certain time each day for all those except my "favorites" in my iPhone, which are my wife and a few friends. Other than those favorites, my phone is silent until 7am, daily.

You cold also trim down and simplify your product portfolio. Maybe something like sticking with the Bose ecosystem which would cover single rooms plus distributed audio along with 1 remote system, be it a Harmony Pro or a MX-xxx. Then for network gear, maybe just eero and one higher-end line for bigger projects. This way you're eliminating lots of variables and making each system very simple to replicate.

Any larger/ more compicated jobs that come your way, refer them over to a larger firm that will pay you a % for the referral.
Post 41 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 19:23
Ranger Home
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im out man out. i dont mind the calls at all really. i take them when i want (which is most of the time) and dont when i dont want to (rare).
Post 42 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 19:43
goldenzrule
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On January 3, 2017 at 19:23, Ranger Home said...
im out man out. i dont mind the calls at all really. i take them when i want (which is most of the time) and dont when i dont want to (rare).

You live and work in bumf%3* Texas where people are laid back. Come up here to the Northeast where people will KILL you if their clock is a minute off. You'll feel differently.
Post 43 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 19:58
davet2020
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I am older than most of you all, except Ernie. This year I have been in business for 39 years. I have read this thread and can totally relate to all the posts.

The hardest thing that I have found is keeping a positive attitude towards new customers. 90% of the people who call us are normal decent people. The problem is the other 10% that are just looking for the cheapest price and those are the same ones that complain the loudest when there are any problems.

I have two sons who are going to take over the business once I step away and I always tell them "choose your customers...not everyone is a good customer".
If you are going to do the job...why not do it the right way?
www.fairfaxavi.com
Post 44 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 20:05
Ranger Home
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On January 3, 2017 at 19:43, goldenzrule said...
You live and work in bumf%3* Texas where people are laid back. Come up here to the Northeast where people will KILL you if their clock is a minute off. You'll feel differently.

hahaha. Valid point! LOL. REALLY laughed out loud on that.
Post 45 made on Tuesday January 3, 2017 at 20:57
roddymcg
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In the last few years I have really tried to focus on my hobbies outside of work. I have a 2nd cell phone and use the do not disturb feature each evening on my work phone. Unfortunately our clients use their systems at night and on weekend when we are "not working" and this makes our profession very difficult at times.

Luckily when I call a client back I usually tell them right away I was out hiking or snowboarding and they seem to taper back their frustrations. I also refuse to apologize or feel bad when technology outside of our realm fails. If they want to use a device we do not support my apathy goes away quickly.

At the end of the day we play with toys for a living. If it is really an emergency why are you not calling 911.
When good enough is not good enough.
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