PM columnist Kenny Chapman, Reeves Journal columnist Tom Grandy and author Tom Morrison shared their advice on how to achieve business success March 18 and 19 during the Quality Service Contractors Power Meeting in Daytona Beach, Fla. Drawing 195 people, including 42 first-time attendees and 28 industry partners, the event was the largest QSC meeting in many years. It also marked the final meeting for Vice President and COO Charlie Wallace, who retired March 31 after leading QSC for 17 years.

Morrison, who wrote the book “How to Get People to Scream Your Name and Beg for More,” said a good attitude is the best way to get customers to scream your name.

“Avoid saying, ‘Yes, but,’ and make it ‘Yes, and,’ which shows a more positive attitude,” he said. “The second characteristic of success is the ability to adapt. The third is perseverance and the fourth is communication. Learn how to network and connect with people.”

The importance of networking and a good attitude surfaced again during Grandy’s “15 Things All Successful Companies Have in Common” presentation.

Contractors should meet with other contractors and other trades to share ideas and solutions to problems, he said. Grandy also encouraged QSC members to make hiring people with good attitudes a part of their written business plan.

“Hire for attitude, train for service,” he said. “You can’t train attitude.”

When creating a new business plan for your company, Chapman said, contractors should start with what they are doing well and then build on those successes.

Just as important is following up with your team to share the plan and when actions will be taken. Regular follow-up sessions must be scheduled throughout the year, he said.

Chapman will be a featured speaker at the new Service World Expo industry event co-sponsored by PM, Reeves Journal and ACHR News. The event takes place Oct. 26-27 in Las Vegas. For more information and to register, visit www.serviceworldexpo.com.

Read here, for more on this event.