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CONTROL

"Copyright 2006 by Donald Hodor. All rights reserved."

Although this is the last step, it is the most challenging of the three. Missing this step usually leads to divorce, lawsuits, lost sales, bad feelings, split friendships and lost opportunity. This is the primary reason "business partnerships" usually fail. This is where the big mistakes are made.

Doesn't control sound negative? Control can sound negative as in, "He is controlling my every move." "He is a control freak." “He always has to be in charge"

Many think that controls or controlling is bad. But in truth, controls are necessary. Controls should be fair to all parties. Controls are only negative if they are unfair. All parties should understand the requirements and exchanged value from the beginning. The deal should be fair to all and stated up front. As an example, going on a date should be accompanied with the statement, "You are taking me to a movie so, I'll return the favor with dinner at my house next week,” etc. Now there is no misunderstanding as to what your date gets in return for the movie.

Another example of what happens without proper control:

If you wash my car the way I like it completed, I will pay you $$.
If I ask you to wash my car and we don't set a price, that is not a valid contract.
If I give you money but fail to ask you to wash my car and explain how I like it completed, that is not a valid contract.

So many misunderstandings come up between friends, customers, clients, relationships because the "exchange" was not discussed clearly up front or "put in writing". That is why a contract (control) is needed. You must have control and you must have a contract in order to meet your goals successfully without misunderstandings on either side of the agreement.

We best control the outcome with a contract. Contracts can be verbal or written. A contract is a list of what each party expects in exchange for money, service or information. We must clearly understand what that exchange will consist of for all parties who play a part in the deal.

There are different types of contracts in forms that you don't realize exist. For example:

People: Verbal agreement, a handshake. A "to do" list, posted rules or procedures are examples of contracts (Control).

Sales: Printed receipts, sales agreements, invoices, letter of agreements, letter of understandings, proposals are examples of contracts (Control).

Product: Specifications, warranties, test results are examples of contracts (Control).

Service: Final inspections, passing test scores, quality control checklists are examples of contracts (Control).

No contract = No control = the start of a misunderstanding.

We enter into casual contracts all the time and don't realize it. When getting a parking garage ticket, read the back. It's a contract. You agreed when you pushed the button and accepted the ticket.

When you enter a hotel swimming pool, you see a sign posted: “To use this pool you must adhere to these rules, etc." You entered into a contract the minute you set foot in the pool.

Question: For example, with my neighbor’s kid, how do I get over the awkward "formal written contract" if he is just cutting my lawn for $20?

Answer: That's easy—just take out a pen and paper and say, "I'll write down what I want you to do so we don't forget." Then list: cut grass, trim sidewalk edge, sweep clippings, hose down lawn mower, etc. Put $20 at the bottom. Now there is no misunderstanding.

Don't forget this detail! Control is… The product or service in exchange for a dollar amount or other values stated in writing, lists, procedures or invoices. Most of us forget the time element when using controls. How long will it take to deliver the goods or services? How long will it take for payment?

The question often comes up, Are these principles Christian in nature? What if I have Christian values? Let's go through the check list.

Was Christ exciting? With miracles, lessons and teachings he gathered crowds who were obviously excited. He offered the best product/service known to man—eternal life!

Was Christ believable? With his miracles and actions, his 12 disciples and others believed and trusted him. (This is the tricky one as many claim there is no positive proof of his existence, death and return to life. The belief must be based on blind faith.)

Control? After much thought, I came to the realization that the Bible is the written contract. It outlines what we are to do, how we are to live and what our reward will be. These principles and procedures are revealed through stories, rules, examples and promises, and if acceptable the reward of eternal life after death. It’s all controlled in writing.

What about non-Christian values? The Excitement, Belief, Control process works outside of Christianity as well. Let’s say you are robbed at gunpoint.. Excitement = the gun and the possibility of getting shot. Belief = do I believe he will pull the trigger? Control = give me your money or else. All three elements of a deal are present without Christian principles to make it work.

Simply stated, "This is a universal three step process that works".

INTRODUCTION

STEP #1 EXCITEMENT

STEP #2 BELIEF

STEP # 3 CONTROL

                                          OK!  Now have we gotten you excited about what you read?  Do you believe it can work for you?  Can you take control and go to the next step?  I would like to hear from you.  Comments, suggestions and input are appreciated.  Email at dhodor@southpointe.net or call at 724-873-7777.  WANT TO LEARN MORE? 

Don Hodor, creator of the "EXCITEMENT, BELIEF CONTROL" Factor conducts seminars for corporations & groups.  He also conducts private sessions and counseling.   His formula can be used for development of careers, personal growth, corporate growth and product/service growth. Don's formula works with people, products and services.

Inquire about training sessions in Fort Lauderdale on Free Enterprise, a 63 Ft. Viking motor yacht.  This makes an excellent retreat for sales and management teams.  Don also conducts "onsite" training sessions as well.

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Email Don at don@southpointe.net for questions.