404 Eight Tips for Business Management: Part 1 – Essential Strategies

In this episode, Trace Blackmore and Mark T. Lewis, Certified Water Technologist of Southeastern Laboratories, Inc. dive into practical tips for managing your business effectively, particularly in the water treatment industry. They share eight essential strategies for mastering self-management, staying organized, adapting to challenges, and aligning personal goals with professional responsibilities. Mark highlights the importance of time management, account management, stress management, and personal development, offering actionable insights to help professionals navigate the challenges of managing their businesses while maintaining balance and efficiency. 

Points to Highlight 

• Self-Management Skills: Learning to control your time, stress, and motivation is crucial for achieving business goals. 
• Account Management: Focus on building long-term relationships with clients instead of just acquiring new business. 
• Stress Management: Identifying and managing stress is key to maintaining productivity and motivation. 
• Adaptability: Flexibility is vital in handling unexpected changes and managing multiple priorities effectively. 
• Decision Making: Understand the long-term implications of your decisions before acting on them. 
• Goal Alignment: Make sure your daily tasks are aligned with your bigger business objectives for sustained growth. 
• Personal Development: Continuous learning and self-improvement are fundamental to business success. 
• Mentorship: Having a mentor or support system can help you grow personally and professionally. 

Conclusion 
Trace and Mark's insights in this episode give you the tools to tackle the complexities of business management head-on. Whether it's optimizing your time, managing client relationships, or staying motivated, these tips are designed to boost your efficiency and help you thrive.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge! Don’t miss Part 2, where we'll dive deeper into additional strategies that will help you manage your business to new heights! 

Timestamps 
02:20 – Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals 
05:15 – Water You Know with James McDonald
07:05 – Interview with Mark T. Lewis, Certified Water Technologies of Southeastern Laboratories Inc about strategies and tips on managing a business
14:56 – Importance of Time Management and Self-Management
17:11 – Stress management and staying motivated through challenges 

Quotes 
“End each day knowing that it was an improvement upon the last.” - Trace Blackmore
"One of the skills that we've got to have is take what we have and run with it.” - Mark T.  Lewis 
“If you're not managing your time, that's the only thing that you are never going to get back.” - Trace Blackmore 

Connect with Mark Lewis 
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.selaboratories.com/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-lewis-01a3b56

Click HERE to Download Episode's Discussion Guide

Guest Resources Mentioned  
Drop by Drop: Articles on Industrial Water Treatment by James McDonald
The NALCO Water Handbook, Fourth Edition by an Ecolab Company NALCO Water 

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned 
Audible (free month with this link) 
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
The Rising Tide Mastermind
031 The One with Mark Lewis
034 The Other One With Mark Lewis, CWT
101 The One with Colin Frayne, CWT
102 The Other One with Colin Frayne, CWT
112 The One Where Trace Is Interviewed By Mark Lewis
149 The One About Some of the Lesser-Used Technologies
The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey  

Water You Know with James McDonald 
Question: What is the typical percent bed expansion during a water softener backwash? 

 2025 Events for Water Professionals 
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.