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Graffiti – a preventable nuisance

Though graffiti dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, it isn’t always welcome. The Ville de Montreal website put together some tips on how to prevent graffiti on your property.

1. Keep the area clean and tidy, especially around alleyways and footpaths.
2. Install wire mesh on the wall, either strictly utilitarian wire mesh or more ornamental wrought iron.
3. Install a lighting system with a motion detector high enough and protected by mesh wire. Low pressure sodium lights are especially effective as they make it difficult to see colours.
4. Plant vines or shrubs. Engelman’s Ivy does not harm cement, brick or other wall coverings, is inexpensive, and does not need much light or space to grow. Other attractive landscaping also deters vandals.
5. Paint a mural. While this option can be expensive it is one of the most effective at deterring vandals. Prevention NDG can help: Telephone: 514-736-2732; E-mail: info@preventionndg.org
6. Report graffiti to the police every time. Do not confront graffiti writers if you catch them vandalizing, call 911. Also, if you see graffiti on public property (chalets in parks, public benches, etc.), please notify the Borough Accès Montréal office (5160, boulevard Décarie, ground floor, tel.: 311) to have an action request completed. The request will automatically be forwarded to the Graffiti Unit, the crew in charge of graffiti removal in CDN—NDG.

Cleaning graffiti off your walls should, ideally, be done within 24 hours for best results. To paint over, use darker colours such as dark green or brown (and make sure you have enough leftovers for repeats). For removing graffiti, different products work better on different surfaces, such as paint stripper with a neutral pH for brick cement, concrete and stone.

Here is a great PDF with more information.

Top 10 Rules for Small Business Success
From Brian Grinonneau, for About.com

1. Target - You are not all things to all people. Decide on your niche–narrow your focus and broaden your appeal.
2. Be Different - If your competitors are doing it, don't. Stand out from an overcrowded marketplace where so much of the advertising and products look the same.
3. Build a Team - Don't hire an employee to fill a position. Employ a person to be part of a team to build your business.
4. Be Fast - Time is the most precious commodity. When delivery is expected Friday, show up Thursday afternoon. Return calls and emails now.
5. Say Thank You - A lot. Tell your customers and employees how much you appreciate them. Better yet, do it the old fashioned way: take pen to paper and write them a note.
6. Be Consistent - Make sure your business has a consistent look and feel. A customer must get the same flavor from everyone within your organization. Always.
7. Smile - Throw out the reasons you think people buy from you like price, product quality or your warranty. They buy because they like you.
8. Fanatical Optimism - The glass must always be half full. Attitude will always win out in the end and infect all of those around you.
9. Sell Soft - Don't ever hard sell. Solve problems. Satisfy wants. Do what is truly best for your customer.
10. Leave Your Comfort Zone - Never accept the idea that this is the way you've always done it. Never accept that a new idea or technology could never work for you.