What do you normally do on weekends

August 22, 2016

Most people hear that question and think of family.

Relaxing.

Camping.

Golf.

Fishing.

Watching the game.

Maybe catching up on sleep.

Now ask a contractor.

The answer is often very different.

Weekends become...

Finishing estimates.

Returning phone calls.

Writing invoices.

Organizing receipts.

Trying to remember what happened on three different job sites.

Preparing for Monday.

I've lived that life for more than 40 years.

And for a long time, I believed that was simply the price of owning a business.

I was wrong.

The problem wasn't the weekends.

The problem was the systems.

Every hour spent rewriting notes...

Every forgotten measurement...

Every customer asking,

"I thought that was included?"

...wasn't costing me just time.

It was costing profit.

It was costing peace of mind.

Eventually I realized something.

Most contractors are incredibly skilled.

But nobody teaches us how to build a business.

We learn our trade.

We learn our craft.

We learn how to solve difficult problems.

Most of us do not learn how to build systems that allow us to enjoy the business we've worked so hard to create.

That's one of the reasons I started building Ghost Engine.

Not because I wanted to create software, but because I wanted to give contractors something I wish I'd had decades ago.

Because I wanted to provide contractors something I wish I'd had decades ago.

A way to organize the chaos.

A way to protect profit.

A way to communicate more professionally.

A way to spend fewer weekends catching up and more weekends living.

Because success isn't measured only by how much work you complete.

It's measured by how much life you get back.

What we did this Weekend 

This weekend, we worked on her upper bedroom deck, removing all the old railings and posts and replacing them with new ones. The deck now looks amazing. We also got to watch the final show with The Tragically Hip ending their tour in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario. It was truly a remarkable performance by Gord Downie and his band. Despite Gord Downie's health issues, the performance left me impressed. The way he handled himself and spoke about what being Canadian meant to him, along with the presence of our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the event, meant a lot to him.

It all takes time away from the weekend

So how did you spend your weekend?

The before and after look: prep work is what takes
up so much time

Coming along, still a lot of work left

What do you normally do on weekends?

If your answer is...

• finishing paperwork
• writing estimates
• organizing customer notes
• preparing for Monday

...maybe it isn't your weekends that need to change.

Maybe it's your business system.

That's exactly why I'm building Ghost Engine.

Building better contractors. Building better businesses.

Joseph Botelho
Founder, Ghost Engine Technologies Inc.

Thanks for reading!

I'm Joseph Botelho, founder of JFB Handyman Services and the creator of Ghost Engine.

After years in the trades, I built Ghost Engine to eliminate the "second shift," those late nights spent writing estimates, change orders, and client updates.

Continue Learning Beyond the App

Ghost Engine helps you organize your business.

Our Substack helps you build it.

Every week, you'll receive practical articles, real-world contractor stories, business strategies, and exclusive Ghost Engine Field Guides designed to help you run a more profitable and organized contracting business.

Because success in the trades isn't just about skilled work—it's about building a great business.

📚 Follow the Ghost Engine Journal on Substack.

How do You Define a Greater Leader with You're Network Marketing Team

August 11, 2016

One of the primary reasons individuals join various MLM or e-commerce companies is often due to the influence of their sponsor. People join different marketing companies because they want to make sure they will have endless support from their leaders in the organization. A common problem in the network marketing industry—and the reason most people fail—is that they lack support from their upline.

Learn. Lead. Succeed.
 Empower your growth with smart tools and daily goals that drive leadership forward 

What are some of the questions you should ask your sponsor before signing up? 

What kind of training will I get? Do you do three-way calls with my prospects? Are there webinars and training material I can study? Is there a system our team is currently using? Is there a cost factor involved with the material I will be using? Is there a company website we can access? Is there a cost associated with this site? By asking these straightforward questions, you will provide yourself with the confidence to take on the task at hand.

A Good Leader

A good leader will take the time to train you and help you understand the daily goals. Learning your back office and all its tools, as well as correctly navigating from tab to tab, is the most crucial aspect of joining any network marketing company.

A competent leader exudes self-confidence, possesses a thorough understanding of their industry, and can promptly address any questions regarding the company, product, pay plan, or other direct issues. He should be able to respond without hesitation, demonstrating his confidence and making him someone you feel comfortable with and want to work with.

Qualities in a good leader

I look for certain qualities in a leader, such as their appearance, organizational skills, and commitment to treating their people with respect and integrity. When he walks into a room, do people approach him, shake his hand, and feel awed by his presence? Is he or she introducing new members to top achievers within the organization, or is he or she sharing all the information and latest developments with his or her team?

Some of the qualities I look for in a leader include his or her appearance, organization, and treating their employees with respect and integrity. When a leader walks into a room, do people approach him, shake his hand, and feel impressed by his presence? Is he or she introducing new members to the organization's top achievers, and is he or she sharing all relevant information and updates with his or her team?

An exceptional leader consistently trains his staff to develop as leaders themselves, fostering a culture of teamwork that can lead to the creation of additional leaders within their organization. He will never encourage another member to join another MLM company, a common mistake made by many network marketing leaders who constantly switch between programs.

Building better contractors. Building better businesses.

Joseph Botelho
Founder, Ghost Engine Technologies Inc.

Thanks for reading!

I'm Joseph Botelho, founder of JFB Handyman Services and the creator of Ghost Engine.

After years in the trades, I built Ghost Engine to eliminate the "second shift," those late nights spent writing estimates, change orders, and client updates.

Continue Learning Beyond the App

Ghost Engine helps you organize your business.

Our Substack helps you build it.

Every week, you'll receive practical articles, real-world contractor stories, business strategies, and exclusive Ghost Engine Field Guides designed to help you run a more profitable and organized contracting business.

Because success in the trades isn't just about skilled work—it's about building a great business.

📚 Follow the Ghost Engine Journal on Substack.

How to Control When Systems Fail: this is what needs to be done

August 10, 2016 (Updated for 2026)

Updated for 2026

Pressure changes behaviour.

That’s true for individuals—and it’s especially true for governments.

History shows a pattern most people don’t pay attention to:

When systems come under stress, control increases.

And often, that control comes at the expense of the individual.

This Isn’t New—It’s a Cycle

This phenomenon isn’t a modern issue.

It goes back centuries.

In Ancient Rome, a rule known as “proscription” allowed the state to label individuals as enemies, execute them, and confiscate their wealth.

After the death of Julius Caesar, the Second Triumvirate—Mark Antony, Lepidus, and Octavian—used this process to fund their power.

They didn’t just remove opposition.

They seized assets to sustain control.

The Pattern Still Exists

The names change.
The systems evolve.

But the underlying behaviour?

It doesn’t.

When financial pressure builds:

• Governments look for solutions
• Systems tighten
• Control expands

Why This Matters Today

This isn’t about fear.

It’s about awareness.

Most people focus on:

• Markets
• News cycles
• Short-term movement

Most people do not step back and look at long-term patterns.

The Real Risk Most People Ignore

It’s not just economic.

It’s behavioural.

When people:

• Don’t understand systems
• Don’t prepare
• Don’t think long-term

They react instead of respond.

And that’s where control becomes easier.

Final Thought: Awareness Without Action Isn’t Enough

You don’t need to panic.

But you do need to think differently.

Because history doesn’t repeat exactly—but it follows patterns.

And the people who navigate those patterns best are the ones who:

• Stay aware
• Stay structured
• Stay consistent in how they operate

Because in uncertain environments, the biggest advantage isn’t information.

It’s having a system you can rely on—no matter what changes around you.

I hope this article has provided a starting point for your journey with your passion and purpose in your life. If you have enjoyed it, please leave me your thoughts.

Photo taken by me on one of the "ABC" islands. 

Building better contractors. Building better businesses.

Joseph Botelho
Founder, Ghost Engine Technologies Inc.

Thanks for reading!

I'm Joseph Botelho, founder of JFB Handyman Services and the creator of Ghost Engine.

After years in the trades, I built Ghost Engine to eliminate the "second shift," those late nights spent writing estimates, change orders, and client updates.

Continue Learning Beyond the App

Ghost Engine helps you organize your business.

Our Substack helps you build it.

Every week, you'll receive practical articles, real-world contractor stories, business strategies, and exclusive Ghost Engine Field Guides designed to help you run a more profitable and organized contracting business.

Because success in the trades isn't just about skilled work—it's about building a great business.

📚 Follow the Ghost Engine Journal on Substack.

How to creating Your Personal Brand for You or Your Company

August 9, 2016

One of the key elements that many major companies create a brand for is the logical reason that when they view a certain brand, it relates back to their business. Think of Nike; their brand is "Just Do It." When you hear those words, it immediately makes you think of Nike. Branding is so important that many major companies buy other companies specifically for their brands. For instance, when Kraft acquired Cadbury for $19.5 billion, they did not purchase the company for its factories or products but rather for its brands.

The Name Is the Game.
Brand equity grows when strategy meets collaboration. Success starts with clarity, focus, and a shared vision.

Why Branding is Important

If you decide to put your product on the open market for sale, branding will increase the value of your company or corporation many times more than the product itself. Branding has become crucial and important for any business or corporation due to the increasing use of social media platforms for brand promotion. With fewer and fewer names to choose from, advertising agencies have found this process to be a lucrative endeavour.

With the right brand, your company or corporation can become a major player in the international world, thanks to the widespread internet access we all have, which allows for faster expansion than ever before. Creating the right brand for your company requires a skilled advertising agency that understands the power of branding and how to get it noticed worldwide—or just locally if that is your mission.

Strategies for branding Your Company

With the correct branding strategies, your business can improve in many areas, such as product recognition and providing more awareness for your advertising marketing plans. It will also foster trust in your company, enhance the worth of your business, and expand your customer base. Here are a few justifications for investing time in developing your company's or corporation's brand. Having a strong brand is crucial for controlling your market share and staying ahead of your competitors.

One of the most important reasons branding is so important in any industry is that it communicates with your audience at a level you would never reach with just an ad or promotion. Branding conveys a subtle message of empathy and trust, fostering a loyal customer base for your business. The top one hundred companies fully utilize branding features to make an indelible mark on their audience.

Here is an example of some of the branding cards Karatbars has created. If you I would like more information. You can Register your free account with Karatbars. You will have access to everything involved in creating your branding cards for your business, charities, non-charity events, or any other type of personal brand you wish to create. I would be more than pleased to assist you with your creations.

Pope John Paul II Commemorative Gold Card.
A tribute to faith and legacy symbolizing purity, strength, and timeless value.

Building better contractors. Building better businesses.

Joseph Botelho
Founder, Ghost Engine Technologies Inc.

Thanks for reading!

I'm Joseph Botelho, founder of JFB Handyman Services and the creator of Ghost Engine.

After years in the trades, I built Ghost Engine to eliminate the "second shift," those late nights spent writing estimates, change orders, and client updates.

Continue Learning Beyond the App

Ghost Engine helps you organize your business.

Our Substack helps you build it.

Every week, you'll receive practical articles, real-world contractor stories, business strategies, and exclusive Ghost Engine Field Guides designed to help you run a more profitable and organized contracting business.

Because success in the trades isn't just about skilled work—it's about building a great business.

📚 Follow the Ghost Engine Journal on Substack.

Key Elements to Understanding the Mindset of Your Future Prospects

August 8, 2016

What are the key elements of understanding the mindset of future and potential prospects? We often make cold calls without taking the time to review their profiles on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media, which can provide valuable insights into the person you are calling.

All sales depend on understanding a client's emotional state and how to approach them. People buy items when they are in an emotional state, not a logical state. When they are in a logical state, it means they are thinking and reviewing everything that you have shared. Why would anyone spend $100,000.00 on a brand new vehicle when a $20,000.00 car provides the same results, getting you from point "A" to point "B"?

There is no single logical reason that dictates you need to spend $100,000.00 on a vehicle. If you can think of one logical reason, please do share it with us. They purchased the vehicle due to an emotional state in which they perceived themselves as unique and superior to others, thereby elevating their status symbol. They bought the vehicle for all emotional reasons, not for any logical ones.

Most people who purchase high-end items struggle to make the payments; however, there are exceptions. If you are wealthy, you can do whatever you want in most cases; however, I am referring to the average, hard-working "blue-collar" individuals who exist. Therefore, it's important to understand the type of person you're interacting with and recognize that when you initially engage with a client, their mindset is typically logical. Now you need to convert and shift their thinking to an emotional state.

How do you do this? This applies to any industry that involves selling. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of your product and substantiated testimonials from previous clients. An excellent sales staff is well-trained and understands that painting a story is the best way to sell anything. People listen to stories and visualize themselves owning that product in their minds. This approach proves to be highly effective in the automotive industry. People see themselves taking their first trip. What will their neighbours and friends say about the purchase they've just made? It's all about maintaining your status and feeling satisfied with your investment. t.

People will only buy or join your business if they feel you understand their need, have confidence in you as a professional, and trust you and the information you have shared. Understanding your customers' needs is crucial. When you listen to your prospect, you know exactly what they are looking for. It's a well-known fact that individuals prefer purchasing rather than selling. Keep this in mind at all times.

Selling is a process that requires constant updates, ongoing training, and a thorough understanding of the latest developments within your industry. Customers want to feel confident in who they are dealing with, so you need to be as competent as possible with the product you're selling. Why is the initial impression crucial in any human interaction? Understanding your product and its potential to solve or improve a client's situation is key to generating sales in a down market or any other type of market. As sales is an art, some salespeople succeed because they have honed their skills throughout the process.

No matter what you sell, business is about improving your clients' and company's lives. When both parties find exactly what they were seeking, it creates a mutually beneficial situation. Referrals to you and your company are always the best source of new prospects. Your reputation as an industry leader gives them confidence that you will solve their problems.

After making a sale, a successful salesperson will follow up with their new client to ensure their satisfaction and identify any issues that require attention. You've just done something that 97 percent of the sales staff never do: make a follow-up call. If the customer is completely satisfied, the moment is an excellent time to ask for a referral. Simply ask, "Do you know anyone who will also benefit from what you have just purchased?" People love to discuss who they are and what they have. What a concept!

 

Good salespeople never run out of prospects because all the referrals they get from past sales, they keep in contact with their clients. 

I am always there to help them with any problem they may have.

Picture taken by my daughter, Ashley Botelho, somewhere in Colorado

Consider establishing a unique brand that sets you apart from others in your industry. Would this get your attention? I possess some information that has the potential to improve your prospects and increase your closing ratio. 

By creating a distinctive brand identity, you can effectively capture your target audience's interest and differentiate yourself from competitors. This approach not only boosts visibility but also increases the likelihood of successful engagements and conversions. hat matters.


All the Best,

Joseph Botelho Newsletter on Substack

The Importance of This Asset with Your Retirement Planning

August 4, 2016

The hardest obstacle we face daily is meeting all of our financial obligations. With so much going out each day, week, or month, how can we control our spending and cut down on some bills so we can convert them into part of our savings plans for the future?

 

Most people spend more time and energy planning their vacation than they do planning their retirement. You have to make a conscious effort each and every day to review your accounts and see what is going out and what is coming in. By doing this daily, you could identify bills that you could avoid or reduce and then transfer that money to a savings account, which offers a significantly higher return than what banks would offer in interest.

 

What exactly is the asset I mentioned in the subject line? The asset in question is "gold," an irreplaceable asset that retains its real value even in the face of inflation. Let's illustrate an example. An ounce of gold had a value of $35.00 U.S. dollars back in the 1930s. In the 1930s, the value of an ounce of gold was also $35.00 U.S. dollars, indicating that it had the same purchasing power as paper money. The ounce of gold and the paper money at the time could buy you a new suit, a pair of shoes, and dinner for two; go and watch a movie with your sweetheart; order soft drinks along with popcorn; and fill your vehicle with gas.

 

Now let's fast forward this to August 2016; the paper money is still worth approximately $35.00 US dollars, but the ounce of gold has a current market value of $1,360.00 US dollars. With the paper money, you could barely afford to take two people to a movie and buy some soft drinks and popcorn, let alone all the other items that the paper money could have purchased in the 1930s. But if you had an ounce of gold, it would still provide you with all the items it purchased back in the 1930s and with some money left over. 

 

If you would like to understand more about this asset and what it can do for your financial future, you can register as a partner. It will provide you access to all the same features in the back office as if you were a "paid partner." What do you have to lose? 

Once you've examined all the characteristics, details, and advantages of purchasing gold in smaller quantities, such as 1 gram, 2.5 grams, or 5 grams, the choice is entirely yours. If you decide to make a larger purchase, the choice is entirely yours. Now, you can afford to purchase gold, as the current market value of gold does not require you to buy an ounce and spend $1,360.00. The best part is that you can sell it back to the company at the current market value of gold.

 

If you like what you have read and checked out everything this company can do for you and your family, email me at jfbmarketing@gmail.com, and I will send you more information that explains this opportunity in much greater detail.

 

Regardless of what you do in life, you will always need a map—a drawing of what you desire in life. Then you can visualize your purpose in life; why complicate it? We design buildings with a vision of their future appearance. Same as our lives.

 

This is not the fiat currency but a much more superior one.

All the Best,

Joseph Botelho Newsletter Substack