Most of us entered the carpet cleaning industry by the “back door”- as technicians first. No shame in that. But sooner or later most carpet cleaners must morph into being a “leader” in their company. Being a good leader is both simpler and infinitely more difficult than you may have ever imagined …

Everyone asks: “What’s my business worth?” In this “How to Value Your Cleaning Business” Special Report, Steve Toburen shares the four factors in putting a realistic price on your company and an “Initial Business Valuation” worksheet to get you started …

Unsuspecting new carpet cleaners are still wasting time and money attending “sleazy snake-oil seminars”. (Sadly, the old “bait and switch” game doesn’t just happen in people’s homes!) So Steve gets nailed with the totally valid question, “What is SFS?” every day. He unloads right back in this passionate post. Steve also unveils the new “SFS Curriculum” page which supports his claims. See it for yourself in the top menu under “About SFS”.

We only put on eight “Strategies for Success” seminars per year and they all sell out early. But now SFS site readers are getting a sneak preview of next year’s dates. Please use it well and get your 2011 SFS plans made now. (Or you may still be able to sneak into a SFS in Chicago next month or St. Louis this October.)

Most of us sort of “stumbled” into carpet cleaning as a way to pay the rent/ buy groceries/ make the car payment, etc. Chuck Violand reminds us that the journey of life should be about much more than “growing old on the wand” …

When there is a problem with a customer do you handle it immediately? Or do you take the low-profile route and let your office staff or technicians face the heat? Big Billy Yeadon tells us how Southwest Airlines handled a stressful situation recently …

Do you ever feel like you are leading the troops in a daily war? Chuck Violand brings up that your soldier employees need much more than a pay check. They need emotional support and comfort. How can you deliver? One great way is with FOOD!

Do you “fritter away days”? Chuck Violand fights this tendency to waste time. Read here Chuck’s musings on how to avoid this destructive habit and live your life to its full potential.