Strategies for Success Seminar- August, 2010 (Jon-Don Seattle, WA)

With a focus on carpet cleaning and restoration businesses, 35 managers and business owners in the Northwest spent five days diving into the basics of finances, marketing, infrastructure and Value Added Service. See what they had to say…

The two BIG responsibilities of a good leader …

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 …

So what the %&?$#@* is this thing called “SFS”?

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”.

How to skillfully pitch your commercial carpet cleaning services

Preparation is key to any sales presentation. What tools are required for making the big sale in commercial carpet cleaning? What should be avoided? Bill Yeadon offers his insights to closing the BIG sale.

Create Customer Cheerleaders by making friends with their children …

The health and well-being of the home owner’s family is a huge motivation to have their carpets cleaned. So how should you (and your employees) treat the little ones in the house? Here are some great ways to put the kids (and their parents) at ease while you are cleaning the carpets …

Finally- A sneak preview of the 2011 Strategies for Success schedule!

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.)

Browning on a Berber Carpet- now what?

Nothing strikes more terror into the heart of a carpet cleaner than a beautifully cleaned berber turning ugly shades of brown! A Tucson cleaner cries for help to Steve who passes the ball to Big Billy Yeadon, a genuine technical guru.

Can I increase my profit on carpet cleaning sales by peddling carpet spotter?

We all want to increase profit per job. But Steve warns against getting distracted peddling product for pennies when you could be making Cheerleaders (aka. word of mouth referral machines). How?? GIVE AWAY a bottle of “Free Lifetime Spotter” to every customer …

Carpet cleaning technician pay- commission vs. hourly? What to do?

It is just one of the cleaning industry’s “eternal questions”. Where is the “sweet spot” in compensating my employees? What is the simplest and most cost effective way to motivate technicians while still letting the company make a profit? Steve shares a few thoughts with a Richmond, VA carpet cleaner …

Feeding your carpet cleaning troops …

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!

How a “simple act of human kindness” can pay off big time with a fire and water damage restoration customer!

First impressions are lasting impressions. Start off on the right foot with your disaster restoration customers by showing genuine care and concern. How? By simply paying attention. Read on for the details …