All of us brag about our “imagined percentages” of repeat clients. Comments like this are common at every SFS seminar: “Yeah, over 90% of my clients are repeat business.” But honestly, have you ever put a magnifying glass on this claim? (Steve confesses he was guilty of this empty bragging too!) One very capable SFS member did and here is what they found out …
You would never knowingly hire a heroin addict, would you? And yet you are allowing another equally insidious addiction to continue without trying to stamp it out. Steve shares one sure-fire (but very painful) “tough love” approach …
It has been well said, “the way to the heart lies through the stomach.” Read how you can create a great Moment of Truth with a traumatized restoration client with some very memorable but “personalized” comfort food …
There was a lot of energy in Dallas last week at Jon-Don’s most recent Strategies for Success seminar held at the Jon-Don Garland, Texas store. It was a pleasure to work with such an exceptional (if somewhat rowdy!) class. So what did these very capable, no-nonsense entrepreneurs have to say about their SFS experience …
Chuck Violand has been kicking off the Strategies for Success seminar for the last couple of years reflecting on his love of boats … and how different business models are like varied boats- all of which require different skills and tactics to avoid a tragic shipwreck. So which type of boat are you skippering? Check back in frequently to see Chuck’s latest thoughts …
Does panic strike your cleaning company when the phone rings? Or even worse, have you lost your “sense of urgency” on the phone? Read how one multi-truck SFS graduate deals with the phone …
A harried Florida cleaner is battling an upholstery cleaning problem. Steve explains that sometimes the best thing to do is “throw in your cards” but do so with honor and dignity …
When entering a new industry it can be an oh-so-very-overwhelming journey. So it is tempting to go the pre-packaged equipment route, especially if the company offers you a “protected territory” for your carpet cleaning business. But Steve says to be very, very careful. After all, you are putting one more link in the “supplier chain” …
Repeat customers that advocate your carpet cleaning services to others are your BEST marketing tool. On the other hand if you mess up …
Even the Bible says that “in the multitude of counselors there is salvation”. And yet, being the stubborn, mule-headed entrepreneurs that we are, we continue to insist on going it alone. One SFS member shares a great idea on outside advice. Even better, this help is FREE!
Read how SFS members Larry and Elissa Holder patiently (and sneakily) sowed the seeds that just may lead to some HUGE commercial carpet cleaning contracts from the U.S. government!
As a professional carpet cleaning entrepreneur you have built a great and unshakable reputation for quality. Or have you? Steve Toburen analyzes how a complacent attitude can quickly sink a recognized world leader in quality …
Get the most out of your carpet cleaning labor force. Check out this system for increasing production, saving time and avoiding headaches.
One wanna-be entrepreneur asks Steve what to watch out for in buying a carpet cleaning business. Steve’s answers may surprise and shock you. If so, they may be just the wake up call you need to successfully sell your company in the future …
Read about the pros and cons of structural rebuilding in fire and water damage restoration as Steve answers the question above …