“So how long is it going to take?”
Steve waxes nostalgic when asked about his “success time-line” and then shares a few bone-headed mistakes he made over the years so you can avoid them!
The Expectation Effect
How are you or your staff communicating with the customer? Are you overpromising in hopes of securing the job or are you setting reasonable expectations so your customer is thrilled with the results. Customer satisfaction is the gap between what she expects and what she gets.
One more nail in the Yellow Pages coffin …
For far too long carpet cleaners have used the phone book as their marketing crutch. Could it be that they are finally getting the message …
When was your latest Press Release?
The local news is always of interest. Make your name known throughout your company’s territory via the local newspaper. A SFS member shares a sample Press Release.
Is Social Media a Fad?
Did you know the biggest increase in new members for Facebook came from people over 55? This is the same demographic that most frequently uses your services.
Fear of the “Franchise Onslaught”!
It is so easy to get intimidated by the “big boys”. But Steve explains that there is a silver lining to this very scary cloud …
A sincere tribute to an industry giant (and not from one of his employees) …
All employees flatter their boss. It sort of comes with the territory. But when the boss has customers who become enthusiastic Cheerleaders maybe he is doing something right. Read on …
Strategies for Success Seminar- August, 2009 (Portland, OR)
The SFS team just finished their second class this August with a VERY qualified and highly motivated class. Thank you Portland!
Have you ever cleaned up after a rhino?
Being in the carpet cleaning business many of you have some real horror stories. I think this one about Ricko the Rhino will top them all. Calling all stain and odor experts>
Should I make him a sub-contractor?
Sorry, folks, Sub-contractors cannot be “named” or “made” by you. Steve explains the folly of this approach AND what to do about it …
Marketing with low AND high technology …
Steve shares his painfully learned lesson on not ignoring the simple and proven marketing tools out there and poses a thought-provoking question for you.
The Non-Designer’s Design Book
How is your business card influencing your business? Make it an asset. Bill shares a classic resource for making whatever you design WORK and represent you as a professional.
Has Procter & Gamble Ever Been Wrong?
P&G, Starbucks and Whole Foods are all suffering from the economy. All three are making drastic changes. Which one is right and what can a small company learn from these lessons? Looking for your thoughts.
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