Buying a business versus “starting from scratch”?
Believe it or not, many folks from “outside” think this is an industry worth investing in. Steve shares a little start-up advice with one budding carpet cleaning entrepreneur …
Steve’s “Bleeding Hearts” Advice Column
Steve Toburen answers pleas for help from carpet cleaners, mold remediation and fire and water damage restoration professionals. If you are starting a carpet cleaning business or an experienced small business person you will surely find practical advice here. More about Steve.
Commercial Sales Wardrobe
How you dress influences how others view you and how you view yourself. There are few rules. See what works for you.
Worried About Unemployment Claims …
So what if your “on-call” workers decide to file for unemployment? Steve can’t (won’t) give legal advice but as usual he has a few observations. After all, when does he not have an opinion!
A “Disloyal” Cheerleader?
Value Added Service can greatly increase your repeat business but it doesn’t guarantee it. How can you increase your chances?
Just starting and a bit scared …
Let’s see if we can help a “new boy” in Reno. He started out on the right track by picking a great industry IF he “does it right” …
Steve, I’ll take anything …
When your starting out, any work is a blessing. Read Steve’s advice to one sub-contractor.
Should I hire techs for carpet cleaning or just go it alone?
Steve focuses on what is probably the most common and certainly most agonizing question facing carpet cleaning owner-operators …
So what all can I “up-sell” to the home owner?
Every carpet cleaner wants to make the maximum profit out of each job. But there are pitfalls along the way for those who get a bit too greedy. (Don’t ask Steve how he found this out!)
Timidly entering the commercial arena …
Many carpet cleaners are fighting off the “residential recession blues” by entering the contract commercial area. But writing the business proposal is a bit intimidating for many of our Site Members. Steve throws a life-line out to one hard working but frustrated carpet cleaner …
Longing for a good night’s sleep …
Working commercial night jobs can be physically exhausting and emotionally demoralizing. See what Steve recommends to one poor soul who has had enough …
I think I need a partner …
All of us need a shoulder to cry on. Steve explains that while a partner may help you now it will be some very expensive emotional support down the road …
Leaving a void on the truck …
When the boss decides to start working on the business instead of on the truck, this leaves a gaping hole … Such are the pains of success!! Steve offers his insights.
Ready to tear my hair out …
It’s just tough to build a “real business” without adding employees. In this industry, without employees, chances are all you will ever own is a very good “job”.
How can I help? Should I?
The homeowner/ carpet retailer relationship is a difficult and thorny one. Then along comes an unsuspecting carpet cleaner who just wants everyone to get along …
Don’t get caught in the middle between the adjuster and the property owner …
It is always a tough relationship between the policy holder and the insurance company. Your job is at least partly to keep all parties happy. One hapless Kansas mold remediation contractor got caught in the middle. Steve gives him some hints on how to stay out of this trap in the future …