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.
A Minnesota carpet cleaner asks how he can easily promote Scotchgard protector on his website. Steve shares one great resource and an even better promotional idea …
After moving to Georgia a carpet cleaner is finding it difficult to get the old cash flow started again. Instead of screaming “Get out there and sell!” Steve says to begin at home with the old-fashioned concept of “frugality” …
All of us (and especially you solo owner operators) should think about the fragile line between good health and winding up disabled in just one instant. And we’re not just talking health. Instead, think what would happen to your family’s economic security if you lose one, two, three or more months of work …
Steve,
Just a short question. I’ve always felt like I should be able to charge a premium rate for night or weekend work. However, when I bring this idea up to other carpet cleaners they act like I’ve hit on their mother! What did you do and if you did charge more, how much over your regular rates was it and did you get any resistance?
Perplexed in Toledo
Business is going great! Now there are big questions on the horizon. What to do next?
One recent SFS graduate asks how she can add a monthly payment for future programmed maintenance cleanings into the lease. While Steve is no lawyer (thank goodness!) he does share some ideas…
Large scale institutional work can provide a great “base” for your business. Or it can destroy it! Steve gives some great “look before you leap” counsel that any company can use …
Mobile phone use by you or your cleaning operation employees in the home is a bad idea. Here are some options to curb the problem.
An Oregon water loss carpet expert struggles with being completely up front with the homeowner of a water damaged home versus the customer’s desire for “Immediate Action”. Guess who wins with Steve?
After having thoroughly impressed the customer with your cleaning and service skills, it is now time to lay the ground work for a future relationship. What better way than with a gift that “keeps on giving”?
Careful, calculated compensation plans can reward productive employees. Steve offers practical considerations for residential cleaners before diving in.
An Oklahoma business owner wants to do right by his employees but is frustrated by their apathy and fear in selling carpet protector. Steve shares 7 steps that he used to super-charge his Scotchgard carpet protector sales …
Have you been stuck waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting for your contact to show up and lock up after you finish a commercial carpet cleaning account? Nothing is more irritating and frustrating. If it has happened to you then you will “feel his pain” as a Salt Lake city carpet cleaner shares the typical “key boondoggle” …
A Big Sky country janitorial business owner gets cold feet over his carpet cleaning endeavor. Steve reminisces on his days getting started in the carpet cleaning industry and points to light at the end of the tunnel. We all had our first cleaning job, didn’t we?
Steve’s take on wearing shorts during the summer. Three factors to consider.