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.

Can I rebuild my struggling restoration business?

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An experienced restorer has fallen on hard times. Steve offers short and long term solutions to a difficult situation.

“So how can I push my techs to sell residential contract cleaning?”

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Increase your carpet cleaning cash flow with residential contract cleaning. Steve Toburen outlines how to improve Stay Beautiful contract signups.

“Steve, why are my techs such pigs?”

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A Nevada carpet cleaner is struggling with “don’t give a darn” employees. Steve shares how he solved the same problem in his company.

What are the best evaluation methods to use with our staff?

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Evaluation and performance tracking systems require well thought-out and careful thought. ESPECIALLY with employee motivation/performance systems it is very important to avoid the “ready-fire-aim” syndrome! Here’s some ideas …

Can you help me to “forward schedule”?

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Steve does the old “good news/bad news” routine with an Australian carpet cleaner. But even Steve’s “tough love” is positive for this family run business…

How can I get my techs to be more like me?

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Don’t expect to find clones of yourself in the employee marketplace. (And that’s a good thing!) Instead, Steve Toburen gives some alternatives to flogging your current employees.

How can I motivate my sales staff?

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A California cleaning, restoration and flooring sales company owner is struggling with “demotivated” sales people. Steve shares some principles on how to run an upbeat sales meeting and how to help your staff (or you!) sell more jobs!

How can I get regular accounts?

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A SFS graduate has been practicing his “cold call” techniques on his past accounts. Steve stresses the need to get the “Law of Large Numbers” on his side and to offer “zoned cleanings”.

“How can I deal with conniving Insureds?”

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An apparently successful Florida restoration contractor is fed up with the daily shenanigans he faces. Steve shares a concept and solution…