Never Stop Courting
Chuck Violand explores the similarities between the relationship of a courting couple and you with your employees, customers, suppliers, and other business “partners” who support you every day.
SFS Instructor’s Blog
The SFS / VAST team of Jeff Cutshall, Chuck Violand, Bill Yeadon and Steve Toburen share their insights into the best business practices and how you can make it alone in the Cleaning and Restoration Industry.
Paging Vince Lombardi
What can you learn from the man many consider to be the greatest coach? It may not be blocking and tackling but is just as important in your game plan.
Respect? You have to earn it first!
It is simple- to get respect you have to give it first. Harried business owners especially need to be wary of breaking this rule. Consider carefully Chuck’s thoughts on enhancing your “respect earning potential”…
The dangers of “carcass feeding” in your cleaning/restoration business
Chuck Violand shows that we can learn a lot from the efficiency found in a pride of lions roaming the African Serengeti. However, many times new accounts take much longer to bring down than a plump gazelle. So you should just maybe check out Chuck’s warning admonition …
The hardest phrase to utter …
Many entrepreneurs struggle with verbalizing their gratitude to others. SFS instructor Chuck Violand shares why saying “thank you” is so important and how you can do so …
Build morale with “Date Night” certificates!
All of us work better with goals AND rewards. So what perks (other than money) can you offer your employees to recognize/reward them?
Show me the big, easy money …
A few reflections on the many routes to success in this business. I would vote we go by water …
Maintenance plans for steady income
Steve gets a surprise (and a lesson) in his Credit Card statement.
So is the “Principle of Reciprocity” manipulative?
So how can you create a positive Moment of Truth out of the customer thanking you? And should you subtly encourage them to refer you to others? (Even online?) But more importantly- should you? Bill Yeadon gives both sides of the “Great Debate”.
“Hiring blind” can be a good thing
Most people depend too much on their sight – judging how a person looks to determine whether they fit the need. Here’s how you can be more objective when measuring job candidates.
How your carpet cleaning or restoration company can not only survive but prosper with “Situational Awareness”!
Complacency, routine and arrogance have destroyed companies much bigger and (at one time) more successful than your cleaning or restoration operation. So how can you survive and even prosper in today’s extremely challenging business environment? Steve shares the concept of “S/A” …
The best way to train techs in customer service
How can owners and managers train their employees so that they morph into “Cheerleader making machines”? Jeff Cutshall shares one solution…
Video: How to ‘convert’ a complaining customer
Watch Steve Toburen’s interview with Jeff Cross on Straight Talk. There is even a PDF download bonus.
What is your biggest ‘Business Struggle’?
Your workers are the ‘wild card’ in your continual game of ‘business poker’. And yet I (finally) learned how to get the odds on my side with just six words…
SFS: ‘Winning over your caller’ online LIVE seminar!
In my online SFS: Winning over your caller! seminar on November 10th from 10:00-1:00 (Eastern Time) you’ll get guaranteed solutions to your profit-crushing phone problems.