The “Lone Ranger” Rides No More (Part I)
The image of the lonely but brave entrepreneur fighting against incredible odds is ingrained in the American psyche. Chuck Violand explains why this is so sad and unnecessary …
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.
Give your cleaning and restoration clients the “Royal Treatment”!
Extending “uncommon courtesy” to people doesn’t have to be complicated or flashy. But it sure can make someone “feel like a king!”
“The 20 Foot Rule”: Improving relationships.
Make eye contact and say hello. Sounds simple. However, many of us struggle with even the most basic people skills. Here is a simple rule to make it happen for you and your workforce.
WARNING! Nothing “Recedes Like Success”
One of our greatest threats is past success. Chuck shares two common “success pitfalls” for cleaners.
Do you have a personal “Disaster Plan”?
Steve is typing one-handed and is thankful he is still not “on the truck”. How about you? Can you clean carpet with one hand? If not, read on …
How to get plumber water damage referrals- FREE! (Part II)
Water damage expert Ivan Turner shares how he got out of of paying a King’s Ransom to plumbers. Now they happily share their referrals for free! Find out how Ivan achieved this state of Business Bliss …
Treat the 3 symptoms of an ADHDM manager!
Learn the destructive tendencies of the typical Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder manager. If you see yourself here help is on the way!
Bringing order out of chaos for carpet cleaners
Most carpet cleaners are chronically disorganized. Steve has “been there-done that” and freely admits that his paperwork is still a mess. But even so he shares five steps on how to organize your office and just maybe your life …
Are you STILL “just cleaning carpets”?
Big Billy Yeadon reminisces about the “good ole days” for cleaners but then reminds you that your business should be about more than “clean carpets”. If you doubt Bill then take a look at Shaw Industries …
Solutions for an ADHD owner or manager!
So are you easily distracted/impulsive/scatter-brained and/or hyper-active? Then you may be an ADHD manager and YES- Chuck Violand explains that there is hope for you!
Business ADHD: Are carpet cleaners their “own worst enemies”?
Did you start your own business because you were bored/frustrated/unemployable??? Chuck Violand warns against the “Business ADHD Leadership” trait.
“Down in the trenches” at Mikefest 2011
This can be a lonely business but cleaners are fighting back by spontaneously organizing “get-togethers”. Steve gives us an ongoing inside view of the most “informal” gathering out there…
Does your service “Rival” your competitors?
SFS columnist Ivan Turner can pull business (and life) lessons from the most unusual experiences. Today he focuses on the frustration of TRYING to pour dark, rich, life-giving coffee!
Add fresh, valuable content to your website
Here are a variety of ideas on adding content to your cleaning and restoration website.
How to get plumber water damage referrals- FREE!
Veteran restorer Ivan Turner has plumbers lined up to be his “Strategic Partners” AND they cheerfully refer his drying services- without getting paid a kickback! Why? Ivan’s “Plumber’s Law of Leverage”! Read on …