“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…
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.
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 …
The importance of “trust” for carpet cleaners and restoration contractors!
Home owners are desperately searching for a carpet cleaner they can “trust”. So build their confidence by consistently reminding them that you are “trustworthy”!
The “Law of Leverage” brings plumber referrals!
Get plumbers to refer your water damage restoration services AND without paying them a penny!
Increase your carpet cleaning website “conversions”
See a variety of ideas on how to improve your online marketing.
How to liberate yourself from your email Inbox!
Your email inbox: A harsh taskmaster and yet you can’t live without it! Steve shares some ideas on finding “e-mail balance”.
Carpet Cleaner “Pinching Pennies 101”: Office software
Five solid free software tools to make your cleaning business more productive. Did we mention they are all FREE?
Talk about Emotional Marketing!
As the rock and roll song goes “the best things in life are free.” And when it comes to marketing, good PR is “priceless.” Add human pathos and emotional content to the PR and you have reached the mountaintop!
The difference in “saving” vs. “investing” your time
All cleaners; technicians, managers and owner-operators can benefit from better time management. Chuck suggests cleaning professionals stop focusing on HOW to “save” time and concentrate more on WHERE they “invest” time.
The best business books from 2010- Pick one.
Remember in 2011 you were going to read more than the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition? Well guess what? No more excuses! If you walk into Borders you will be overwhelmed by choices so let us help!
Oh no! It is New Year’s Resolutions time!
Do these New Year’s Resolutions sound familiar- healthier food, more exercise, drink less, sending your SFS QuickTips to that slave driver Toburen? Well the Heath brothers, authors of “Switch” share 5 short tips that will make 2011 different for YOU!
Mobile credit card processing for a carpet cleaner?
The facts are in- your customers will buy more when they can pay with a credit card. Plus you get virtually instant payment instead of having to bill the client. But how can you process credit cards without a fixed terminal? Steve borrows some great resources from an old friend …