How to avoid the ‘Boiling Frog’ syndrome in your company
SFS instructor Chuck Violand shares ideas on how to maintain the excitement, sense of urgency and yes, the sheer joy you had in the start-up phase of your company …
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 business suffer from “Boiling Frog Syndrome”?
Chuck Violand reflects on the sad fact that most small enterprises are not destroyed by fierce competition or outside forces such as a sour economy. No, the rot comes from within. Read on for an orientation on this insidious danger …
The question every customer is afraid to ask!
Way back in the 50’s Bo Diddley sang a song titled “Who Do You Love?” If Bo were around today he would change the lyrics to “Who Do You Trust?”
Steve’s latest Value Added Service “field trip”
Everywhere you go and every commercial transaction you make should be examined with your “Customer Eyeglasses”. For example, notice what Steve took out of a recent (and very sudden) sojourn to Brooklyn, New York …
A richer life by “courting” your people.
In his fourth and final installment of his “courtship series”, SFS Instructor Chuck Violand expounds on the true riches to be found in business and (no surprise here!) they have nothing to do with money!
Now the “courtship” is getting serious!
SFS Instructor Chuck Violand reflects on how to win your employee’s hearts in Part III of his “courtship” series …
Watch out for Problem Fabrics
Fabrics get ruined everyday but usually not by 30-year veterans. Here is a company that may cause you trouble.
Avoiding cleaning business burn out …
Soooo … Feeling a bit tired, discouraged, beat-up-on-by-life, etc? You’re not alone. Jon-don’s VAST Coordinator, Jeff Cutshall, has a few burn-out cures …
Are you burning out cleaning???
Jon-Don’s “Value Added Service for Technicians” seminar coordinator, Jeff Cutshall, shares a semi-humorous take on signs of impending burnout. Over the years Jeff has culled these symptoms from his students and your employees …
Recession proof your restoration business
A free and open seminar presented by Phil Rosebrook, Jr. and Steve Toburen
One more nail in the Yellow Pages coffin …
For far too long carpet cleaners have used the phone book as their marketing crutch. Could it be that they are finally getting the message …
When was your latest Press Release?
The local news is always of interest. Make your name known throughout your company’s territory via the local newspaper. A SFS member shares a sample Press Release.
A sincere tribute to an industry giant (and not from one of his employees) …
All employees flatter their boss. It sort of comes with the territory. But when the boss has customers who become enthusiastic Cheerleaders maybe he is doing something right. Read on …
Have you ever cleaned up after a rhino?
Being in the carpet cleaning business many of you have some real horror stories. I think this one about Ricko the Rhino will top them all. Calling all stain and odor experts>
Marketing with low AND high technology …
Steve shares his painfully learned lesson on not ignoring the simple and proven marketing tools out there and poses a thought-provoking question for you.