What can a carpet cleaner learn from the “Three Stooges?”

The “Three Stooges”? (We’re not talking about Chuck Violand, Big Billy Yeadon and Steve Toburen of SFS fame!) Nope, Chuck says that we learn how to avoid “Paralysis by Analysis” from Larry, Moe and Curly!

Don’t expect success if you are a “Master of the Excuse”!

As children we are really inventive when it comes to making excuses. Then as we mature we improve even more on justifying our behavior. Chuck Violand brings this dangerous crutch home to business owners. Who do we blame? Chuck says one little book can turn these negative “excuse making” actions around …

The two BIG responsibilities of a good leader …

Most of us entered the carpet cleaning industry by the “back door”- as technicians first. No shame in that. But sooner or later most carpet cleaners must morph into being a “leader” in their company. Being a good leader is both simpler and infinitely more difficult than you may have ever imagined …

Carpet cleaning technician pay- commission vs. hourly? What to do?

It is just one of the cleaning industry’s “eternal questions”. Where is the “sweet spot” in compensating my employees? What is the simplest and most cost effective way to motivate technicians while still letting the company make a profit? Steve shares a few thoughts with a Richmond, VA carpet cleaner …

Feeding your carpet cleaning troops …

Do you ever feel like you are leading the troops in a daily war? Chuck Violand brings up that your soldier employees need much more than a pay check. They need emotional support and comfort. How can you deliver? One great way is with FOOD!

“Baking bread” by developing your cleaning/restoration business managers OR maybe just yourself!

There is a very thin line between “controlled delegation of authority”(good) and “total abdication of responsibility”(bad)! Chuck Violand has been reflecting on this struggle as he engages in his favorite hobby- baking bread!

The deadly trap of “assuming” when hiring carpet cleaning/restoration managers …

Many times your job applicants aren’t liars. However, they may be “overly optimistic”. Other times they may be simply clueless! This is bad enough when hiring a new technician. But it can be disastrous for your carpet cleaning business when you take a managerial applicant’s previous work experience at face value …