Stop the insanity of trying to underprice the competition on every single job. It’s time for a new tactic. Go where no one else wants to go!
A Wisconsin carpet cleaner has been looking for an “excuse” to call his tardy booking customers. Steve shares a great way to reach out to your clients and at the same time create a positive Moment of Truth …
A Maine cleaning professional frets about the survival rate among carpet cleaning start ups. Steve never did and explains why you don’t need to worry about other people’s “survival rate” else either …
As an entrepreneur your most valuable business resource is your time … are you using it effectively? Steve helps you break down what this means.
There are many ways to diversify in the cleaning industry. Trauma cleanup is one of the more challenging options. See what it takes to get into the trauma cleanup business.
Tempted to just tell in-your-face price shoppers to go ahead and try your friendly local “bait and switcher” low-ball competitor? A better option is …
A local Dallas carpet cleaner is already successful as a “prestige priced”, high end owner-operator. But now he is questioning his business model and his future …
How to help Commercial sales perspectives focus on something other than the price.
Value Added Service can greatly increase your repeat business but it doesn’t guarantee it. How can you increase your chances?
Many carpet cleaners are fighting off the “residential recession blues” by entering the contract commercial area. But writing the business proposal is a bit intimidating for many of our Site Members. Steve throws a life-line out to one hard working but frustrated carpet cleaner …
All of us need a shoulder to cry on. Steve explains that while a partner may help you now it will be some very expensive emotional support down the road …
It’s just tough to build a “real business” without adding employees. In this industry, without employees, chances are all you will ever own is a very good “job”.
After moving to Georgia a carpet cleaner is finding it difficult to get the old cash flow started again. Instead of screaming “Get out there and sell!” Steve says to begin at home with the old-fashioned concept of “frugality” …
Steve,
Just a short question. I’ve always felt like I should be able to charge a premium rate for night or weekend work. However, when I bring this idea up to other carpet cleaners they act like I’ve hit on their mother! What did you do and if you did charge more, how much over your regular rates was it and did you get any resistance?
Perplexed in Toledo
Large scale institutional work can provide a great “base” for your business. Or it can destroy it! Steve gives some great “look before you leap” counsel that any company can use …