economy

“Toto, I don’t think we’re cleaning carpet in Kansas anymore!”

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What do Rock & Roll, Toto, and Facebook have to do with your cleaning business? Value conscious customers!! Big Billy Yeadon advises carpet cleaners to keep an eye on their company image in this new economic climate. So how and what are you contributing to your community?

Should I go with a “one stop package” carpet cleaning “business opportunity”?

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When entering a new industry it can be an oh-so-very-overwhelming journey. So it is tempting to go the pre-packaged equipment route, especially if the company offers you a “protected territory” for your carpet cleaning business. But Steve says to be very, very careful. After all, you are putting one more link in the “supplier chain” …

How professional carpet cleaners can get local small business consulting … FREE!

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Even the Bible says that “in the multitude of counselors there is salvation”. And yet, being the stubborn, mule-headed entrepreneurs that we are, we continue to insist on going it alone. One SFS member shares a great idea on outside advice. Even better, this help is FREE!

10 Questions Every Cleaning and Restoration Business Should Ask!

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Check out these 10 questions that just may keep you from joining the 80% of start-up businesses that fail within their first decade. Then share with your fellow board members other vital questions that have kept you safe, sane and profitable …

Should carpet cleaners advertise in the “services section”?

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Hey Steve,

Do you recommend advertising in the “services section” of the classified in a town’s main local paper? If so, what sort of response can I expect? What can I put in 3 lines that would draw attention to my company?

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FREE advice from people who aren’t carpet cleaners?

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What can carpet cleaners learn from the “King of the Internet Bloggers”?  Seth Godin, who I believe to be the ultimate guru of the web, has just coralled more than 70 great authors to write an article for his new E-book What Matters Now. 2009 is done and we need to focus on how to go out and kick butt in 2010. That is what this book is all about and the best part is it is free to download and share with others.

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Stay Focused!!!

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“I solve problems. That is what I do.” How often have you thought that this mantra essentially sums up your business life as a carpet cleaner? And yet Chuck Violand shows that this constant “desperation problem solving” may actually hinder instead of help your cleaning business …

Exploiting Chaos

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Chaos sounds horrible. It brings to mind historic events such as the fall of Saigon or 9/11 and the horrors that ensued. But chaos can also lead to opportunity. In fact there is a Chinese symbol that stands for danger but also means opportunity. Which one will you choose?

Too high? Too low? HELP!

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A new carpet cleaner is getting whip-sawed from both sides. Steve tries to bring a bit of sanity and balance to the eternal question, “How much should I charge?”

“So how long is it going to take?”

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Steve waxes nostalgic when asked about his “success time-line” and then shares a few bone-headed mistakes he made over the years so you can avoid them!