After 15 years as a “Lone Wolf” carpet cleaner, should I expand?
A Portland carpet cleaner is at a cross roads in his life. Get big by taking on employees? Stay small as an owner operator? Steve’s answer may surprise you …
employees
Sick of being “on-call” 24-7 for water damage losses?
Talk about a love-hate relationship! We all LOVE the big money of an “after hours” emergency water loss. (And aren’t they all “after hours” and usually at the most personally inconvenient time?) But an after hours call can sure play havoc with your personal life! A Nebraska carpet cleaner dumps on Steve and Steve dumps it right back!
Make a new employee into a Cheerleader
Get off on the right foot with Momma and everyone will be happy. And especially you as you create “Employee Cheerleaders” who seldom quit!
Add “Technician Accountability” with Job Site Inspections
All too often your front line employees can create their “own little kingdoms” by not consistently following company procedures. Tactfully add “Employee Accountability” with this week’s QuickTIP …
Motivate your cleaning employees with a weekly contest for Scotchgard “up-sells”!
Business needs to be about more than just making money. Simply put, your carpet cleaning employees need fun in their work day and what is more fun than a good-natured competitive contest?
Worried About Unemployment Claims …
So what if your “on-call” workers decide to file for unemployment? Steve can’t (won’t) give legal advice but as usual he has a few observations. After all, when does he not have an opinion!
Should I hire techs for carpet cleaning or just go it alone?
Steve focuses on what is probably the most common and certainly most agonizing question facing carpet cleaning owner-operators …
Boost your technician’s morale!
“Quality Check” calls made the day after the cleaning service are a great way to verify that the home owner is delighted. (If you aren’t doing them, start now!) However, this week’s quickTIP shows how to “double dip” with your Q/C calls by creating a positive Moment of Truth for your technicians.
Longing for a good night’s sleep …
Working commercial night jobs can be physically exhausting and emotionally demoralizing. See what Steve recommends to one poor soul who has had enough …
Help honest cleaners stay honest with “Employee Accountability”
Simply and easily help your honest carpet cleaning employees “stay honest” while also streamlining your payroll and accounting procedures.
I think I need a partner …
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 …
Leaving a void on the truck …
When the boss decides to start working on the business instead of on the truck, this leaves a gaping hole … Such are the pains of success!! Steve offers his insights.
Ready to tear my hair out …
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”.
Personal hygiene wins Cheerleaders
Make your employee’s first impression on the homeowner a positive one.
Build morale with “Date Night” certificates!
All of us work better with goals AND rewards. So what perks (other than money) can you offer your employees to recognize/reward them?