Do you have a personal “Disaster Plan”?
Steve is typing one-handed and is thankful he is still not “on the truck”. How about you? Can you clean carpet with one hand? If not, read on …
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Are you STILL “just cleaning carpets”?
Big Billy Yeadon reminisces about the “good ole days” for cleaners but then reminds you that your business should be about more than “clean carpets”. If you doubt Bill then take a look at Shaw Industries …
Is your cleaning business a “leaky bucket”?
Is your carpet cleaning/restoration company constantly “leaking”? The first road to patching the leaks is to recognize the problem … and its cause. Chuck Violand points where to look for lost energy, profits, … you get the idea.
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 …
So how many more “carpet cleaning months” do you have left?
Most of us sort of “stumbled” into carpet cleaning as a way to pay the rent/ buy groceries/ make the car payment, etc. Chuck Violand reminds us that the journey of life should be about much more than “growing old on the wand” …
What if you could do your cleaning career “all over again”?
Do you “fritter away days”? Chuck Violand fights this tendency to waste time. Read here Chuck’s musings on how to avoid this destructive habit and live your life to its full potential.
So can a carpet cleaner “cash out” at a young enough age to actually ENJOY retirement?
It is the “unspoken dread” among cleaning professionals. Sure, we make a lot of money and have all the toys. But many carpet cleaners worry about ever achieving true financial independence while they are still young enough to enjoy it! Steve Toburen shares how he retired from full time business at the age of 38 by giving readers two great links and one even more important date in Las Vegas next September …
Should I start out hitching a ride as a sub-contractor cleaner?
After an extended absence from our industry an independent cleaner is looking to get back in the game. He’s looking for a shortcut to success but as usual Steve tells it like it is …
A few thoughts on successfully skippering your carpet cleaning venture …
Chuck Violand sums up his recent posts comparing your carpet cleaning and/or restoration business to different types of sailing vessels with a few reminders for you, the captain of the boat. Chuck’s thoughts could mean the difference between a successful voyage or the disastrous “shipwreck” of your business …
Words to live by and not just for carpet cleaners either!!!
How do you sum up life in one paragraph? Does it even remotely involve your truck mount, pre-spray, cleaning solution or other cleaning equipment? We sure hope not! Brian Dyson of Coca Cola has done a very nice job of helping everyone (carpet cleaning and restoration professionals included) keep focused on the really important things in life …
Why won’t my wife get on board with my new carpet cleaning venture?
A prospective Denver carpet cleaner has caught the “entrepreneurial cleaning bug” but his wife just isn’t excited about this new development. Steve timidly ventures into the “family counseling” field with some hard-learned wisdom from his own experience in cleaning up …
Should I go with a “one stop package” carpet cleaning “business opportunity”?
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” …
10 Questions Every Cleaning and Restoration Business Should Ask!
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 …
Unintended Consequences?
Chuck Violand points out that the most brilliant business advice can destroy your company IF implemented at the wrong time or in an impulsive manner. Read how to avoid the very dangerous “E-Drift” syndrome …
Hiring outside your “Comfort Zone”- Part 1
It is a no-brainer you must pick the “best” for your front line workers . How to define the best? The answers Chuck Violand provides might surprise you …